This is not your typical economy hatchback.
Ford said Tuesday that it will begin selling a new version of its Focus compact car, but this one will be powered by a 315 horsepower, 2.3 liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine. It will be built in Germany, and it will have a special high-performance all-wheel-drive system.
Complete details on the car will be released when it is officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The Ford Focus RS is actually the third generation of this model but it has never been made available in the United States before.
The car’s hi-tech all-wheel-drive system will allow the amount of power being sent to each of the four wheels to be automatically controlled from moment to moment. For instance, during high-speed cornering, power will be sent to the outside rear wheel to help push the car into the turn. The brakes can also be automatically applied at each wheel to further enhance the car’s handling.
Inside, the Focus RS will be equipped with Recaro racing seats. It will also have a two-mode adjustable suspension system that can be set for optimum track performance.
It will be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.
The highest-powered version of the Focus available now is the 252-horsepower Focus ST which sells for prices starting at $24,370. Pricing for the Focus RS has yet been revealed.
It is designed to compete against cars like the 305 horsepower Subaru WRX STI and the 292 horsepower Volkswagen Golf R. Prices for those cars start in the $30,000 range.