Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video]
Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Ford
We'd guess a thief's favorite Ford Mustang is whichever one he happens to be hooning around in - ahead of either illegally selling it, stripping it for parts or falsifying its VIN to pass it off as a legit car. But the 'Stang that's attracted the most attention from this scourge of society is none other than the 2000 Mustang.
While we're not sure what it is about the venerable Ford pony car in that model year that's caused it to rise to the top of the inaugural National Insurance Crime Bureau "Hot Wheels Classics" report on Mustangs, we are finding the study to be compelling reading. Who knew that 411,155 Mustangs have been stolen since 1981? The report is similar to NICB's annual report on the most stolen cars, but focused on just Mustang thefts, with data dating all the way back to 1964. Apparently NICB got the idea to do a Mustang-centric report after being asked for data from MustangEvolution last year.
Even more interesting than the report, however, is that NICB has also posted a six-minute documentary about how it helped reunite a Shelby GT350 with its rightful owner some 25 years after the car had been stolen. While not exactly part of the report, the video is a pretty cool showpiece for the nonprofit group that investigates car theft and insurance fraud.
To read the full press release and check out the NICB's video, click past the jump.
Continue reading Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video]
Which Ford Mustang is most popular with thieves? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsGotta Have It Green 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 snapped getting comfy in Detroit [w/poll]
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style
You've heard us gush about the Ford Mustang Boss 302 before, calling this 444-horsepower coupe "The pony car's best ambassador." Sadly, we have yet to drive the updated 2013 model, which includes, among other things, a reworked front fascia, improved front-end cooling, a more assertive front splitter and new paint and graphics options.
Among those new color choices is Gotta Have It Green, which reminds us somewhat of Porsche Emerald Green popularized on 911 models in the 1970s, albeit a bit flatter. Photographed here being jockeyed into place at Ford's Detroit Auto Show stand this morning, this is actually the second look we're giving you at Gotta Have It, though these photos are markedly clearer (and more numerous) than the ones we showed you back in November. We like the new reflective 'hockey stick' side graphic that replaces the boomerang U-shaped treatment of the 2012 model, but if we're being honest, we're on the fence about the pastel-like paint finish.
If you don't (like) Gotta Have It, there's also a new Impact Blue paint choice, along with School Bus Yellow and last year's Black, Ingot Silver, Race Red and Performance White. Unfortunately, we didn't spy either of the other new colors on Ford's Cobo Hall show stand while we were there for a preview this morning, but they could still make the scene before press days get underway next week.
Speaking of high-performance Mustang models, Autoblog has learned that rumors of the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible debuting in Motown are 100-percent false (as if to reinforce that fact, we spotted a 2012 model on a display stand). The most-powerful 'Stang droptop will debut this auto show season, though Ford wouldn't officially say at which show (we're thinking Chicago Auto Show).
So, now that you have a better look at Gotta Have It Green, does it live up to its name? Take our second-chance poll below and let us know what you think in Comments.
Gotta Have It Green 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 snapped getting comfy in Detroit [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible caught enjoying the weather ahead of Detroit reveal?
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Ford
Detroit in January isn't exactly the proper place to go topless in a 650-horsepower tire smoker, but that doesn't mean rumors of the 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible's impending debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show aren't accurate. And these spy shots prove that the car is very much ready for its big unveiling.
We're expecting the soft-top Shelby to pack the same 5.8-liter supercharged engine as its hard-topped sibling, which means the asphalt will be punished with those aforementioned 650 ponies along with 600 pound-feet of torque. For the coupe, that power equals a top speed of over 200 miles per hour.
So, here's the big question: Will the 2013 GT500 Convertible be the least expensive way to a wind-in-your-hair blast at supercar speeds? While we all ponder that question, let's all take a gander at the spy photos in the gallery above. And let's pray to the god of sunshine that the GT500 Convertible does indeed drop its top in the snowy climes of Detroit in January.
2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible caught enjoying the weather ahead of Detroit reveal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSPEED TV giving away customized Shelby GT500 as part of Hagerty Fantasy Bid at Barrett-Jackson
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.
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.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsCamaro ZL1 Chief Engineer says "You’re Welcome" to Ford Mustang fans
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford
"For Mustang fans, you're welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us."
The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has apparently rustled some snakes within General Motors. Al Oppenheiser, Chief Engineer behind the mighty Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has officially made a statement about the newest member of the Mustang family, saying that the GM wonderchild has encouraged Ford to come at Chevrolet with both barrels blazing. Oppenheiser says that the Mustang has been playing catch-up with the Camaro since the fifth-generation debuted in 2009, and that the GT500 is no different. The GM engineer points out that that the Camaro ZL1 will be track-ready right out of the box while its Blue Oval rival will require additional performance packages to stand up to a road course.
