We recently reported on rumours of the development of an even hotter Focus RS, the RS500. Could this be it?

Our German spy photographer has captured this test mule pounding the Nurburgring, and it may just be the much rumoured Focus RS500 hyper hatch. The prototype sports extra air intakes on the bonnet, which the current RS doesn't have, and there's also a bigger rear wing. At this point we can only speculate about what lies underneath, but early bets are on a more powerful version of the current 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine andsome stripped out weight. Other rumoured changes include an electronically controlled limited-slip front differential and a dual-clutch transmission.

The Ford Focus RS is an imminent arrival on the South African market – we recently reported on its likely pricing here. The RS500 version, if it does materialise, will hopefully also make the long trip to the southern tip of Africa.

Photos by S. Baldauf/S.B. Medien

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