On the inside, compact owners are also quick to upgrade the factory instrument package, sound system and even go to the extreme of replacing the stock seats with aftermarket performance units.
But this is not an "all show" segment, Blum says, since true performance modifications are equally popular. "In fact, the first modification most compact performance enthusiasts make is the addition of an oversized, high-performance, aftermarket-wheel-and-tire package. This addition alone transforms a compact car from econo-commuter to a serious looking piece of hardware."
Suspension tuning components to lower and tighten up the handling of a compact car are also popular, but the performance upgrades don't stop there. "Another common modification is the addition of a free flowing aftermarket exhaust system aft of the catalytic converter," says Blum. "If the raspier exhaust note doesn't grab your attention, then a pronounced oversized exhaust tip likely will. More performance is gained by the addition of a header, cold-air intake, and aftermarket computer chip. Those serious about performance will even install a turbocharger, supercharger, and/or nitrous oxide, which often leads to the desire for internal engine modifications."
Four-cylinder engines designed to deliver high fuel economy numbers are also capable of incredible performance when properly tuned, Blum says. The 8-second barrier in drag racing's quarter-mile was broken in the spring of 2000, and no one expects that time to stand for very long.
Look for Ford to get behind an effort to make the new record-holder a Focus, as it moves to heat up an already hot market.