Ford is rumoured to be considering a 350bhp, four-wheel-drive, six-cylinder turbocharged proposal for the next-generation Focus RS. Right now the Blue Oval’s executives at the company’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany are considering a plan to fit Ford’s new flagship hot hatch, due out in 2007, with a new turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine.

The advanced powerplant (right) has been developed by Volvo as a replacement for the Swedish car maker’s current six-cylinder engine, and is planned to make its debut in the new S80 due out next June.

Conceived for both transverse and longitudinal applications, the four-valve-per-cylinder unit is based around a die-cast aluminium cylinder block for an all-up weight of 180kg. It is also claimed to be 1mm shorter than Volvo’s five-cylinder engine – a feature that makes it suitable for a whole range of different models, including the new Focus RS.

Three different versions of the engine are planned: a base naturally aspirated 3.2-litre and a pair of performance-oriented turbocharged 3.0-litre units. The former receives variable cam timing (VCT) on the inlet valves, with the latter two adopting a system operating both the inlet and exhaust valves as well as a variable-vane Garrett turbocharger.

In 3.2-litre guise, the new six-cylinder produces 235bhp at 6000rpm along with 236lb ft of torque at 3500rpm – an increase of 38bhp and 26lb ft over Volvo’s current 2.9-litre engine. The turbocharged units deliver 285bhp and 295lb ft in light-pressure guise, with the high-pressure unit pumping out a BMW M3-beating 350bhp and 332lb ft.

It’s this latter specification that Ford’s Motorsport boss, Jost Capito, may use to thrust the Blue Oval back to the very top of the European hot-hatch ranks. If Ford’s plans come to fruition, the new RS will boast a whopping 133bhp and 96lb ft more than the upcoming Focus ST, whose turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine generates 217bhp along with 236lb ft of torque.

Unlike the front-wheel-drive ST, the new RS is being developed around new four-wheel-drive underpinnings. This promises to endow it with spectacular levels of grip and traction. One problem, however, is the lack of a suitable six-speed manual transmission for the new car. The gearbox in the Mondeo ST TDCi is rated to 295lb ft, although insiders say measures are being taken to upgrade it for use in performance-oriented Volvos.

source : autocarmag.com

 

DAMN...350 hp 4wd focus? WTF?

 

Looks great - that'd be a fun car.

Wait until Cosworth gets a hold of one.

M.

 

this sounds fun....but is a ford fun with its all its little problems after 4 years?

 

Sounds like one hell of a hot hatch

 

Finally Ford is bringing one of their high-po cars to the states! Now all we need is the TT Ford Falcon.

James

 

I agree. Why buy a risky 350 HP AWD Focus when you can get a proven 300 HP AWD Subaru Sti?......probably for about the same money. 50HP? The torque difference would be even less than that. S - - -w it. I'd buy the Sti.

 

The best part about this car is that its a FORD! Do you have any idea how cheap it will be Sweet!

 

There's nothing in the article saying that Ford is bringing it to the States (AutoCar is a UK magazine BTW). I'm not holding my breath either since Ford has always kept their fun cars to the European market.

Would be awesome if they really do though.

 

It wont be done since itd be a direct enough competitor to the Mustang GT and maybe even GT500.

 

Well that didn't prevent UK from getting the Mustang GT either.

 

The STI will be better built and with a proven track record.

 

That's what happens when you jump to conclusions.

James

 

Europe simply gets the best Fords. There, Ford is a pretty respected brand. I have NO ****ING IDEA why we get the sub-par or okay cars instead of those.

 

well it is definitely a great concept, but... can they make it a winning success story?