The Ford Focus ST is a performance-oriented hatchback that offers a thrilling driving experience. To further enhance its capabilities, Ford offers an optional Performance Pack. This pack adds several key features designed to improve handling, braking, and overall driver engagement, turning an already impressive car into an even more capable and enjoyable machine.
This article will delve into the details of the Ford Focus ST Performance Pack, exploring its components, benefits, and how it transforms the driving experience. We'll cover everything from the Quaife limited-slip differential to the enhanced braking system, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what this upgrade entails.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Quaife Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) | A mechanical device that distributes torque more effectively between the front wheels, especially during cornering. | Significantly improves traction, reduces wheelspin, and enhances cornering stability and speed. |
| Enhanced Braking System | Larger front brake rotors (typically 330mm or greater) and upgraded calipers (often painted red). May also include performance brake pads. | Provides increased stopping power, improved brake fade resistance, and a more confident braking feel, especially during spirited driving. |
| Performance Shift Light | A visual indicator in the instrument cluster that illuminates when the optimal shift point is reached. | Helps drivers maximize acceleration and performance by providing a clear cue for gear changes. |
| Launch Control | A system that manages engine speed and wheelspin to achieve the fastest possible acceleration from a standstill. | Enables consistent and repeatable maximum acceleration, ideal for track days or drag racing. |
| Rev-Matching | A feature that automatically blips the throttle during downshifts to match engine speed to wheel speed, resulting in smoother gear changes. | Reduces drivetrain shock, improves stability during downshifts, and enhances the overall driving experience. |
| Unique Alloy Wheel Designs | The Performance Pack sometimes includes unique alloy wheel designs that are lighter and stronger than the standard wheels. | Improves handling, reduces unsprung weight, and enhances the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. |
| Performance Tires | Higher-performance tires, such as Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or similar, are often included in the Performance Pack. | Offers superior grip, improved handling, and enhanced cornering performance. |
| Adjustable Suspension (Optional) | Some Performance Packs offer adjustable dampers, allowing drivers to fine-tune the suspension settings to their preferences. | Provides a customizable ride and handling balance, allowing drivers to optimize the car for different driving conditions. |
| Track Mode | A driving mode that optimizes various vehicle settings, such as traction control and stability control, for track use. | Provides a more engaging and responsive driving experience on the track, allowing for more controlled slides and faster lap times. |
| Performance Gauges | Enhanced instrumentation may be included, showing boost pressure, oil temperature, and other performance-related data. | Provides real-time information about the engine's performance, allowing drivers to monitor its health and optimize their driving. |
Detailed Explanations
Quaife Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
The Quaife LSD is arguably the most significant component of the Performance Pack. Unlike an open differential that sends power to the wheel with the least resistance (often the spinning inside wheel during a turn), the LSD actively distributes torque to the wheel with the most grip. This means that even if one wheel starts to slip, the LSD will redirect power to the other wheel, maintaining traction and allowing you to accelerate more effectively out of corners. The Quaife LSD uses a helical gear design, known for its smooth and progressive engagement, making it suitable for both road and track use.
Enhanced Braking System
The enhanced braking system in the Performance Pack typically includes larger front brake rotors, often measuring 330mm or more in diameter compared to the standard brakes. These larger rotors provide a greater surface area for the brake pads to grip, resulting in increased stopping power. Upgraded calipers, often painted red for a more aggressive look, further enhance braking performance by providing more clamping force on the rotors. High-performance brake pads are also commonly included, offering improved friction and heat resistance, which reduces brake fade during hard use. This upgrade is crucial for maintaining consistent braking performance during spirited driving or track days.
Performance Shift Light
The performance shift light is a simple yet effective feature that helps drivers optimize their gear changes. This light, usually located in the instrument cluster, illuminates when the engine reaches its optimal shift point for maximum acceleration. By following the shift light, drivers can avoid hitting the rev limiter and ensure they are always in the most efficient gear for the given situation. This feature is particularly useful for drivers who are new to performance driving or those who want to improve their lap times on the track.
Launch Control
Launch control is an electronic aid that assists drivers in achieving the fastest possible acceleration from a standstill. When activated, the system manages engine speed and wheelspin to maintain optimal traction. The driver simply holds the throttle wide open and releases the clutch, and the system will modulate the engine power to prevent excessive wheelspin and ensure maximum forward momentum. This feature is ideal for track days or drag racing, where consistent and repeatable launches are essential for achieving the best possible times.
Rev-Matching
Rev-matching, also known as auto-blip, is a feature that automatically increases the engine speed during downshifts to match the wheel speed. This eliminates the need for the driver to manually "heel-toe" the throttle, resulting in smoother and more controlled gear changes. Rev-matching reduces drivetrain shock, improves stability during braking and corner entry, and enhances the overall driving experience by making downshifts more seamless and effortless. This feature is particularly beneficial for drivers who are new to manual transmissions or those who want to focus on their driving line during spirited driving.
