Next Ford Focus RS to get 380bhp?

The next Ford Focus RS will get more than 350bhp and retain its front-wheel-drive layout, according to reports.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Gunnar Herrmann, head of Ford's global C-segment platform, said the third iteration of the Essex barnstormer was already in the works and would feature more power than ever before.

He said: "I think more power for the next RS is sustainable. With the limited edition RS500 we went up to 350bhp, and some of our development units, we have them up to 380bhp. We even moved torque upwards."

Gallery: the Ford Focus RS500

He noted some concerns over engine durability but said: "the car can handle it." The new RS would also keep the two-wheel-drive, ‘RevoKnuckle' setup too, with Herrmann saying: "I think we stay with our two-wheel-drive strategy, which I think was well executed".

To give some perspective, this man is in charge of a Ford platform responsible for delivering more than two million units worldwide. Quite a big deal, then.

Earlier this year he said: "Sure, it's a tremendous responsibility but I've spent my entire career at Ford in C-cars and I know them down to their DNA. They develop and grow like your children."

And we're expecting more details on another one of his kids at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, the next Ford Focus ST. So far, all we know is that it'll sport a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot producing around 245bhp, and that it will pack some fireworks...

Gallery: the new Ford Focus ST

Tempted by a 350bhp+ Focus RS? Or is this simply too much power - no matter how strong a RevoKnuckle is - for one hatch to handle?