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Recaro

Super Steed: Ford Performance Enhanced Mustang GT

December 29, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

Select performance parts take the Mustang GT to greater heights.

Updated December 30, 2017, to clarify the performance pack’s short-throw shifter.

2017 Ford Mustang GT
The 2015-2017 Mustang GT has since been replaced by an updated 2018 model with a fresh look at available 10-speed automatic transmission.

I’ve driven nearly every Ford Performance enhanced product, with the exotic Ford GT supercar the lone exception. The overarching task of Ford’s performance division is to take ordinary or already sporty models and convert them into something extraordinary.

Models like the Ford F-150 Raptor, Focus RS, Shelby GT 350/350R, Fiesta ST and Focus ST. Yet, the division’s influence extends far beyond these models to include Ford-authorized aftermarket parts, wheels, performance packs, superchargers and crate engines for tuners and weekend warriors.

In other words, Ford Performance has something for everyone.

Mustang GT Performance Pack

One such beneficiary of Ford Performance’s prowess is the Mustang GT. Shoppers may opt for the GT Performance Pack ($2,995), available with manual gearbox models only.

The package extensively modifies the GT, making such changes as adding 19-inch Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum Wheels set within summer-only tires, Brembo six-piston brake calipers with larger rotors, heavy-duty front springs, a k-brace (for stabilizing the front suspension while cornering), strut-tower brace, unique chassis tuning, a larger rear sway bar, spoiler delete and a TORSEN differential with a 3.73 axle ratio. Inside, you’ll find a gauge pack, adding oil pressure and vacuum dials, as well as an aluminum-trimmed instrument panel.

You’ll also find a nifty “tool” known as a short throw “no lift shift” transmission shifter. When operating under full throttle, this feature allows you to keep the gas pedal on the floor while shifting gears. At launch, rev the engine, drop the clutch, and hammer the throttle.

2017 Ford Mustang GT
Yes, those are summer tires on this Mustang GT. You’ll want to invest in a set of all-season or winter tires when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

See Also — Book Review: Mustang by Design


2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium

A 2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium equipped with the GT Performance Pack, Shaker Audio System Package ($1,795), Recaro Leather Trim Sport front seats ($1,595) and a reverse sensing system ($295) was my end-of-calendar-year visitor, carrying a retail price of ($44,775). Although the refreshed 2018 model was on the market for a few months, I jumped at the chance to drive the 2017 Mustang GT.

And who wouldn’t? Securing performance versions of Ford products take time — even as the calendar year comes to an end, interest in such models remains.

Incidentally, if you do happen to consider the 2018 model, this same performance package retails for $3,995. Further, it is now available with models equipped with the Mustang’s new 10-speed automatic transmission and adds a pair of items to justify its $1,000 premium: a larger radiator and a performance rear wing.

Performance-Enhanced Powertrain

Ford Performance tweaks to the Mustang GT also yield power and handling benefits, especially when additional performance parts are part of the equation, including a cat-back exhaust system ($1,549), cold air intake and calibration power pack ($949) and a track handling package ($1,520), to name a few.

When properly equipped, overall power increases from an already robust 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque to 451 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, you control that excitement by means of a smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox.

2017 Ford Mustang GT
The available Recaro seats provide ample lateral and hip support. They were also more comfortable than the Recaros in the Shelby GT350. As for rear space, it is cramped.
2017 Ford Mustang GT
Seating is comfortable for two. Four can fit in a pinch.

On the Road

I received sufficient warning about the “slippery” rear tires when handed the keys to the GT, but it took a few turns around town and on the open road to gauge exactly what I was dealing with.

Tires, of course, play a big role in handling. Up front, the Mustang GT has 255/40R19 tires; at the rear, you’ll find 275/40R tires. They’re summer tires too, and that means when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit they begin to lose traction.

Ideally, summer tires are best for when ambient temperatures are warm or hot. That’s the ideal, although not always what’s practiced. Indeed, the tread rubber compound includes flexible plastic. When temperatures drop, the plastic becomes inflexible, increasing the likelihood of the compound breaking.

Fortunately, December temperatures in central North Carolina were still relatively warm with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s common. To avoid drama, I chose the warm days for the bulk of my driving. On the remaining days, I didn’t venture out until the afternoon when cold wasn’t a consideration.

2017 Ford Mustang GT
The driver-focused cockpit is simple, yet sporty and even elegant.
2017 Ford Mustang GT
The GT Performance Package adds a pair of gauges for oil pressure and vacuum.

Ka-boom! That’s precisely what I (and my neighbors) heard whenever I started the Mustang GT. However, unlike the Shelby GT 350, there isn’t a switch available to quiet that note. Not that you want to tone things down, but depending on where you park your ride, your neighbors may complain.

This hot steed shifts cleanly with smooth clutch uptake. But the lack of grip from the rear tires means shifting into lower gears may result in tire spin or slippage, even with traction control engaged. More than once I found myself holding off shifting between first and second gear to avoid grip loss from the Pirelli P Zero tires.

Everything else about the Mustang GT is solid, from the comfortable Recaro seats to the weighty steering. As much as possible, I kept the steed in sport mode, enjoying the solid feel of the steering wheel and the precision handling of every turn. For enthusiasts, a 4.3-second 0-to-60 mph time should be within range. Even better times are in store for the 2018s.

