Ford Racing reveals its latest Mustang project
Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Ford, Racing
It's always interesting to see what the guys who make and sell speed parts will build to show off their wares. Heck, that's the appeal of the SEMA show in a nutshell. So we're intrigued by this new 2013 Mustang project from Ford Racing, despite its unfortunate color, "Gotta Have It Green," a hue that doesn't exist in the natural world. (Outside of 1980's album covers, that is.)
As reported on Mustangs Daily, the project starts with everyone's favorite Ford V8, the Coyote five-liter, but adds a whole bunch of stuff from the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog, including a 2.3-liter, intercooled, twin-screw Whipple supercharger. The car has a six-speed manual, of course, and there's an 8.8-inch axle out back. It's been lowered an inch, thanks to new FRPP springs paired with matching shocks. Stopping power comes courtesy of a 14-inch, four-piston Brembo setup and Laguna Seca brake duct kit. This project 'Stang is also equipped with a Mustang GT Side Exhaust System, 19-by-9-inch wheels with massive 255/40/ZR19 Pirelli PZero tires, and the Laguna Seca Adjustable Front Splitter.
While we don't see any performance specs for the car, we know the supercharged V8 is good for 624 horsepower and 536 lb-ft of torque.
You can check out all the images of the Ford Racing Mustang project car in our gallery.
Ford Racing reveals its latest Mustang project originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSteve Saleen reacquires Saleen name and brand
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Celebrities
Steve Saleen is back to feeling himself again. That's because he's once again at the helm of the the marque that bears his name. As you may recall, the racer and performance part guru walked away from the Saleen brand empire he nurtured for 23 years back in 2007. The Saleen brand was then sold to MJ Acquisitions, along with the right to produce S Line and Racecraft Ford Mustang models. Saleen himself, meanwhile, went on to create SMS Supercars, which produced notable creations like the SMS 570 Dodge Challenger, 302 Ford Mustang and 620 Chevrolet Camaro.
But when MJ Acquisitions and Saleen, Inc. refused to honor warranties for vehicles purchased before the company took control of the Saleen brand, SMS Supercars stepped in to take on that burden, even without any legal obligation to do so. Steve Saleen and SMS Supercars then sued MJ Acquisitions to get the company to stop using the Saleen name in order to protect the brand's reputatoin.
Today's announcement means Saleen was successful in his quest. Moving forward, all of the products sold under SMS Supercars will be available under the Saleen banner. Hit the jump for the full press release.
Continue reading Steve Saleen reacquires Saleen name and brand
Steve Saleen reacquires Saleen name and brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsShelby caught Photoshopping drama into press images
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford
As impressive as the Shelby 1000 is, someone at Shelby apparently thought 950 horsepower wasn't good enough. With a few clicks of the mouse, a photo of one of the muscled-up pony cars was given a little drama to boost excitement.
At first, Shelby's official line was that nothing in the photo was altered except shadows and that, yes, the super Shelby's front end did in fact lift several inches off the ground in the photo you see above.
But anyone with at least one good eye can see several problems. Apparently, that does not include the Autoblog staff. We totally missed it, but one of our attentive readers, ZeGerman, caught it well before anyone else.
First, there's an odd blur just beneath the front passenger side tire and just a sliver remains of the tire that was airbrushed out. If you're gonna fake a photo, show some skill.
Second, a wheelstand would be virtually impossible to do with that much horsepower on street tires.
Third, check out those rear tires. They're standing stock still and, as another reader, gtv4rudy, points out, there's light showing through the tread. The rear tires aren't digging into the tarmac at all.
Shelby, rightly, now admits to Drive On at USA Today that the front wheels were lifted not by a super powerful engine, but instead by super powerful photo manipulation software. Why, Shelby, why? You had us at 950 hp!
Shelby caught Photoshopping drama into press images originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsShelby previews 1000-HP Super-Stang ahead of New York debut
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford
For some, the horsepower wars being waged by auto manufacturers over the past few years are getting a bit out of hand. A 550-hp factory Camaro? A 650-hp factory Mustang? Ridiculous. But if you count massive amounts of gas-guzzling horsepower and torque a crime (we don't), then the worst of all offenders is perhaps Shelby. Last year at the New York Auto Show, the company unveiled its most powerful creation to date: the 2012 GT500 Super Snake, with up to 800 horsepower. And while 800 hp is just bonkers, Shelby's next trick is even more insane.
Today, Shelby American has revealed the 2012 Shelby 1000. The name of, course, is taken from the car's horsepower figure, which is around 950 in street trim and around 1,100 in the S/C track version. To harness the extra power, Shelby has installed a beefier suspension, larger brakes, a single-piece driveshaft and a nine-inch rear end, but we're guessing it will still be quite a handful on the street.
Only a limited number of 2012 Shelby 1000 models will be produced, with the post-title package (not including the base GT500 donor car) starting at $149,995. That means the total cost will ring in at right around $200,000. Shelby says that it will start taking orders once the car is officially unveiled at the New York Auto Show next week. Hit the jump for the official press release.
Continue reading Shelby previews 1000-HP Super-Stang ahead of New York debut
Shelby previews 1000-HP Super-Stang ahead of New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSubmit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #274 LIVE
Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Ford, Nissan, Toyota
We record Episode #274 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and Chris Shunk is returning to the host chair with a vengance. You can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #274
- 2013 Ford Mustang GT
- Volkswagen XL1 spy shots
- Toyota Prius C outsells Volt, Leaf in three days
- 2013 Nissan Altima teaser
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #274 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video]
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, First Drives
Poor-Man's BMW M3 Is Sharper Than Ever
Ford has been quietly blurring the line between muscle car and sports car since the 2010 Mustang debuted at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Lighter, smaller and nimbler than rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang established itself early on as being just as happy on a road course as it was tackling the quarter mile.
