Ford: Focus News
02-07-2012, 09:11 AM
#681
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...l-price-mpg-/1
Ford Motor says it's getting enough comments from dealers and customers and even auto writers (but who takes them seriously, after all) that it has just begun offering a manual transmission in the high-end version of the Focus, called Titanium.
Dealers can order the manual now, but probably won't have much of an inventory until mid-March.
Price is the same as for the dry-clutch automatic standard in the Titanium: $22,995 (including shipping) and up. Usually automakers charge $800 to $1,200 less for a manual.
The other versions of Focus that offer a stick shift are the S and SE, and Ford says about 7% of those are bought with the manual. That's strong demand for a stick; Ford had forecast only about half that.
The Titanium's manual gearbox is a five-speed, shared with other Focus models and the Escape SUV being replaced by a new model later this year. Some shift-it-yourself folks might find a bit dated in this era of six-speeds.
Small cars from Hyundai and Kia, for example, come with six-speed manuals. So do the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic (1.4-liter turbo engine; the base 1.8-liter has a five-speed). Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla use five-speed manuals.
Focus with manual is rated 26 mpg in town, 36 highway, 30 in combined driving -- 1 mpg less than versions with the automatic transmission.
Dealers can order the manual now, but probably won't have much of an inventory until mid-March.
Price is the same as for the dry-clutch automatic standard in the Titanium: $22,995 (including shipping) and up. Usually automakers charge $800 to $1,200 less for a manual.
The other versions of Focus that offer a stick shift are the S and SE, and Ford says about 7% of those are bought with the manual. That's strong demand for a stick; Ford had forecast only about half that.
The Titanium's manual gearbox is a five-speed, shared with other Focus models and the Escape SUV being replaced by a new model later this year. Some shift-it-yourself folks might find a bit dated in this era of six-speeds.
Small cars from Hyundai and Kia, for example, come with six-speed manuals. So do the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic (1.4-liter turbo engine; the base 1.8-liter has a five-speed). Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla use five-speed manuals.
Focus with manual is rated 26 mpg in town, 36 highway, 30 in combined driving -- 1 mpg less than versions with the automatic transmission.
02-07-2012, 09:12 AM
#682
Race Director
The other versions of Focus that offer a stick shift are the S and SE, and Ford says about 7% of those are bought with the manual. That's strong demand for a stick; Ford had forecast only about half that.
Where?!?!?! We rarely get the cool Recaro seats or any cool euro seats do to SIPS in the U.S.
02-07-2012, 10:35 AM
#684
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ 
Good to hear. It's nice to see that we will get fantastic seats!!!
Good to hear. It's nice to see that we will get fantastic seats!!!
05-01-2012, 09:27 AM
#685
Fahrvergnügen'd
Focus ST priced at $24,495.
That's a very, very strong price, IMO.
The partial leather Recaros come with the ST2 package that includes HD Radio, the Sony audio package, and dual climate control. The ST2 package is $2,385.
The ST3 package comes with everything in the base car and ST2, plus: Sony audio with 4/add'l speakers, navigation w/Sync, HID headlights, ambient lighting, heated mirrors, full-leather Recaros, and some other minor items for $4,435.
The only option on the ST3 car is the moonroof which still keeps the car under $30k.
That's about $1500 less than a GTI Autobahn.
I can't wait to see a GTI/MS3/Focus ST comparo.
I think the Focus ST3 is going to be my next car when I pay off the Jetta.
That's a very, very strong price, IMO.
The partial leather Recaros come with the ST2 package that includes HD Radio, the Sony audio package, and dual climate control. The ST2 package is $2,385.
The ST3 package comes with everything in the base car and ST2, plus: Sony audio with 4/add'l speakers, navigation w/Sync, HID headlights, ambient lighting, heated mirrors, full-leather Recaros, and some other minor items for $4,435.
The only option on the ST3 car is the moonroof which still keeps the car under $30k.
That's about $1500 less than a GTI Autobahn.
I can't wait to see a GTI/MS3/Focus ST comparo.
I think the Focus ST3 is going to be my next car when I pay off the Jetta.
05-01-2012, 09:39 AM
#686
do these only come in 4 doors version? No 2 doors available?
