Ford working on faster Focus RS 500

Ford has already begun working on a lighter, even more extreme version of the Focus RS even though the current car is yet to be launched.

The more powerful Focus, that could once again carry the nameplate ‘RS 500’, is said to come with a tuned version of the current car’s 2.3-litre turbo petrol that will generate at least 260kW.

Factor in the standard car’s all-wheel drive and that will mean the Focus will hit the 100km/h benchmark, from standstill, in less than four seconds.

As well as the power bump, according to Brit mag Autocar who broke the story late last night, the RS 500 could up to 100kg lighter.

According to the mag, the weight savings comes from a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic bonnet, wings and roof, plus lighter forged aluminium suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and, even, polycarbonate windows.

To cope with the power the more powerful RS 500 is also expected to come with an additional limited-slip differential on the front axle - a similar option is available on the recently updated Mercedes-AMG A45.

Production issues could mean the RS 500 might be a very limited-run model but it is still expected to come here.

It’s not known how much more Ford Performance will charge for the RS 500. Expect it to command a significant price premium over the $50,990 Ford Australia has already announced it will charge for that standard Focus RS when it arrives in the middle of 2016.