THE legendary Ford RS performance brand will return to Britain's roads next year in the shape of the fire breathing new Ford Focus RS.

At the heart of the all-new Focus RS is a specially developed, turbocharged version of Ford's Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine with a thumping power output of 300bhp.

Although the car is still in development, prior to its launch in early 2009, early testing indicates a zero to 62mph time of under six seconds.

Visually, the forthcoming Focus RS combines a mix of existing Focus styling with elements which hark back to its RS heritage. The front bumper design incorporates a deep front airdam with a large mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid finished in piano black. Above, chromed xenon headlamps stand out like cat's eyes and are framed by matt-black housings with additional vents running underneath.

Two classic-style bonnet louvres are both a styling hint at the power beneath and a practical requirement.

Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track and are complemented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings while triangular, RS-badged vents sit behind the front wheel arches.

At the rear, a deep rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel with small vents at each corner of the bumper with two chromed exhaust tailpipes sitting each side, emphasising the car's width.

Above this, a black RS rear spoiler sits at the Focus roofline, echoing both RS models of the past and the World Rally-winning Focus WRC that has been its inspiration.

"We believe it's vitally important that a Focus RS looks like both a Focus and an RS - it needs to be individual, distinctive and overt in its performance styling, but it also needs to show a clear progression from and relationship to Focus ST," said Stefan Lamm, chief exterior designer.

Inside, the Ford Focus RS, the sporting theme continues, dominated by bespoke, sculpted Recaro high-performance sports seats, colour-matched to the exterior, with ebony leather accents and RS' and Recaro' logos stitched into each backrest.

Elsewhere, there is use of accents matched to the exterior colour, brushed aluminium highlights while the rear seats feature higher side bolsters and a microfibre finish to echo those up front.

The centre console is finished in a gloss, carbon-look trim and metallic highlights abound, from air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround, to unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills. These contrast with a black-trimmed roof lining.

The driver is reminded this is a special Focus with a gear lever finished with a six speed gear shift graphic in RS blue, a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, finished with Ford' and RS' logos and even aluminium foot pedals.

The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including turbo pressure angled toward the driver's eyeline.

Although Ford considered giving the Focus four-wheel drive they decided the weight penalty was too much so they have kept it as front-wheel drive, with a limited-slip differential. It is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a RevoKnuckle', which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer. This works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential.

Other handling developments include a 40mm wider track, stronger, longer driveshafts, revised springs and dampers and a thicker, longer rear anti-roll bar. At the same time, the steering system has been retuned to provide a sharper steering response.

To cope with the 300bhp, the braking system has been upgraded with 336mm ventilated front discs and 300mm rear discs. Large calipers peek out from behind 19in wheels, wrapped in 235/35 low profile Continental tyres.

A special version of Ford's ESP system has also been developed for Focus RS, including a full de-activation option for enthusiast drivers and especially for track use.

The new Focus RS marks the return of the famous but rare RS badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a distinguished heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models.

"RS is uniquely important to us in terms of our performance heritage and World Rally Championship success, while the Focus has played a major part in establishing Ford's excellent reputation for driving dynamics," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO.

"The all-new Focus RS will embrace and celebrate both of these - it will be a genuine RS and a genuine Focus and I'm confident it won't disappoint in either area."