| Sneak preview | 2008 British Motor Show | 2009 Ford Focus RS |
In a bid to dissuade the current rash of "official" photographs of the new Focus RS doing the rounds on the Internet, Ford has issued a short press release with tantalising technical details accompanied by two pictures of the new hot Focus undergoing testing in Germany.
The photographs (notably taken at the car makers' favourite test track, the Nürburgring Nordschleife) depict a partially disguised prototype, though the inherent muscularity of the new RS is clear to see, with larger wheelarches even than the
Focus ST, a bulging and vented bonnet, a deep front splitter and a lower stance emphasised by larger alloys. Ford says that's all we're going to see until the new Focus RS makes its world debut at next month's
London Motor Show.
However, Ford has let slip a few technical details. First up, power will be taken from a heavily modified version of the ST's turbocharged, Volvo-sourced five-cylinder unit. Still of 2.5-litre capacity, the boost has been turned up - among other modifications - to increase power to 'more than' 276bhp (from the ST's 222bhp), while maximum torque jumps from 236lb.ft to 295lb.ft. Unfortunately, the RS will not feature four-wheel drive, but Ford is confident that, with the aid of a new limited slip differential, the Focus RS's front wheels will be capable of contending with the extra grunt on offer.
Jost Capito, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, and head of Team RS, told us: "In early prototypes based on Focus ST vehicles, the new system is more than meeting our targets for exceptional levels of traction, handling and steering."
Shane O' Donoghue - 12 Jun 2008