Report: RWD Ford Falcon could merge platforms with Mustang, not Taurus
A big part of Ford's recent successes can be attributed to the "One Ford" mantra CEO Allan Mulally instituted early on. But while the program may be a recipe for success, speculation stemming from Mulally's comments at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show left some wondering if the next Ford Falcon would one day share a front-wheel drive platform with the Taurus.
RWD-loving Australians Down Under shuttered at the thought of a front-drive Falcon, but Drive reports that comments by Mulally at the Paris Motor Show may calm those fears. The Ford CEO acknowledged that rear drive vehicles still have a rock-solid business case, adding that the automaker would continue to make vehicles that customers want, "starting with you (Australians)."
Mulally didn't specifically state that the Mustang and Falcon would one day share a platform, but several hints indicate the move is very possible. Mulally insisted that rear-wheel drive platforms will be global in the future, adding "we love our rear-wheel drive platforms and we love Mustang, and they're global platforms."
And this isn't the first we've heard about the Falcon and Mustang sharing a rear drive platform. Way back in January Motor Trend cited inside sources at Ford who said the next Mustang would house an independent suspension under it's boot. Those same sources claimed that the Falcon and an unnamed RWD Lincoln would share that platform.
[Source: Drive]
Report: RWD Ford Falcon could merge platforms with Mustang, not Taurus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems
Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Safety, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has issued a dealer Technical Service Bulletin for a clutch issue on 2011 Mustangs built before April 25, 2010.
Affected models with less than 10,00 miles might experience a clutch pedal stayout condition, where the clutch will remain on the floor even after it's released during high RPM shifts, something that sounds like both an annoyance and a potential safety issue. According to the TSB, the repair takes less than an hour.
It is not clear if the clutch issue will eventually precipitate a recall, but there have been no rumblings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to suggest that it will. Have a look at the details after the jump or speak to you're dealer if you're not sure if your pony car is covered.
Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems
Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsMickey Thompson’s son building 300-mph Ford Mustang?
Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing
Plenty of us that grew up around a drag strip know the name Mickey Thompson, but fewer of us realize that the guy was more than a name on the sidewall of some seriously sticky rubber. He was also responsible for setting plenty of land-speed records in his day, including being the first guy to break the 400 mph barrier on the salt. His son, Danny Thompson, is no slouch behind the wheel, either. Last year, the younger Thompson managed to set the fastest land speed for any Ford Mustang. With a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 swilling down E85, the Thompson clicked off 252 mph, and this year, he's going back for more.
Danny Thompson will attempt to waltz past the 300 mph barrier with another Mustang owned by Brent Hojek. This car, like the last, will run off of E85, but will pack somewhere close to 1,300 horsepower. The new pony also wears soy-based carbon-fiber body work and unique soy-based yellow paint in an attempt to ecologically justify a supercharged V8. Hey, we aren't complaining. Head over to Stang TV for a closer look at the blown 5.4-liter.
[Source: Stang TV]
Mickey Thompson's son building 300-mph Ford Mustang? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsShelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford
2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we tested the 750 horsepower 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, our man Jonathon Ramsey declared it the "new king" of Mustangs. Surprisingly, he found that the suspension was able to - barely - keep up with the engine, but we figured that the Super Snake had just about all the power a street-driven Mustang could handle. We thought wrong, at least according to Shelby.
Ol' Carroll has upped the ante in the horsepower wars once again by offering up to 800 horsepower in the newly-released 2011 version of the Super Snake. Of course, there are more sane options including 660 horsepower and 750 horsepower variants, but the 800 horsepower version will undoubtedly be the must-have for the guy (or girl) who needs the biggest and baddest 'Stang on the block. Also new for 2011 are the optional anthracite wheels, white stripes and new side scoops. The Super Snake package starts at $30,245 (just $250 less than the cost of a brand new 2011 Mustang GT) and can be built at Shelby's Las Vegas facility or at any of their official Mod Shops around the country. Hit the jump for complete specs for the 2011 Super Snake package and more details.
[Source: Shelby American]
Continue reading Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower
Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500
Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford
Shelby Mustang Concepts - Click above for image gallery
Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.
Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it's proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.
While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost ($100,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.
On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between $9,000 to $12,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.
[Source: Shelby American]
Continue reading New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500
New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsConsumer Reports picks side in V6 pony car wars
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you've found yourself stuck on the fence between the sultry styling of the Chevrolet Camaro V6 and the downright impressive sports car performance of the Ford Mustang V6, Consumer Reports may just have something to help you make up your mind one way or the other. Those responsible for some of the most aggressive consumer testing in the industry have awarded the Blue Oval a 'Very Good' road test score while the Bowtie was saddled with a mere 'Good' rating. The testers went so far as to say that picking the six-pot in the Mustang didn't take too much away from the car's fun factor, while doing the same in the Camaro did.
