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The next Ford Focus RS will get more than 350bhp and retain its front-wheel-drive layout, according to reports.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Gunnar Herrmann, head of Ford's global C-segment platform, said the third iteration of the Essex barnstormer was already in the works and would feature more power than ever before.
He said: "I think more power for the next RS is sustainable. With the limited edition RS500 we went up to 350bhp, and some of our development units, we have them up to 380bhp. We even moved torque upwards."
He noted some concerns over engine durability but said: "the car can handle it." The new RS would also keep the two-wheel-drive, ‘RevoKnuckle' setup too, with Herrmann saying: "I think we stay with our two-wheel-drive strategy, which I think was well executed".
To give some perspective, this man is in charge of a Ford platform responsible for delivering more than two million units worldwide. Quite a big deal, then.
Earlier this year he said: "Sure, it's a tremendous responsibility but I've spent my entire career at Ford in C-cars and I know them down to their DNA. They develop and grow like your children."
And we're expecting more details on another one of his kids at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, the next Ford Focus ST. So far, all we know is that it'll sport a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot producing around 245bhp, and that it will pack some fireworks...
Gallery: the new Ford Focus ST
Tempted by a 350bhp+ Focus RS? Or is this simply too much power - no matter how strong a RevoKnuckle is - for one hatch to handle?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
benjalex89 commented on this article
at 04:55 pm on 08 August 2011
Why not add lightness rather than power?! 380bhp front wheel drive = TYRE DEATH. I don't care how good the diff is
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caliZR1 commented on this article
at 05:04 pm on 08 August 2011
Why are the best American car company vehicles not available in America? And get watered down versions of VW's GTi, no Scirocco, no fuel efficient diesels, etc...
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Nitroguy commented on this article
at 05:08 pm on 08 August 2011
The Focus RS would have gone from crazy to psycho if it came out with this much power and front wheel drive. Mechanical straitjackets: probably needed.
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quince112386 commented on this article
at 05:32 pm on 08 August 2011
380bhp should make for an entertaining drive to say the least! Better get used to ordering tyres though! The new ST looks a lot nicer than the standard Focus, so hopefully the new RS will look even more outlandish! Brilliant!
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Tom_Moore commented on this article
at 05:36 pm on 08 August 2011
380bhp is an excellent idea! however it is questionable weather or not the front wheel drive system would cope, personally i would say 4 wheel drive is the answer! but the ford lot have produced many excellent cars, so i think it will be ok!
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