The all-new Ford Focus RS will be offered globally as part of the "One Ford Plan" marketing strategy, though North American availability may be extremely limited. Unlike its European predecessor, the new RS is expected to be all-wheel drive. It also will reportedly be the only Ford Focus to sport the Blue Oval's new 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine, which is currently found in the Lincoln MKC and upcoming in the 2015 Mustang. That engine pumps out 310 hp in the Mustang and 285 hp in the Lincoln MKC. While the 2016 Focus RS horsepower numbers have not yet been finalized, sources believe its 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine could produce between 325 and 350 hp. With that much muscle, the RS should be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and reach speeds of up to 155 mph. Helping to keep the hopped-up engine under control will be a RevoKnuckle front suspension and performance brakes.

On the exterior, this hot rod version of a Ford Focus will feature a sleek, rally-inspired body with a deep front bumper, flared fenders and two jumbo exhaust pipes with an air diffuser in the rear. The interior is said to be similar to the Focus ST, sporting a flat-bottomed steering wheel, cockpit gauges, sport pedals, Recaro bucket seats, aluminum trim and RS badging. Another sign that the RS will be a serious roadster is its rumored wheel-and-tire package, which features 19-inch Shelby GT500-like rims with curve-hugging, low-profile Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Like the Ford Focus ST, the RS will come with a standard Ford SYNC with enhanced iOS, Android and AppLink connectivity, a rear-view camera and MyFord Driver Connect Technology. Pricing has not yet been released, but it is expected to begin above $30,000.

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