"The days of 'no replacement for displacement' are over, and it's not enough to be fast in a straight line," Oppenheiser writes. We couldn't agree with that sentiment more, but we suspect it will still be hard to argue with the significantly lighter Mustang and its new 650 horsepower supercharged V8. As you may recall, the last-generation GT500 wasn't exactly slow around Virginia International Raceway. In the end, the only way this throwdown will be settled is on a racetrack. Hit the jump to read Oppenheiser's full statement as seen on Camaro5.
Continue reading Camaro ZL1 Chief Engineer says "You're Welcome" to Ford Mustang fans
Camaro ZL1 Chief Engineer says "You're Welcome" to Ford Mustang fans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers 650 HP and 200 MPH straight from the factory
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford
Six hundred and fifty horsepower. Six hundred pound-feet of torque. Over 200 miles per hour. With specs like these, you don't need long-form introductions. This is the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, and all we can say is, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has officially been put on notice.
The heart of the new Ford stunner is a 5.8-liter, aluminum-block V8, complete with a larger, more efficient supercharger. Nearly the entire powertrain has been upgraded for 2013, including a new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. The cooling system has also been upgraded, and the new six-speed manual transmission now has a final drive ratio of 3.31-to-1 - optimized to handle the massive amounts of torque put down by the new engine.Further enhancements can be had in the GT500 Performance Pack, which incorporates SVT-designed Blistein electronic adjustable dampers with 'normal' and 'sport' modes and a Torsen limited-slip differential. What's more, the Track Package adds an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler. Like the current GT500, 19-inch wheels are standard up front (20-inch rollers are found out back) and a Brembo braking system keeps everything in check when its time to control all that force. The whole package weighs in at just 3,850 pounds - 270 less than the Camaro ZL1 - and Ford says it will not be subject to the dreaded Gas Guzzler Tax.
We'll be sure to get up close and personal with the GT500 this week at the LA Auto Show, but for now, wipe the drool from your keyboards and hit the jump for Ford's official press release.
Continue reading 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers 650 HP and 200 MPH straight from the factory
2013 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers 650 HP and 200 MPH straight from the factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2012 Shelby GTS
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.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsUAW contract confirms larger 5.8L V8 for GT500
Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions
Fans of large displacement and forced induction (isn't that everyone?) can officially rejoice today as the recently approved deal between Ford and the United Auto Workers has answered a question that's been on our minds ever since Chevrolet upped the horsepower ante with its Camaro ZL1. Yes, folks, the 2013 Shelby GT500 will be blessed with a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine.
While conventional wisdom has always been that the easiest way to increase horsepower and torque was to bore-and-stroke your way to more displacement, an interesting series of spy shots showing one conspicuously oversize intercooler led some to believe Ford was ditching the supercharger in favor of twin turbos. Not so, apparently. Ford's latest contract with the UAW reveals that its Romeo Engine Assembly Plant will receive a $50 million investment to build the 5.8L supercharged mill.
Naturally, contract talk doesn't include a whiff on horsepower or torque, but you can bet Ford is planning on eking out more than the 580 horses that Chevy has corralled from the 2012 Camaro ZL1. Something around 600 seems like a safe bet, but we'll just have to wait for an official announcement from Ford. In the meantime, sweet supercharged dreams.
UAW contract confirms larger 5.8L V8 for GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord marketing VP Farley pushes real Shelby Cobra around Laguna Seca
Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Convertible, Videos, Ford, Racing
The 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion will certainly be a loud one. The featured marque will be the Shelby Cobra, which will celebrate 50 years of exciting existence. Ahead of next year's festivities, one man decided to get a taste of on-track action a bit early. That man is Jim Farley, and if his name sounds familiar, that's because his day job is Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford Motor Company.
A well-liked, well-known car guy, Farley got to push a U.S. Road Racing Championship Cobra around Laguna Seca during California's recent Monterey Historics weekend. The rare, open-top racer had a few cameras, a lap timer and a g-meter strapped to it, which is good news for the rest of us. The Cobra produces sounds that would make modern race cars shriek in terror, and Farley does a good job of pushing it around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Click past the jump to check it out.
Continue reading Ford marketing VP Farley pushes real Shelby Cobra around Laguna Seca
Ford marketing VP Farley pushes real Shelby Cobra around Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsClassic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model
Filed under: Classics, Performance, Ford
Over the past couple years, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations has made a name for itself with various iterations of the Shelby GT500, starting with licensed Eleanor replicas and moving on to the Shelby GT500CR continuation cars including the most recent Venom version.
It looks like Classic Recreations will be branching out, if you can call it that, with a new model. The company has posted a new rendering of a GT350CR based on the 1965-1966 Mustang Fastback on its web site. Following the same theme as the other Classic Recreation cars, the GT350CR combines classic styling with modern amenities such as rack and pinion steering, coilover suspension and disc brakes. Each car also features a 545-horsepower, 427-cubic-inch V8 and plenty of authentic Shelby Performance Parts. No word on when the cars will be first delivered to customers, but Classic Recreations is currently taking order with a starting asking price of $119,000.
You can see a full list of Shelby GT350CR features and specs after the jump.
Continue reading Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model
Classic Recreations working on Shelby GT350CR model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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