In one of the more daring ideas to bubble to the surface of Ford Performance, they’ve launched the Drift Stick and its every bit as self explanatory and, depending on driver skill, potentially life-threatening.
It was revealed last week as an add-on kit for the all-wheel drive Ford Focus RS, which includes some new hardware components along with software tweaks to make it all work together. Internally, the project was called ‘Wicked Stick’, and was obviously meant to be one conceived as a extension of the RS’ famed (or infamous) Drift Mode.
“The passionate engineers at Ford Performance are also enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “Everyone here is encouraged to think outside the box, so project ‘Wicked Stick’ was born. Our engineers will leverage the learnings from its development for many future products for Ford Performance and, ultimately, take back even more of an innovative spirit when they rejoin our mainstream engineering teams.”
Operationally, there will now be a secondary apart from the gear shifter. Just from looking at these pictures, we imagine there to be at least some issue with ergonomics, requiring some acclimatisation to not clash into, especially for those with a manual transmission. It’s also unclear whether any of the components shown here are specific to a left-hand drive configuration, potentially ruling out a hot swap across regions.
However, Ford must reckon that these downsides only require time and experience to alleviate, allowing owners of these Drift Stick-equipped Focus RSes to be at least halfway proficient at initiating a rear lock-up within a matter of days.
To prove this, they enlisted the help of car control demigod Ken Block in its development, honing its design and operation through many sessions of controlled slides and tyre vaporisation in the name of science.
“I think it’s really cool that Ford Performance is offering customers a way to create large-angle drifts in the Focus RS. Obviously it’s something that I’m really passionate about having been a part of the development of the production vehicle, so it’s exciting to see it come to life. It definitely makes the car even more fun to drive,” said Mr Block.
The disclaimer says that the Drift Stick is only meant for use at the track, of course. And unlike many fully analogue rally-style handbrake levers, this packaged system is at least somewhat electronically-assisted. This requires far fewer new parts and avoids any invasive installation process to achieve, making the system more geared toward the novice (as opposed to an expert like Ken).
According to Ford: “…just five to six pounds of pressure is required to operate the Ford Performance Drift Stick – significantly less than a hydraulic handbrake – for easy, precise use. It also connects to the onboard diagnostics port on the car, allowing it to function as a professional calibration tool.”
For those keen, and provided you’re in North America, the Drift Stick is sold US$999 starting from December 1st and includes the Drift Stick lever, mounts and circuit board with professional calibration functionality. The car’s warranty is unaffected by its installation. As for its availability elsewhere in the world, Ford isn’t saying, so don’t bother waiting up for its surprise appearance Down Under either.
More on Ford cars can be found at our Showroom.
