Although the Ford Focus RS isn’t due until next year, we’ve already seen plenty of pictures and heard lots of talk of its potential performance.

Latest performance tests by Ford show that the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine, with a turbocharged 300bhp, will propel the Focus to 60mph in just 5.9 seconds, just meeting the claimed ‘under 6 seconds’. Top speed  is also higher than originally expected at 164mph.

You’ll be able to choose your Focus RS in one of three exterior colors – Performance Green, Indianapolis Blue or Frost White. You can then pick either blue or green for the interior trim or choose the optional full black leather seats.

Ford of Austria have revealed pricing for the Focus RS, which will retail for €39,000 and will be available from summer 2009. That’s quite a price-hike over the 225HP Focus ST, which can be bought for just €29,980 in Austria. It’ll be interesting to see how that price difference translates in the UK.