Ford Focus RS Drift Stick: Use With Caution
CARS.COM — The Ford Focus RS is — among other things — a drift machine. Beginning Dec. 1, Ford will sell the Drift Stick, a kit for the Focus RS that includes an electronic handbrake and the necessary electronics bits to make the system work. This is on top of the Focus RS’ Drift Mode, a driving setting that already made it easier to get sideways.
Drifts Mode and Stick are both explicitly for track use only. Never, ever, everever use them on public roads. We’ve already shared this video once, but it bears re-sharing. DO NOT BE THIS GUY:
The gist of the Drift Stick is that pulling the aluminum lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission activates the electronic handbrake, locks the rear wheels and enables clutchless drifting (the Focus RS is only available with a six-speed manual transmission).
Professional drifters tend to use hydraulic handbrakes, but the process of installing one is labor-intensive and not easily reversible, so Ford went the electronic route. Additionally, installing this part won’t alter the car’s warranty.
Ken Block, professional rally driver and star of the Gymkhana series of videos (this is a personal favorite), was involved with the initial development of the Focus RS and now the Drift Stick. His seal of approval can be seen below:
Keep in mind, this car wasn’t difficult to drift beforehand. In fact, the good folks across the pond at Carfection proved this with a video called, “Ford Focus RS: So Easy to Drift Your Mum Can Do It?” (Spoiler alert: She can.)
Please, if you purchase this kit: Be safe. Always drive responsibly on public roads, save drifting for the track … and keep the camera running.
