What's the news?
Ford is launching a new range of go-faster add-ons, under the Performance Parts brand, for its hot hatches and the Mustang. The parts, which will be available across Europe for models such as the Focus RS and Fiesta ST, are all factory-approved and warranty-friendly. All the bits and pieces have been developed in conjunction with renowned specialists including Roush, Borla, KW and Remus, and tested for performance and durability at locations including Ford's Lommel Proving Ground, Belgium, and the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany.
"Ford is synonymous with attainable performance. Ford Performance Parts will deliver even more satisfying driving experiences for enthusiasts," said Fabio Carafa, vehicle personalisation director, Ford of Europe. "Ford Performance customers - some of the most competent and knowledgeable drivers out there - are telling us they want to further personalise the driving dynamics, performance and style of their vehicles. We've specifically developed our Ford Performance Parts portfolio to meet that need."
So, what can you have? Well, there's a adjustable coil-over shock absorber kit, for the Mustang and the Focus ST, which drops the ride-height by 40mm and comes with 16-stage adjustable damping.
There are light alloy wheels, available for the Fiesta, Fiesta ST, Focus, and Focus ST which range in size from 17 to 19-inches, and which can reduce the unsprung mass of the car by as much as 15 per cent.
For the 2.3 and 5.0-litre Mustangs, you can get a Borla stainless steel exhaust in both road legal and track-only forms, and there's a new carbon fibre gearshift knob too. Order that on the Mustang and it comes with a short-shift gear linkage which cuts down on gear lever travel by 20 per cent.
For the 5.0-litre Mustang, there's a kit to boost the maximum revs of the engine to 7,500rpm, or even a Roush tuning kit that cranks the power up to a heady 600hp.
The best item, though? That'll be the 'Drift Stick.' Essentially, it's a really long handbrake lever, which works through the Focus RS' existing Drift Mode system. Tug it, and it locks up the rear wheels, while working with the car's electronic system to essay the perfect handbrake turn. Approved for track use only (ahem, cough) it's also been signed off by none other can Ken Block. Internally, it was called Project Wicked Stick, after Ford Performance programme manager John Wicks. "The passionate engineers at Ford Performance are also enthusiasts," Carafa said. "Everyone here is encouraged to think outside the box, so project 'Wicked Stick' was born."