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
05-01-2012, 10:47 AM
#687
Some dude
do these only come in 4 doors version? No 2 doors available?
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
As of right now there's no 2 door. There is a 2 door Fiesta ST concept out there. That might be the only 2 door ST model ends up releasing.
05-01-2012, 11:19 AM
#688
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Glad to hear it's finally hear! That is some awesome pricing with some great looking seats! 
05-01-2012, 11:29 AM
#689
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Focus ST priced at $24,495.
That's a very, very strong price, IMO.
The partial leather Recaros come with the ST2 package that includes HD Radio, the Sony audio package, and dual climate control. The ST2 package is $2,385.
The ST3 package comes with everything in the base car and ST2, plus: Sony audio with 4/add'l speakers, navigation w/Sync, HID headlights, ambient lighting, heated mirrors, full-leather Recaros, and some other minor items for $4,435.
The only option on the ST3 car is the moonroof which still keeps the car under $30k.
That's about $1500 less than a GTI Autobahn.
I can't wait to see a GTI/MS3/Focus ST comparo.
I think the Focus ST3 is going to be my next car when I pay off the Jetta.
That's a very, very strong price, IMO.
The partial leather Recaros come with the ST2 package that includes HD Radio, the Sony audio package, and dual climate control. The ST2 package is $2,385.
The ST3 package comes with everything in the base car and ST2, plus: Sony audio with 4/add'l speakers, navigation w/Sync, HID headlights, ambient lighting, heated mirrors, full-leather Recaros, and some other minor items for $4,435.
The only option on the ST3 car is the moonroof which still keeps the car under $30k.
That's about $1500 less than a GTI Autobahn.
I can't wait to see a GTI/MS3/Focus ST comparo.
I think the Focus ST3 is going to be my next car when I pay off the Jetta.
do these only come in 4 doors version? No 2 doors available?
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
05-01-2012, 11:32 AM
#690
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Canada sucks.
05-01-2012, 11:50 AM
#692
Suzuka Master
Choosing a 25k hatch keeps getting harder, especially when you think about if you need the practicality or just ditch it and get a toyobaru. 25k is no a really tough decision lol
05-01-2012, 11:54 AM
#693
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
The utility part is a HUGE plus to some people like me. Well, not anymore since I'm married and I have my wife's car.
But really, one of the great things that I thought with my MS3 was that it offers some huge cargo spacing with the seats down. I've used the space a lot over the course of the ownership. I've carried my Samsung 55 inch 3D LED TV as well as a King size memory foam mattress in my car, which were fucking huge.
And really, the fun factor is all subjective and you can achieve some awesome level of fun factor in all these turbo hatches as well as toyobarus. Any of these types of cars should not disappoint the car enthusiasts like us.
But really, one of the great things that I thought with my MS3 was that it offers some huge cargo spacing with the seats down. I've used the space a lot over the course of the ownership. I've carried my Samsung 55 inch 3D LED TV as well as a King size memory foam mattress in my car, which were fucking huge.
And really, the fun factor is all subjective and you can achieve some awesome level of fun factor in all these turbo hatches as well as toyobarus. Any of these types of cars should not disappoint the car enthusiasts like us.
05-01-2012, 12:38 PM
#694
Fahrvergnügen'd
do these only come in 4 doors version? No 2 doors available?
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
These will be a big hit here in canada I think. And are they really comparing this to a golf r? I mean yea it's a hatch turbo 4 banger but golf is awd, and probably a shit load more expensive than this. On VW site golf r is around 50 000$. WAY WAY WAY too much money for a golf. I don't care if it's a crazy new thing and exclusive and all that, I'd never pay that much for it. Saw one on the street the other day, looks nice but not 50 000$ nice
The base Golf R price is about $33k and it's $37k loaded. So about $7k more than a Focus ST with the same features. Same HP too.
I think the GTI and ST make a good comparison.
05-01-2012, 12:48 PM
#697
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Golf R is in a different category I should say since it comes with AWD.
Turbocharged Fail Wheel Drive cars: GTI, Focus ST, MS3, MiniS
Turbocharged Fail Wheel Drive cars: GTI, Focus ST, MS3, MiniS
05-01-2012, 03:57 PM
#698
Suzuka Master
The utility part is a HUGE plus to some people like me. Well, not anymore since I'm married and I have my wife's car.
