Ford confirms next-gen Focus RS

[MCipriani]

From AUTOBLOG
By Jeff Glucker



We're waiting patiently – very patiently – for the 2012 Focus ST to show up in the showroom of our local Ford dealership. Meanwhile, our friends around the world have been able to play with the top-tier Focus RS, and they're already waiting on the next generation. They won't have to wait much longer, though, as Ford in Australia has reportedly confirmed the next-gen RS.

The current Focus RS boasts 300 horsepower, all of which is sent to the front wheels. It sounds like a recipe for an intense forearm workout, but the Focus RS utilizes the revoknuckle front suspension setup to quell torque steer. Ford insists they can push power figures higher, and the next generation RS will aim to prove just that.

Look for the current RS' Volvo-sourced, turbocharged, 2.5-liter inline-five to be replaced with a higher-output version of the company's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four – the same engine that we'll be getting in the less-powerful Focus ST. As for exact power numbers, Ford's Australian bosses have said that output numbers as high as 350 or 380 hp are possible.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/f...-gen-focus-rs/

[fwdsvtowner]

I find it very odd that this was announced from Ford of Australia, especially since the RS brand development is usually based out of Germany. I'll just keep waiting for the ST...

[02svtfocus]

This is what I'm waiting for! Just wish the wait was shorter.

[flea03]

Will the RS be here in the U.S? All wheel drive?

[02svtfocus]

Ford has stated on several occasions that most of their new products will be available in all markets. Lets hope they have not missed the point, that the enthusiast's here want cars like this and not just European's. If they do offer AWD, I hope it's an option because personally I don't feel the need for the added complexity and weight. The limited edition Focus RS500 did not have AWD and it had around 350 hp.