Fifteen52 - 3 project Focus STs video

[SVTRonDogg]

phpBB [video]

I've seen all 3 in person, and by far the Performance Blue "TrackSTer" is the craziest.

[Tetge]

Sorry, but, it is a four door and it also is not a Mustang. I suppose that it is better than a Chevy, but, after hearing that THUNK in Wineooo's new ST, I know that it is not a drag racing platform. And, what else is there but drag racing?

[Brakelate]

That shot of the Blue, taken from the rear fender reminded me immediately of our track days up playing there. Funny, they were running up the hill at HTM "backwards". Maybe it looks different from that direction, as many car commercials and mag shoots lately have seem to be coming from there.

Two things for me; The sound - even at that Hp level, it sounds raspy, not like a nice v-8, second, the power is being put to the ground at the wrong end of the vehicle. If I am coming up off a RWD platform, it will be to AWD, nothing else. Though I really enjoyed my '02 SVTFocus. A lot.

[Tetge]

I liked my new SVT Focus enough to purchase it. But, after taking it to LACR and after dealing with its low HP on the freeway, and after dealing with its open diff and after being completely unable to get a decent exhaust note out of it, I traded it in on my '03 Cobra, at a big loss, after only about 2 months, or less. It did have a lot of good features, such as great seats and radio controls on the steering wheel, and super handling until the open diff caused the car to lose traction, but, I never regretted making the trade. The '03 Cobra was far greater than the SVT Focus.

[Brakelate]

I agree on all counts. I traded mine in for an '01 Cobra before I finally stepped up to the real deal Terminator (brought on by a well timed and calculated Test Drive of your infamous machine that one day leaving the Cantina).

But, that first drive up the 'Crest in the Cobra after the SVTF, I could not help but think how much more attention it required. It seemed so big, wide and in need of constant steering inputs to keep the rear end in line after being lulled into the sense of ease at which that little car could be driven flat out over any twisty road.

I still have those early "Streets of Willow" vids buried somewhere, in which I captured the slaying of many a better vehicle in that little Focus. It was a willing and immensely forgiving partner in thrashing around twisty bits. It was clearly not a straight line machine, other than steady state cruising. But, it was a Gem in so many other ways.

I still would love to find a cherry, low mileage unit like my pretty Blue 2Dr Hatch, with the Sunroof, Six Speed, AudioPhile system and all of that as a nice little spare car, or one for my daughters to commute around to school in.

[SVTRonDogg]

I do miss the sound and the RWD on mine, but it is a blast for a 'beater'. I have always liked the SVT Focus, and figured I would grab an updated one with a warranty instead. Worked great when I was heavy commuting, as well as hauling more than 1 person or more than a shoebox worth of stuff.

45k miles in a year and I will say it is probably my favorite car I've owned so far. Super comfy and handles like a go kart. The 2.0L turbo is no slouch, but I wouldn't mind some more balls on it and a little more turbo wooooooosh. But it will probably stick around for awhile as hauler while the Mustangs enjoy pretty prancing and track duty.

[Brakelate]

Dude! You got 45k on that thing already! It seemed like just yesterday you posted the "new car" post. Dayum.

[SVTRonDogg]

Dude! You got 45k on that thing already! It seemed like just yesterday you posted the "new car" post. Dayum.

Yea, I picked it the end of last October. My commute was awful and got worse in July of this year.

Finally moved to OC and now my drive is about 4 miles each way to the office.

[jhwalker]

Dude! You got 45k on that thing already! It seemed like just yesterday you posted the "new car" post. Dayum.

Yea, I picked it the end of last October. My commute was awful and got worse in July of this year.

Finally moved to OC and now my drive is about 4 miles each way to the office.

That is a life-changer. Congrats