That’s a really, really, green car.

It definitely is. Aside from the paint job (finished in a special bright green paint with inlaid metallic flake which is an interpretation of the 1970s Le Mans Green of the Escort RS1600) the Focus RS isn’t a tree-hugger’s dream mobile. Expected to go on sale in early 2009, the Focus RS is a serious high performance car for driving enthusiasts. Seeing as this is the second Focus model to carry the RS mantle since the 1970 Escort RS1600, the hot for teacher Focus should be suitably awesome to drive.

Granted, the new RS looks sporty, but does its go match its show?

At the heart of the all-new Focus RS is a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this powerplant is expected to pump out close to 300bhp and over 410Nm of torque, making it the fastest Focus, in the world.

Although the car is still in development, prior to its launch in early 2009, early performance testing indicates a 0-100km/h time of under six seconds – Porsche Cayman S chasing time.

The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known quaintly as RevoKnuckle, which effectively eliminates torque steer – crucial since 300bhp is 100bhp more than what a front wheel drive car should have. The RevoKnuckle works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. 

It looks like a Focus on Viagra.

Yes it does. The vibrant exterior colour is contrasted with a number of performance styling details highlighted in gloss piano black, including the strip at the leading edge of the bonnet, the deep housings for the integrated front fog lamps and door mirrors with integrated side indicators.

Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complemented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings. 

The completely new front bumper design for Focus RS incorporates a deep front airdam with a large, mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid. Stylish and practical, this prominent feature represents the latest Ford 'kinetic design' face and also is finished in piano black. Above, chromed xenon headlamps stand out like cats eyes and are framed by matt-black housings with unique additional vents running underneath. 

At the rear, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel to its lower edge with small vents at each corner of the bumper, emphasizing the cars width. Two impressive chromed exhaust tailpipes sit each side of the black venturi, creating a purposeful rear view for the car.

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

If everything goes as planned, most of the details you see here will filter into the final model. Whether the final model will make its way toMalaysia on the other hand is anyone’s guess, but we suggest that you don’t hold your breath.