But really, one of the great things that I thought with my MS3 was that it offers some huge cargo spacing with the seats down. I've used the space a lot over the course of the ownership. I've carried my Samsung 55 inch 3D LED TV as well as a King size memory foam mattress in my car, which were fucking huge.
And really, the fun factor is all subjective and you can achieve some awesome level of fun factor in all these turbo hatches as well as toyobarus. Any of these types of cars should not disappoint the car enthusiasts like us.
But really, one of the great things that I thought with my MS3 was that it offers some huge cargo spacing with the seats down. I've used the space a lot over the course of the ownership. I've carried my Samsung 55 inch 3D LED TV as well as a King size memory foam mattress in my car, which were fucking huge.
And really, the fun factor is all subjective and you can achieve some awesome level of fun factor in all these turbo hatches as well as toyobarus. Any of these types of cars should not disappoint the car enthusiasts like us.
Focus st is suppose to have some tricks up its sleeve to limit torque steer and I dont think its reducing throttle power. The GTI never had much issue well because it only has 200 hp, I've always wondered how torque steer would be by going stage 1. And the MS3 well does have torque steer because of all the power. Wonder how effective Ford's is though.
GTI is due for an update in a couple years, I really hope they bump up hp to keep up with competition. At least 220-230ish.
05-01-2012, 04:10 PM
#699
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Focus ST is supposed to have very minimal torque steer. I believe in them since they do have the Focus RS in Europe which is known for that.
But really, getting rid of the torque steer in a Fail Wheel Drive car is pretty pointless. As you get the car to put down more power by modifying it, you will get more torque steer. It's a fact. You can't really challenge it.
BUT having torque steer in a car is actually quite fun on the road. People who don't really know about it or who never have experienced it in person usually say "oh fwd? those things have things called torque steer. they fail". That's because they are trying to find flaws on these cars. The fact is that there are plenty of people putting down good times at autocrossing and tracking with these fail drives. And how many average buyers actually hit the track. They always say they track their cars or they will track their cars at one point. Nope.
And dude, don't worry about GTI's horsepower figures. It doesn't mean anything. You just spend $600 and get it tuned right after you drive off the dealership lot.
But really, getting rid of the torque steer in a Fail Wheel Drive car is pretty pointless. As you get the car to put down more power by modifying it, you will get more torque steer. It's a fact. You can't really challenge it.
BUT having torque steer in a car is actually quite fun on the road. People who don't really know about it or who never have experienced it in person usually say "oh fwd? those things have things called torque steer. they fail". That's because they are trying to find flaws on these cars. The fact is that there are plenty of people putting down good times at autocrossing and tracking with these fail drives. And how many average buyers actually hit the track. They always say they track their cars or they will track their cars at one point. Nope.
And dude, don't worry about GTI's horsepower figures. It doesn't mean anything. You just spend $600 and get it tuned right after you drive off the dealership lot.
05-01-2012, 04:16 PM
#700
It's just a different driving style. FWD just doesn't let you pull out of corners as soon or steer with the throttle, especially if you have a very torquey FWD. I believe 300 lb/ft is right about the limit of sensibility for a FWD car. Anything more than that and you need some sort of torque steer mitigation.
I remember RealTime Racing's TSXs were quite competitive with the 3-series in the SCCA World Challenge.
I remember RealTime Racing's TSXs were quite competitive with the 3-series in the SCCA World Challenge.
05-01-2012, 04:32 PM
#701
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Yep. That's where tuning kicks in! It's so fun.
Those TSXs looked so
.
Those TSXs looked so
.
05-01-2012, 07:52 PM
#702
Suzuka Master
Ohh there's definitely no denying that FWD can handle plenty well. In fact things like the mini coupe are amazing at making the car go where wheel is pointed. I went to an autox event once, there are so many mini's that are quite good too.
I think the key benefit of RWD is the fun factor (from what I read) but fwd can be really fun too. Shoot I have fun in my tl.
I think the key benefit of RWD is the fun factor (from what I read) but fwd can be really fun too. Shoot I have fun in my tl.
05-02-2012, 12:20 PM
#704
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
So, in Canada, Focus ST and 370Z are similarly priced? Why?
