Ford Focus RS news - RS on the line - 2008

The Ford Focus RS is well and truly alive.

These are the first pictures of Ford's new ultra-hot hatch, caught in testing on - yes, you guessed it - the Nurburgring.

Don't worry, that squiggly paintjob won't make it to the production version. At least, we assume it won't - instead, it's designed to disguise the bulging bodywork of the RS.

Bit of a hopeless task, that - there's no hiding the RS's huge flared arches and deep, jutted front splitter, which looks like it's doing a tidy job of keeping the Focus stuck to the 'Ring.

It'll need all the downforce it can get: Ford has confirmed that the RS will indeed be powered by a 'significantly revised version' of the Focus ST's 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine, boosted up to over 276bhp and 395lb ft of torque - not far off Impreza STi/Evo X territory that.

Unlike the Scooby or Evo, though, the RS will be front-wheel drive, albeit with a trick limited-slip diff to aid traction.

While the lack of 4WD might disappoint some, it will help to keep down the weight... and the price. Best guesses are that the RS will come in at under 25 grand when it goes on sale next year.

"We're staying true to the core RS principles of a no-compromise, affordable high performance road car you can live with," says Team RS boss Joss Capito. "The new Focus RS will have the muscle, soul and heart of a genuine RS."

We'll see a 'production-intent' version of the RS (or 'almost-ready', in other words) at the London Motor Show in July, and the full production version later in the year.

Are you as excited as we are?