Ford has reportedly been planning to incorporate a hybrid drive set-up in its next-generation Ford Focus RS and will also attempt to convert the vehicle into an all-wheel drive sports hatch.

While the planned hybrid drive on the next Focus RS will resemble the drive technology present on the Peugeot Hybrid 4, it will consist of an Ecoboost unit of 2.0 litre capacity connected to a electric motor fitted on the rear axle of the vehicle.

Both the RS and ST variants of the car will have an engine power of 250 bhp, butt he addition of the electric motor on the RS will increase the total power of the vehicle to 300 bhp. The new drivetrain will also increase the fuel-efficiency of the new Focus RS as compared to existing Focus RS models.

Ford could provide further details about the vehicle during the Paris Auto Show due to be held in October, where the company will also put its Focus ST on display for the first time.

So you got your hands on a Focus RS but feel like your little beast is capable of more, how about getting some help from the crazy German tuners from Mcchip who have recently taken the RS to the highest levels? The stock version already churns in a good 224kW (305hp) and 440Nm of torque, but the Mcchip Focus RS brings two tuning levels to choose from. First one is a 254kW (345hp) version with 520Nm of torque and a top speed of 271km/h for €799, while Power Stage 2 goes even more extreme 295kW (401hp), maximum torque of 612Nm and a top speed of 278km/h if you can afford some €4,499.

The first official pictures of the new Ford Focus have found their way onto my screen. Asides from the pretty colors on it, there will be 300 little horses under the hood. That is always nice to hear, but we can hope to get some more ponies, cause the car is still in development.

Changes are both on the outside and on the interior. Two bonnet louvres, needed to keep the turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine in the right temperature, the wider wheel arches, for the 40 mm wider track, Recaro seats, for a better driving experience, will be just a part of the make-up for our car.

And let’s not forget, it will reach 100hm/h in less than 6 seconds.

The Focus will keep its front wheel drive system but will receive a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and the brand-new “RevoKnuckle”, a new front suspension system to avoid torque steer.

I just can’t wait to see this little piece of modern technology and maybe if I am lucky, put my foot on the pedal and my hands on the steering wheel. It will definitely deserve a test drive, don’t you think? (on a race track).

There have been many renderings on how the new Ford Focus RS will look, but the wait is over because the Germans have come out with official news. And pictures. Here is an early prototype undergoing performance and durability testing at the Nürburgring Circuit in Germany.

The new Ford Focus RS is going to feature the same turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre five cylinder in the 225 PS Focus ST optimized to generate over 280PS and more than 400 Nm of torque, with a front-wheel-drive and a limited slip differential. It should be launched early 2009 in Europe, but I’m sure we’ll get to see it first during the London Motor Show, in July.

via Autoblog.nl

No, we don’t know much about the new Ford Focus RS or what it’s going to have under the hood or how is going to look but we can speculate a little bit. TopGear managed to come up with a picture and said that the new RS could hit in London, this July. As to rumors, it’s supposed to be a 2WD not a 4WD and the engine should output at least 280hp.

Ford is probably going to take on Subaru’s Impreza STi or Mitsubishi EVO X but, let’s face it, they won’t be able to do it without a 300+ hp turbo engine and a four-wheel-drive system (that will not only make it heavier, but it will cost more). Five months till July so there’s plenty of room to have it changed … We should have the model shipping in 2009.

A few months ago Ford was testing their new Focus RS on the Nurburgring and today they released a teasing picture and what more can I say that I looks very “racy” with its new wings and spoilers, bonnet air vents or the blistered wheel arches. The same “racy” looks are used on the interior, but should be very comfortable as well.

The 2008 Ford Focus RS superhatch, will use a 2.5L modified Volvo engine with five-cylinders that sports 280hp unlike opposed to those 225hp on the ST model and 400 lb-ft torque.

We don’t have a price for this runner but it should be available on the streets, late 2008 or early 2009.

via AutoExpress