You’ll realize this Mustang’s sweet spot at high speeds, particularly as the coupe knuckles down when pressing hard on the pedal. Find your place in fourth or fifth gear and the V8 percolates, sending beautiful booms through the exhaust outlets as you ease up on the pedal. Sixth gear may seem like an afterthought…something to consider when maintaining an even highway speed with cruise control on.

Another attribute of the Mustang is its big brakes. Slam them and you’ll come to a quick stop with zero brake fade noted. The cooler temperatures may have helped somewhat in mitigating heat build up for the week I had it, otherwise, I was very impressed by this steed’s poise from start to finish.

2017 Ford Mustang GT
Ford Performance is “all over” this GT’s engine bay. This model is enhanced by several parts including strut tower brace and a cold air intake.

Parting Thoughts

The Mustang GT gives enthusiasts most of what they need in a powerful muscle car for under $40,000. That said, you’ll probably want to add at least the Performance Package and the Cold Air Intake and Calibration Package to achieve maximum power and control.

Most models will cost somewhere around $45,000, with $50,000 the likely range if you insist on the enhanced audio system and a few other Ford Performance goodies.

All in all, the 2017 Mustang GT hits all the high notes in the segment. Certainly, if performance is your be all and end all, opting for the 2018 model provides a fresh look with improved performance — a winning combo you won’t want to easily dismiss.

2017 Ford Mustang GT
Bright sunlight lightens the patina of the “Grabber Blue” model.
2017 Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang’s aggressive front fascia is amplified by the triple LED lights.
2017 Ford Mustang GT
A special Ford Performance knob graces the gearbox shifter. This short-throw shifter makes it easy to dump the clutch at full throttle.

2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback

  • Sticker price from $37,195
  • Price as tested: $44,775
  • Seats four
  • Engine: 5.0-liter V8 gas
  • 2017 Ford Mustang GT.
    Twin hood scoops dress the 2017 Ford Mustang GT.
  • 435 hp @ 6,500 RPM
  • 400 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,250 RPM
  • 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
  • Length: 188.3 inches
  • Width: 75.4 inches
  • Height: 54.3 inches
  • Passenger volume: 82.8 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 13.5 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 14/23 mpg city/highway
  • Premium gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,733 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Incomplete
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Flat Rock, Michigan

  • 2017 Ford Mustang GT
    The familiar sequential tail lamps dominate the Mustang’s rear fascia.

    See Also — Charmed, Then Snakebitten by a Shelby GT350

    Photos copyright Auto Trends  Magazine. All rights reserved.

    Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 cars, FORD MUSTANG, FORD PERFORMANCE, MODIFICATIONS, rear-wheel drive, Recaro, six-speed manual, sport exhaust, SPORTS CAR, V8 engine

    Charmed, Then Snakebitten by a Shelby GT350

    October 27, 2017 by admin 6 Comments

    Flat-plane crank V8 engine and all that.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    A Ford Mustang by another name: Shelby GT350.

    When is a Ford Mustang not a Mustang? Answer: when it is a Shelby GT350 (or GT350R).

    Well, the Shelby is a Mustang, a special version bearing the name of the late Carroll Shelby, a racing driver and automotive designer of renown. Shelby’s name adorned some of the earliest Mustangs, returning in 2006 to do likewise for modern variants. The current iteration indicates neither Ford nor Shelby on the exterior. Instead, you’ll find the recognizable cobra insignia.

    Yes, the Shelby line sits on the top of the Mustang pecking order, just above the GT. If you follow the Shelby line closely, then you’re aware that platform updates follow Mustang architecture revisions, but engineering changes may happen at any time. This means when the current and sixth-generation Mustang rolled out for the 2015 model year, new Shelby models followed.

    2017 Shelby GT350.
    Few mainstream models come with flat-plane crank. This Shelby does.

    Voodoo You: Flat-Plane Crank

    But the Shelby changes happen much faster and typically last only for a few years before an updated model rolls out. For example, beginning in 2016, Shelby replaced the enhanced version of Ford’s 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 with a new engine displacing at 5.2 liters. Ford assigned a “Voodoo” appellation to the engine, perhaps to underscore its “magical” properties.

    2017 Ford GT350
    Shelby models replace the steed insignia with a cobra.

    What’s special about this engine, which is also exclusive to Shelby, is that it offers a flat-plane crank. This means the V8 acts more like a pair of four-cylinder engines pushed together, delivering a sequential right-to-left firing order common to racing cars as well as to some exotics. There is a two-fold benefit here: the engine is louder than the typical cross-plane crankshaft and it revs higher — in this case to a whopping 8,250 RPM in the Shelby.

    A trained eye can spot the differences immediately — the crank pins in cross-plane crankshafts are set 90 degrees to each other, while in flat-plane engines the positioning is 180 degrees. Got it? It took me a while to understand the difference.

    No matter, the GT350 is a beast you’ll want to ride. The burly V8 cranks out 526 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 429 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 RPM. It comes exclusively with a TREMEC 6-speed manual gearbox that shifts like butter — short, quick throws benefit your hand and foot action, although you can easily stay in second gear to reach the coveted 60 mph limit to gauge your times. A 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds is possible, with perhaps a slightly better time realized in the GT350R as it comes in 130 pounds lighter thanks to such deleted items as the back seat, air conditioning, carpeting along with employing other weight-saving measures.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    The Shelby serves up a simple, sporty interior.

