Bluegrass Mustang Club Articles




 
Original Shelby GT350 Fastback Prototype up for Auction

1965-66 Shelby GT350 prototype

One of the most historically important Shelby vehicles in history will be coming up for auction at Mecum's Monterey auction during the Pebble Beach Concours which takes place August 13th and 14th.  The vehicle in question is one of three original 1965 Shelby GT350 fastback prototypes that was used in the designing and development of the 1966 Shelby GT350.

This Shelby GT350 prototype, #5S319  is one of just 562 1965 Shelby GT350's and it has been authenticated by Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC).  The 1965 Mustang was originally shipped to Shelby American on May 22, 1965 and it underwent its transformation into a Shelby GT350 over the course of four days when it was completed on May 25, 1965.  From there the GT350 remained with Shelby American as a prototype driver for the first three model years until May 11, 1965 when it was sold to Shelby's Hi-Performance Motors.  It remained in a private collection until 1980 when it was sold to the present owner who meticulously cared for the vehicle for thirty years.

How much does a vehicle like this command at auction, nobody really knows as it has been in private hands for all of its life but expect the word Million to be thrown around a few times.

2011 Ford Mustang V6 runs 776.5 miles on one tank, 48.5 mpg 

On Tuesday, June 23, a group of Ford engineers hit the track at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee in a completely stock 2011 Mustang V6. When Mustangs are on a track, usually the drivers are in search of outright speed, but that wasn't the case this time around. Instead the team of five drivers alternated every hour to see how far they could make the Mustang go on just one tank of gas. The new 3.7-liter V6 in the Mustang is rated at 305 horsepower and 30 mpg on the highway, and the team's goal was to cover 1,000 laps of the 0.533-mile "bull-ring" track.

Twelve and a half hours after they started, the car rolled to stop having covered 1,457 laps at an average speed of 43.9 miles per hour. The 16-gallon tank had been depleted at the rate of 48.5 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 305-hp sport coupe, and as they say, your mileage will vary. A lot.
MUSTANG READY TO RACE IN NATIONWIDE
6/21/2010

THIS WEEK IN FORD RACING




Dearborn, Mich. — Next week at Daytona International Speedway, a new era of Mustang Racing will begin when the new, highly anticipated Mustang NASCAR Nationwide car makes its debut on the high banks of the legendary Florida track.

Since its public unveiling last October in Concord, N.C., there has been great anticipation from Mustang clubs and enthusiasts about the new car and its four-race schedule for this year and full Nationwide rollout in 2011.

In anticipation of the debut, Ford Racing chatted with two of the individuals responsible for helping get the new Mustang to NASCAR.

PAT DIMARCO – FORD RACING NASCAR PROGRAM MANAGER
WHAT WAS THE THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND BRINGING THE MUSTANG TO NATIONWIDE VERSUS SOME OF THE OTHER CARS LIKE THE FUSION OR TAURUS?
“NASCAR came to us and wanted to differentiate the Nationwide Series from the Cup Series. Initially, we did look at the Fusion to keep the branding the same across both series, but when they really wanted to differentiate it, the natural choice was Mustang from a company standpoint.

"Plain and simple, the Mustang’s heritage is racing. It just made a good fit to differentiate the Nationwide Series from the Cup Series.”

WHAT’S THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MUSTANG NATIONWIDE CAR VERSUS THE FUSION CUP CAR? WHAT DIFFERENCES WILL THE FANS SEE IN THE GRANDSTANDS?
“The Nationwide Mustang has a lot of brand identity built into it. Working with NASCAR and our aero team, they really put a lot of emphasis on putting more of identity into the nose and the tail. It does not have the typical Cup [Car of Tomorrow] splitter. It has a splitter, but the nose looks more like a production nose of a Mustang.”

DO YOU THINK THE MUSTANG CAR IS A GOOD REPLICATION OF THE PRODUCTION CAR?
“I think it’s a better replication than where the Fusion is in Cup currently.

"My wife is on the Mustang team at Ford and she likes it, and the Mustang Brand Team likes it. I’m sure there will be people out there who will not like it, but I think it is definitely different and it brings the Mustang brand into NASCAR.”

AFTER MONTHS OF DEVELOPMENT, CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE ANTICIPATION OF SEEING IT ON THE TRACK?
“It’s going to be a great race at Daytona with the next generation Nationwide car, especially with Mustang on the race track for the first time. There is a lot of hype within the company, and the Brand Team is excited to see it on the race track, as are we here at Ford Racing.”

