Went to Ford's proving grounds for an SAE conference. Got the opportunity to check out the whole Ford lineup, as well as go for some rides in some great vehicles.

My absolute favorite part of the day was the wet pad. Ford's dynamics engineers were out with a few Mustangs; two BBP GT's, Boss 302 (orange/white...very hot!), silver Laguna Seca, and a Shelby GT500 with SVT PP. The whole purpose of the event was showing what they could do on a wet pad with some performance cars. Let me tell ya, these guys know how to drive! Nothing more exciting than sliding around in the Boss with those Recaros holding you in your seat.

Some other points worth mentioning:
- Focus hatch Titanium with handling package is fantastic. Probably my new favorite compact car.
- Fiesta with a 5-speed could be a very fun daily driver if you were mindful of gas mileage.
- F150 Raptor - do I really need to say any more?

 

Sounds fun, Steve. Don't 'spose they shared any titbits about forthcoming Mustangs, did they?

 

I'm not at liberty to discuss that...

 

Spoilsport


I've not driven one yet, but I must say I do like the look of the new Focus. Seen a few on the roads here in the UK over the last few weeks and it looks MUCH better in the metal than it does in the photos.

Would love to have a go in a Raptor, too. We had one turn up to our last local Mustang meet!

 

pics or ban

 

QFT

 

 

Cameras and camera phones were expressly prohibited from the event. I took plenty of mental pictures though

 

Can you draw?

 

Nope.