What does it take to be one of the top cars used in rally racing? There’s something about the Ford Focus that has made it wildly popular on rally circuits, especially with drivers looking for a combination of speed, maneuverability, and reliability in harsh conditions. In some ways, there is nothing harsher than the challenging terrain and weather conditions of a traditional rally track. Cruising around at high speeds, weaving in and out of tight curves, jumping over bumps and dips, all of it can put a strain on a typical rally car. This is where the Ford Focus shines for some rally drivers. It is small and maneuverable with a high level of durability thrown into the mix. Combined with different options for tuning and modifying the vehicle in a way that only rally drivers know how the Focus rolls off the assembly line as a canvas for rally teams to turn in to the perfect racing machine. In addition to other small cars like Subarus, the Ford Focus is a familiar sight for a variety of reasons. When a rally team has the choice between the 2018 Ford Focus versus 2018 Nissan Sentra, you can be sure most will take the Focus.
Natural Performance
Most rally teams and drivers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars modifying their vehicles for the harsh conditions and speeds of a typical rally race. This means very few rally cars are made to the same specifications as street legal, factory versions. This does not mean, however, that a rally team can make any car into the perfect rally warrior. A good option requires a combination of natural performance and the potential for modification.
The Ford Focus is easily one of the best commercial production vehicles you can choose to transform into a rally racing superstar. Its natural potential starts with the size of the chassis and length of the wheelbase. As a compact car, its design for urban environment translates well into off-road courses with tight turns and endless obstacles.
Due to the size of the Focus, the car has a tight turning radius that is responsive to the steering wheel. With the right modifications and parts, this potential can turn the Ford Focus into truly race worthy vehicle. An easily accessible engine bay and standard Ford parts also make it easy to modify the engine to get the most amount of horsepower and torque, which translates into speed and climbing ability.
In general, modifying a Ford Focus is like an art project. With the stock Focus being equal to a blank canvas the number of aftermarket and factory part provide you the ability to turn it into something unique, becoming beauty in motion. The right combination of natural handling characteristics, physical size, and modification potential make the Focus easy to customize to the needs of the individual driver, team, and rally course. Many choose the Ford Focus over other options for this customizability, knowing their thousands of dollars will be well spent in the long run.
Race Inspiration
The Ford Focus has been so successful in rally circuits that the manufacturer has even started to bring in some of the race-inspired features off of the rally track. Giving customers a platform to experience a different driving style without the years of necessary skill and experience makes the Focus a unique purchase for the common, everyday driver. If you have ever wanted to go off-road or drive like professional racers when it is safe and legal to do so, the Focus has you covered.
On the surface, Ford Focus may not look like a true rally car equipped with the performance and specifications necessary to accelerate, break, and drift like the real thing. This is by design. The beauty of the Focus comes from the hidden features Ford has included that are accessible at your fingertips. With a simple press of a button, you can turn the Focus into a driftable machine that will give you a taste of the actual rally experience.
This is all thanks, in part, to the advanced computer system Ford has put into the vehicle. Since advanced maneuvers like drifting alter the dynamics and handling of the car, typically, such maneuvers would require a lot of skill to do correctly. The computer has been designed to handle a lot of the different, changing variables that are present during these advanced maneuvers. Controlling the intelligent drivetrain and traction, the computer can adapt to various forces, terrains, and elements during a turn that a driver cannot. This makes it easier to feel secure and confident while driving the vehicle in a variety of conditions.
Understanding The Ford Focus
What does it really matter if a car is the perfect rally racer when all you need is a good daily driver? It means that the vehicle has the traits necessary to tackle anything. Compared to the challenging terrain of a typical rally course, the daily commute is smooth and kind. A compact car that can handle the harsh rigors of rally racing will make a reliable commuter that will serve you well for many, many years into the future.
The best way to see this for yourself is with a test drive. The Focus is deceptive in how much performance and handling it hides under the exterior. As a result, you need to feel the way it handles for yourself. Playing around with the different settings and handling profiles will also tell you just how much this compact car can change to meet your desired driving style.
If you are interested in the Ford Focus as a potential daily commuter or weekend racer, try out the different trims and engine options to find the right amount of performance for your needs. You will be able to see how the acceleration and handling differ between the trims so the right choice should become evident after even a short time behind the wheel.
Go out and explore your options today. Any local Ford dealership will have a healthy supply of the Ford Focus for customers looking for the best balance of comfort and handling.