    The Best Handling Mustang Ever

    Besides the flat-plane crank, the current Shelby offers an important departure from previous models. Where the earlier ones excelled in all things straight-line performance, this one adds excellent handling. Yes, a muscle car with speed and the adroit handling common to Europe’s finest cars is what this latest Shelby is all about. You can thank the Ford Performance engineers for imbuing this coupe with a magnetic suspension, a cross-drilled brake system and ultra-sticky/ultra-wide Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (surrounding 19-inch painted aluminum wheels) with improving same.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    Brembos and cross-drilled brakes.

    Slip behind the wheel and you may notice one thing immediately — the Recaro seats are very firm and strikingly bolstered. If you’re of a certain age, the front seats can quickly become tiresome if you’re not careful. This means spending some extra time adjusting the seat for the right position and height relative to the steering column. The last thing you want is for your Shelby driving experience negated by Recaro sport seats.

    The Shelby’s red ignition button is on a panel at the bottom of the center console. It is immediately followed from left to right with switches for the emergency lights, to deactivate stability control, LC for launch control, and an exhaust note mode — sport or normal.

    Buckle in, adjust your mirrors, hold down the clutch and fire up the engine. Immediately, you’ll hear a cacophonous bellow as the engine and exhaust unite to put forth the loveliest note. Drink it all in for a few moments before shifting into gear — if it is early in the morning, your neighbors may also take note and may not be a fan of this raucous outburst.

    Begin moving forward and you’ll immediately notice the clean clutch uptake and smooth gear shifts. Modern manual transmission assemblies vary in usability — the Shelby’s is one of the best ones out there.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    At the bottom of the center console are four switches of note.

    Attracting the Competition, Steering Clear of Law Enforcement

    To understand what the Shelby is all about, you need to take it to a back road, free from traffic and devoid of police interceptors. En route, the Shelby announces its presence and quickly draws the attention of other drivers. Soon, Camaro, M Series, Corvette and SRT faithful will check you out— some may toot and give you a thumb’s up, while others will roar their engines or challenge you to a race. You know how best to respond!

    2017 Shelby GT350
    Smooth as butter: TREMEC 6-speed gearbox.

    My favorite set of twisty roads are about 20 miles from my house. It provides a straight shot for about a mile, followed by another mile of curve upon curve. Then it’s a straight shot for several more miles with the occasional bend before I turn left and begin a wonderful curving dip that takes me across a bridge before suddenly rising again. Many turns later I come to my prized location where 90-degree turns come in pairs — this is where I’m best able to gauge how a car handles.

    Grip the steering wheel and take note of the sheer “weightiness.” As you turn, you’ll feel much resistance, which also supplies assurance that the steering is deliciously engaging and feedback spot on. Harder and sharper turns come by way of a cross-axis ball-joint connection for the front control arms, offering a vast improvement over the usual bushing-supported arrangement.

    No, you don’t need to use launch control unless you’re obsessed with achieving and tracking your times. Otherwise, simply rev the engine and release the clutch when you’re ready to go. You’ll quickly shift into second gear and before you make your next upshift, you’ll have already passed 60 mph.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    Gauges and an available navigation interface.

    Shelby GT350: Conquering the Curves

    I waited until my second set of twisty expanse to gauge just how well the Shelby hangs in the curves. The “fat boy” tires are a big help as they grip the road with no signs of loosening. That the Shelby sits even lower to the road than other Mustangs helps too. When you enter 90-degree turns, you’ll notice how poised it is with no downshifting or braking required. It is as if the Shelby is eager to plunge into the curves and does so with abandon.

    Hard braking is another sign of just how refined the Shelby is. The brakes clamp down on the road with the nose remaining centered. Push hard on the gas pedal again and the GT350 quickly rebounds and stays stable when cornering.

    Make a point to lower the windows when driving to take in the full chorus of hums, toots, bellows and attendant sports car noises. Although the Shelby’s cabin isn’t especially quiet, the dropped windows ensure you miss nothing. No, you can’t get a convertible with the Shelby.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    The Recaros ensure you stay in place when buckled in.

    Parting Thoughts

    My test model was a 2017 Shelby GT350 with a base price of $54,295 plus a $950 destination charge. You’ll also pay a $1,300 gas guzzler tax. Upgrades included a ruby red metallic paint scheme ($395) and an over-the-top (roof) racing stripe ($475). A $3,000 Electronics Package added dual-zone climate control, voice-activated navigation, a CD player with satellite radio along with white striping with black accents. The final price was $60,365. These models return for 2018.

    The Shelby costs about $18,000 more than the GT Premium Fastback, the next powerful Mustang. That said, if you want some of the appearance and performance attributes of the Shelby, the gap narrows to less than $15,000. Suffice to say, by choosing today’s GT350 you’re investing in a Mustang unlike any other and better than any Shelby that has gone before it, thanks to flat-plane crank and excellent handling.

