How fast will the new Focus RS be?

The production model's output is still being calibrated at a figure somewhere north of 280bhp, but it's likely to be governed at the 155mph. Expect it to achieve 0-60mph in under six seconds, aided by an extra-trick electronic front diff that puts the power down better than ever in a seriously powerful two-wheel-drive car, and

0-100mph in around 12-13sec. In summary, we’re looking at Jaguar XKR performance, which is highly impressive at the price.

What have they done to the engine?

The 20-valve, 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo engine comes straight from the 222bhp Focus ST, but it gets modified pistons, cams and valve springs, a bigger turbo, a larger intercooler and modified electronics to produce its 280bhp.

Why doesn’t the RS have four-wheel drive?

For reasons of weight and cost, but also because engineers believe it’s not needed, despite the high power output. The Ford group does have a four-wheel drive system – already fitted to some Volvo S60s – that could be adapted, but it would add at least 150kg to the car and cut its power-to-weight ratio. Ford is still debating whether to use its six-speed PowerShift gearbox (the equivalent of VW’s DSG system) in the car.