Ken Block, fifteen52 team up to build awesome Ford Focus TrackSTer

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:57:00 EST

Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, this Ford TrackSTer is a build done in cooperation between Ford, Ken Block and Los Angeles-based tuner, Fifteen52. Starting with a stock 2013 Ford Focus ST, the TrackSTer received extensive styling and performance enhancements.

Visually, the TrackSTer has a more aggressive look that includes a new front fascia, vented hood, rear fascia diffuser and rear spoiler, but this car stands out the most with its wide, rally-style wheels and partial fender extensions. Interior changes consist of a racing steering wheel, aluminum race pedals and a short-throw shifter. Fifteen52 also made some performance upgrades that include a Ford Racing exhaust system, upgraded internal engine components, a limited-slip differential and a reprogrammed engine controller as well as track-ready parts like intercooler, clutch and brakes.

Scroll down for the press release, but not before checking out our gallery.

Continue reading Ken Block, fifteen52 team up to build awesome Ford Focus TrackSTer

Ken Block, fifteen52 team up to build awesome Ford Focus TrackSTer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST doesn't go on sale until this summer, but fans of Global RallyCross will be able to catch the car in action before then. Announced ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, the Fiesta ST will be the car run by Ford GRC teams this season, and the model on display in Chicago will be the racecar built by Swedish tuner OlsbergsMSE driven by Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. Ken Block and his newly renamed Hoonigan Racing Division will also be competing in the Fiesta ST.

The 2013 GRC season has not been announced yet, but the venues will also include the summer X Games events in Brazil, Spain, Germany and, of course, Los Angeles. Ford announced that it will be the sole automotive sponsor of this year's summer X Games, and it will be looking to bring home a gold medal this year after Block placed silver last year.

In other Ken Block- and Ford-related news, another Chicago debut will be a tuned Focus ST called the TrackSTer project. Built in cooperation with Block, Ford and automotive tuner fifteen52, the TrackSTer will get plenty of styling, performance and handling upgrades. Some of the add-ons include a performance exhaust and short-throw shifter from Ford Racing, a rebuilt engine, upgraded components such as the limited-slip differential, intercooler, engine controller and clutch as well as upgraded brakes.

Scroll down for press releases on both the GRC Fiesta ST and the TrackSTer project.

Continue reading Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross

Ford reveals Fiesta ST race car, points at road ahead for bigger things in Global RallyCross originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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