From congested roads in Michigan to the Nürburgring racetrack, Ford continues to roll out and test prototypes for a super-hot version of the Focus with the heritage-rich RS badge. This model will give the Blue Oval the weapon it needs to combat the VW Golf R, Subaru WRX STI and in the near future, the European market-only Honda Civic Type R as well.
Bypassing the trick-ST logos, the silver-colored RS prototype wears the body of the pre-facelift Focus, with its front-end entirely covered in camouflage, while at the back we see the unique exhaust layout with two wide-set outlets.
What you see in these scoop shots isn’t what you’re going to get when Ford releases the production car next year, as this is an unfinished tester. The Focus RS of the past had a more aggressive look than the ST with distinct details and aero mods, and we don’t expect anything less from the new model.
It is widely thought that the Focus RS will feature Ford’s new direct-injection 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo used in the latest Mustang where it’s rated at “over” 305hp and 300 lb-ft of torque (406 Nm). Of course, there’s nothing stopping Ford from tuning the inline four to deliver anywhere up to 350hp to match the older limited-edition Focus RS500.
There has been talk about Ford employing all-wheel drive, but chances are that the new RS will stick with a front-wheel-drive layout using a different front suspension setup and a torque-biasing differential to keep the car’s nose in check.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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