Unique Alloy Wheel Designs
The Performance Pack often includes unique alloy wheel designs that are not available on the standard Focus ST. These wheels are typically lighter and stronger than the standard wheels, which can improve handling and reduce unsprung weight. Unsprung weight refers to the weight of the components that are not supported by the suspension, such as the wheels, tires, and brakes. Reducing unsprung weight allows the suspension to react more quickly to changes in the road surface, resulting in improved ride quality and handling. Furthermore, the unique alloy wheel designs enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle, giving it a more aggressive and sporty appearance.
Performance Tires
High-performance tires are a crucial component of the Performance Pack, as they provide the necessary grip to fully exploit the car's enhanced handling capabilities. Tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or similar offer superior grip, improved handling, and enhanced cornering performance compared to the standard tires. These tires are designed with a special tread pattern and compound that maximizes contact with the road surface, resulting in increased traction and stability. Performance tires also typically have stiffer sidewalls, which reduce tire flex during cornering and improve steering response.
Adjustable Suspension (Optional)
Some Performance Packs offer adjustable dampers, allowing drivers to fine-tune the suspension settings to their preferences. Adjustable dampers allow drivers to modify the compression and rebound damping rates, which control how quickly the suspension absorbs bumps and returns to its normal position. By adjusting the damping rates, drivers can optimize the car's handling for different driving conditions, such as smooth highways, bumpy back roads, or track days. This feature provides a customizable ride and handling balance, allowing drivers to tailor the car to their specific needs and preferences.
Track Mode
Track mode is a driving mode that optimizes various vehicle settings for track use. When activated, track mode typically reduces the intervention of the traction control and stability control systems, allowing for more controlled slides and faster lap times. It may also adjust the engine mapping, throttle response, and steering feel to provide a more engaging and responsive driving experience. Track mode is designed for experienced drivers who are comfortable pushing the car to its limits on a closed course.
Performance Gauges
The Performance Pack may include enhanced instrumentation that displays performance-related data, such as boost pressure, oil temperature, and coolant temperature. These gauges provide real-time information about the engine's performance, allowing drivers to monitor its health and optimize their driving. For example, monitoring the oil temperature can help drivers avoid overheating the engine during hard use, while monitoring the boost pressure can provide insights into the engine's performance and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of the Performance Pack?
The primary benefit is significantly improved handling and performance, especially during cornering and braking, due to the inclusion of the Quaife LSD and upgraded braking system. It transforms the Focus ST into a more capable and engaging performance car.
Is the Performance Pack worth the extra cost?
For enthusiasts who prioritize performance and plan to drive their Focus ST hard, the Performance Pack is definitely worth the investment. The improvements in handling and braking are substantial and enhance the overall driving experience.
Does the Performance Pack affect the car's reliability?
The components in the Performance Pack are designed to be durable and reliable, and they generally do not negatively impact the car's reliability. However, increased performance driving can lead to more frequent maintenance, such as brake pad and tire replacements.
Can I install the Performance Pack components aftermarket?
Yes, many of the components in the Performance Pack, such as the Quaife LSD and upgraded brakes, can be installed aftermarket. However, purchasing the Performance Pack as a factory option is often more cost-effective and ensures proper integration with the vehicle's systems.
Does the Performance Pack void my warranty?
Installing aftermarket components may void portions of your warranty related to those parts. However, the factory-installed Performance Pack does not void the warranty on the affected components, as it is a Ford-approved upgrade.
Is the Performance Pack available on all Focus ST models?
Availability may vary depending on the model year and region. It is best to check with your local Ford dealer for the most up-to-date information.
Does the Performance Pack include any cosmetic enhancements?
The Performance Pack primarily focuses on performance upgrades, but it may include cosmetic enhancements such as unique alloy wheel designs and painted brake calipers.
Is the Performance Pack only for track use?
While the Performance Pack enhances the car's capabilities on the track, it also improves its performance and handling on the road. The upgrades make the Focus ST more enjoyable to drive in a variety of conditions.
How much does the Performance Pack typically cost?
The cost of the Performance Pack can vary depending on the model year and region. It's best to check with your local Ford dealer for current pricing.
Does the Performance Pack improve fuel economy?
The Performance Pack is designed to enhance performance, not fuel economy. In fact, aggressive driving with the Performance Pack can actually decrease fuel economy due to increased engine load and tire wear.
Conclusion
The Ford Focus ST Performance Pack is a comprehensive upgrade that significantly enhances the car's handling, braking, and overall driving experience. With features like the Quaife limited-slip differential, enhanced braking system, and performance tires, this pack transforms the already impressive Focus ST into a truly capable and engaging performance machine. If you're a driving enthusiast looking to maximize the potential of your Focus ST, the Performance Pack is a worthwhile investment.