Ford has released a pair of teaser images for its upcoming European Focus RS and confirmed the car for a 2009 launch. The new images show a camouflaged prototype of the hot-hatch as it undergoes performance and durability testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

The principal architect of the Focus RS project is Ford of Europe’s director for performance vehicles, Jost Capito, whose development group were responsible for the first generation Focus RS in 2002.

This is also the same development team that fine-tuned the Australian-spec XR5, a rebadged version of the turbocharged Focus ST, and according to Capito the latest RS variant will retain the no-compromise and affordable-performance characteristics of the sporty Focus range.

Uprated power makes the new RS the fastest Focus ever
The new car features a specially developed turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre engine from the Focus XR5, but power has been boosted to over 209kW and torque has risen to 400Nm. All this power ensures that the upcoming car will be the fastest Focus model ever produced, although its front-wheel-drive powertrain may make the car susceptible to torque steer.

The similarly powered Mazda3 MPS has proven that it’s possible to build a high-powered front-wheel-drive hatch that handles well and is surprisingly easy to drive. Its use of torque-limiting electronics in first and second gears, combined with an advanced limited-slip differential and equal-length driveshafts are what produce the docile behaviour, and those are all technologies Ford is likely to employ in its fastest Focus as well.

Appearance and handling upgraded as well
Beyond the extra power, the Focus RS is also tipped to receive 19-inch wheels, upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Unique badging, aerodynamic trim and exterior colours, as well as interior options and upholstery design have all been elements of past RS models, and will likely be part of the new model as well. Exactly what sort of changes will be made, however, remain unknown as Ford’s teaser leaves much to the imagination.

The Focus RS will appear in concept form at next month's London Motor Show, and more details are expected at that time. Even then, however, an official announcement of Australian availability and pricing is likely to be held until the vehicle’s production launch early next year.

Ford Focus RS spy shots

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