[hyatt]

So, I went down to Hotchkis Sport Suspension this morning in sunny Santa Fe Springs, CA and they installed their prototype tubular rear bar on my 2014 FiST. They also installed a pair of adjustible endlinks on the front, but did not install a front bar. My initial impression, based on a few blasts on freeway onramps is that the rear bar didn't make the rear twitchy at all, and the car does feel like it's cornering a bit flatter. There is a Hotchkis R&D test in a few weeks, so I'll see how it affects things under more intense driving. All in all, based on my experience with their MINI stuff, I think the Hotchkis bars are going to be great for our cars.

 

[koozy]

nice. it's good to have more options. Do you know if they are working on a front bar or anything else for the ST? What size is the rear bar? Can you share any pics?

 

[hyatt]

Yes they're working on a front bar. I don't know what else, if anything, they're working on. I can't share pictures yet, sorry. I can say that the prototype bar is really nicely bent and welded and powdercoated the standard Hotchkis gray. As far as size goes, the press release hasn't gone out yet, I don't think. So I can't divulge that either. Sorry I can't be more forthcoming!

 

[koozy]

dangit! LOL

 

[hyatt]

I can divulge that it's awesome so far!

 

[Mister_Mino]

pics or it never happened..

 

[vixenlotus]

I had a hollow H-Sport bar on the rear of my Mini Cooper. Worked well for 4 years but then rusted and cracked. If you live in a place that has snow/salt you should not buy a hollow bar. H-sport would not help me when I told them about it. To me I should not have to worry about how long a sway bar lasts. It should be good for the life of the car.

 

[hyatt]

This one has endcaps on it which may or may not help that, but I live in Southern California so for me, it's a non-issue.

 

[vixenlotus]

Mine rusted and ultimately cracked in the center. It started rusting under the bushings when the paint got rubbed off. I will not be buying from H-sport anytime soon. I think you will be ok living in CA I just do not like a company that does not stand behind their products.

 

[hyatt]

So I've been running this prototype on my car for six months or so now, done several track days and numerous canyon runs with it. It's still awesome and provides a significant amount of lateral grip. When we were running the Hotchkis R&D stuff, my FiST picked up an additional 2mph in the slalom and saw a good increase (I don't remember the exact amount) of lateral grip in the skidpad. The bar isn't out yet, but I HIGHLY recommend buying it when it comes out. It bolts on in 10 minutes too, added bonus. No word yet on a front bar.

 

[toptier]

When are the end links going to be available?

 

[hyatt]

I don't know the release dates for anything. I have their front adjustable end links on my car but they're set as stock, the Hotchkis guys haven't yet made any adjustments. I assume they will if/when they do a front bar. I'll definitely keep you guys posted.

 

[KKaWing]

They're finally out!

Applications: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, 2015 Ford Fiesta ST, 2016 Ford Fiesta ST

SKU: 22447R

Hotchkis Sport Suspension (22447R) 2014+ Ford Fiesta ST Rear Sport Sway Bar Set from Hotchkis Sport Suspension. The new Ford Fiesta ST is a very capable high performance hot hatch. Installing our new adjustable Rear Sport Sway Bar takes it to a new level of handling performance. Spirited street cruising and competitive track driving are even more enjoyable due to improved cornering performance, driver feedback and traction. Our engineers have spent hours on the street and test track developing the best Sway Bar for ultimate performance improvement. Besides the very noticeable street driving improvement, it works extremely well in autocross, road course and open road-racing applications. Our 22mm lightweight hollow steel Rear Sport Sway bar adds 200 lbs/in of resistance for reduced roll, increased grip and quicker steering response. Our lightweight hollow Sport Sway Bars are formed on our unique CNC bender for precision, powder-coated gloss black for durability and we include our premium smooth operating high durometer polyurethane bushings and heavy-duty brackets. Stock end-links are retained to maintain a quiet ride on the street. For track use and balanced handling, our premium adjustable rod-end End Link kits are available for the stock front sway bar (25447F). Install our Rear Sport Sway Bar System on your Ford Fiesta ST and reach that next level of handling and performance.
Features and Benefits:

Lightweight & durable 22mm tubular steel rear sway bar
Added rear roll resistance of 200 lbs/in
Premium 10.9 grade mounting hardware
Improved stability in transitions
Tubes are CNC bent and end brackets are laser cut for a precise fit
Lightweight hollow construction
Anthracite powder coat for durability
Proudly Made in the U.S.A



http://www.hotchkis.net/product/201...sport-suspension/?mk=54&yr=2015&md=678&sm=973

^ Official Hotchkis site, it's on tire rack too @ $185 ea. Availability: 02/19/16

Here it is in action: https://www.instagram.com/p/ydPyABCZxn/

 

[Chuckable]

Looking forward to some reviews!

 

[vixenlotus]

what is the warrantee? as stated above my Hotchkis bar rusted and cracked on my Mini and they did not replace it.

 

[noABS]

I have this bar. While I'm on here guess I can let you guys know - helps a lot. Simply rotates in better, definitely not too much oversteer. I can't comment on times, since I used it for the first time with freshly scrubbed in re71rs, and my runs before were on OEM tires. Certainly felt faster with the easier rotation.