Focus ST Handling Secrets Revealed: How Ford Engineers Made a Front-Driver Drift

[lAresl]

Originally Posted by jatcesar

I love it especially with the recaro interior package but that puts this hatch at 30k ouchh!

That's 5.0 territory right there... The pre-2013 one's at least...

On the other hand, someone needs to put a poll: MS3 or Focus?

[eN_2_Oh]

damn this is good bang for buck. GG ford.

[DC]

I guess I'm the only one who thinks this car is kind of ugly. Subarus are weird-looking as well, but that never stopped anyone from buying them.

[lAresl]

Originally Posted by DC

I guess I'm the only one who thinks this car is kind of ugly. Subarus are weird-looking as well, but that never stopped anyone from buying them.

Maybe you're just not a hatch kinda guy... Front aggressive intake duct reminds me of a car that I just can't think of...

[VQuick]

Originally Posted by lAresl

That's 5.0 territory right there... The pre-2013 one's at least...

On the other hand, someone needs to put a poll: MS3 or Focus?

The Mustang GT can be had for less than $30k, but to get some nice equipment like what the Focus would have(ex: Recaros), you'd likely be paying even more. You pays your money and you takes your choices.

MS3 vs Focus?

MS3 has a power advantage, but the Focus ought to be more refined, since it's on a new generation platform. Might be a toss-up.

[ILOVEMYHATCH]

Pretty Spiffy id say

[profuse007]

Drove a hatchback rental other week and I am impress with the styling of interior and exterior. The interior is like traditional euro or jap design, very low profile. Ford seems to get away from the rugged styling and copying the euro and jap designs for interior and exterior.

Ford has stepped up with their design in the last few years but still behind toyota.

If you guys noticed, Ford and other American car makers aren't competing with each other anymore but only to big players like Toyota and Honda.

[94egg]

good to see Ford in finally bring out some impressive (small) cars........ in the U.S.

[VH_Supra26]

If there's a poster car for the 'One Ford' mantra, it might just be the new 2013 Ford Focus ST. Without Ford's initiative to consolidate global development for same-sized vehicles under single development teams—and models that will work in all major markets—it's likely we'd never have seen a high-performance Focus that's this good, this much fun to drive, and with this high-value, under-$25,000 base price.

What's arriving to dealerships in September is a sophisticated, high-performance hatch that doesn't feel like a Focus with some bolted on go-fast equipment; rather, it's refined for a hot hatch, worth the extra money over a well-equipped standard Focus, and a better performance deal compared to some other rivals.

It’s not all that surprising that the 252-horsepower 2013 Ford Focus ST can dash to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds (conservatively) and reach a top speed of nearly 155 mph. For this much-anticipated model, that’s pretty much exactly the performance package we’ve been primed to expect in this true enthusiast hot hatch.

What is surprising on many levels is the suave execution. This is a vehicle you could drive daily, without annoyance, and without having to budget for a chiropractor. We say this because many of the smaller performance models make some sacrifices in ride and road/engine noise that can be pretty hard to live with daily. As we found in a drive of the Focus ST on a wide range of road types in Southern France this past week, this is one small performance car that you shouldn’t at all be afraid to drive on the commute, or take on the long-distance road trip.

Refined enough for the commute

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is superb, and we confess to wondering whether it was too quiet and refined at first. It features direct injection but is lacking the clattery sounds at idle that usually call it out; once underway, you'll also note that Ford has masked this turbocharged engine's telltale whistle of forced induction, and the rap of a wastegate (it points to very precise metering instead). Match that with the remarkably instant power delivery in the mid-range revs, and it's sometimes easy to forget that you're driving a significantly boosted (16 psi) turbocharged engine.

Those technologies, combined with Ford's Ti-VCT variable cam timing system allow the engine to make 250 pound-feet of torque, with a remarkably flat, wide torque curve that makes it all available from about 2,000 rpm through to 4,500 rpm. And thanks to a special overboost allowance in the ST, it can go into an 'overboost' mode for up to 20 seconds (depending on conditions), making a peak 270 pound feet at 2,500 rpm.

On small French backroads, passing slow-moving Citroen Picassos and overloaded cargo trucks, the wallop of that overboost mode proved addictive for quick passing bursts. Provided you're in second, third, or fourth gear and at 2,000 rpm or higher, a quick foot to the floor is met with an almost instantaneous rush of acceleration. No need to worry about peakiness or a narrow sweet spot here, either; although less frenzied near the top of its rev range than you'd expect, it builds all the way up to its 6,500-rpm redline.