    2017 Shelby GT350
    Quad tips exhaust outlets and a raucous exhaust note. Oh, yeah!

    2017 Shelby GT350

    • Sticker price from $54,295
    • Price as tested: $60,365
    • Seats four
    • Engine: 5.2-liter V8 gas
    • 526 horsepower @ 7,500 RPM
    • 429 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,750 RPM
    • 6-speed TREMEC manual transmission
    • Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
    • Length: 188.9 inches
    • Width: 75.9 inches
    • Height: 54.2 inches
    • Passenger volume: 84.5 cubic feet
    • Storage volume: 13.5 cubic feet
    • Towing capacity: NR
    • EPA: 14/21 mpg city/highway ($1,000 gas guzzler tax)
    • Premium gasoline
    • Fuel tank: 16 gallons
    • Curb weight: From 3,760 pounds
    • IIHS safety rating: Incomplete
    • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
    • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
    • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
    • Vehicle assembly: Flat Rock, Michigan

    2017 Shelby GT350

    2017 Shelby GT350


    See Also — Top Down Steed: Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible

    Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

    Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 cars, 6-SPEED GEARBOX, Carroll Shelby, FORD MUSTANG, FORD PERFORMANCE, rear-wheel drive, Recaro, Shaker, Shelby GT350, SPORTS CAR, TREMEC, V8 engine

    10 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Car Enthusiast

    May 29, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

    If your dad is a car guy, Father’s Day gift ideas should align with what he drives, collects or admires. No tie, cuff links or button-down shirts for your father on his special day, but something appropriately drawn from our list of 10 gift ideas for the car enthusiast.

    Recaro Office Chair1. Seat him like a king — Dad likes his Recaro bucket seats so much he’d sit in them all day if he could. Now you can purchase Recaro-designed office chairs offering the support and bolstering that have made this brand famous the world over.

    2. Never lack a charge again — If your father owns a classic car, he doesn’t enjoy such modern conveniences as a USB port. And since we’re tethered to our smartphones, the logical way to resolve this problem is giving him an electronic device car charger. Simply connect the charger to the car’s 12-volt outlet and he’ll have access to up to five USB ports.

    Aduro Powerup
    Electronic Device Charger 5 Port USB Car Charger by Aduro

    Curves Scotland3. Throw him some Curves — Does Dad like to read? If he is a fan of Road & Track or Car and Driver, he’ll love Curves — a series of book-like magazines exploring some of the best driving roads in the world (we reviewed the Scotland edition here. Featured are such places as Scotland, the Pyrenees, California and Austria in cars such as the Porsche Panamera, which took the magazine staff to unusual stops along the way. Dozens of beautiful photos included.

    Ford Mustang Car Cover4. Cover it with love — Your father’s classic Ford Mustang is his pride and joy, but if he doesn’t keep it in the garage, then exposure to the sun, rain, and bird droppings can mar the paint. Give Dad a fitted car cover, one designed with his specific make/model in mind.

    5. Send him to racing school — Look for a racing school where students can drive a Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren or other exotic. Dad will receive instruction from a professional, then enjoy lap time behind the wheel of a dream car. Take note of the grin on his face as he completes his training! Check out the Skip Barber Racing School or the Bondurant Racing School for mainstream models, including Corvette and Dodge Challenger SRT.

    2015 Chevrolet Corvette
    Can you see Dad behind the wheel of a Corvette at racing school?

    fm transmitter6. Listen with Bluetooth — Provide your father with Bluetooth connectivity by means of an FM wireless transmitter. This simple device connects to a 12-volt outlet and enables hands-free calling and audio streaming for distraction-free driving. What an ideal present for the owner of a pre-modern-technology model.

    Mike's Garage7. Personalize his space — Dad’s garage is his space, but is it labeled as such? That’s where a personalized garage sign or plaque can put the imprint on his work area. Include his name and an outline of his favorite ride for an altogether pleasing look. We’re partial to this dual-sided personalized garage hanging wall plaque offered by HomeWetBar.com.

    8. Dress his feet — You might not think of buying your Dad footwear, but if he owns a stick-shift car, then purchase him a pair of driving shoes. Such shoes are specifically designed for heel-and-toe downshifting — what makes manual gearboxes so special. Piloti has made a name for itself by developing footwear outfitted with spherical heels, supplying extra comfort and protection of the heel bone as you drive.

    Piloti Driving Shoes
    Driving shoes from Piloti for heel-and-toe driving.

    Armor All Wipes9. Wipe away cares — Your father is out there on many Saturday mornings washing and cleaning out his car, giving it the sparkle he craves. In between those times, why not supply him with Armor All wipes — cleaning, glass, protectant, and leather? They’re the perfect complement to spray cleaners and ideal for those in-between cleaning times.

    Sunex Tools Ramps10. Give Dad a lift — Unless your father actually owns a lift, he may use various jack stands and floor jacks to lift his car. Maybe it is time to invest in a high-quality and durable ramp, one with a 20-ton capacity. We’re partial to the Sunex Tools aid truck ramps, what supplies a wide drive surface and perforated holes for traction. Check out the nifty telescopic t-handle extenders for ease of maneuverability.

    Happy Father’s Day!

    Make this Father’s Day one Dad will never forget. Of course, it isn’t the gift that matters most — the gift of your presence is the best present you can give him. That said, our 10 gift ideas are the icing on the “presence” cake, with each one likely to be gladly received.


    Disclaimers — Gift ideas are not endorsements, except for the author’s review of the Curves book. All photos, with the exception of the 2015 Corvette, are copyright the respective manufacturer.

