Drove the Focus ST today

I drove the Focus ST today at a Ford event. They let you take the cars out on a couple of autocross tracks and have fun. Nice car, great brakes, good power, awesome Recaro seats. And yes the stability control works well. Due to crummy asphalt and lack of driver talent I got to test the stability control going into a spin. Slowed me down right quick.

I have to say driving 260hp through the front wheels with no massive torque steer was of a surprise. It feels like a completely different car from my 2003 SVT Focus. I just rides like a more substantial machine. It makes mine feel like a tin can, but on the other hand my car has better visibility and feels much lighter and chuckable. I really wish I could have taken one out on the streets to get some real road experience. Interior is miles above what you expect in a Focus.

Maybe I'll test drive one...

Sounds promising! Do you know what the fuel mileage rating on it is?

Didn't feel like 260 hp to me

OK, I checked it is supposed to be is 252HP and 23/32 mpg. Did it feel like 252 HP? I think I would need a onramp or empty road to figure that out. On the autocross it had plenty to spare.

Didn't feel any more powerful than a gti when I drove it.might be gearing. I know it needs an lsd badly. Stinky brakes from it trying to prevent the inside wheel from spinning.

Lovely interior though. Awesome seats.

You got to drive a new ST and one of these turned up at Mid Ohio yesterday.

I still like the idea of the Focus RS8