Ford Focus RS: Full details

The new third-generation Ford Focus RS has officially broken cover and it's looking to pick a fight with the Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen Golf R. Powered by a potent new 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine generating "in excess" of 235kW, fitted with tough-new bodywork and underpinned by a motor-sport inspired chassis, the testosterone-pumped all-wheel drive hyper-hatch is shaping up to be a giant-killer.

And the Focus RS has another ace up its sleeve none of its rivals can match – Gymkhana legend and Youtube drifting deity Ken Block helped develop the car.

Leaked 12 hours ahead of its official embargo, a handful of Ford Focus RS details have been confirmed by Ford at the car's pre-launch event in Cologne, Germany.

The highly-anticipated model will be sold in Australia, although exact timing is not yet clear. Expect mid-2016 at the earliest as production of the tyre-shredding Focus isn't scheduled to begin until late in 2015 at the company's Saarlouis plant in Germany.

Price? Between $50,000 and $60,000 is a safe bet.

However unlike the previous generation Focus RS, production of this one won't be limited. It will, however, be a manual-only proposition, with a beefed-up six-speed cog-swapper and clutch to deal with the extra herbs.

Living up to the storied RS (Rallye Sport) name, of which this car is the 30th vehicle to wear the hallowed badges since 1968, the new Focus RS's significant 235kW-plus power output will find its way to all four wheels via a "ground-breaking new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive" system that can shunt up to 70 per cent of the engine's output to the rear axle.

A full 100 per cent of that 70 per cent rear axle torque can then be diverted to either left or right wheel as part of the system's (brake-controlled) Dynamic Torque Vectoring system, which Ford says will ensure "class-leading cornering speed and limit handing".

Sensors measuring lateral acceleration, yaw rate, speed and steering angle help inform the car where to divert torque.

"This AWD system is a breakthrough technology, capable of delivering supreme cornering and handling at the limit," reckons Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance.

"We have ripped up the rulebook which says that AWD hatchbacks cannot be fun to drive, and have created a car which will surprise and reward in equal measure," he says.

It's clear from a teaser video that the new Focus can really dance. Indeed, expect to see the word 'oversteer' used in reviews when we get our hands on this hottie.

Other chassis tweaks include a 'sports' suspension package comprising stiffer spring rates, bushes and anti-roll bars, not to mention a dual-mode adaptive damping system with a 'track' setting, a first for the Focus RS. The electric power steering has also been recalibrated for more direct response.

Unlike the previous Focus RS, the third-generation model doesn't appear to have a widened track, but does get bigger 19-inch wheel rims and 235/35 R-rated high-speed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

Ford will also offer Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as an option for those who want to track their car.

The third-generation Focus RS is powered by a similar turbo-petrol engine to that found under the bonnet the new Ford Mustang. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost generates around 230kW/430Nm in the pony car.

Ford says the RS' four-pot is a bespoke engine with "significant upgrades" as such, so the all-paw Focus could belt out over  450Nm. Combined with all-wheel drive this may lead to a 0-100km/h time in the mid-high 4.0sec range.

The new engine has a 6800rpm rev limit and makes use of low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a bigger compressor and "significantly" bigger intercooler to maximise charge density. Throw in a less restrictive intake design, a high-performance big-bore exhaust system with electronically operated valve to control noise and balance back pressure and the Focus will likely be heard before its seen.

Indeed, Ford says the car will emit "distinctive burbles, pops and crackles that are a RS signature".

"This very special 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit will inspire drivers as they feel the surge of the turbo, and reward them as they take it to the red line – all delivered with a stirring sound guaranteed to put a smile on your face," said Pericak.

Despite having a high output, the new direct-injected turbo-petrol engine will feature an auto stop-start system to reduce fuel consumption when not being flogged. A daily driver too? With the adaptive suspension a button push away, why not..?

As the photos show, the new Focus RS features an even more aggressive design than the Focus ST, Ford's 184kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hot hatch that retails for just under $40,000. The pumped-up body kit comprises an aggressive front apron with large air dam, side skirts, and at the rear a trademark RS roof spoiler and lower diffuser – the latter with integrated exhaust system.

Interestingly there's no sign of the bonnet vents that are a key performance indicator on the current Focus RS, nor the pumped wheel arches.

The high-performance five-door hatchback will feature Recaro sports seats as standard, while signature RS Recaro bucket seats will be optional. A flat-bottom steering wheel with soft-feel leather finish, alloy pedals and a distinctive instrument cluster with three added gauges – turbo boost pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature – communicate the car's performance pedigree to occupants.

Ford's latest rip-snorting performance hatch is one of 12 global performance vehicles the blue oval plans to deploy by 2020, with the new Ford GT supercar another. It is part of a "new era" of performance designed to promote the brand's technical know-how.

"The all-new Focus RS is a serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration on the road and track," says Raj Nair, Ford's boss of global product development.

"The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have migrated to mainstream Fords to benefit all of our customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception. It's a great example of our passion for innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people's hearts pound."

Clearly Ford has poured a lot of development dollars into its latest RS, which is shaping up to be an absolute cracker of a hot hatch.

Stay tuned for full performance specifications for the Ford Focus RS during its public debut at the 2015 Geneva motor show in early March.