    See Also — Product Review: Cyntur JumperPack Mini

    Filed Under: Special Tagged With: Armor All, Bluetooth, car cover, Curves Magazin, Dad, driving shoes, Father's Day, Piloti, plaque, racing school, Recaro, sign, Sunex Tools, USB ports

    Is the Ford Focus RS the Best Small Car in the World?

    December 23, 2016 by admin 15 Comments

    One week of Ford Focus RS awesomeness!

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    The Ford Focus RS may be the best small car in the world. Yes, I said it. But the “best” definition can be a tricky one to use as there are multiple categories to consider, i.e., quality, reliability, efficiency, and performance, among others.

    For the sake of this argument, we’ll look at what matters most to hardcore small car enthusiasts and that would be performance. This is where the Focus RS outperforms the Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX STI, small all-wheel drive models with turbocharged engines.

    I’ve driven all three, was impressed with each one, but after my week with the Focus RS I can say that the segment has a new leader. No, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO) doesn’t warrant a mention here as this model was last built in 2015 (you can still buy a “new” one if you want). That said, the 303-hp EVO would probably come closest to knocking off the RS in the all-important 0-60 mph time. But, when it comes to drifting, the RS is the undisputed winner.

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    My test 2016 Ford Focus RS arrived in mid-December and several weeks after the 2017s rolled out. Procuring a performance model from Ford can take a lot of work — it took me the better part of the year to get the Mustang GT and I don’t suppose I’ll see the Ford Raptor until late next year. Getting a 2016 RS was no big deal as this all-new model arrived stateside just this past spring.

    The Focus RS follows a long line of performance models built by Ford Europe, but now marketed under the broader Ford Performance umbrella. Until the current-generation Focus was released in 2011, our hopes here in North America for ever seeing a model like this one were thwarted as the small cars Ford sold in Europe were not the same as the ones offered in North America.

    Fortunately, that all began to change in 2008 when the company’s “One Ford” initiative was launched, ensuring that we had a fighting chance of seeing something like the RS (while Europe finally got the Mustang).

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    Making a Case for the Focus RS

    So, what’s the big deal about the Focus RS? Quite frankly, it represents everything enthusiasts wanted Ford to bring to the market for a number of years.

    Yes, the Focus ST is a desirable model in its own right and with its personal list of praiseworthy competitors, including the Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, and the Subaru WRX (not STI), but it never was intended as the signature model. The ST has done its job and went one step further: it built a case for a high-performance model.

    We knew the Focus RS in its current form was eventually going to happen because Ford has had small car performance on the docket since the Escort RS1600 was introduced in 1970.

    It wasn’t until 2002 that a Focus RS model rolled out (Mk1) followed by the Mk2 seven years later. Although both powerful models in their own right, the front-wheel drive layouts were simply not enough. A turbocharged four cylinder paired with a six-speed manual gearbox were a given — but how would Ford add all-wheel drive?

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    Internal AWD, Not Haldex

    In developing the Focus RS, Ford could just as easily turned to Haldex to supply all-wheel drive. But, the automaker has relied on its own AWD system for years, starting with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans, followed by the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers. Ten years of internal building and the expanded application of the same has paid off. Besides, why import parts from overseas when it is cheaper to build domestically? That’s a plan President-elect Trump would like.

    For the Focus RS, the Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system utilizes a pair of clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit. Tasked with managing the hatchback’s front to rear torque split, the system also distributes torque from side-to-side on the rear axle. This so-called “torque vectoring” capability enhances handling and cornering stability, important attributes for a performance car.

    The AWD system sends up to 70 percent of torque to the rear axle with up to 100 percent of that available torque sent to either wheel. Steering angle inputs send messages to the system to distribute maximum torque to the outside wheel. Understeer is nearly imperceptible and superior lateral acceleration is possible — what combine to imbue much driver confidence on the track and when operating in drift mode.

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    Exterior and Interior Highlights

    In designing the Focus RS, Ford Performance could have substituted body panels and other parts with carbon fiber and with an eye toward lightweighting, but they did not. Instead, much of the exterior is the same, but with important front and rear fascia changes among the modifications made.

    Up front, you’ll find a larger grille opening along with a pair of air vents covered in motorsport-style mesh. The lighting system is top notch with Ford going with Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering lights, signature LED lights, and fog lamps.

    In the rear, the big difference there is the spoiler — a wing-like appendage with RS debossing is present. It is the biggest honking spoiler we’ve seen yet on a Focus besides various aftermarket offerings.

    Along the sides, you’ll find special skirting along with sporty 19-inch RS alloys wheels wrapped in Michelin Sport summer tires. Light blue Brembo brake caliper covers offer pop and distinction.

    Inside, the Focus RS offers leather seats — firmly bolstered Recaro bucket seats are up front and a 60-40 split-folding bench seat is in the second row. Who wants to bet the seat will see little action except for those times when you plan to use drift mode with your friends begging to ride along? Well, skip the added weight — simply fold the seat down to expand the 19.9 cubic feet of standard storage space.

    Other important features found inside include unique vehicle instrumentation, containing a three-display information center on top of the dashboard — readouts for turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature, and oil pressure. You’ll find SYNC 3 telematics, USB connections and what matters most — a six-speed manual shifter.

