Official: the new Ford Focus RS will produce... 345bhp

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a number. Today, Ford has finally confirmed the exact power output of its upcoming, third generation Focus RS. And that exact power output is 345bhp, or 350PS in metric money.

Yep, the all-new Focus RS will deliver near-on Merc A45 shove from its all-aluminium, 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an engine it shares with the new Mustang.

Exclusive: up close with the new Ford Focus RS

Not only that, but there's a handy 324lb ft of torque on offer between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm, or an even healthier 347lb ft available for up to 15 seconds on overboost. Though Ford still hasn't revealed proper performance figures - 0-62mph etc - with this amount of grunt, and four-wheel drive grip, expect it to be stellar.

Ford tells us the power comes courtesy of a twin-scroll turbo with a larger compressor (for better airflow), together with a huge intercooler. The intake is less restrictive, too, there's a large-bore performance exhaust, an electronically controlled valve in the pipe to control pressure (and noise), and the largest radiator pack ever fitted to a Focus.

The third-ever Focus RS is four-wheel-drive, as you well know, with dynamic torque vectoring on board. It is also the first ever RS model deployed with selectable drive modes, including a ‘Drift Mode', that, well, you get the picture.

And if you don't get the picture, then click the video above. It's a teaser video of the new 345bhp Focus RS doing its thing ahead of a dynamic debut at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

"We promised enthusiasts a serious driving machine and, with 350PS under the hood, that is exactly what we will deliver," said Ford Performance's global director, Dave Pericak. Serious, and sideways...

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