Unlike a number of other models with more expensive twin-scroll turbochargers, the Focus ST only has a single-scroll unit, but you'd probably never know the difference. The only thing we noticed was that while BMW rations out the power delivery of its new turbo four in the 3-Series with a nice, linear pedal calibration, the Focus ST has a pretty aggressive, all-at-once tip-in that takes a little getting used to—and a little finesse.
Row your own—soundtrack provided

Another way that Ford is saving money with the ST is by offering it only with one transmission—a six-speed manual gearbox that's a little notchy, with throws that we thought were a little too long fore-aft but close and tight side-to-side. Drivability is a big plus, though; the ST’s clutch takeup is about as smooth as it gets in a performance model. Ratios span a wide range, with fifth and sixth quite tall (we saw about 2,600 rpm at 70 mph).

The ST gets a stylish central-outlet exhaust that's visible from afar, but you can't hear the ST all that much from the outside. Raspy, boomy engine notes can get very fatiguing for more than a short drive, so Ford opted for an innovative solution: the so-called Sound Symposer. Essentially, Ford designed a resonating chamber (meant to carry over some character from the raspy five-cylinder of the Euro-only last-generation ST) just below the intake flow; when you press the accelerator to a particular level, in a particular rev range, a flap opens, allowing low-frequency sound from the chamber to be piped back within the instrument panel. During more relaxed driving or cruising, it's quiet and refined—and it can pass tight European exhaust-note regulations—while also inspiring during performance driving.

We've found the base-engine versions of the Focus to offer handling that's sharper and more engaging compared to ordinary compacts but nowhere close to performance-car caliber. To give the ST more of an enthusiast feel—and something special, dynamically—Ford has made some serious changes to its suspension and steering. In addition to a stiffer calibration, and a setup that's lowered 10 mm, Ford upgraded the rear suspension knuckles, and moved the (thicker) rear stabilizer mounting points about three inches out on each side—adding more than six inches of width altogether.

The wider rollbar mounting, along with a completely different variable-ratio steering rack, add up to a sort of one-two punch on tight hairpins. Go smoothly into a wider corner with a lot of speed and the ST will understeer predictably—though you can back off with your right foot and neutralize it momentarily. Pitch it harder into a tighter corner—or intentionally go in a little too hot—and all four wheels will drift to a degree, controllably. And on the tightest corners, the wide rollbar setup makes it feel as if, just at the moment more weight is going to transfer to the back, that wide stabilizer bar spots you, keeping you back on course. All the while, the variable-ratio system keeps the ST feeling stable and confident on straight roads and gradual sweepers, yet allowing you to go into tight corners with bite, as well as through series of esses without losing your hand placement on the wheel.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...st-first-drive

[VH_Supra26]

Confident in back, scrambling in front

But of course when exiting corners you do have to be careful; as a high-powered front-wheel-drive car, the ST has front wheels that scramble madly for traction on full-throttle exits. Electronic systems (Cornering Under Steer Control, Torque Vectoring Control, and electronic stability control) all help smooth out the behavior, but you still need to have both hands firmly on the wheel—and plan on holding tight if the road surface is choppy.

The stability system does come in three different modes: normal, Sport, and a full off setting (for track use). But even in normal mode the system was relatively unobtrusive, we found.

A few of the things you might expect to see on a performance-oriented car in 2012 are simply not here; for instance, there’s only one calibration for the steering and throttle. That said, the steering gets a lower assist level with speed, so most should be happy with it. Otherwise, those in the snow belt should pause and consider all-season tire options. At this point, all STs come with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric2 tires, and on the drive we noticed a big difference in grip and progressivity between when they were cold and heated up.
One other thing potential buyers should consider carefully is whether they want the deeply bolstered Recaro sport seats or not. We appreciated their firm comfort and good support (no bracing required in the passenger seat). But they'll prove simply too deep and too narrow for many American-size drivers, so if you can, sit in them. The base ST gets essentially the same seat that's in upper-trim U.S. Focus SE models, so wider drivers should stick to that.

The ST will be available in the U.S. in three different trim levels—essentially ST, ST2, and ST3. The base cars start at a bargain $24,495, while the ST2 model costs $26,880 and adds those Recaros plus automatic climate control. At the top of the line, the ST3 adds heated leather Recaros with pull-out thigh support, along with a special Recaro rear bench seat and bi-xenon headlamps, for a total of $28,930. Colors include the ST-specific Tangerine Scream, plus Sprit Blue, Race Red, black, white, and silver.

Made in Michigan, same as Europe

Ford anticipates that it will sell around 9,000 Focus ST models in the U.S. and about another 9,000 in Europe—with other regions of the world, like China and Russia especially, unaccounted for but part of the plan. And this is no intentionally exclusive or limited-production model; the automaker does plan to build as many as the market wants (all U.S. STs will be built in Wayne, Michigan). We'll get essentially the same version as Europe, but with different audio systems and a few cosmetic/feature changes.

