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Ford Will Build a New Focus RS, Here Is the Spied Test Mule

Last month Ford execs dropped a few hints that the carmaker will build a new Focus RS after the vehicle’s fate was in doubt for quite some time. Well, it seems the sun is shining on Ford’s hot hatch street, as we now have the first spy photos of what should be the new Focus RS.
New Ford Focus RS test mule 3 photos
Photo: Automedia
New Ford Focus RS test muleNew Ford Focus RS test mule
Take a good look at the Focus in the adjacent images - from the distance, the car could pass as an ST. Ford is reportedly working on a 2015 update for the 250 hp hot hatch, but it's only a minor suspension and equipment, since the ST is a fairly fresh car and has its grille high up, like the Focus facelift.

Managing to get closer to the hatchback reveals a crucial hint that this is something meaner than the 2015 ST. Yes, those exhausts, which seems to be something suitable for Mad Max’s Ford Falcon Interceptor, point to the fact that this is actually a Focus RS test mule.

The car is wearing an aerodynamic package close to that of the current Focus ST, even though the rear spoiler is from the lesser versions of the hatchback. The vehicle was spotted while being driven at extremely high speeds on the German Autobahn.

Extreme is the right word here, since the new RS will arrive in a hot hatch segment that’s as effervescent as possible. Its firepower is going to be the new 2.3-liter direct injected EcoBoost turbo four that will also power the entry-level version of the new Mustang. Nonetheless, while the pony car will receive a version of the engine with "at least 305 hp", this is expected to be taken up to 350 horses for the Focus RS.

That kind of power would match the previous-generation’s limited edition RS500 model, which, among others, means that the front axle will be able to handle the power.

Ah, yes, the time has come to talk about the heart of a hot hatch, its handling. Ford is expected to stick to the FWD recipe in order to manage the costs. Still, the front axle will be gifted with the Revonnuckle suspension of the previous model, which is a rather good torque steer tamer. A few years ago, Ford explained why they wouldn’t gift the ST with Revoknuckle and the RS with four-wheel drive and the reason is obviously cost-related.

Still, it’s not like Ford will have an easy job here. Launching a 350 hp FWD Focus RS will put Ford on the current Nurburgring FWD record battlefield. This is a delicious territory, where Renault is currently working to recover its title from the SEAT Leon Cupra. Oh and let’s not forget that Honda has delayed its Civic Type R with the precise aim of being the best FWD hot hatch.

As always with this kind of models, the RS will be launched towards the end of the current Focus’ life cycle. The new generation is set to arrive in 2017, so the RS madness should hit us by 2016.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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