Scoop images in the current issue of evo show the long-awaited all-wheel-drive follow-up to the Sierra and Escort Cosworths is only months away from the showroom. The bad news is that this car is actually an RS Focus-based prototype. The good news is that under the familiar skin is the all-new 4x4 chassis that will eventually underpin the real Focus Cosworth.

According to insiders at Ford, the Focus Cosworth isn't likely to appear until 2005 - around a year after the all-new Focus three- and five-door hatchbacks first appear in public. The key to the new car is the brand new chassis, which has been co-developed by Ford, Volvo and Mazda. Unlike the current Focus chassis, the new C1 platform has been engineered to accommodate a four-wheel-drive system. Ford invested the extra money because this chassis will also be used by Volvo for its XC50 and XC30 'urban off-roader' models.

With an anticipated roll-out at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2005, the Focus Cosworth is expected to be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for as much as 300bhp. This will drive all four wheels through 'active' differentials and a new six-speed M66 Getrag manual gearbox. Insiders reckon that early in the project Ford considered using a Volvo-sourced 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine or even a 3-litre V6 Duratec motor to power this flagship model. Not surprising when Ford had considerable trouble extracting a reliable 212bhp from today's four-cylinder RS Focus engine.

Both these big engines would have just about squeezed into the C1 chassis, which has both a slightly wider track and a longer wheelbase than the current car; if you look closely at the rear wheelarch in the scoop shot it's possible to gauge the extra width. However, it's now believed that the Cossie engine will be a turbocharged derivative of Ford's new four-cylinder 150bhp 2-litre variably valve-timed direct-injection petrol engine, which is due in 2005.
The styling of the car will not be a million miles away from today's Focus, although the untidy, gappy wheelarches will be cleaned up and the profusion of styling lines toned down. For the Cossie expect an aggressive stance, fat wheelarches and massive air intakes. Inside, the dashboard and switchgear quality will take a step upmarket in order to challenge the VW Golf. The Cosworth will also get bucket seats, a starter button and extra instrumentation. It's suggested that the Focus Cosworth running gear - suitably softened - could underpin a flagship Ford coupe, already dubbed 'Capri' by insiders.

Elsewhere at Ford, engineers are finalising the Fiesta ST at the Nürburgring circuit. Power will come from a 2-litre engine producing a likely 170bhp. Should Ford launch the Fiesta onto the rally circuit, an RS Fiesta could become a showroom possibility, although its price position would be crucial. Ford's Racing Puma flopped badly as buyers baulked at the £20K+ tag.