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It looks like Ford is working on an even hotter version of the Focus.

Although it’s wearing a lot of the same bodywork as the Focus ST, the car in these spy shots is the new 2016 Ford Focus RS, an even faster version of the American brand’s small hatcback.

The first giveaway that this is not any old Focus ST, the test mule is running 4-piston brakes possibly sourced from Brembo, which is a big jump over the single-piston units you’ll find on the ST. Those brakes sit inside 19-inch multi-spoke wheels which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The cobbled together front end also hints at the true nature of this car. An aggressive front fascia will certainly arrive on the Focus RS, but what we see on this mule looks thrown together, probably to house new turbocharger components and a larger engine. Out back, some wire meshing seems to be covering up two larger exhaust outlets.

Power for the Focus RS may come from the new 2.3-liter Ecoboost found in the 2015 Mustang, where it makes 305 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. There is a possibility however that the engine will be tuned to crank out even more horsepower.

With a new Honda Civic Type R on its way, the world of front-wheel drive performance hatchbacks is heating up.

GALLERY: 2016 Ford Focus RS Spy Photos

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