With the introduction of the 5.0-liter, dual-overhead cam V8 for the 2011 year model, the Mustang found itself armed with the muscle necessary to blacken the eyes of its crosstown rivals after a painful period of trudging along with an antiquated 4.6-liter lump under the hood. Despite the additional brawn on hand, the pony has nonetheless been routinely bested in sales by the larger Camaro.
In an attempt to pull past its big-boned rivals, Ford has opted to continue its strategy of aggressive model improvements, and buyers who put their cash down on a 2013 Mustang can look forward to a new suite of technology, visual improvements, more power and available options aimed at making it an even more capable track machine. The tricks have turned one of the best performance buys on the market into an even more tempting option for buyers who want more than just a boulevard cruiser.
Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video]
2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsGermany’s Reifen Koch tunes the Ford Mustang
Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Ford, Design/Style
If you happen to have a stale 2010 Ford Mustang GT laying around, Reifen Koch may be able to spice it up for you. For €8,000 (a shave over $10,500 at current conversion rates), the company will slap on a Cervini body kit, composed of a revised front fascia, sills and the tail treatment seen above. The "Konquistador" package also includes a side-exit exhaust system, a full KW coilover kit and a hydraulic axle-lift system to help owners overcome pesky speed bumps and other obstacles, though it would seem those bits will cost you extra.
There's no word on whether the system can help you overcome the crippling knowledge that your pony remains powered by the stock boat-anchor 4.6-liter V8, however. For reasons that remain unclear, Reifen Koch left the lump untouched, meaning the kitted Mustang is still left with a comparatively anemic 315 horsepower. For reference, the 2013 Mustang GT pours 420 ponies to the back tires.
Speaking of rubber, the tuner seems to believe a smart set of wheels and tires are a suitable substitution for performance, saying their Mustang boasts "one of the greatest combinations of wheels and tires." Behold, the Ford Mustang Hyperbole Edition. Hit the jump for the full press blast.
Continue reading Germany's Reifen Koch tunes the Ford Mustang
Germany's Reifen Koch tunes the Ford Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsAlcatraz recreating Bullit chase scene for season finale
Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Dodge, Ford
Of all the excellent car chases in cinema history, the Dodge Charger vs. Ford Mustang battle in Steve McQueen's Bullit may be the most recreated. Now it looks like the crew from the TV show Alcatraz has tried its hand at paying homage to the hubcap slinging sequence. According to local news station KTVU Channel 2, the new FOX series recently spent hours on San Francisco's Bay and Larkin streets in an attempt to painstakingly replicate each legendary scene using modern interpretations of the famous bruisers in the 1968 film. The final product will be part of the Alcatraz season finale, set to air on March 26.
We've seen the Bullit chase replicated for questionable music videos and with stop-motion animation, but this is the first time in recent memory a TV show has tackled putting Mopar power against the now iconic Highland Green Mustang. Alcatraz is the brainchild of executive producer J.J. Abrams, and features three investigators as they look into why 302 of Alcatraz prison's most foul prisoners and guards have suddenly reappeared in modern-day San Francisco. If you're interested, check your local listings for air times.
Alcatraz recreating Bullit chase scene for season finale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsTeenage Mustang wrecker gets his Tosh.0 Web Redemption
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Ford, Humor
If you managed to read that title without falling into the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" trap, congratulations. You aren't a child of the '80s. "Tosh.0" finally got around to giving Joey, the kid who drove his father's brand-new Ford Mustang GT500 through the back wall of the family garage, a Web Redemption. As it turns out, the story was far worse than anyone imagined. The GT500 didn't even belong to the family when the gung-ho teen sent it careening through the carpentry. Instead, the local dealer had simply brought the car by to show Joey's father.
Joey's dad wound up buying the Eleanor Edition Shelby for $60,000 and immediately had to sink another $30,000 into repairs. It's unclear whether that figure covered the bathroom Joey also took out in the crash. Ouch.
Daniel Tosh gave Joey his Web Redemption by putting him through a uniquely Californian driving test and pitting him against a too-fast, too-furious Honda S2000 in a unique street race. Hit the jump to check out the interview as well as an expanded and "uncensored" version. In reality, both videos are clearly Not Safe For Work.
Continue reading Teenage Mustang wrecker gets his Tosh.0 Web Redemption
Teenage Mustang wrecker gets his Tosh.0 Web Redemption originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Mustang ad goes all Black Swan on us
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
Ford is launching a new commercial for the redesigned 2013 Mustang that will initially air during the Daytona 500 this weekend. This is the first time that the Blue Oval has promoted its pony car on television since it launched the new 2011 Mustang V6 in 2010.
Conventional marketing wisdom might dictate that Ford would use the airtime to promote the 2013 Mustang's revised design, the 420-horsepower V8 or the pony car's history of nearly half a decade. Instead, Ford is touting the personalization aspect of the Mustang, counting on the fact that more than four million people have already built their own version using the online Mustang customizer.
The commercial depicts a real-life version of the customizer, with a variety of bystanders "unleashing their inner Mustang," turning the car into a custom Mustang GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500... and at least one tiny dancer injecting a little darkness into her ballerina outfit for a ride worthy of Natalie Portman.
Have a look at the 2013 Mustang commercial for yourself after the jump, and let us know whether you think it's the most effective use of Ford's ad dollars in the comments section below.
Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang ad goes all Black Swan on us
2013 Ford Mustang ad goes all Black Swan on us originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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