UPDATE: 2016 Ford Focus RS Teased, World Debut Set for February 3rd

Titled “Preview: All-New Ford Focus RS | Reveal 3 February 2015,” the teaser video attached below is proper proof that the online unveiling will happen on February 3rd, 2015. As you can see in the opening credits, the prototype Ford Focus RS has been chuck around with the ESP and traction control system off.

Another detail the clip’s credits shares with us is that Belgium and “the USA” were the filming locations for what you’re about to see. Our high-placed insider is adamant the all-new Focus RS will get all-wheel drive, although the company itself and Dave Pericak refused any comment on the subject. Want proof that it’s the full-on all-wheel drive hooligan?

Skip to the 36-second mark at look at that tripod mode in action, wagging its tail out and lifting the rear right wheel off the tarmac. That’s normally a front-wheel drive hatch does when pushed hard in the corners, which may lead you into believing the 2016 Ford Focus RS is not an all-wheel drive car.

But that’s not quite true. Play the video again, especially the parts at the 21-second and 25-second marks. As you can see as well, those angles of tail happiness and the easiness this prototype RS can take a hairpin at full opposite lock are tell-tale signs AWD is present for extra capability at the limits of grip.

After the 2016 Ford Focus RS will debut next month, the Ford Performance division will follow its streak of high-octane madness with eight other hideously fast vehicles. But that is that and this is now, so jump over the break, press play and enjoy the 2016 Ford Focus RS extreme testing teaser video.

UPDATE: looks like Ken Block had a go with the gray-painted prototype Focus RS featured in the teaser.

 

I remember looking at camouflaged prototype cars in magazines back in the day and thinking "man, that must be a cool job." Now I'm the one driving the camouflaged prototype cars. Turns out it is a cool job! #lifegoalachieved #iheartcamo #seeeeeecrets

A photo posted by Ken Block (@kblock43) on Jan 17, 2015 at 7:35am PST