BERNIE MARCUS – FORD RACING NASCAR AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER
WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE TASK OF DEVELOPING A MUSTANG NATIONWIDE CAR, WHAT WAS YOUR PHILOSOPHY BEHIND IT?
“First of all, it was a lot more difficult to do the Mustang and turn it into a NASCAR-type vehicle because the nose of the Mustang is a lot more bulky and squarer than that of a Fusion or the Taurus, and those were the sort of cars that we have done in the past. The key to make the Mustang work is that NASCAR opened up the rules in the hood height area and that enabled us to get the character lines of the Mustang into the nose without compromising performance."

WITH THE HERITAGE THE MUSTANG HAS WITHIN FORD AND THROUGHOUT THE RACING WORLD, WAS THERE ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON YOU TO GET IT RIGHT?
“Yes, obviously the Mustang is a huge icon in the U.S.A. as far as a car goes. To turn it into a representative NASCAR vehicle within the constraints of the rules, and then obviously to get the performance out of it, there was quite a bit of pressure added on. I think we did the best job we could under the constraints. We got the performance right and we also got the looks right.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE AN EXPECTING FATHER WITH THIS CAR BECAUSE IT’S BEEN LIKE YOUR BABY?
“A little bit. The July Daytona race is a big race. It’s probably the second biggest race besides the Daytona 500. It’s a big event to roll the car out for the first time. I think it’s a good event to do it at. We can’t wait.”

 

 
Steeda Preps Valdosta Police Department's new Police Cruisers

Valdosta Police Mustang

The city of Valdosta, Georgia adds 20 police cars to its fleet every year to replace old and worn out vehicles.  This year they have splurged a bit and ordered 18 Crown Victorias and 2 Ford Mustangs that will be modified by Steeda Autosports for free.  Steeda has upgraded both Ford Mustang police cars with improved safety features, upgraded braking systems and fuel saving technology modifications to improve miles per gallons.  With the new fuel saving mods the Mustang police cruisers are expected to average around 35 miles per gallon.  Not sure what the fuel saving technology is but I bet all Mustang owners would love to hear about it.  Down the road six of the Crown Vics will receive similar modifications from Steeda for free as well.

According to Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson “Ford is phasing out the Crown Vics, which are a staple for law enforcement. The Mustangs are being tested to see if they meet our needs,".

With the modifications made to the Ford Mustang police cars by Steeda the city is expected to save up to $30,000 over a span of five to six years.

“We are not spending any more money,”Police Chief Frank Simons said. “People are looking for there to be a catch at the end, but there is no catch. With all the upgrades these cars have, the department is looking at a big savings in maintenance alone. The safety of our guys and the citizens will be much better ... and, as we all know, you can’t put a price on safety.”

Steeda is hoping this trial run goes well as they are planning to roll out this program to other surrounding communities and maybe even take it national.

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Cole Ford to close by month's end Sun Staff
Report March 19, 2010
Cole Ford Mercury of Winchester has announced plans to close and liquidate its inventory under a deal with Ford Motor Company as the automaker seeks to adjust its dealer count. In a press release this week, Cole Ford said the dealership made a "voluntary and mutual agreement" with the company, but attempts to clarify the matter have been unsuccessful. "We'd like to thank our employees for their dedication, our friends and neighbors here in Winchester, along with Ford Motor Company for their continued support," owners Mike and Steve Cole said in the statement. The dealership plans to liquidate its entire inventory by the end of the month. The closing leaves Winchester without a Ford dealership. According to Ford's Web site, the nearest dealerships are located in Richmond, Mount Sterling and Lexington.

Copyright: The Winchester Sun 2010

Ford's New Cop Car Will Be Mean, Green
Cops Will Drive V-6 Engines, 6-Speed Transmissions

Posted: Mar, 15 2010

Ford has debuted its new Police Interceptor that will be based on its popular Taurus model (Ford).

If you've been in the habit of keeping an eye out for cops driving Ford's iconic Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, you might want to recalibrate your eagle eyes. Ford recently debuted their next-generation cop car and for the first time in decades, the car won't be based on the popular rear-drive sedan. The new Police Interceptor will be based on the Taurus, the company's popular (and recently redesigned) front- and all-wheel-drive sedan.

“Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that’s as dynamic as it is durable,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.

The new Taurus-based police car comes on the heels of safety concerns about the old Crown Victoria-based vehicle, which was faulted for its fuel-tank design and location. Law enforcement officials said the cars were to blame for fires resulting from rear-end collisions. Ford later offered a fire suppressions system for their fuel tanks and a protective shell around the trunk itself which prevented items inside from piercing through into the tank. The new Taurus-based model passes a brand-new 75-mph rear-end crash test, something Ford claims no other law enforcement vehicle can do.

