Ford releases ‘Drift Stick’ for Focus RS

We all like to think we could channel our inner Ken Block on a closed dirt road. Now, Ford has given us another reason.

The Ford Performance division has revealed a Drift Stick for the Focus RS that will be shown at the upcoming SEMA show in the US, developed in consultation with Mr Block himself. And it will be available to order!

The rally-style aluminium handbrake slips over the RS’ existing handbrake, using a micro switch which communicates with the vehicle’s electronics and lets you perform big e-brake slides. Just like ol’ Ken backing his rally car into a corner with a hydraulic handbrake system.

“The Drift Stick is an aluminium lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission, which uses the innovative Ford Performance all-wheel-drive system in conjunction with the antilock braking system, opening up the rear-drive unit clutches and applying hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels to induce drift with the simple pull of a lever,” Ford says in a release. “The results are clutch-free drift turns very similar to the experience of a real rally car.”

The Drift Stick accompanies the Focus’ existing drift mode, made possible by some clever programming in the AWD system allowing the driver to perform lurid, smokey slides.

Together, the two systems combined should have novice drivers tipping their way around grown men dressed in gorilla suits in no time.

Installation of the e-brake (or Project Wizard Stick in Ford speak) appears straight-forward – clamp the e-brake over the car’s existing handbrake, bolt a rod into the existing front seat mount and plug the chord into the diagnostic port.

The drift stick also features a USB port that doubles as a diagnostic tool, and installing the drift stick won’t void your warranty in the US or Canada.

On that note, the Drift Stick will be available to order for US and Canadian customers from December 1, priced from $US999.

There’s no word yet on whether Australian enthusiasts will be given access to the Ford Performance catalogue, though you suspect budding enthusiasts will find a way to land the technology Down Under. The internet being the internet.