We are finally bringing back Workers Whips and I know we have said this before but I promise we will be more regular with these posts this time around! We've been very busy over the past few years since our last post taking on new brands and even taking on new colleagues for us to now share their whips with you!
I am going to start this new batch of Workers Whips with our very own Zakir and his MK2.5 Ford Focus ST 2.5L (ST3). Zakir works here as Sales & Administration and drives his ST daily (Despite the excessive fuel expenses, maybe we pay him too much).
Why the Ford Focus?
I chose the MK2 Ford Focus ST for its performance, handling and unmistakable styling. The real appeal, however, has always been the 5-cylinder engine and its distinctive soundtrack. I've also got a bit of history with the MK2 Focus, having learnt to drive in my dad's and previously owned a 1.6 99bhp model myself. So stepping up to the ST felt like a natural progression.
What mods have you done to the car so far?
The car has come a long way since I first bought it, with a number of performance, handling and cosmetic upgrades along the way.
Starting with the breathing side of things, the original intake has been replaced with an Airtec induction kit featuring a K&N high-flow cone filter, Airtec slam panel for improved airflow direction and an aluminium crossover pipe. Cooling is taken care of by an Airtec Stage 2 intercooler, paired with upgraded boost pipes. The turbo setup has also received a Turbosmart recirculation valve and actuator.
On the handling front, the car sits on Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs, with an uprated Hardrace rear anti-roll bar and engine mounts. The underside has also been extensively polybushed using Powerflex bushes to tighten things up and improve the overall feel of the car.
Braking is taken care of by a 330mm V-Maxx Big Brake Kit up front, finished in red, with EBC Ultimax grooved discs at the rear. Both axles run EBC Bluestuff road-legal track pads, supported by Goodridge stainless steel braided brake lines for improved pedal feel.
The existing turbo-back exhaust system has since been modified with a custom, smaller resonator and finished off with 4.5-inch chrome exhaust tips, giving the rear end a much more purposeful look.
Externally, the car runs the RS Parts lowline kit, including the four-fin diffuser, alongside a Maxton Design spoiler lip and ST wing badges. The original wheel setup has also been replaced with 19-inch Rotiform DTM wheels in Gloss Silver, wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport V107 tyres.
Inside, the factory infotainment has made way for a Kenwood touchscreen head unit, bringing Apple CarPlay and a noticeable improvement to the overall audio experience.
A few substantial upgrades were already present when I bought the car, including the Focus RS clutch and flywheel and the original turbo-back exhaust system, providing a solid foundation to build on.
There's been plenty of time, money and thought put into getting the car to where it is today, and there's still plenty I'd like to do. A standard Focus ST was never really on the cards.
What have you got planned for the car next?
There's still a fair bit I'd like to get done. On the cosmetic side, the bodywork is due some attention, with a full repaint planned to address some minor lacquer peel and bring the finish back up to standard. I've also got a pair of replacement front wings sitting in the boot, ready to go on to sort out some rust that's started to show.
Mechanically, I'd like to explore a few more options, including an upgraded intake plenum from either Airtec or Anembo, along with an aftermarket front grille to freshen up the front end. An RS Turbo conversion is also something I'd like to consider further down the line, although there's no rush.
There are always a few ideas floating around, but for now I'd rather focus on getting the car looking as good as it drives before deciding what's next.
How long have you had a love for cars?
My interest in cars goes back as far as I can remember. It's always been a big part of my life, from spending hours watching car videos on YouTube as a kid to sitting by the window trying to identify every car that drove past. I'd even find myself mimicking engine sounds throughout the day, much to everyone's amusement.
I also grew up around cars, with family members owning some interesting and occasionally rather exotic machinery over the years. That undoubtedly helped fuel my interest from an early age.
One story that probably sums up my enthusiasm is how I first learnt to drive. My dad owned a takeaway with some private land, and at around 13 or 14, I started teaching myself the basics after watching driving videos on YouTube. I never took a professional driving lesson and went on to pass my test first time shortly after turning 17. Looking back, perhaps the interest was always a little more than just a hobby.
What is your dream car?
I have quite a few dream cars, but if I had to choose an ultimate one, it would have to be the McLaren P1. It's an incredible piece of engineering, and everything about it appeals to me, from the design and butterfly doors to the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain. It's a car I'd struggle to ever get tired of.
There are plenty of other cars I'd love to own, with the Nissan GT-R R35 sitting particularly high on that list. A Liberty Walk example would be even better. Others include the Lamborghini Gallardo and Aventador, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari 812. The list could go on, but the McLaren P1 will always be the ultimate dream.
| EBC | https://www.ebcbrakeshop.co.uk/ |
| Eibach | https://www.eibachshop.co.uk/ |
| Rotiform | https://www.felgenwerkes.co.uk/ |
| Goodridge | https://potnshop.co.uk/ |
| K&N | https://potnshop.co.uk/ |
| Turbosmart | https://potnshop.co.uk/ |
| V-Maxx | https://v-maxxshop.co.uk/ |