2017 Ford Focus RS500 Spied

It appears Ford engineers are not quite satisfied with the new 257kW/440Nm Focus RS after a beefed up Focus was spotted testing around the Nurburgring in Germany.

Spy photographers reveal the RS sporting a more aggressive bonnet that now features purposeful looking cooling vents. Early reports have suggested that the vehicle spotted testing may in fact be the next track-ready Ford Focus RS500.

(The previous RS500 pictured here featured a 257kW 2.5L 5cylinder turbocharged engine. The cars acceleration was hampered by FWD but still managed 0-100km/h in 5.4sec)

Subtle differences such as a larger intercooler and the aforementioned bonnet vents hint that the test car may feature engine modifications that require extra cooling for the already punchy 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged plonk. The six speed manual focus is already capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6sec, an increase in power and the addition of a dual clutch gearbox could make this the fastest accelerating hatch back on the market.

Whilst a slight power increase may be on the cards, the biggest changes are likely to occur in the form of upgraded suspension, larger brakes and weight saving measures to reduce the RS’ hefty 1599kg kerb weight.

With the RS waiting list already stretching well into 2017, we don’t expect to see the RS500 until late 2017 or early 2018 at best.