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    Under the Hood

    350-350. These two numbers are everything to the Focus RS. Specifically, this scorching hot hatch is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, easily beating anything else in the segment.

    Paired only with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Focus RS places the emphasis on performance above everything else — you can’t find an automatic transmission — regular or dual-clutch — anywhere. Just the manual gearbox. And that’s fine for devotees.

    If the aluminum head and block engine sound familiar to you, it should: the Ford Mustang uses it, but in the Focus RS it sits transversely, has a more powerful turbocharger, and benefits from special tuning. Direct injection and an integrated exhaust manifold are present too, enabling this compact performance car to chew up and spit out pavement. Yes, that’s an exaggeration, but the Focus RS is designed to amaze and does so at all times.

    On the Road

    You can operate the Focus RS in tame mode and that would be the default normal setting as you cruise around your neighborhood. But once you pull away from populated areas, the RS begs to be unleashed.

    2016 Ford Focus RSHere, you’ll move quickly out of sport mode if you aren’t there already. Take note of the changes in steering response, the all-wheel-drive setup, exhaust note, and the engine tuning. I stayed in this mode nearly the entire time — why be normal?

    Track mode makes for an interesting proposition as stability control is shut off and the dampers seem to vanish. This means if you drive the Focus RS on anything other than the track, be prepared for a kidney-jostling experience. Bumpety-bump you shall go and the feeling is an odd one. At the same time, the all-around firmest settings are ideal for the track.

    Drift mode is an outlier here as no other production car offers one. Here, the dampers and steering return to the normal settings, while everything else stays in sport mode. The all-wheel-drive system shifts to “drift” mode and this is where the tail of your blistering hot hatch is destined to pull out. How Ford managed to include this mode without risking the ire of insurers and regulators alike is a mystery. It is a nod to what ardent enthusiasts are doing anyway, so why not help them by making AWD cooperate?

    My first jaunt with the Focus RS had me scratching my head. Notably, while operating in Sport mode, I discovered the front outside wheel would pull out on twisty roads, seeming to move the car to the centerline. But it didn’t take me long to realize that the amount of torque sent and the rate that it is sent changes not just between modes, but hundreds of times per second. What seemed as an oddity at first became apparent for what it really was — torque vectoring. Depending on the road you take, the angle of the car and the rise and fall of that same road, the sensation I experienced may reveal itself to you. After that, I got used to how the RS’ AWD system works and confidently drove for the next week enjoying its full capabilities.

    Ford claims a 4.6-second 0-60 mph time and I’m not about to dispute that. Activate launch mode and wait for the upshift light to appear and you’re on your way. Sub-5 second times are not difficult to achieve without launch mode — you just need to make quick work of the clutch and shifter to get there — in my experience, you’ll barely hit third gear as you cross 60 mph.

    2016 Ford Focus RS

    Parting Thoughts

    The Ford Focus RS checks off all the marks for a high-performance compact hatchback. The Recaro seats will keep you planted even as you drift. Clutch uptake and gear shifting are as smooth as they come, making for an altogether thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.

    As for plunking down $40K to buy one, there won’t be too many takers. There just never is.

    Notably, some shoppers may become nervous as they realize they’ll need to invest in track tires, perhaps even a set of winter tires if they live in snow country. At this point, your price has pushed well into the $40s where well-equipped Mustang GTs roam. Your dilemma here is whether to go with the blue oval’s performance leader or choose the niche model. That decision won’t be an easy one for some because the RS’ all-wheel-drive system and drift capabilities may simply be too difficult to resist.

    See Also — Premium Sports Sedan: 2016 Buick Regal GS

    Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 cars, all-wheel drive, Brembo, Focus RS, Ford Focus RS, FORD FOCUS ST, FORD MUSTANG, leather, Recaro, torque vectoring control

    Hot Hatch: Ford Fiesta ST

    December 17, 2014 by admin 10 Comments

    Ford’s smallest pocket rocket excites.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    The 2015 Ford Mustang has been promised to me, an upcoming press fleet vehicle that I’ve been anticipating for a long, long time. As I’ve been patiently waiting, an assortment of Lincoln and Ford vehicles have kept me busy, including one hot five-door hatchback that caught my attention and delivered a week’s worth of driving fun in its very small package.

    None other than a Molten Orange Ford Fiesta ST showed up, a color that perfectly matches this vehicle’s lively personality. Just as a tiny cayenne pepper has an oversized bite, the Fiesta ST kicks out a lot of power thanks to its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Indeed, 197 horsepower may not sound like a lot in these days of 300 to 700 plus horsepower, but when it powers a vehicle weighing just 2,742 pounds, then you have to take notice.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    Fiesta ST Design

    There are a number of changes that Ford made to produce an ST model for the Fiesta. Up front, the Fiesta prominently displays a one-piece, hexagonal-mesh grille with a bright red ST badge. You will also find a front chin spoiler with a deep central splitter, black headlamp bezels, a full ST body kit and a high mount spoiler. It also has a rear diffuser and twinned bright tip exhaust outlets. This model serves notice that it is ready to perform — more about that later.