Gallery: Ford's New Cop Car

                                                                         Gallery: Ford's New Cop Car

In addition to being safer, the new "PI" will be greener by an orchard's worth of trees. Ford will offer law enforcement two different engines, but in a surprise move indicative of the times, no V-8 engine will be offered. Vehicles will be outfitted with either a 3.5-liter V-6 (263 hp) or the 3.5-liter Ecoboost twin-turbo V-6 (365 hp). In keeping with the efficiency theme, the Ecoboost cars come equipped with a six-speed transmission. Current Taurus EPA fuel economy puts the sedan at 18 city / 28 highway, but given the added weight on the police unit, fuel economy will likely drop by a few miles per gallon.

Ford insists their new V-6 engines offer the power of a V-8 with the efficiency of a smaller engine. Letting the numbers tell the story, the V-6 Ecoboost has significantly more power than today's Crown Victoria PI with its modular V-8 engine. The Crown Victoria's V-8 pumped out a comparably smaller 239 horses, a difference of more than 100 hp against the new Ecoboost V-6.

Looks Familiar, But Only Skin Deep

Ford insists the new Taurus-based Police Interceptor shares its skin and some of its powertrain components with the civilian version but little else. As with the past Crown Victoria-based PIs, this new cop car receives significantly upgraded brakes, better cooling and a beefier alternator. Police-specific upgrades continue in the interior as well, with stab-proof seats to protect the driver and her partner, while the rear doors extend an extra 10 degrees to accommodate the wily bad guy.

But retaining some of the civilian's car's charms actually behooves the uniformed officer. Cops will be able to take advantage of the back-up camera, electronic stability control and SYNC infomatic system, features that everyday drivers love.

Ford's current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor goes out of production at the end of 2011; the new PI model picks up production immediately thereafter and should be arriving on the mean streets in early 2012.

Live Reveal: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) on Aug 6th 2009 at 12:31PM

Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - click above image for high-res gallery

Last night, Lee Iacocca himself drew back the curtain hiding his 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang. The pictures don't lie: this silver beast is every bit as menacing and low in the flesh as it it appears on screen.

Of the recent crop of modified Mustangs, Iacocca's so-called "I Legacy" is probably the simplest design. Being based on the more linear 2009 model year pony car, Lido's details don't make it look like a 'Stang with a body kit – they change the entire look of the car.

From the side view, the new front clip makes it appear that the coupe has no front overhang. What remains is completely dominated by a massive front bumper and deep dam, topped by the sunken lights. In back, the fastback's ridges run all the way to the trailing edge, at which point everything disappears into the bluff, gruff backside.

The economy of design doesn't leave much cause for hemming and hawing; it's a muscle car in the old world tradition of long lines and only slightly finessed planes – you get it or you don't. The first example was auctioned last night for nearly $125,000, and with just 44 others to follow it, chances are that enough people will get it. Now if only it came with that Sinatra theme music...

You can check out live pics of the Iacocca Mustang in our exclusive hi-res gallery below.

 

Gallery: Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - Live

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Official Notice – Ford Mustang to enter NASCAR
28 July, 2009

ford_mustang_nascar_2010

About a month ago, we told you (and hinted at some time ago) about the rumors surrounding the Ford Mustang joining NASCAR for the first time in the 2010 Nationwide Series.  Now, we’re back to tell you about the real deal.  Today, the director of Ford North America Motorsports has officially announced the Mustang will be running laps with the field contenders next year!  With the retro redesign in 2005 and the upgraded lines on the 2010 Mustang, Ford keeps throwing punches at the competition to make sure enthusiasts get to see a good fight.  Watch closely, race fans, this could get good!  Keep reading to get the scoop in the official Press Release.

Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light?

by Michael Harley on Jul 15th 2009 at 4:57PM

In a breakthrough that may make vehicle starting issues due to fouled plugs or inclement weather a thing of the past, engineers at Ford have reportedly teamed with scientists at Liverpool University to develop a laser beam ignition system to replace ye olde spark plug. The researchers claim their technology is more efficient, more reliable, and it will enable vehicles to start easier in extreme temperatures and damp climates.

Unlike traditional spark plugs (invented way back in 1839 by Edmond Berger), laser light may be split into multiple beams distributing ignition points within the cylinders – not just at the tip of the plug. This not only aids combustion, it also lowers emissions during cold starts. Researchers also point out that the lasers use less energy than their spark plug counterparts, eliminate wear items and wires (fiber optics will carry the laser beam to the cylinders), and improve fuel burn by "watching" ignition from within the combustion chamber and sending messages back to the ECU to adjust fuel mixtures, timing, and ignition.

