Ford is introducing a new range of high-quality, tailor-made, Ford-approved Performance Parts in Europe, enabling customers to further enhance the look, sound and driving attributes of their Ford Performance models.
Revealed at the Essen Motorshow in Germany, the first wave of specially-developed, Ford warranty-approved Ford Performance Parts personalisation options and upgrades are available for customers across Europe to order through the Ford dealer network from today, Dec.1, and can be fitted at a Ford Dealer by specially-trained technicians.
The Ford Performance Parts offering will be expanded in 2018 to cover more Ford models and include new components. Ford Performance models in Europe include the all-new Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS, Ford Mustang and the Ford GT supercar.
“Ford is synonymous with attainable performance. Ford Performance Parts will deliver even more satisfying driving experiences for enthusiasts,” said Fabio Carafa, vehicle personalisation director, Ford of Europe. “Ford Performance customers – some of the most competent and knowledgeable drivers out there – are telling us they want to further personalise the driving dynamics, performance and style of their vehicles. We’ve specifically developed our Ford Performance Parts portfolio to meet that need.”
The Ford Performance organisation was formed in 2014 to serve as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers. Confirming Ford’s commitment to Ford Performance in Europe, the company earlier this year appointed Leo Roeks in the newly created position of Ford Performance Director, Europe.
Fine-tuned performance parts
Developed to further enhance the sporty character and award-wining driving dynamics of Ford Performance vehicles, the new Ford Performance Parts range offers components from chassis and suspension upgrades to exhaust systems, engine tuning, and styling options.
Developed in conjunction with renowned specialists including Roush, Borla, KW and Remus, and tested for performance and durability at locations including Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground, Belgium, and the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany, Ford Performance Parts products all feature a Ford part number and are covered by the Ford warranty.
Ford today showcased new Ford Performance Parts products including:
Ford Performance adjustable coilover strut and shock absorber kits, delivering up to a 40mm reduction in ride height and pre-assembled for optimised driving dynamics. For the Ford Mustang and Focus ST, rebound and compression stage damping can be further adjusted in up to 16 stages.
Ford Performance Premium light alloy wheels, flow-formed rather than cast to deliver up to a 15 per cent reduction in unsprung mass, and specially designed to complement the Ford Performance adjustable coilover kits. Featuring triple-layer Magnetite paintwork and the Ford Performance logo, the 10-spoke wheels are offered for Fiesta, Fiesta ST, Focus and Focus ST, in sizes from 17- to 19-inches depending on the model.
Ford Performance high-grade stainless steel exhaust systems manufactured by Borla. Offered in road-legal and track-only variants, and available with chrome or high-gloss black tailpipes, for the Ford Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0-litre V8 models.
A Ford Performance gearshift knob selection for the full Ford Performance range, featuring carbon fibre and unique short-shift gear-linkage for Ford Mustang six-speed manual models that reduces gearshift travel by 20 per cent for a sportier feel.
Mustang GT Performance Calibration Power Packs, offered in three stages for the Mustang 5.0-litre V8 model and boosting the engine’s rev limit to up to 7,500rpm.*
A Ford Performance supercharger kit for Mustang 5.0-litre V8, developed with Roush Performance to boost power to more than 600PS, and compatible with six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. *
“Ford Performance Parts are designed to deliver optimum performance, but also for speedy, hassle-free fitting,” Carafa said. “Our high-performance coil-over kits are pre-assembled for plug-and-play fitting by our trained technicians, to deliver an immediate performance upgrade with no time-consuming tuning process.”
Ford Performance also revealed the all-new Ford Performance Drift Stick concept – the first-ever, rally-inspired electronic handbrake, developed and designed for Focus RS and approved by rally and stunt star Ken Block.
The Drift Stick – an aluminium lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission – utilises the innovative, industry first Focus RS Drift Mode to deliver clutch-free drift turns very similar to the experience of a real rally car, and is designed for track use only.
Internally called Project Wicked Stick and led by Ford Performance programme manager John Wicks, the Drift Stick opens the rear-drive unit clutches of the Ford Performance All Wheel Drive system and applies hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels with the simple pull of a lever. Connecting directly to the vehicle’s electronic systems means instantaneous response with minimal effort required to engage the lever, for easy, precise use.
“The passionate engineers at Ford Performance are also enthusiasts,” Carafa said. “Everyone here is encouraged to think outside the box, so project ‘Wicked Stick’ was born.”
*Not homologated for road use
