Cincinnati Ford Dealer » Drew Phillips

SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance

Drew Phillips — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:13:00 +0000

Today marks 20 years since Ford first announced its Special Vehicle Team, most famously known as SVT. With performance mastermind John Colleti at the helm, SVT produced some legendary cars during its first 10 years, beginning with the 1993 SVT Cobra (and its even more hardcore sibling the SVT Cobra R), as well as the 2003 F-150 SVT Lightning. Since then we've had numerous updates to each, most notably the SVT Cobra of 2003-2004 lovingly referred to by Mustang fans as the "Terminator," plus new models like the SVT Contour and SVT Focus built from 2002-2004.

Today SVT is alive and well with a lineup consisting of the Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, and we're guessing that back in 1993 no one could have imagined just how far the brand has come. A 650-horsepower Mustang capable of 200 miles per hour or a Ford F-150 capable of running the Baja 1000 in nearly stock form would have seemed insane at the time. And it still does today.

Have a look at some of the vehicles produced by SVT over the past 20 years in the gallery above, and let us know what you think might come from Ford's performance division in the next 20 years in the comments section below.

SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson 2012: $300,000 takes home 2013 Shelby GT500 prototype [w/video]

Drew Phillips — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:11:00 +0000

Filed under: Auctions, Ford

This beaten and battered 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 prototype is proof that you can buy just about any type of vehicle at Barrett-Jackson. The car was used as an SVT test car to develop the 2013 Shelby GT500, and was piloted at race tracks like Sebring Raceway and at Ford's Arizona proving grounds. Even Carroll Shelby himself had a stint in the car to test its merits.

From the look of it, the GT500 prototype is still in testing condition. There is plenty of dirt and grime still on the front of the car, and various wiring and diagnostic equipment are still inside the vehicle. Even so, the car is a piece of rolling history, and the bidding represented that. As an added bonus, the winner gets the opportunity to buy the first production 2013 GT500 from Ford.

The Shelby commanded $300,000 - all of which was generously donated by Ford to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You can see our live photos of the car above or watch a video of its auction after the jump.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2012: $300,000 takes home 2013 Shelby GT500 prototype [w/video]

Barrett-Jackson 2012: $300,000 takes home 2013 Shelby GT500 prototype [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson 2012: Galpin Widebody Mustang nets $160,000 for charity

Drew Phillips — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:43:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

The time has come for the custom widebody Mustang from Galpin Auto Sports to find a new owner. Built by Galpin for industrial company SPX, this specially built Mustang features a hand-built body that widens the car by an incredible nine inches highlighted by PPG Candy Apple Red paint. Under the hood is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing over 700 horsepower, and it has also been fitted with forged three-piece wheels, a custom suede interior, upgraded exhaust system and more.

Whether it was the look and sound of the car or whether bidders were simply feeling generous, this attention-grabbing pony car nabbed a final bid of $160,000, all of which will be donated to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can see our live photos above, or hit the jump to watch a video of the car being auctioned off in case you missed it on SPEED.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2012: Galpin Widebody Mustang nets $160,000 for charity

Barrett-Jackson 2012: Galpin Widebody Mustang nets $160,000 for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roush announces new performance product line for the Ford F-150

Drew Phillips — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Ford

We normally associate with Roush Performance with the Ford Mustang, as we've tested several examples over the year from the race-ready 427R Trak Pak to the current 540 horsepower RS3. The Michigan tuner is now looking to expand, though, and has recently introduced a new line of performance products aimed at another segment of the Ford product line, the F-150.

The F-150's new powertrains are the main focus of Roush's product blitz, with supercharger systems available for both the 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s. Roush has also developed cold air inductions kits for the entire powertrain lineup with the exception of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Additionally, Roush is offering a stainless steel cat-back exhaust for most of the F-150 lineup that produces a more aggressive tone than the stock system.

You can read more about the new F-150 products from Roush in the press release after the jump, and you can get a closer glimpse at the supercharger and the exhaust system in the gallery above.

Continue reading Roush announces new performance product line for the Ford F-150

Roush announces new performance product line for the Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Shelby GT500 development car to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson for charity

Drew Phillips — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

For the last several years Ford has partnered with Barrett-Jackson to auction off some very special vehicles for charity. Past cars have included the first production examples of the Shelby GT500KR and Shelby GT as well as special one-offs like last year's Grabber Blue Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, all of which have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

For 2012 Ford is once again auction off a Mustang for charity, but this year's car is a little different. Up for grabs will be a 2013 Shelby GT500 development car used by SVT to hone the production 'Stang. This prototype was run extensively at Sebring and the high speed oval at Ford's Arizona proving grounds and was even driven by Carroll Shelby himself during the development process. The car has some unique features including a full roll cage and Recaro racing seats, but it will likely remain a museum piece as it can't be registered for road use.

You can read more about this unique 2013 Shelby GT500 going up for auction in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 Shelby GT500 development car to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson for charity

2013 Shelby GT500 development car to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPEED TV giving away customized Shelby GT500 as part of Hagerty Fantasy Bid at Barrett-Jackson

Drew Phillips — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

For the past several years, SPEED has invited classic car fans to participate in the Barrett-Jackson auction with the Hagerty Fantasy Bid contest. Viewers compete to correctly guess the sale prices for select vehicles, and those who accumulate the most points come away with prizes.

SPEED will be holding the contest once again for 2012, and today announced that it will be sweetening the deal for participants - a customized 2011 Shelby GT500 with 750 horsepower. The car has been upgraded with a Ford Racing supercharger system, adjustable suspension system, Wilwood brakes and a few unique visual enhancements.