Ford is expected to introduce the technology in its top models within the next few years, and then make it more widely available. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

 

Sources Say Coyote is a Go

2010 Ford Mustang GT

 

By now, it's no secret that millions of fans hope to see the recently updated Ford Mustang get a much-needed power plant upgrade in the near future.  Well, Mustang fans, we've got some interesting buzz for you.  Today, Ford of Australia's Russell Christophers hinted that a new 5.0 liter V8 codenamed "Coyote" is currently in R&D in the US of A.  That's right, the SEMA rumors seem to be heating up closer to the boiling point of truth, folks.  If this 5-oh comes to fruition, sources say the numbers tach in at 400hp and 400 lb-ft of torque from the DOHC motor.  So now, it's not a question of "if" the Coyote will come to pass; it's a question of "when".  Many say 2011 or 2012.  Conjecture is welcome, as no one can say for certain, given the volatility the market (and aftermarket, for the matter) is experiencing.  Until we hear more, stay tuned...

Hoisting A 1966 Mustang To The Roof Of The Empire State Building

y Ben Wojdyla, 5:45 PM on Tue May 19 2009, 10,556 views 

When Porsche put its Panamera on the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center, we thought it was pretty clever. Turns out Ford did the same with the Mustang, some 44 years earlier.


Unlike the Panamera lift which took place in a freight elevator with a complete automobile, Ford took apart their Mustang and shipped it in pieces, via a people elevator, to the observation deck of the Empire State Building, then reassembled it.
The stunt was dreamed up by the operator of the Empire State Building and Ford happily jumped at the chance to publicize its already wildly successful Mustang. Just goes to show how clever ideas aren't always new ones.

The Mustang atop the Empire State Building

In October 1965, with the Ford Mustang the hottest-selling car in America, the general manager of the Empire State Building had a great idea – to display a Ford Mustang on the 86th floor observation deck of the iconic Manhattan landmark.

Officials at Ford agreed and dispatched a crew to take was careful measurements of the skyscraper's doors, hallways and elevators. They determined that a white convertible Mustang could be disassembled into four main sections and transported – along with many smaller pieces – up to the building's 86th floor in elevators to be reassembled.

Three dry runs performed in Dearborn to make sure it would work. Then, at 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, a Ford crew in crisp white overalls began taking the car apart outside the building on 33rd Street.

It all ran smoothly until the crew discovered the steering column was one-quarter-inch too tall for the elevator. Some careful maneuvering was done and by 4:30 a.m., the reassembled car was on the outdoor observation deck and ready to be photographed from a helicopter.

But that wasn't the end of the stunt. Later that morning, the car was taken apart again and moved inside the glass-enclosed observation area that is surrounded by the outdoor deck.

Many of the building's visitors were surprised and delighted to find a Mustang there and assumed it had been lifted into place by a helicopter.

Five months later, on March 16, 1966, the car was disassembled for the last time and removed from the building.

Since its debut in 1964, over nine million Mustangs have been sold but only one ever made it to the top of the Empire State Building.

-Leslie Armbruster, Senior Collections Archivist at Ford Motor Company

Saleen Inc. Ceases Operations and Dissolves Owner Warranties

Just a little over two short years ago Steve Saleen was head of a thriving aftermarket performance company he founded some 25 years ago but after he retired in May of 2007 things started on a downward spiral.  The latest news from Saleen Inc. is they have ceased operations and dissolved owner warranties due to the economic climate.  This news was sent in a letter to certified Saleen and Racecraft dealers from MJ Acquisitions who purchased certain assets of Saleen Inc.

MJ Acquisitions who purchased Saleen's supercharger, aftermarket and high performance street vehicle businesses including the newly formed Racecraft brand of Saleen Inc. on January 30th say they cannot be held liable for any warranties existing prior to February 2, 2009.  MJ also says the burden of those warranties prior to February 2nd on any of the parts, services, and vehicles including cars, trucks and aftermarket parts are the responsibility of Saleen Inc. which has ceased operations thus leaving many owners up creek without a paddle.

The only good news out of this situation is MJ Acquisitions will continue to provide service parts, performance parts, accessories and letters of authentication to Saleen and Racecraft owners along with dealers for years to come.  They will also provide a 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty against manufacturer defects on parts sold on or after February 2nd of this year.  Owners will still have the balance of their Ford warranty to replace or repair any components that may fail, so all is not lost.

February 24, 2009
Crane Cams shuts down, workers laid off
By JIM WITTERS
Senior Business Writer
DAYTONA BEACH — Crane Cams, a 56-year-old auto parts manufacturer, closed its doors this week and laid off its employees, a worker said today.

The news took Volusia County’s top economic development officer by surprise.  City, county and state officials were working with Crane Cams and officials from its New Jersey parent, Mikronite Technologies, to keep the company open and in the community.

