Maik Gonschorreck’s 2016 Fiesta ST180—nicknamed “Beast”—is a personal passion project that blends homegrown style with street-ready performance. Built by hand, driven with pride.
When you see Maik G’s 2016 Ford Fiesta ST180 roll through Gelsenkirchen, it’s clear this build wasn’t made to blend in. It’s a street and show machine nicknamed “Beast,” but don’t let the name fool you—it’s a clean, carefully detailed reflection of passion that’s been decades in the making.
From ’90s Tuning Vibes to Ford Focus
Maik’s car journey began in the 1990s, where the modified car culture first caught his attention. Fast forward ten years, and Ford—especially the Fiesta ST—took center stage in his automotive life. “I was already enthusiastic about tuned cars in the ’90s,” Maik shares. “But Ford has held my interest for the past decade.”
The Beast: A Visual and Performance Statement
Maik’s ST180 doesn’t just growl—it commands attention. The list of mods is long and tells a story of balance between style and substance. With a motorsport clutch, downpipe, front flaps, front lip, side skirts, diffuser, and a custom foil wrap—all done by Maik himself—the car is bold without being overdone. “The appearance and performance together is what I was going for,” he says.
He’s also dropped the car with an aftermarket suspension setup, upgraded to Zimmermann sport brakes, and added OZ-rimmed wheels to perfectly complement the big visual energy. Under the hood, the car’s 1.6L turbocharged engine puts out 182PS and 240Nm—good for a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds, making sure the Beast isn’t just for show.
Self-Made and Still Evolving
One of the most challenging parts of Maik’s build was the foiling. What started out as a tough learning curve became one of his favorite parts of the process. “At first it was hard to find,” he says, “but with time it got better and better.”
Importantly, this build was done largely by Maik himself, with help from just one friend. “No tuning professionals—just us,” he notes proudly. In a country where tuning regulations can be strict, Maik’s attention to detail and creativity still find a way to shine.
No Clubs, Just Cars and Community
Maik doesn’t belong to any official clubs, but that hasn’t stopped him from being part of the Ford culture. He regularly attends events like the European Ford Event and Ford Family Day, and sees meet-ups as a great way to connect, support others, and find inspiration.
“I drive in between to meetings,” he says, always ready to turn up and show support—whether it’s with a camera, a kind word, or simply the presence of the Beast.
Advice for the Builders
For anyone out there considering a Ford build of their own, Maik’s advice is simple but heartfelt: “Design the car the way you want—not how others would like it. Always continue, even if something doesn’t succeed.”
Looking Forward
Next on Maik’s list is a refresh of the car’s foiling and possibly more mods—although he admits that with Germany’s tuning laws, everything needs to be thought through carefully. As for the long-term future? “Let’s see what the future brings,” he says with a grin.
Closing Message
“Tuners are friendly to each other,” Maik reminds us. “Support others and don’t talk badly about something someone else is proud of.” It’s a powerful message in a scene that thrives on individuality, mutual respect, and passion.
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