Lest you think your lack of knowledge of the classic car market leaves you no chance at winning this special Shelby GT500, don't fret. Simply making a fantasy bid during the auction automatically enters you to win the car, regardless of its accuracy. Of course, if your guesses are spot-on then you have a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a 60-inch Samsung television, gift cards, fuel cards and an iPad 2.

The Hagerty Fantasy Bid starts on January 19th, and you can register over at www.speedfantasybid.com starting on January 13th. Hit the jump for more details about the contest and the Shelby GT500 giveaway.

Continue reading SPEED TV giving away customized Shelby GT500 as part of Hagerty Fantasy Bid at Barrett-Jackson

SPEED TV giving away customized Shelby GT500 as part of Hagerty Fantasy Bid at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galpin widebody Mustang ready for its charity auction at Barrett-Jackson

Drew Phillips — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:29:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

The annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ is less than a month away, and car aficionados from around the country are already gearing up for the six-day collector car sell-a-thon. One of the vehicles up for grabs will be this custom widebody Mustang that we first told you about in August. At the time, this ponycar was a mere rendering, but since then Galpin has completed the Mustang and readied it for the auction in January.

Like several of the cars that cross the block, the proceeds from the sale of the widebody Mustang will be donated to charity, specifically the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, thanks to the generosity of SPX, the company that financed the construction of the car. We're guessing there won't be any trouble finding eager bidders to donate their hard-earned cash, as this Mustang comes with a 700-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 between the front fenders, a red suede interior, custom PPG paint, a 1000-watt stereo and more.

You can read more about the Galpin widebody Mustang and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the press release after the jump, and be sure to look out for our live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson auction next month.

Continue reading Galpin widebody Mustang ready for its charity auction at Barrett-Jackson

Galpin widebody Mustang ready for its charity auction at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing continues the Mustang Cobra Jet program for 2013 with new engine options

Drew Phillips — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:59:00 +0000

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

Ford kicked off its turn-key drag racing program with the debut of the Mustang Cobra Jet in 2008, and since then both Dodge and Chevrolet have joined the party with the Mopar Challenger Drag Pak and the recently-introduced COPO Camaro Concept. With the competition from its American counterparts Ford hasn't been able to rest on their laurels, updating the Cobra Jet in both 2010 and for 2012. Now, Ford has revealed yet another revised Cobra Jet for 2013, with the car being unveiled at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Florida.

The biggest change for the 2013 Cobra Jet is the availability of two 5.0-liter V8 options that come in either naturally aspirated or supercharged variants, allowing competitors to compete in the NHRA Stock Eliminator category. Further updates to the 2013 Cobra Jet include a lighter body, electric power steering, a new roll cage and new suspension geometry that allows for quicker launches.

As in previous years, just 50 Cobra Jets will be produced for 2013 at the AAI assembly plant alongside road-going Mustangs, with customers being chosen on a first come first served basis. With the new 5.0-liter engine options the base price has dropped to $86,000, and the optional supercharger puts that number closer to the six figure mark. You can read Ford's official press release after the jump, and live photos of the 2013 Cobra Jet at the PRI show can be found in the gallery above.

Continue reading Ford Racing continues the Mustang Cobra Jet program for 2013 with new engine options

Ford Racing continues the Mustang Cobra Jet program for 2013 with new engine options originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Shelby GTS

Drew Phillips — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:57:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

Bringing The Shelby Name To The Masses

The Shelby name doesn't come cheap. Vintage Shelby Mustangs and Cobras can command six or sometimes even seven figure sums. The current Shelby offerings are much cheaper - the GT350 is priced around $70,000 while the Ford-built GT500 is a little less expensive with a base price just short of $50,000 - although we still wouldn't consider them attainable to the average guy with a mortgage and 2.5 kids.

Shelby sees that as a problem. The majority of its customers are the people who craved a GT500 or Cobra back when they were kids in the 1960s. Those customers are getting older, and like many other automakers, Shelby has decided to reach out to younger buyers. At the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Shelby announced the GTS, a new model designed to be attainable to the masses. The GTS would be available in both V6 and V8 form and, with a package price of $9,995, could be had for less than $33,000 in base form. "It's a car that reaches a younger buyer while acknowledging the economic realities of our times," said Shelby American president John Luft at the time.

We have to wonder, though. Are younger buyers interested in buying a Shelby Mustang? Will people actually buy a Shelby with a V6? We aimed to find out for ourselves and picked up a V6 model in Race Red with White Le Mans stripes at Shelby's facility in Gardena, CA for a week-long test.

Continue reading 2012 Shelby GTS

2012 Shelby GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Mustang re-skinned with classic body panels

Drew Phillips — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style, Racing

If you like the classic lines of the 1960s Mustang but prefer the amenities of a modern car, then you'll definitely want to check out this unique pony car. Built by 23-year-old Johnny "Sparks", this 2011 Ford Mustang GT has been fitted with body panels from the 1968 and 1969 model years for a very unique look. Of course, the body panels weren't an exact fit so most of the panels had to be lengthened, widened or stretched to fit over the chassis. Some parts, like the front portion of the hood, had to be completely built from scratch. The result looks better than you might think, with the lines of the car flowing together quite well.

In addition to the new body panels, the car has also been fitted with a variety of modifications including a full exhaust system, cold-air intake and 20-inch wheels and tires. Finally, the car has been finished off in a matte red paint with black graphics.

You can get a closer look at the re-skinned Mustang in the gallery above.

2011 Mustang re-skinned with classic body panels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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