ST is between $24-28k and 370Z is between $30-40k in the States, no?
So, in Canada, Focus ST and 370Z are similarly priced? Why?
ST is between $24-28k and 370Z is between $30-40k in the States, no?
05-02-2012, 03:11 PM
#705
Suzuka Master
Canada seems retarded with their pricing. But maybe you guys make more there so it evens out?
05-03-2012, 11:52 AM
#706
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I don't know how much the Focus ST will be in Canada. Considering the MS3 starts at CAD$30k in Canada, I'd imagine the Focus ST will be around CAD$30k too.
05-03-2012, 12:00 PM
#708
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
lol, not sure if you are referring to my post, but I mentioned 370Z because for about CAD$40k (price of a Golf R), we can get a 370Z (starts at CAD$41k).
I don't know how much the Focus ST will be in Canada. Considering the MS3 starts at CAD$30k in Canada, I'd imagine the Focus ST will be around CAD$30k too.
I don't know how much the Focus ST will be in Canada. Considering the MS3 starts at CAD$30k in Canada, I'd imagine the Focus ST will be around CAD$30k too.
05-03-2012, 12:06 PM
#711
Moderator
05-03-2012, 12:09 PM
#713
Moderator
05-03-2012, 12:13 PM
#714
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
05-03-2012, 12:34 PM
#715
My first Avatar....
Originally Posted by myron
haha that's not an answer for everything, move to US to buy cheaper cars haha
it's the sense of security that makes people stay, and healthcare off course (here we go again) lol
it's the sense of security that makes people stay, and healthcare off course (here we go again) lol
05-03-2012, 12:50 PM
#716
2G TLX-S
About product pricing, the key is in the population volume. The US has approx. 10x more people than in Canada, and thus, Americans consume 10x more everything than the Canadians. As a result, everything will cost cheaper in the US than in Canada, due to the volume price breaks.
05-04-2012, 11:57 AM
#717
You'll Never Walk Alone
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A 4000sqft detached house in a more expensive area would be $2-3mil easily.
05-30-2012, 01:53 PM
#718
Fahrvergnügen'd
Ford is holding a "Performance Academy" event in five U.S. cities between June 30 and August 11. You can find out about the event here: Link to Event
I signed up for the July 14 event in DC. Can't wait to drive it.
I signed up for the July 14 event in DC. Can't wait to drive it.
06-15-2012, 03:37 PM
#719
Some dude
Next RS to have 330hp?
From Autoblog:
Here's some fun news. Auto Express reports the next-generation Ford Focus RS could pack as much as 330 horsepower courtesy of a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. That's a substantial jump over the 247 hp found in the new Focus ST. Matthias Ton, the chief program engineer for global performance cars at Ford, admits the turbo 2.0-liter in the ST is too close to its power ceiling to glean any more grunt without a substantial revision of the turbo and fuel systems. If Ford decides to build another Focus RS, Ton continues, the hotter hatch will bow with a variant of the Ecoboost 2.3-liter.
The last generation RS hit showrooms with 301 horsepower from a turbo 2.5 five-cylinder, though the special-edition RS500 shown above poured 345 horsepower to the front wheels. Auto Express reports that if Ford does build the more aggressive RS, it will likely touch down with a new mechanical limited slip differential to help keep the car pointed straight and handle regular track abuse.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/n...30-horsepower/
Here's some fun news. Auto Express reports the next-generation Ford Focus RS could pack as much as 330 horsepower courtesy of a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. That's a substantial jump over the 247 hp found in the new Focus ST. Matthias Ton, the chief program engineer for global performance cars at Ford, admits the turbo 2.0-liter in the ST is too close to its power ceiling to glean any more grunt without a substantial revision of the turbo and fuel systems. If Ford decides to build another Focus RS, Ton continues, the hotter hatch will bow with a variant of the Ecoboost 2.3-liter.
The last generation RS hit showrooms with 301 horsepower from a turbo 2.5 five-cylinder, though the special-edition RS500 shown above poured 345 horsepower to the front wheels. Auto Express reports that if Ford does build the more aggressive RS, it will likely touch down with a new mechanical limited slip differential to help keep the car pointed straight and handle regular track abuse.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/n...30-horsepower/