KEY POINTS:
A high-performance example of Ford's five-door Focus will be launched in Europe next year - but it is not known if the hatch will be available in this part of the world.
The new Focus RS is based on Ford's top-line Focus hatchback, the ST. It will be
developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist unit led by Jost Capito, the new vehicle line director for Ford of Europe performance vehicles.
German-born Capito has been running Ford's rally programme since 2003.
The Focus RS will be Ford's rally-bred, road-going hero hatchback.
"With two consecutive manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's president and CEO.
"With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars.
"The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers."
The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS under Capito's leadership for some months already.
"We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the design team on how the car might look and I'm excited by the results," said Capito.
"Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."
Ford of Europe will not give any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009. The company plans to show a concept version of the car in mid-2008.
"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," said Capito.
"Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car's performance, design, handling and braking."
Before joining Ford in 2001, Capito was chief operating officer for the Sauber Formula One team. He also worked for BMW and Porsche.