That's no surprise to us. We felt the six-cylinder Mustang was fit enough to go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe in our recent Battle of the Sixes - something we wouldn't have even bothered to try with the Camaro, let alone the Dodge Challenger.
Consumer Reports also said that the Mustang is 'Recommended' by the company, but the Camaro is too new to have accurate reliability data. Hit the jump for the press release.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips and Alex Núñez / AOL
[Source: Consumer Reports]
Continue reading Consumer Reports picks side in V6 pony car wars
Consumer Reports picks side in V6 pony car wars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsDUB Edition Mustang hits dealers, package priced at $3,599*
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
Back in May, Ford showed off the first of what will likely be many special edition Mustangs based on the 2011 model: the DUB Edition Package. Available on the Mustang V6, the DUB Edition features an assortment of Roush aero components, a Ford Accessories hood scoop, stripe package, lowering springs, 3:31 gears, DUB-embroidered headrests and, of course, 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli tires.
Starting next week, the DUB Mustang will be available at Ford dealers across United States and Canada, kicked off by a launch party at Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, CA this weekend. Pricing has also been announced for the package, which carries an MSRP of $3,599.00 plus an additional $100 for shipping. DUB says that its contract calls for at least 1,000 of the limited edition pony cars to be built through 2012, with the possibility of a V8 version being added in the future.
[Source: Galpin Ford]
DUB Edition Mustang hits dealers, package priced at $3,599* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsRoush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0
Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford
Roush 2011 Mustang 5.0 ROUSHcharger - Click above for high-res image
Mustang owners have always had a healthy appetite for the aftermarket, and it looks like the new 5.0 will provide plenty of opportunities for warranty-busting horsepower upgrades. Ford Racing just unveiled its supercharger system good for up to 624 horsepower, and now Roush has introduced its own ROUSHcharger system for the 5.0-liter V8.
The Roush system utilizes the TVS2300 supercharger first seen on the P-51A Mustang (replacing the old Eaton M90-based blower) and requires professional installation and calibration. A 90mm pulley good for seven psi, with 47 lb/hr fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails and a twin 60mm throttle body included in the kit. Roush says that the system can produce up to 550 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque with the stock fuel pump, and even more with additional upgrades. Pricing is set at $5,999, and Roush offers a 90-day parts warranty. A full system complete with a Roush calibration and a full warranty will be coming later this fall. Hit the jump for full details on the new ROUSHcharger system for the 2011 Mustang.
[Source: Roush]
Continue reading Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0
Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Trans-Am race cars battle it out at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos, Ford, Racing
1969 Ford Boss 302 Team Shelby Trans-Am Mustang - Click above to watch the video after the jump
One of our favorite events from the Monterey car week earlier this month was watching the field of 44 Trans-Am race cars tear it up at the Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The sights and sounds of classic Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers battling it out on the track just like they did in the late '60s and early '70s was something we'll never forget.
The eventual winner of that race was a 1969 Boss 302 Mustang (which is now up for sale) owned and driven by Laguna Seca veteran Bruce Canepa, who has put up a video of his victory. The video shows that the win wasn't easy, as he traded places with a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A and a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 multiple times. You can watch the entire race in the embedded video after the jump, and be sure to turn up your speakers.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: Trans-Am race cars battle it out at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Video: Trans-Am race cars battle it out at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford
Jay Leno takes a look at the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca - Click above to watch video after the jump
Sure, Jay Leno has some pretty varied taste when it comes to cars, but the apple of his eye is likely his '66 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. He's owned the car for the better part of a quarter of a century, and it routinely comes up when he speaks about the essence of a good-driving car. It's fitting, then, that Leno was on hand for the debut of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition. With 440 horsepower from a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8, track-oriented aerodynamics and a lively 3.73 rear axle ratio, this sucker is designed for some serious flogging.
Leno managed to corner Tom Barnes, the vehicle engineering manager for Mustang, trackside for a quick rundown of what the new Boss and the Laguna Seca edition are all about during the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage.
Now, the really interesting part of this whole video is when Leno lets it slip that the Boss will feature a unique tech-laden key. Barnes wasn't willing to elaborate on the details, saying that more information would be released at a later date. Hit the jump to see the full video for yourself.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]
Continue reading Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca
Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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