    Inside, Ford took the standard cockpit and dressed it with multiple ST embellishments. All three analog gauges have red needles; the steering wheel is wrapped in leather and has an ST badge at its base. The gear shift knob is also wrapped in leather and has a satin chrome accent — you may have already guessed that the gear map is Molten Orange. Aluminum racing-inspired pedals — accelerator, clutch and brake — are also present. Most notably, the Ford Fiesta ST has Recaro bucket seats up front and a split folding Recaro bench seat to the rear.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    Sports Technologies Pricing

    My test model, priced from $21,400 had several upgrades to bring its final price to $25,995. The Molten Orange metallic tricoat paint is a $595 upgrade, certainly worthwhile if you want to bring unmistakeable attention to this pocket rocket. A $1,995 Recaro package upgraded the leathering and added heat elements for both bucket seats. Navigation added $795 and 17-inch premium painted wheels came in at $375.

    What makes the Fiesta an ST? For that matter, what does “ST” represent? Well, ST stands for Sports Technologies, a special performance level that is also applied to the Focus ST. Just this month Ford announced the creation of Ford Performance, a global initiative that unites Ford Racing, Team RS and Ford SVT under one umbrella. The new division will produce at least 12 new and updated models through 2020 — you can bet that the Fiesta ST will be one of them.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    Both ST models come equipped with high-output variants of Ford’s EcoBoost engines. EcoBoost is a Ford phrase for turbocharged engines with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. The company’s Bridgend, United Kingdom, plant builds these engines and also assembles both ST models. Thus, while all other US- and Canadian-sold Fiestas come from Mexico, Britain supplies us with the STs.

    Beyond the engines, these cars are outfitted with six-speed manual transmissions. They’re of the short-throw variety and should give anyone who isn’t familiar with a stick the confidence to drive one. ST models also come with enhanced European-inspired suspension and driving dynamics, three drive modes — standard, sport and OFF — and Bridgestone Potenza summer tires.

    On the road, the Fiesta ST lives up to the hype. I might even say that it exceeds it.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    EcoBoost and a Manual Gearbox

    In my book, the Fiesta ST has the two essential attributes a small performance car must have — a turbocharged engine and a manual transmission. To begin, the engine bangs out 197 horsepower and 202 foot-pounds of twist. Those numbers blow away the 120 horsepower and 112 foot-pounds of torque with the normally aspirated engine. Credit EcoBoost technology — turbocharged direct injection — with giving the ST’s engine the extra bite.

    Ford didn’t stop there and for that you’ll be immensely grateful. The front-wheel drive Fiesta ST benefits from torque vectoring control, technology that utilizes the hatchback’s braking system to adjust the speed between the two front wheels. The result is improved handling while cornering and a reduction in understeer, the latter the bane of front-wheel drive cars with high performance engines.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    Let’s Drive!

    I understood the full impact of this system while taking the Fiesta ST on my favorite drives — the twisty roads where I’ve given the likes of the Corvette Stingray, Dodge Challenger, BMW 4 Series, Porsche Cayman S and other models a work out. Rear-wheel drive all, each one handled the many twists and turns with ease. I’ve taken a number of all-wheel drive vehicles on the same loop, but very few front-wheel drive models. Unless they’re properly equipped.

    Wisely, the Fiesta ST utilizes short-throw shifting, making gear shifts virtually a non-event. This was important to me on several road expanses where shifting is frequent and I simply wanted to concentrate on the steering.

    Get ready for an unmistakeable, but slight side-to-side shift front body feeling as you take a curve and plunge into every twist of the road. You can feel torque vectoring control at work — it kicks in just before you think the Fiesta ST is going to move out of position. The feedback is pronounced and I anticipated the same, giving me the confidence to match my usual back road antics. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t have dared half the maneuvers I tried with an ordinary front-wheel drive model. Handling certainly is different from traditional rear-wheel drive sports models, but it still provides an enjoyable experience.


    2015 Ford Fiesta ST

    View manufacturer details and pricing


    Ford Europe made a number of upgrades and enhancements to the ST’s suspension system that improves its handling. Up front, the suspension received changes to the springs, dampers, stabilizer bar, knuckle and a tweaking of suspension geometry. The Ford SVT team also adjusted the roll center position for added roll stiffness, the camber for stiffness and they shortened the steering arm length.

    Braking improvements over the base model has four-wheel disc brakes all around. Larger brakes were placed up front with pad thickness bumped up by about 60 percent.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    To the rear, new springs and dampers are also present along with thicker twist beam gauge material, what Ford says comes in nearly 75 percent stiffer than the base model. The US spec model weighs about 130 pounds more than the European version, with thicker bumpers and a full size spare present. Even so, Ford engineers worked diligently to ensure that the two versions handle nearly the same.

    Step on the accelerator and make quick work of the gear shifter and this model maintains its composure on the straightaway. Turbo lag is minimal and when you’re putting down for full throttle effect, overboost kicks in and you should nail 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. It seems faster than that and it is certainly faster than most anything else in the segment.

    Ford equips the Fiesta ST with Bridgestone Potenza rubber — summer-only tires that felt heavy on one 24-degree morning, but were absolutely fine as temperatures warmed to 50 degrees and my serious driving commenced mid-afternoon in central North Carolina. Credit the tires and the model’s lightweight frame with contributing to the Fiesta ST’s excellent braking characteristics.