“We were trying to help them through this transition,” said Rick Michael, Volusia County economic development director. “They were considering a transfer of ownership. We were not expecting any closure.”

An automated voice mail system at Crane’s plant on Fentress Boulevard announced at midday today the company was closed and suggested calling back during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A call to Mikronite’s New Jersey
offices produced similar results. Six cars sat in the parking lot early this afternoon at the local plant, which employed 220 just three years ago.

Inside the lobby, a reception desk sat empty. A call from the lobby phone got an answer from Dennis Burgess, who declined to comment and said no oneat the plant could provide information.

In the parking lot, 14-year employee Ronald Dorn was leaving the plant for what he believed was the last time

He said workers were told during the past week that layoffs were likely, but he didn’t expect the plant to close.

Mikronite received approval in 2006 to receive tax rebates from the state and the county amid discussion about moving its New Jersey operations here.  But the company ended its contract with the state in 2008 due to
nonperformance, Michael said.

“Crane has gone through a series of small layoffs recently,” he said.

Crane Cams and Crane Technologies Group were founded by Harvey J. Crane Jr. in 1953 as Crane Engineering Inc. in Hallandale. The company is well known in high-performance and racing circles for its line of camshafts and engine valve train components.

In 1979, Crane Cams became an employee-owned company. Some operations moved to Daytona Beach in 1981, with the remainder of the operation and employeesrelocating here in 1985.

Mikronite, an industrial technology firm, bought Crane in 2006.

In March 2007, Mikronite sold its property on Fentress to STAG Capital Partners of Boston, then signed a 10-year lease.

Top 10 Best Car Names

By THOMAS BEY

Think about celebs with cool names, names completely in sync their personalities: Jay-Z, Kat Von D, Slash; they're much more fitting than Shawn Corey Carter, Katherine Von Drachenberg and Saul Hudson.

Despite what Ford, Lincoln and Mercury have demonstrated in recent years, it's critical for automakers to pick the best car name and stick with them (are you listening, Dearborn?). You can't stick a lame name on a cool car and you can't stick a cool name on a lame car. Here are 10 of the best car names out there.

Dodge Swinger
Dodge Swinger
10 - Dodge Swinger (1969-1976)
Whether or not these were intentionally bought by those pursuing a less vanilla life, we can't say, but the Swinger was one of Dodge's best car names. Not that it was one of the division's best cars, which explains why it's our No. 10. Thing was, nobody at the time paid inordinate attention to the moniker given to two-door Dart models. If anything, it was the Demon that got negative attention from conservative groups.

9 - Porsche Carrera 1956-Present
One of the best car names has never enjoyed continual presence. Since the now-famous script appeared on the fenders of a few special Porsche 356s in 1956, the Carrera (Spanish for "race") name has generally denoted a special, even more potent edition. Even if you didn't know what the name meant, it simply sounded fast. Seen most recently on the over-the-top Carrera GT, it's one of the best car names and also one of the most enduring.

8 - Bugatti Veyron (2006-Present)
The Bugatti name is magical to enthusiasts, so it takes a great model name -- and one breaking from the "EB" designation -- to stand well with the marque. However, one of the best car names is not necessarily as far removed from the automaker as you might think. The car's name comes from Pierre Veyron, Bugatti wheelman and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1939.

7 - Chevrolet Corvette (1953-Present)
Some have shrugged this off as an imaginary name that just sounds cool and nothing more, but it's a real term for a small warship. Not so far out of place, when you think about it. Harley Earl may have designed it and Zora Arkus-Duntov later refined it, but it was GM employee Myron Scott who christened the two-seat fiberglass curiosity. Over half a century later, it's more or less impossible to think Corvette without thinking speed. That's indeed a sign of one of the best car names.

6 - Dodge Viper (1992-Present)
Dodge was an unlikely candidate for a serious performance car in the early '90s, but thanks to an impressive car and a great name, Viper is worthy of its place as one of the best car names. Known as Copperhead in prototype form before adopting its production name, the reptilian references were just a nod to the look of the car's front end. The Viper name quickly signified more though, as an untamed creature on the edge of control.

Lamborghini Countach
Lamborghini Countach
5 - Lamborghini Countach (1974-1990)
In a break from Lamborghini tradition of bullfighting-inspired model names, Countach is an Italian exclamation for something beautiful, striking and dead sexy. It was that very interjection at the sight of an early example that led to one of the best car names. For those unfamiliar with Italian colloquialisms, it also became one of the most mispronounced car names. Enlightenment sometimes has a trickle-down effect, and it's been years since we've heard anyone call it a "cown-tack." Thankfully.

