| Sneak Preview | 2009 Ford Focus RS |

Ford has sent out a cheeky RS teaser shot along with a press release confirming that the Focus RS will finally be made. A hot Focus has long been rumoured, but Ford has consistently stated that the model would only go ahead if the market demanded it. Jost Capito, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 2008, is the man fast Ford fans need to thank, as he's obviously been busy with his calculator to justify the flagship Focus to Ford's management.

Few details of the car are known as yet, except that the Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS for some time now. With the programme officially getting the green light Capito and his team can now concentrate fully on the project. "We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

No further official details exist, though to keep up with the current crop of super-hatches the Focus RS will need around 250bhp to be competitive. Driving all that power through the front wheels might prove troublesome so four-wheel drive is a probability, which would neatly link the RS to its rallying relatives. More details will be officially released, leaked and speculated throughout the coming year, Ford planning to show a concept RS mid-2008 at the London Motor Show. The production model is pencilled in for 2009. Get your order in now if you want to be one of the first to have what promises to be one of 2009's most exciting cars.

Kyle Fortune - 17 Dec 2007