Against other small performance cars, the ST is tough competition for what's already on the market. The Golf R has a somewhat peakier engine and costs more than ten grand extra, though it does come with a more extensive feature set, as well as all-wheel drive and a surprisingly tenacious (and stoic) chassis setup. At the other end, there's the Mazdaspeed3, which next to the Focus ST now looks ragged and less refined (its ride is surely busier)—with an interior that's definitely not up to the same standards. Of course in the same price range you now also have the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ—compelling rear-wheel-drive sports cars, but not nearly as practical.

So for the first time since the SVT Focus of a decade ago, Ford has a serious hot hatch. And if performance for the dollar—in a roomy hatchback—is a priority, the ST is a serious steal.

[rx7ls6]

i like the car im actually thinking of getting one ford is doing good

[1sikdude]

Originally Posted by rx7ls6

i like the car im actually thinking of getting one ford is doing good

I'm looking to pick up a new DD in the next few months. This is going on my list.

[Vanessa]

I had a loaded 2012 red Focus sedan as a rental car a few months back. It was honestly impressive!

[DC]

Originally Posted by lAresl

Maybe you're just not a hatch kinda guy... Front aggressive intake duct reminds me of a car that I just can't think of...

Now that you mention it, this does look better than the MS3 or Subaru WRX hatch.

[SMS]

For those saying "5.0 territory" ummm......not everyone finds a 2door coupe useful. 4doors and a hatch means it can play the fun and serious role.

[Dorian]

can't wait!

[VH_Supra26]

Click to view gallery

Ford has released the official Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings for its 2013 Focus ST. The hottest of Blue Oval hatches will manage 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city and 26 mpg combined from the turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. Ford notes those numbers best both the Volkswagen GTI five-door at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway and the MazdaSpeed3 at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. At 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, the Focus ST also bests the Volkswagen in power, but loses that fight to the Mazda.

Judging by our recent first drive, that doesn't stop the machine from being plenty entertaining, however. With a conservative 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top end of 155 mph, this is about as far from a rental Focus at the Hertz lot as one can get. For comparison's sake, the base, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder Focus is capable of up to 40 mpg highway with a special fuel economy package, but it also delivers 92 fewer horsepower and far fewer thrills. Check out the full press release below.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/2...ghway-ratings/

[VH_Supra26]

2013 Ford Focus ST Achieves Class-Leading 32 MPG Highway

• Highly efficient new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine helps 154-mph Ford Focus ST achieve 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city and 26 mpg combined

• Six-speed manual-only Focus ST bests manual-equipped Volkswagen GTI and MazdaSpeed3 in fuel economy ratings

• 2.0-liter EcoBoost variants now offered on Focus, Fusion, Flex, Explorer, Escape and Taurus


DEARBORN, Mich., July 12, 2012 – The 2013 Ford Focus ST isn't just fast, it's frugal.

The Focus ST's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine is certified at 32 mpg highway – better than its manual-equipped competition in the Volkswagen GTI and MazdaSpeed3.

"We're putting the 'power' in the power of choice, again," said Raj Nair, Ford vice president of Engineering for Global Product Development. "This is just one more example of the 'win-win' in the Focus ST narrative. This kind of performance combined with these high levels of efficiency was unknown of until we made this car."

The choice of power
Compared with the previous-generation Ford Focus, which last made 140 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, Focus ST gives up only 3 mpg on the highway but gains 112 horsepower and 134 lb.-ft. of torque for a total of 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft.

As another comparison, the base Focus 2.0-liter engine now makes 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque, but achieves as much as 40 mpg on the highway – another example of how Ford is delivering world-class fuel economy and performance.

EcoBoost rising
While Focus ST is the first four-cylinder performance EcoBoost engine, fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrains are now a mainstay in Ford's lineup. Ford's annual EcoBoost production will grow to nearly 1.6 million engines globally by 2013.

On the other end of the spectrum from the Focus ST's 2.0-liter EcoBoost is the 1.0-liter EcoBoost – Ford's smallest, quietest engine ever – that arrives in one of the company's U.S. small cars next year. Already on sale in the European Focus, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine was named the 2012 International Engine of the Year last month.

Additional 1.6-, 2.0- and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines are already available on Escape, Explorer, Edge, F-150, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles, and Taurus. EcoBoost offers up to a 15 percent reduction in CO2 versus larger-displacement, non-turbocharged engines.

[lAresl]

Highly efficient new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine helps 154-mph Ford Focus ST achieve 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city and 26 mpg combined.

That's what I'm getting with my 3.7 pony

And the same pony is limited to 115MPH WTF?!?!?

[SMS]

Originally Posted by lAresl

Highly efficient new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine helps 154-mph Ford Focus ST achieve 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city and 26 mpg combined.

That's what I'm getting with my 3.7 pony

And the same pony is limited to 115MPH WTF?!?!?

Check your factory tires speed rating.