German Car Zone

Carscoop has received inside information that Ford will definitely introduce a successor to the highly acclaimed previous generation Focus RS (image above) in late 2008. We know that you’ve been hearing ambiguous news about the Focus RS the past year or so, but trust us; we wouldn’t have bothered telling you about it if we weren’t absolutely sure of the credibility of our source. For what it matters, we did the same thing with the mildly facelifted Focus a few months back.

Ok, so now that we have convinced you about our reliability, let’s see what else we learned about the upcoming Focus RS. First of all, Ford’s performance team, led by Jost Capito, will use the Focus ST as the base car for the RS. The sporty hatch will powered by an upgraded version of the ST’s 225 HP 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering approximately 280 HP.

Power will be driven to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox while the RS will be equipped with an advanced semi-active limited-slip differential, improving traction and handling. Of course, the RS will also get a new suspension tuning and more powerful brakes.

In terms of appearance, little is known, but expect a more dynamic bodykit with larger spoilers along with a new set of chunkier tires and alloy wheels. Same goes for the interior that will probably be equipped with new bucket seats and a sportier trim.

So, when will the new Focus RS hit the European market? Our source told us that sales will start during the fourth quarter of 2008. We just can’t wait to compare the RS against the new Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO.


Source - Carscoop: Insider: Ford To Release Focus RS With 280 HP In 2008

Teaser from Ford, it's going to be hot and menacing.

Looks like the old Evo. Not bad so far. Ford is really trying hard at least.

and they give those in the US garbage like this.

it's a stupidity i still cannot fathom.

^^
Lol I swear to god, if I worked at Ford's marketing department I would have launched a limited(4000 cars) edition Focus RS to test the response.

LOL It does make you wonder about their strategy...

Ford Focus RS Concept Headed for London

Look forward to 280 bhp of raw Ford



We’ve heard confirmation of a Ford Focus RS model, and we’ve seen the teaser pics floating around. But do we have the specs, do we have anything physical to go on, a tyre thread, a steering wheel, anything? Nope. We have this photograph. Plus the teaser image that’s already been published.

London Motor Show in July is the place to be if you want to check out the entire detail. Of course some time before then WCF would have supplied technical specs, as usual. But for now we have to rely on crumbs thrown down from the engineering insiders’ table at Ford that firstly the Focus RS will not be 4WD but front-wheel-driven. This alone is probably enough to make it a Mazda3 MPS rival more than a Subaru STI foe. But wait, there’s more. Looks like we’ll be coming in at under 300 bhp – 280 bhp speculated on this one! It’s a lot sure, but again, STI places 300 horses on its back, with an additional 8 horses just in case.

FWD of course makes sense up until around 320 bhp where 4WD must be used. Otherwise you can stick to rear-wheel-driven motors. We are hoping for 4WD and that magical 300-plus horses from the 2.5-litre turbo, and there’s still time to effect the necessary changes before the RS hits the market.




Source: Topgear via WCF
Ford Focus RS Concept Headed for London

they probably cant afford to give us a focus this good....

Sure would be nice if we in the U.S. could get the European Focus lineup, convertible and all. Pricey and they'd sell less Focuses than they do now, but they'd get more money for each one and they'd be build the brand greatly. Oh well.

M

The hyper hatch is alive and well! Long live the hyper hatch! It's the best darn thing ever to happen to this end of the motoring spectrum. High performance motoring in a more attainable product segment.

A concern is the application of 280 hp (around 206 kw) through the front wheels only. Although, I must say this potential RS does look the business.

Of course, if I was in the market for a hyper hatch - there really is only one choice. The benchmark busting WRX STI. It's the hyper hatch of the moment and for the forseeable future. Mistu's new saabominationsportback is horrible lookin.

Now, all that BMW has to do is release a phat 135i hatch with tii spec and glorious straight-six twin-turbo. Then, dear listeners, it's game on!