Shelby American Cobra
Shelby American Cobra
4 - Shelby American Cobra (1962-1967)
Carroll Shelby said the Cobra name came to him in a dream; kind of ironic for a car that's anything but peaceful. Regardless of the moment of inspiration, the application makes Cobra one of the best car names. We're talking, of course, of the original AC-bodied Cobras. Ford has liberally used the name on various Mustangs since the '60s, but they're a far cry from the curvaceous yet venomous roadsters that spelled trouble for Corvette owners of the era.

Ferrari Testarossa
Ferrari Testarossa
3 - Ferrari Testarossa (1984-1996)
Its just "red head" in Italian, for the color painted on the cam covers. However, tradition and the beauty of the language make this one of the best car names out there. It's also no accident that the mid-engine coupe is named so similarly to the Testa Rossa race cars of the late '50s. What's more, the moniker was more than a painted-on gimmick. This was, after all, a 12-cylinder Ferrari. Say what you will about the design, exotic performance will always be associated with this car name.

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
2. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud (1955-1966)
Automakers have attempted to convey senses of calm and luxury in their cars for decades, but Rolls-Royce is one of the few whose names are as legendary as their models. This car is sterling, and it is soft. Any questions? Not to be confused with the more familiar Silver Shadow that followed, the Silver Cloud hearkens back to a time when Old Money was still Old Money -- just a little less so. It's appropriate for a car that looks like an old bank building on wheels, with approximate size to match.

1 - Ford Mustang (1964-Present)
Said to have been named after the celebrated World War II fighter plane, but publicly marketed with equine overtones, the Mustang name has evoked thoughts of freedom and the open road for generations of drivers. Names like Boss, Cobra and Shelby have signified some even higher-performing 'Stangs along the way; yet even on its own, Mustang is all that's really mattered. The original pony car is still arguably the best, as is its name.

TAURUS SHO RETURNS WITH 365HP ECOBOOST V-6, PLUS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, PADDLE-SHIFT SIX-SPEED GEARBOX


The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.

The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced SelectShift® six-speed automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque sensing all-wheel drive system, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus.

Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees.

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 – One of America's favorite "sleeper" performance cars returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin turbocharged engine.

The Taurus SHO joins Ford's growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original, which earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best list four years running.

"The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts' calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude."

Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.

The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.

EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford's most powerful EcoBoost engine.

A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection to an externally mounted intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowers the likelihood of knock.

The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions characteristics and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full load engine behavior. Customers will experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the "turbo lag" often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver's seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly off idle ensures responsive acceleration from a standing start.

SelectShift with paddle controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.

SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow "match-rev" downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.

The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.

"Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride," said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.

Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.

Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.

For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness, a "Sport Mode" setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.

SHO Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues. Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.

"Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car," said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. "The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart."

The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.

The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.

Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:

Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.

MyKey allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently-engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph further protecting their investment.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.

Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion.

SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.

Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any character or preference.

The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.

Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:

Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windscreen mounted rearview mirror.

Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive Cruise Control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and pre-charges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, and indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror.

Cross Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.

Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multi-Contour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.

Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear camera system, rearview projection appears on the centerstack-mounted navigation screen.

Sony Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 Watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.

The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford's Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.

 
NEW CJ WINS POMONA
Written by Bobby Bennett Jr.; Photo by Roger Richards   
Wednesday, 11 February 2009

DSA_3990.jpgLightning can strike twice in the same place, sometimes it takes 41 years to pull it off.

John Calvert, driving one of the four brand new Cobra Jet Mustangs purchased and brought to the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona by Ford collector Brent Hajek, maneuvered his way to the Stock eliminator crown, defeating the E/Stock Automatic Camaro of Tommy Gaynor. This marked the second time a factory Cobra Jet package has won the NHRA Winternationals since Al Joniec pulled off the feat in 1968.

This weekend four of those drivers were in attendance to show their support and as a gesture of goodwill, each one of the current drivers lettered their car with one of the legends' names.

Guess who was riding with Calvert? You guessed it, Joniec.

“I am really excited and I am really pleased at the result,” said Calvert. “The thing I am most pleased about is that Ford Racing thought about this project and reached out to the grassroots level of racing.  This wasn’t an easy race weekend; in fact I would say it was difficult.  The weather certainly created some consistency issues, especially with an iffy track.  Still, the Cobra Jet ran very well in the elimination rounds and we were able to bring home the trophy.”

No one was prouder than Hajek, the man who made it all happen.

“How cool is this? It was like a storybook ending that was meant to be,” said Hajek. “It is our first time entering a national event and we won!  This program was always about paying tribute and respect to the drivers from’68 who started the legend of the Cobra Jet. This was about upholding their honor and everyone involved with this project deserves a great deal of credit."

