Ford Focus RS Sales Begin In 2009

Although it's been rumored, spied and denied before, Ford has finally made it official: the Focus RS will be on sale in 2009.

The car will be based off the current Focus ST and come equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five producing around 280 HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

The suspension and chassis will be tuned to compete with the new Evo X and Subaru Impreza STI, and will include plenty of rally-inspired kit, blistered wheel arches, hood vents, spoilers and a driver-centric interior fitted with deeply bolstered seats.

There are still some questions about the transmission etc. Expect answers when the Focus RS makes its debut sometime during the 2008 auto show season, right before the RS goes on sale in Europe in the spring of '09.

New Ford Focus ST Unveiled

English car magazine Auto Express has just published the pictures of the new Ford Focus ST. The car carrys some similar design cues to its older brother Mondeo.

As before, 3- and 5-door models will be offered, and the new car's powertrain is also same. It has the same 2.5L 222-horsepower turbo five-cylinder underhood as the outgoing car. It even keeps the same pricing scheme. The three-door ranges from £17,995 for the ST to £19,995 for the loaded-up ST-3. Five-door versions add another £600 to the bottom line.

The updated Focus ST goes on sale in March 2008.

Gallery: Ford Focus ST