The new Ford Focus RS has been spotted undergoing testing at the Nordschleife. Although the test mule is wearing Focus ST ‘clothing’, a few visuals, not to mention the sound, give the game away. For starters there is a large inter-cooler and air dam up front, twin exhausts that have been repositioned from the ST’s central layout and a modified rear spoiler. The engine note is unique too, spurring rumours that the next-gen RS will be powered by the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine found in the Ford Mustang. A limited-slip differential is likely to be found between the 6-speed manual transmission and the front wheels. The Ford Focus RS is likely to launch in 2015, by which time it could have not only the usual Audi S3, Volkswagen Golf R and Renault Megane RS competitors to contend with, but also a rapid new Honda Civic Type-R.
