Apparently in a pitch to counter rumors floating around online, Ford has released a brief press release regarding the next Focus RS, set for it’s world debut at next month’s London Motor Show.

The release spills the beans on a few technical details as well as photos of the car rounding the Nürburgring. There’s no doubt the car’s aggressive styling has been taken up a notch with it’s lower stance, pronounced fender flairs and deep front splitter.

The new RS’s technical details sound interesting. Under the hood, power will come from a heavily modified version of the Ford ST’s turbocharged five-cylinder from Volvo. The displacement is unchanged at 2.5-liters but the boost has been cranked up, increasing horsepower to ‘more than’ 276bhp, up from the Ford ST’s 222bhp. Torque increases from 236lb.ft. to 295. It would seem smart to feature all-wheel drive on a vehicle such as this but Ford apparently has chosen to nix it for now. Ford says they are confident the RS’s new limited slip differential can handle the increase in torque.

Jost Capito, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, and head of Team RS, said, “In early prototypes based on Focus ST vehicles, the new system is more than meeting our targets for exceptional levels of traction, handling and steering.”

No doubt as gas prices continue to rise small performance cars such as the RS will grow in popularity. This hot hatch may not be very fuel efficient but it’s size will counter the complaints.

It looks to me like the “pocket-rocket” is set for a resurgence. What do you think? This RS looks like it would be a blast to drive, especially with 276 horsepower! If this car is available in your area, will you buy it? Have you owned a hot little hatch before? If so, what was it?