Most liked posts in thread: Ford Focus RS could get 350-hp EcoBoost, E-diff

My first "fun" vehicle was a 1990 Ford Probe GT. It was fun to drive once the turbo finally spooled up and you got used to the torque steer. I would definitely consider another turbo Ford someday. This one looks like it will be a riot!

 

Just read some specs on that Formula Ford With its 1liter, 202hp, it put up the eleventh fastest time at the Ring, besting the Enzo, Aventador and the Zonda......thats impressive! Hmm........maybe thats why some of those Minis we see can keep up with some of those big hp cars, driver skill and handling?

 

The Britain create the Mini and shared it with world, but they appreciate FORD cars to the max.

Check for yourself. I was amazed!!!! :eek6:

Since 1974 Ford is the best seeling car on UK up to 2011, see year by year. They always had a Ford model in first, but some other models in the top ten.

UsereLarge/Top 10 best selling cars in Britain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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:drool

 

You can still get the ST here in the States.......252 hp is not to shabby, under $29k, still a bargin compared to a Mini.

 

Especially when you can have a 415/hp Mustang for that kinda $.

Most of the STs I've priced have been 26-27k. The 29-30k range adds in a bunch of the fancy stuff.

 

Yea, the one I looked at had the Ford Sync touch screen, when....when it works is very nice, when its acting up, not so much. My Lincoln has the same system.

Mustang, Focus.....different ideas, both good. For that price point I like the ST better. Money not a factor......Shelby gt500!

 

There is only one Mustang I'd consider--Boss Laguna Seca, especially now that it's coming out with an independent rear suspension. That is arguably the biggest bang for the buck performance car out there. Needs better brakes, but other than that, it's a purpose built track beast that happens to be street legal. Nothing else comes close, not even the new GP.

 

:eek6: That reminds me of the "Mustang ll" :frown2:

 

302 Boss Laguna Seca, not the base 302. Although the 302 is more practical.

The Laguna Seca is a complete track package, it's basically a race car. There have been issues with brake fade, according to those who own them and track them hard (ie those that don't use cruise control), one I know for sure is replacing the brakes, the other who is considering it--it's not an issue of braking, but braking over time. I have not driven a Laguna Seca, only a Boss, and not on the track. I do trust those that do track them, especially the guy who tracks his at Road America, he's forgotten more than I'll ever know.

 

So got to test drive, very small test drive, the ST today at the Fresno Auto Show, 2013-Model Central California Auto Show - General Info

Got to hit it pretty hard a few times :ihih: The ST has 252 hp and 270lbs torque. My car has close to its hp but way less torque. The ST has a real smooth clutch and shifter, my car, smooth shifter, stage 4 clutch which is kinda touchy in first. That being said, yes the ST seemed quick, but, hmm.....my car seems quicker? My car does have the 05 tranny swap with a LSD, so it jumps in low gears. So it might just be a "feeling", or might be just because I couldn't completely flog the ST, there was a tester with me? Would love to get it on the highway. Very nice sound from it when opened up though They told me they should be more available from the dealers in a couple months.
Also finally got to see and sit in a Scion FRS. Nice, but still a Scion. They said they are upping production on them now, many more available in 2013, hope so, really want to drive one. Plus he did confirm that a turbo model will be out for 2014, so look for them around September :idea:

 

^^^^ nice review.

 

I've been following the BRZ/FRS closely since I first heard of them. If I wasn't keeping my MINI forever, these would be high on the list.

Try driving the BRZ if you get a chance--much nicer quality interior than the FRS. I've driven both--both are great, but I'd take the BRZ, even though it's almost identical to the FRS, the interior just somehow gives the BRZ the feeling it has more quality.

These cars have a manual transmission to die for--you have to keep reminding yourself these cars come in under 30k. Only been able to drive them in a gentlemanly fashion though; I'd love to take one on the track. They need to rev high to really get it out of them, and I wasn't allowed to do that.

If Subaru makes a BRZ in an STI version, watch out--that car would be incredible. We'll have to see what TRD will do with the Scion, that could be interesting too. From what I've read, the HP will increase somewhere to the 250-280HP range--apparently subaru wants to keep the BRZ STI a notch below the WRX for sales purposes, if that's true, it's not going to be anywhere near the WRX STI. Still could be pretty damned good at 280 HP though.

The aftermarket crowd is already all over these, but there seems to be fair amount of differing opinion on how much the stock internals can handle before they need to be upgraded.

 

:cornut: In most cases, that would be a case of merely changing pads to EBC REDSTUFF(street/track) or YELLOWSTUFF(track only) or, any other brand of comparable pads.

Jason

Boss Laguna Seca! Boss Laguna Seca! Boss Laguna Seca!

 

I asked about a STI version of the FRS, he said had not heard anything. But when the non STI turbo does come out next year, what kinda hp do you think it will have? I'm thinking at least 250? They had the Dodge Dart there also, not impressed......Fiats, actually kinda cool, Abarth edition. They use a turbo 1.4lt that I thought was a Chrysler, Chrysler logos all over the engine compartment, but was told it was a Fiat design?

 

Agree on the Dart, it looks better in pictures than in person. Really wanted to like that car, it got such great reviews, but I don't. Still haven't driven one though, probably never will.

Everything points to a BRZ STI coming in at 250-280 BHP--most likely the former. I would be stunned to see it any higher than 280. However if it came in at 280 BHP, and a simple tune could get you near 280 WHP, you'd really have something there, it's a light car. I have to stop this, before I talk myself into one......

 

I've read SC, TC, and NA with regard to Toyota. SC is the consensus, but it's all really a guess at this point.

There is the twin charge concept, but that will never see the light of day as a production vehicle.