At the Bologna auto show in Italy earlier today, Ford of Europe unveiled its new Focus RS World Rally Car for 2006 — a ground-up undertaking to replace its previous car, of 2002 vintage. The new car is based on the Focus ST ( that we've been drooling over from afar since the Geneva motor show last March), in collaboration between Ford's Team Rally Sport and UK motorsports firm M-Sport. TeamRS technical director Christian Loriaux says the cars will be faster and just as reliable as its predecessor, with more downforce, an entirely new body shell and roll cage, and a lighter, Cosworth-built 2.0-liter Duratec 'R' engine providing more top-end power. The car will make its racing debut at the Monte Carlo Rally in January.

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