2009 Ford Focus caught out

The car – to be launched in 2009 – has a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre engine, based on Focus ST, but significantly revised to generate 155kW of power and more than 400 Nm of torque, with the aim of giving an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Various chassis innovations, developed in conjunction with Ford's Advanced Engineering Centre in Aachen are being tuned for the new car by the Cologne-based Ford Team RS.

According to Ford, their overriding objective is to achieve optimized driving dynamics and on road performance through an advanced technology front-wheel drive system, combined with a limited-slip differential.

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“In early prototypes based on Focus ST vehicles, the new system is more than meeting our targets for exceptional levels of traction, handling and steering,” project leader and Ford Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, Jost Capito, says.

“Now, we are going through the rigorous job of proving out our technical approach in extensive testing and tuning over a variety of roads including the most demanding track in the world, the `Green Hell’ that is the Nürburgring Nordschleife!”

Further technical details of the all-new Focus RS will be released closer to launch.