The thought of having a brand-new Ford Focus RS has kept us exciting for nearly a year now. Although the Blue Oval brand has yet to make an official statement, details about the hot hatch and spy shots with several test mules kept pouring in. Excitement has reached a new level, as a prototype vehicle was just spotted taking laps around the Nurburgring->ke999 track, hinting that the Focus RS is inching closer to production.

While it reveals very little details as to what design enhancements the RS will sport, the video->ke278 brings important data surrounding the beefed-up hatch back. The vehicle's way of dealing with the track's turns is a clear indication that Ford->ke31 is sticking to front-wheel-drive. Despite numerous reports that the RS could go AWD, it seems Ford is not yet willing to take the big step, most likely due to financial concerns.

The second thing we learn from the footage is that the upcoming Focus RS will sound downright gorgeous. If you're a rally fan, than this hatch will keep your ears satisfied. The powertrain Ford has prepared for the RS is still a mystery, but most clues lead to a 2.3-liter EcoBoost. The unit is the same four-banger offered in the 2015 Mustang, but with more power set to reach the wheels. We expect the Focus RS to boast around 330 ponies, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Ford push things up to 350 horses. Whatever the output, the Focus RS boasts the soundtrack of a race car->ke148.

Expected to arrive for the 2016 model year, the Focus RS will stand out from the pack with its reshaped bumpers, a roof spoiler, new wheels and a host of chassis updates, including bigger brakes. Although Ford is not known to post Nurburgring times, keep an eye out for a new Nurburgring record for front-wheel-drive cars.

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