Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Ford prices turnkey Focus ST-R racer at $98,995

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-...photo-4436053/

There aren't many American cars that approach $100,000. As excited as they were by the ZR1's performance figures, Corvette enthusiasts balked at how a 'Vette could cost so much. After steadily climbing since its announcement a few years ago, the Fisker Karma's base price just breached the $100k mark. And of course the Ferrari-slaying Ford GT went for a good $150k if you could get your hands on one, and was probably worth even more. But a Focus? You've got to be kidding, right?

No, we're not kidding, but this also isn't the same Focus filling shopping mall parking lots and rental fleets across America and around the world, either. This is the Focus ST-R, the turn-key racing car launched by Ford Racing back in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It packs a competition-spec 2.0 EcoBoost four, a full FIA-certified roll cage, racing brakes and a track-tuned suspension.

In short, it's all but completely ready to tackle any of a variety of touring car series the world over, from Grand-Am ST and SCCA World Challenge TC to the World Touring Car Championship and similar local series around the world. So while the reported $98,995 sticker price may seem like a lot for a Focus, it may be the turn-key bargain of the tin-top racing world.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/f...cer-at-98-995/

aCortIS101

iTrader: (8)

Too much for a focus imo

LOWFAST

Maybe, but pretty cheap for a manufacturer designed turnkey racecar.

J.P.

People see Ford and Focus and if it’s over 20k they say it’s too much for a Ford or Focus without understanding exactly what this car is, can do and why someone would even buy it.

This is not an 18 year olds hopped up graduation gift, it’s a car with purpose.

AShepherd

agree
it is cheap for a turn-key race car

jaseman

$100K seams a bit steep, even for a turn-key, race prepped Focus. Considering you can get some of the turn-key Mustangs, eligible for the same series' for less than that.

You can also get an ACR Viper in the same range, and only need to add a safety equipment (though that can add up to $20k, so it's a bit of a moot point)

Then there's the Mazda Cup cars. Buy the Miata, Mazda's competition package for it (which gives you everything), and have a shop put the whole package together - for only about $50k total.

But....
I have no idea what componentry the Focus actually has, or just how 'prepped' it is (if it's eligable for different series' they all have different rulebooks - so chances are, you'll need to do something to it). You are almost guaranteed to get a car that is already well sorted by Ford, unlike building your own and having to work all the major bugs out. Considering the price it costs to go pro-racing in general, $100k for a ready to roll car isn't that bad at all. I've seen guys spend that much and more, building and prepping cars themselves.

ydooby

If it's the same car that Ken Block did his stunts in, that sounds like a fair price.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

what else does that 100k price include? a stripped interior, roll cage and racing seat does not equate $100k

jaseman

Without seeing an actual build sheet, I would suspect the following (all just guessing):

FIA approved safety equipment
Ccage, fuel cell, seat, fire suppression system, quick release steering wheel)

Suspension and brake package
(not sure what how much would deviate from stock - coil-overs, various body bracing, big, true performance brakes)

Body kit

Worked over motor with titanium valves, forged crank, or whatever they decide to do to make it 'race-able'

And the list can go on and on. Talk to anybody that's ever built a race car, it all adds up real quick.

But what you really pay for? The factory engineering. Your buying a car that someone else has already figured out what components work and what don't. Someone else has already sorted the car to (what should be) a competitive level. And, and don't over look this, someone else has already gone through the process to make sure it's legal for 3 or 4 different series. It takes a lot to properly set-up and prep a car that meets requirements for just ONE. Imagine having to design a set-up that meets multiple rulebooks AND be competitive. Not an easy task.

J.P.

The bold, again those that do not understand the product will bag on it because its Ford.

A nice ATV is $10,000+ now, and guess what, you hit stuff with it all day and it runs and runs for years.

Look around this forum and others, from after market wheels to audio to engines, things that are not true OEM often do not have the reliability OEM stuff has. When they say turnkey it has a very specific meaning, average Joe racer buys this car and off they go, without having to be their own wrench \ customizer \ troubleshooter etc. It is pain free no, but chances are its far less work then a custom build personally or at a shop.

The Mustang is also around 100k FYI.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

^^ good info. that build sheet would be handy