2016 Ford Focus RS pics leaked

THE Ford Focus RS will be all-wheel drive and pack at least 255kW. That’s what a leaked report out of the UK says ahead of tonight’s official reveal of the Renaultsport Megane RS 275 and upcoming Honda Civic Type R rival.

Based on the 2015 facelift, the new Focus RS will pack the Mustang’s 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 231kW in the pony car, and team it with sophisticated torque vectoring system. The all-wheel drive system itself is reportedly electronically controlled, which means that the ferocious Focus will be able to split it torque between front and rear-ends for a rear-wheel bias when needed. While that Revoknuckle from the previous RS is no longer necessary, controlling torque steer will be taken over by the torque vectoring system.

From the leaked images, it also appears that the new RS is exclusively a five-door hatch.

If confirmed for Australia, this will be the second Focus RS to make it Down Under, after Ford Australia managed to secure the last run of the previous 224kW model that rolled off the Saarlouis, Germany, production line. With only 315 for Australia and New Zealand, it cost a hefty $59,990. If confirmed, it’s not expected to be on sale here until 2016.

The RS comes in the wake of the stunning Australian-designed Ford GT and Mustang 350R at the 2015 Detroit show.

The Focus RS will be revealed in the flesh at the 2015 Geneva motor show. Full details and imagery of the Ford Focus RS will be revealed at 11:45pm Tuesday 3 February.