Drove an ST Today

[DerKrieger]

As some of you may know, Ford will be hosting the ST Performance Academy driving experience in cities around the country this summer. The event kicked off today in New York and I was in attendance.

After showing up I got a quick briefing before jumping in an ST, an ST2 in Tangerine Scream, and went around a practice autocross course set up in the parking lot of the IZOD Center before jumping in an ST3, also in Tangerine Scream, to do some timed laps around a separate course.

Initially I thought that it would be very restrictive but the Ford people were very friendly and wanted the drivers to test the car to its limits. It didn't disappoint.

Turn in is crisp and there is no torque steer at all despite the massive power being sent through the front wheels. The grip is simply astonishing. I threw it into bends at speeds that would seem impossible and it hung right in there, tires screaming. The back comes around nicely. It is simply such an easy car to drive quickly. That doesn't mean it is boring however. It is one of the most exciting hot hatches I have driven. The gearbox is smooth and the engine is a gem. There is simply torque everywhere and the sound that it makes is simply delicious. It is a car that really wants you to drive it.

The interior on both the ST2 and ST3 were fantastic. The Recaro seats are comfortable and grip you tight through the bends and every switch or anything you have to operate is right where you would expect it to be. It also seems very well put together too.

Also, despite being thrashed around a track, the ST was averaging 10.8 MPG.

Made the decision. Ordered one right there.

I'll be trying to upload some video later, but no guarantees my camera is garbage.

[Sponsor]

[blank102]

Stop tempting me!!

[Chris_HT]

now you know how SVT owners feel every day....

[fakitol]

I awareged 8,7.....

[whimsicalpouch2]

now you know how SVT owners feel every day....

it is a thrill ride every day! i loveeee my SVT

[DerKrieger]

I can't wait until I get mine. Plus I got a free Go Pro HD camera lol.

Seriously though, for the price, you can't beat it. Now I just have to decide where to park it...

[Focus112]

I also attended today and was very impressed. Like mentioned, i did not notice any torque steer. This electronic torque vectoring system was actually pretty good. Its definetely not on par with an LSD, but i did about 15 auto-x runs and was quite surprised. For the average driver its perfect. I didnt feel like its was slowing me down like i did with the traction control on my ST.

As for power, it was hot, 90 to 95, and the cars pulled hard. I would say it pulled as hard if not harder than my mazdaspeed 6. Clutch felt great and so did the tranny.

Handling was impressive too, felt very balance and could even get the back end loose while still being under control.

As for the event, i would highly reccomend. You are only suppposed to get 3 auto-x runs, but the guys were friendly and i ended up going about 15 times. I had the fastest time of the day, and even beat all of the instructors. The head instructor was not having it though and we ending up having a nice battle, in which he ultimately won by two tenths.

Here is some of my pics.

[Jonwoos]

Wow!

[DrkKnight614]

Posted via FF Mobile Awesome, but I just have one other thing to say...THAT ISNT NY ITS NJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DID FORD SAY IT IS NY ROOOOAAAARRRR

[DerKrieger]

Originally Posted by DrkKnight614

Posted via FF Mobile Awesome, but I just have one other thing to say...THAT ISNT NY ITS NJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY DID FORD SAY IT IS NY ROOOOAAAARRRR

It is the New York Event. This is the closest place they could get I guess. East Ruthaford is like 5 min from NY. I mean the NY Giants play here so lol