“The people at Ford Racing did an awesome job building these cars, and my guys deserve credit for getting the CJ’s race-ready in an unbelievably short amount of time. And credit also goes to the drivers, especially John Calvert, who brought this all the way home. I am so proud of this group and I hope the legends from ’68 -- Al [Joniec], Gas [Ronda], Hubert [Platt] and Randy [Ritchey] -- are proud of us.”

Running under the A/Stock classification, Calvert shifted his way to victory with a 10.14 elapsed time as Gaynor fouled.

Last fall, Ford Motorsports announced a special race-ready package of Cobra Jet Mustangs built for competition in the A/Stock and AA/Stock divisions. This was the first from the factory to the race track package made available by Ford in over four decades.

2010 Shelby GT500 Launch in Detroit

 

2010 Shelby GT500 

 

Just days ago, we showed you the first official images of the 2010 Shelby GT500 and now, they have let this hot 2010 Mustang a la Shelby out of the bag for all to see in person at the Detroit Auto Show this weekend.  With star-struck fans surrounding the sweet SVT Snake, Mark Fields (Ford President of the Americas) made the official announcement for the 2010 GT500, sending chills down everyone's spine.  What we found the coolest at the debut, however, was the Grabber Blue convertible that stole the show.  With its roaring presence for all to hear, it definitely captivated the attention it deserves.  There's even a photo we snagged of the Grabber Blue GT500 convertible laying down some sweet-smelling rubber on stage to add a little bit of shock and awe to the debut.  Keep reading to digest the Ford Press Release and all the images from the 2010 Shelby GT500 unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show.

2010 FORD SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE POWERFUL PUNCH

  • Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 increased to 540 horsepower, torque increased to 510 foot-pounds, downforce increased and drag reduced
  • New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency
  • Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and "Gurney Flap" spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet
  • 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 1, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too.

"The 2010 Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford's continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, the 2010 Shelby GT500 is an estimated 2 miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway."

"We're proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we've now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. "Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive."

Ford's Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR "King of the Road" Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobras from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.

"Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang," stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang's leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable."

"The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive," said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. "We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that."

More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine expected to produce 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car's aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby's appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.

The Shelby's open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine's efficiency.

A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust.

A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.

The Shelby's distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.

"You still hear the supercharger but not so that it's intrusive," said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. "It's the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you're driving something special, but you don't want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

"We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It's a nice balance; one isn't overpowering the other."

Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT's signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.

Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control.

The team also stiffened the steering shaft.

"All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible," Hameedi said. "The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear."

The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a "recipe" for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear's team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.

The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates "blade" spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. The default "on" mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford's Personal Safety System.

Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

"We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible," Baldori said. "We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can't go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths.

"The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we've increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Shelby GT500."

Directing the air so it's used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car's "flush" hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler. SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500's distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.

A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Mustang lineup. "The design we chose was a 'flush' hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle," Hameedi said. "That's very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very, very different from the base Mustang."

"This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang," added George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. "It's all about power and expressing power."

Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.

Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. "Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles," Hameedi notes. "That's something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition."

Rounding out the Shelby's exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features, round out the exterior modifications. "We wanted the spoiler raked back aggressively to minimize drag, but we also have an integrated Gurney Flap that provides the downforce," Saridakis said.

What's inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500 The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.

Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. "You'll definitely know you're in a Shelby," said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, Shelby GT500.

The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the "GT500" logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.

This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang's powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word "SHELBY" engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.

All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red "SVT" logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.

"When customers drive this car, they're not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they're going to see all these carefully designed details and know they've bought a well-crafted car," Saridakis said.

Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional "H" pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.

Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500 The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including: SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.

911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.

Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer's paired and operable mobile phone.

Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.

Available options: Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring. The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500
The new GT500 is the most powerful factory production Mustang ever.

By SAM ABUELSAMID

When Ford introduced the new 2010 Mustang at the LA Auto Show in November, marketing boss Jim Farley promised the next chapter in the Mustang story would be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Well that time has arrived and to anyone who has been following the Mustang pattern over the last several years, it should come as no surprise that it's the Shelby GT500. Just like the last iteration, the new GT500 is the most powerful factory production Mustang ever.

