The Ford Focus RS is to Europe’s Blue Oval fans what the Mustang is to Americans, a performance icon that’s worth so much more than just its gross sales numbers. It’s a car that proves Ford still cares about the enthusiast, that it can compete at the highest levels of performance. That’s why Ford has documented the building process, releasing the second part of its series following the rebirth of this already legendary automobile.

In the second part of the documentary called Rebirth of an Icon: Focus RS, Ford invites us to see part of the design and development process, including the full-scale clay model that ultimately dictated the looks of the 345 horsepower hot hatch.

Performance dictated appearance with the Focus RS, with the front fascia being a prime example of function over a pretty face. The two upper grille slots are dedicated to cooling the radiator, while the lower slots direct cool air to the intercooler.  Even the fog lamp holders have been co-opted by engineers to direct air towards the front brakes. The rest of the fascia was artfully constructed around the need for a lot of air and slippery aerodynamics, and we think you’ll agree that the designers did a bang-up job of making the 2016 Focus RS as pretty as possible.

Just as much thought went into designing the interior a positive-but-aggressive character, resulting in sporty seats and dark materials that let you know this car is fun-loving, but in a serious way. Ken Block was even brought in to give the designers an experienced voice representing the sport compact market, and he apparently came away with nothing but good things to say.

And if it meets Ken Block’s approval, you know it’s gotta be something special.