Focus RS officially confirmed

It's been spied testing numerous times in pictures and even video, and now the new-generation Ford Focus RS is officially confirmed for production.

In fact, Ford says the hotter new Focus will be one of 12 new Blue Oval performance models to be released between now and 2020 – by which time Ford Australia has also promised to launch 20 new models.

However, like the previous-generation Focus RS – only about 300 of which were sold in Australia, priced at $59,990 plus on-road costs – Ford's next RS will arrive late in the life cycle of the existing Focus, following the later than expected arrival of facelifted Focus ST and new Focus EcoBoost models here in the second half of next year.

Unlikely to be released before 2016, the new Focus RS will be sold worldwide for the first time and is being developed under the brand's new global Ford Performance team, which brings together the company's existing Ford SVT, Team RS and Ford Racing divisions.

Based at Ford's new technical centre in Charlotte, North Carolina, the new Ford Performance division will develop unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers, as well as being a test-bed for innovating technologies in the fields of aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics and powertrain performance and efficiency.

Ford said development of the 12 new performance models will take place at racetracks around the world and incorporate the expertise of Ford engineering centres globally.

No details of the new Focus RS have been revealed, but the blue oval's hottest small car is expected to retain its front-wheel drive layout – unlike key German rivals, the Volkswagen Golf R, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and Audi S3.

Once again though, it will attempt to quell torque steer with a clever limited-slip front differential and an upgraded version of the company’s RevoKnuckle front suspension.

Performance will be up on the original 2009 Focus RS, which employed a Volvo-sourced 224kW 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Ford's newest hot hatch – which will be a five-door model, not a three-door like its predecessor – will borrow the Mustang's 233kW/432Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, but is expected to deliver more than 240kW.

“Ford remains committed to innovation through performance,” said Ford’s group vice-president of Global Product Development, Raj Nair. “Through our global Ford Performance team that ties together racing, performance vehicles, and parts, we can more quickly bring to market products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track.

“To earn the RS badge, the vehicle has to be a no-compromise driver’s car that can deliver exceptional performance on the track when required while providing excellent every day driving,” Nair said.