Like the more prosaic Mustangs, the GT500 is mechanically an evolution of the older model. Just as Ford used the current-gen Bullitt model as the starting point for the 2010 Mustang GT, the lessons learned from developing the limited edition GT500 KR fed directly into the latest Shelby-badged variant. Output of the supercharged 5.4L V8 has now been cranked up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, and the handling is claimed to be better than before.
Like the last GT500, this one gets more aggressive styling, particularly in the nose, and reprises many of the same detail elements. The horizontally mirrored trapezoidal shape of the grille in the upper and lower front fascia is meant to echo the oval shape of the Shelby Cobras of the '60s. The upper grille is tilted forward at a steeper angle than the GT and the grille surround is separated entirely from the hood. The leading edge of the hood on other Mustangs forms the upper frame of the grille, while the new GT500 has an extra bit of bodywork there.

The hood of the GT500 still has a functional air extractor allowing some of the massive heat generated by the blown V8 to escape. The power dome of the V6 and GT is supplanted by a smoother bulge that now encompasses most of the hood. The driving lamps stay in the lower fascia reprising the last edition and leaving the grille area open for air flow.

Careful observers will note that the snake badge has moved from the right to the left side of the grille (when viewed from the front). This has nothing to do with the blowing of political winds, but is actually functional. Like the GT, the GT500 now has a cold air intake that sits directly behind the snake's former residence.

Research the Mustang's Competition

A revised duck-tail spoiler sits at the back end along the trailing edge of the trunk-lid and incorporates a Gurney flap. The faux diffuser along the bottom of the GT500's rump is now more prominent, although probably not any more functional. Regardless of the diffuser's functionality, the new GT500 does have more down-force thanks to that spoiler and the front splitter. The center of pressure has also been moved further forward, which should help reduce understeer at higher speeds.

The diffuser is flanked by a pair of four-inch diameter tail-pipes that could be used to patch your local water main the next time it bursts. The Shelby badging along the trailing edge of the trunk-lid also now stretches the width of the distance between the tail-lights, just like the original 2005 concept.

Supporting the still excessive mass (we'll get back to that) of the GT500 are new ten-spoke alloy wheels with a slimmer spoke design than before. Coupes and convertibles each get the same design but in different sizes and constructions. The rag-tops get a cast 18-inch version of the wheel, while closed-roof versions get a forged 19-inch construction. The forged version is both stronger and lighter than the smaller wheel compensating for the extra size. The sides of the spokes on the forged wheels are milled, helping to reduce the mass without sacrificing strength.

The leather seats inside the car now have pairs of longitudinal contrasting stripes that echo the stripes stretching the length of the body, as well as alcantara trim on the side bolsters, shift lever, parking braking boots and steering wheel. The traditional white cue-ball shift knob is now also adorned with a pair of black stripes parallel to the shaft of the short throw shifter. All of this is neither here nor there, as none one of these interior niceties makes the GT500 faster, turn better or stop better.

For that we have to look in the engine compartment. The powerplant remains a twin cam 5.4L V8 with a supercharger. New additions to the power plant include knock sensors, the aforementioned cold-air intake and a lower restriction exhaust system. The updates bump output from from 500 hp at 6,000 rpm to 540 hp at 6,200 rpm. Twisting force also goes from 480 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm to 510 lb-ft at the same peak speed.

Unfortunately, one aspect that didn't change is the cast iron engine block. The aluminum block that was used in the Ford GT supercar had a dry sump system that can't be packaged in the Mustang. Thus, the iron block from the F-150 was used with the top end of the GT engine, which pushed the car's weight up over 3,900 lbs. That makes the GT500 both the heaviest and most powerful Mustang.

The top two ratios in the new GT500's gearbox have been made numerically lower to help reduce fuel consumption. As before, getting all the drive torque from the engine to the gears is the job of a dual plate clutch. The clutch plates have been increased in diameter from 215 mm to 250 mm. This allowed Ford to reduce the clutch pedal effort while improving the torque transmission capability.

All that torque flows from the Tremec 6-speed gearbox through a limited slip differential with a 3.55:1 final drive ratio. The 2010 GT500 gets 17% stiffer springs at the front axle and 7% stiffer at the rear axle. The forged alloys on the coupe are wrapped in Goodyear F1 Supercar rubber sized 255/40R19 front and 285/25R19 rear. The Brembo four-pot calipers are retained at the front and the GT500 also get the same standard electronic stability control that lesser Mustangs get for 2010.

Like the GT with the Track Pack, the ESC in the new GT500 always defaults on when the car is started, but can be turned off or put into a Sport mode. In Sport mode, the ESC allows greater amounts of slip before intervening.

The 2010 GT500 now has more power and presumably better handling than before. When we drove the last iterations of the GT500 and Bullitt, the Shelby was undoubtedly faster but the Bullitt was a better all-around car and daily driver. The Bullitt's lighter weight and better balance made it more fun to drive on the street while the blown Mustang was king at the Friday night drag races. Only time will tell if the GT500 can overcome.

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