If there ever was a car company after our hoonigan hearts, it’s probably Ford. Just in time for SEMA, according to Ford on their official press release they dropped earlier today (Oct. 13, 2017) they’ve introduced the world’s first-ever electronically controlled performance handbrake.
Unlike some hydraulic external handbrake installations that require an entirely new hydraulic pump, reservoir, and fabrication of the rear brake lines to fit new hydraulic lines, this electronically controlled handbrake needs no modifications. It’s entirely plug-and-play. Check out a demonstration by none other than Ford’s Ken Block as he demos just how this electronic handbrake works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-SHQw8G5SE
In lieu of the manual Handbrake on a Focus RS, an aluminum lever takes its place. When the driver yanks up on the lever, a signal is sent to the rear differential to open allowing the engine to apply power to the front wheels. At the same time, only the rear calipers clamp down effectively locking the rear wheels enabling the car to rotate around its center thus allowing a driver to perform the perfect handbrake turn. In addition, its onboard diagnostic plug capability allows it to be used as a calibration tool to further perfect smaller or larger handbrake turns.
It costs just $1,000. Although that might seem steep, keep in mind that it would cost just about the same amount of money if you fabbed up your own external hydraulic handbrake. In addition, the factory warranty is unaffected by the installation. Just like the Focus RS’s drift mode, it’s only meant for track use, although Ford has no jurisdiction where you use this drift stick kit.
If there’s is one car that can really do it all, Ford is doing its best to put the Ford Focus RS up as a potential candidate. Not only is it fast in a straight line, can negotiate a track like a bat out of hell, and conquer the dirt just as good, it’s almost a bonafide drift car out of the box. We wouldn’t be surprised if Ford blessed the RS with a bit more steering angle and let Ken Block loose on an exhibition run during Formula Drift.
And to play devil’s advocate, Ford may have inadvertently created quite the getaway vehicle. Let’s see their pursuit rated Explorers negotiate a corner just as quick.
