Facelift Focus RS

Interesting to see how it copes with the extra power.

The worst thing about the other higher powered hot hatches (Astra VXR and Alfa GT) where that they had too much power, and the front wheels couldnt cope....

Doesnt look too bad that actually. Tastefully done, not over the top in any way. One problem though...

"heart and soul of a genuine RS and will be exciting to drive every day.’"

Well I say oversteer and understeer are a bit exciting, if not scary, wonde rif thats what theyre hinting at???

great looking car, really liking the newer shape focuses... but yea, 280bhp in a fwd car may be interesting... have to be bloody good tyres hahaha!

looks good... but a wish the had made it 4wd

Enthusiasts will get the clearest view yet of the new Focus RS at this month's British International Motor Show. Although some details may change as the car goes through its final development ahead of going on sale early next year, Ford will show off a preview of the final car. What the company has confirmed is that the car will have a 296bhp turbocharged version of the company's 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Also producing more than 300lb ft torque, this should be enough to power the car from 0-60mph in less than six seconds.

Like the rest of the Focus range, though, the car will be front-wheel drive. To cope with the engine's high power output, Ford has developed an innovative front suspension system called RevoKnuckle, which works with a limited-slip differential to reduce torque steer. At the same time, the RS is lower and wider than a standard Focus, and comes with sharper steering, uprated suspension and a revised version of Ford's ESP system, which allows a sporty drive on-road, but can be turned off for track use.

The Focus RS also has the looks to complement such sporty performance, and the show car will be finished in a green metallic paint that echoes the Le Mans Green of the 1970s Escort RS1600. The body itself incorporates a deep front airdam with a mesh grille, twin chromed exhaust pipes, RS vents behind the front wheels and bonnet louvres. In addition, several details - such as the leading edge of the bonnet, the door mirrors and the housings for the front fog lamps - are highlighted in black. In the cabin, too, there are black highlights on the Recaro sports seats, while the centre console is finished in a carbon-look trim, and there are metallic details everywhere, from the air vents to the door handles and gearlever surround. Ford is yet to announce a price for the car, but the current ST range tops out at just over £20,000, so we expect the RS to cost somewhere in the region of £25,000

Well seeing that picture now, Im not too sure. Just looks like an overly Modified Fiesta