    Ford Fiesta ST

    Ford Fiesta ST Considerations

    So, why would anyone want a Fiesta ST? Likely, you’re already fond of compact cars and you aren’t particularly put off by something even smaller. In the subcompact class there are other performance models, including the Mini Cooper S and the Fiat 500 Abarth. The former choice is $10,000 pricier than the Fiesta ST and will likely cost you more to maintain in the long run. The latter has some serious kick, but it is simply smaller than the rest. And of course there is the Volkswagen GTI, the most popular small performance model. Like the Mini, the GTI makes for a pricey proposition.

    Now that Ford has consolidated its performance models under the Ford Performance banner, we’re likely to see a host of new products that will appeal to people who want something other than the iconic Mustang. The Fiesta and Focus may have what you want and at price points that simply must be considered.

    Ford Fiesta ST


    2014 Ford Fiesta ST

    • Sticker price from $21,400
    • Price as tested: from $25,955
    • Seats 5 occupants
    • 1.6-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
    • 197 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
    • 202 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,200 rpm
    • 3.11 inches bore by 3.20 inches stroke
    • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
    • 6-speed manual transmission
    • Wheelbase: 98 inches
    • Length: 160.1 inches
    • Width: 67.8 inches
    • Height: 57.2 inches
    • Passenger volume: 85.1 cubic feet
    • Storage volume: 10.1 cubic feet
    • Towing capacity: Not recommended
    • EPA: 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway
    • Regular grade gasoline; premium recommended
    • Fuel tank: 12.4 gallons
    • Curb weight: From 2,742 pounds
    • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick (2013)
    • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
    • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
    • Corrosion warranty: 5 years, unlimited miles
    • Vehicle assembly: Bridgend, UK

    2014 Ford Fiesta ST photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

    Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2014 CARS, EcoBoost, FORD FIESTA ST, FORD PERFORMANCE, front-wheel drive, hatchback, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, Recaro, SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION, SPORTS TECHNOLOGIES, torque vectoring control

    Swan Song: 2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series

    May 14, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

    Chiseled sport luxury coupe gets a proper send off.

    2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series.

    End of a production run:
    2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series.


    Say good-bye to the Cadillac CTS coupe. Or at least its current iteration.

    The final model year for the current CTS coupe is 2015, a model that is one generation behind the sedan, itself updated for 2014. GM hasn’t said whether a new CTS coupe will follow in 2016 although we do know that the smaller ATS coupe will join the Cadillac line and most likely will replace the CTS coupe.

    2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe V-Series

    To mark its final year, Cadillac plans to produce a limited edition run of 500 V-Series models during the second half of this year. The special edition model will be outfitted with several enhancements including a dark finish V grille, satin granite wheels and red brake calipers.

    Several exterior colors will be offered including Crystal White, Black Diamond ($995) and Phantom Gray. Priced from $72,195, including a $995 destination charge and $1,300 gas guzzler tax, the special edition CTS Coupe V-Series is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine paired with the customer’s choice of a 6-speed TREMEC manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

    Supercharged V-8 Engine

    The supercharged engine makes 556 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 551 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. This 16-valve cast aluminum engine is outfitted with a 1.9-liter supercharger with intercooler and sequential fuel injection. Premium grade gasoline is required.

    The V-Series is 2+2 rear-wheel drive coupe fitted with front and rear stabilizer bars and Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering, four-channel stability control with brake assist and four-wheel Brembo disc brakes are included.

    Inside, the final run of the V-Series will feature an ebony interior with contrasting red stitching, Recaro brand performance seats, metal pedals, Midnight Sapele wood trim, and a microfiber suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, power accessories, a rear vision camera, navigation system, heated front seats and an available sunroof ($700).

    Next Generation V-Series

    Even as Cadillac closes the chapter on the current run of CTS coupes, it is working on a next generation of models to follow. Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac, noted: “The special edition is a stepping stone to the next-generation V-Series, which will move to the next level with more dynamic design and technical sophistication.”

    Auto Trends believes that the future CTS line will be composed of sedans only, with the coupe migrating to the ATS. The CTS wagon will also disappear, most likely replaced by an ATS model. These changes would align the ATS to compete more effectively with the BMW 3/4 Series, a family of smaller executive cars.

    Through April, Cadillac sales are down 4.4 percent over last year. April sales, however, rose by 5.1 percent with the CTS line leading the way. CTS sales were up 36.4 percent for the month and are up by 6.5 percent for the year. Cadillac should see a sales boost as the year moves forward with two all-new models slated to debut: the ATS Coupe and its full-size Escalade sport utility vehicle.

    Beyond 2015, Cadillac will update the SRX and its ELR hybrid. Likely, it will keep its large XTS sedan and may supplement its product line with a full-size sedan to take on the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and the Audi A8. Another option is to make its Cadillac Elmiraj concept a reduction reality.


    Additional Cadillac News and Reviews

    Cadillac ELR: 2+2 Luxury PHEV Coupe

    Sleek Cadillac ATS Coupe Takes on Germany’s Best

    Road Tripping With the 2014 Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum

    Bling it On: 2015 Cadillac Escalade

    3 All-New Models for the Big Three in 2015


    Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

    Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CADILLAC ATS, CADILLAC CTS COUPE, GM, LUXURY COUPE, Recaro, SUPERCHARGER, TREMEC, V-SERIES

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