![focus st cobb stage 1 specs focus st cobb stage 1 specs](http://media.cobbtuning.com/catalog/gallery/702110_gallery_01.jpg)
- Focus st cobb stage 1 specs driver#
- Focus st cobb stage 1 specs manual#
- Focus st cobb stage 1 specs plus#
Other editors weren’t as enthused about the seats and wanted more vertical adjustment editor Mike Hanley preferred the optional Recaros in the 2013 GT500 we recently tested. The ST’s seats have back support and side support that make them a winning combination on long drives as well as during aggressive cornering - the model I tested almost went back to Ford with some worn-out seats because I wanted to swap them into my own car. Many optional performance seats put a death grip on your side yet leave a total void of back support. Helping the interior’s fit-like-a-glove atmosphere are the ST’s optional Recaro seats, which I think are among the best in the business. The cramped confines we’ve complained about in the regular Focus are less of an issue in the ST because the cocoon-like cabin feels more appropriate for a performance car. Torque-steer is less prevalent on smooth roads or a racetrack, where the tires don’t have as many grooves and bumps to follow. The trick is gradual throttle application and smooth gear changes to quell the wickedness of the car darting across the road. A torque-steer prevention system and electronic differential attempt to combat this characteristic, but the 270 pounds-feet of torque still has plenty of say as to which direction the car goes. Drive aggressively, and the ST torque-steers badly enough to tug the wheel out of a light grip.
![focus st cobb stage 1 specs focus st cobb stage 1 specs](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1027/5211/products/1_ST10_grande.jpg)
The benefits of a rear-wheel-drive FR-S or BRZ are apparent when you drop the hammer in the front-wheel-drive Focus ST. The ST’s power is backed by surprisingly good EPA-estimated gas mileage of 23/32 mpg city/highway, 26 mpg combined, besting the GTI (25 mpg), Speed3 (21 mpg) and manual-transmission FR-S and BRZ (25 mpg). There’s no need to wind out to a bazillion rpm to have fun, as you must in the FR-S and BRZ. The experience is similar to the GTI’s 2.0-liter engine but with a bigger punch, considering the ST’s 252 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque, compared with the GTI’s 200 hp and 207 pounds-feet of torque. The EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder’s plentiful power is packed into the engine’s mid-range. This isn’t a new trait for a Ford performance car: The Mustang’s various trim levels (GT, Boss 302 and GT500) master a similar balance of performance and everyday drivability. What surprises is how compliant the car feels over a long haul, without the rock-hard suspension common to many small performance cars. Its roadholding ability puts the aggressive front-seat side bolstering to work as the car tests the limits of how much pressure internal organs can take when pushed up against a seat in a hairy turn.Įxpectedly, the sport suspension’s ride is stiffer than that of the base Focus. The ST’s great steering feel and turn-in confidence make this Focus hot-hatch a riot to drive.
![focus st cobb stage 1 specs focus st cobb stage 1 specs](https://www.stage3motorsports.com/assets/images/COBB-61FX112013-2014FocusSTCOBBStage1PowerPack03.jpg)
Focus st cobb stage 1 specs driver#
These traits are exaggerated to their best extent in the ST, which has the tenaciousness of a sports car and the civility of an everyday driver - not an easy task. The non-ST Focus already has amazing handling and is easily one of the most fun to drive compact cars currently available. Click here to compare the ST to a regular Focus.
Focus st cobb stage 1 specs plus#
The ST competes with the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen GTI - plus the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ - on the merits of cheap performance. The 2013 Ford Focus ST is a well-thought-out, refined performance machine that manages to remain civil when needed - and downright fun when wanted.
![focus st cobb stage 1 specs focus st cobb stage 1 specs](http://media.cobbtuning.com/catalog/products/891010_main.jpg)
Focus st cobb stage 1 specs manual#
As a testament to its performance intentions, the ST only comes with a six-speed manual transmission. While the small size and confusing features remain, the performance-injected Focus ST hatchback with a 252-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder expands on the Focus’ best handling attributes. The Focus’ amazing handling dynamics weren’t enough to make us look past its small interior, poky acceleration and confusing controls for simple features. The Ford Focus didn’t get much love in our $20,000 Compact Car comparison, where the Focus sedan brought up the rear of a five-car field.