The Auto Blog .ru

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

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

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

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

2011 Mustang re-skinned with classic body panels

Thomas Barker will need to clear out a space in his driveway. The 24-year-old from Effingham, Illinois claimed the top prize in the 2011 Mustang Dream Giveaway, which means he actually needs to clear out two spaces. One spot will go to his brand-new 2012 Ford Mustang Patriot Edition Boss 302, while the other will be taken up by a completely restored 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302. You read that correctly, Mr. Barker just won two Boss Mustangs.

According to Mustang Evolution, the pair of prizes in the 2011 Mustang Dream Giveaway were designed to rake in money that was then donated to benefit members of the armed forces. More specifically, those men and women returning home with traumatic injuries not covered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Barker will pick up both coupes at Ford’s global headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. His 2012 Boss 302 is a special edition that wears serial number one of one, and his restored 1969 Boss is one of only 46 built with Calypso Coral paint, a four-speed manual transmission and 3.91 gears. The icing on this already amazing cake? Parnelli Jones has signed the classic Mustang.

Congrats are in order for Thomas Barker. If you need someone to drive home either the modern machine or the classic muscle, feel free to drop us a line, we’re in the neighborhood.

24-year-old wins pair of Ford Mustang Boss 302 coupes

NASCAR Driver David Ragan hopped out of his Ford Fusion and into a Ford Racing-modified 2011 Mustang GT and set out on the Bristol Motor Speedway to take a shot at the half-mile speed trials. The result? A new production car lap record of 98.497 miles per hour in 19.481 seconds.

Seeing a sub-100-mph speed for a track race may seem slow, but trust us, it’s not. By comparison, a Yamaha superbike hit the course and managed a time of 19.582 seconds at a speed of 97.990 mph.

Ford Racing’s modified Mustang uses a supercharger to add an extra 200 horsepower, bringing the total up to 624 hp. To manage that power, Ford Racing also fitted upgraded brakes and suspension parts. Click past the jump to see the Mustang, its new parts and David Ragan in action.

[Source: YouTube via MustangsDaily.com]

Continue reading Ford Racing Mustang sets half-mile speed record at Bristol [w/video]

Ford Racing Mustang sets half-mile speed record at Bristol [w/video]

Episode #205 of the Autoblog Podcast features the monthly appearance of Alex Nunez. Chris, Dan and Alex recap the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Top Gear USA’s first episode, the return of the Holden Commodore as a Chevrolet, and it all wraps up with your questions and feedback at the hour and a half mark. Thanks for listening!

In the Autoblog Garage:

Lincoln MKS Ecoboost
2011 Mustang GT

News Topics:

• LA Auto Show recap
• G8 to return as a Chevy
  
• Top Gear USA airs its first episode

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez
Runtime: 1:31:35

Autoblog Podcast #205: LA Recap, Top Gear USA and Chevy Zetas

We’ve seen Explorers, Fiestas and even an F-Series Super Duty, but of course, the car with the biggest showing on Ford’s SEMA stand is the Mustang. In fact, the automaker is displaying nine examples of its pony car, showing a wide range of customization options.

Starting things off in-house, Ford has provided us with a glimpse of what is possible through its Vehicle Personalization program. The VP ‘Stang wears wheels, rear window louvers, a rear spoiler and a handful of other items that are all for sale at FordAccessoriesStore.com. Besides the in-house car, Ford handed the Mustang off to Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell, MRT, Creations n’ Chrome, Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, Mobsteel, Raceskinz, Street Scene Equipment and Tjin Edition.

Funk Flex, who at this point probably holds an executive position back in Dearborn, designed his Mustang for rapper Snoop Dogg. MRT envisioned the car as a tough street warrior. Creations n’ Chrome partnered with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness for breast cancer, and painted its car Pink Chrome. Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords stays true to its name, adding a supercharger kit to the 5.0-liter engine under the hood. Mobsteel goes a different, yet similar route, by turbocharging a V6 example.

This is only a small taste of what the assorted tuners have done to the 2011 Mustang, and that’s only limited to what Ford has in its display. Click through the gallery below and check out the finished products.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

SEMA 2010: Ford’s 2011 Mustang rolls in with a deep crew

Forced induction may be making its way back into the Ford Mustang bloodstream very soon. A gaggle of fresh spy shots have cropped up on the interwebs showing a FoMoCo mule with a few interesting attributes, including a new fascia that may or may not be scooting air to an intercooler, and a hefty 9,000 rpm has been spotted on the tachometer. Even more telling is the huge PREMIUM ONLY sticker slapped across the dash. Now, the last time we checked, the meaty 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 Mustang GT didn’t spin to those lofty heights, and while it makes maximum power on premium fuel, it can just as happily chug along on regular 87 octane swill.

So what gives here? It’s entirely possible that Ford has plopped a massaged version of its twin-turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost V6 under the hood. In fact, Ford officials have said that they plan to offer EcoBoost technology in just about everything.

If that’s what this is, it would seem to account for the higher octane fuel requirement and the bodywork up front, but what about that redline? As it sits, the Ecoboost sixer is happier at around 6,000 rpm, so either Ford has been putting some serious time into helping that engine spin much faster, there’s something that we haven’t seen yet lurking under the hood, or it could be that engineers may have simply let out the redline just for durability testing purposes. Head over to Inside Line for a better look at what could be a latter-day SVO.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Ford Mustang GT EcoBoost spotted?

Ford Masters The Mid-Cycle Refresh

It’s one thing for an automaker to develop a single great vehicle. After all, even a blind squirrel can score the occasional nut. But to gain a loyal customer base, automakers must string together a consistent cadence of winners. When CEO Alan Mulally joined Ford Motor Company in 2005, he inherited a product lineup with only two true champions: the F-Series pickup and the iconic Mustang. Over the next four years, Mulally and his team concentrated on getting the company leaner and meaner while improving quality and streamlining its product offerings.

At the same time that Ford was trimming costs and eliminating waste, it was also producing more competitive products. The 2010 Taurus was a step in the right direction. The 2010 Fusion won Motor Trend Car of the Year. The 2011 Mustang GT got the engines it needed to beat up on the pony car competition. And buyers are spending top dollar to get optioned-up 2011 Fiesta hatchbacks and sedans. The Blue Oval has been firing on all cylinders, and the company’s newest offering, the 2011 Edge, is supposed to extend Ford’s seemingly unbreakable streak. Will updated looks, new engines and a completely overhauled interior get the Edge on buyers’ short lists? We spent a week in a loaded 2011 Edge Limited to see for ourselves.

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Shunk / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Ford Edge Limited

Review: 2011 Ford Edge Limited

The 2011 Ford Mustang already packs a plentiful 412 horsepower under it’s well-contoured hood, but for some enthusiasts there is no such thing as enough power. And what makes owning a Mustang so great is that there are countless ways to upgrade your ride. Roush has done it’s fair share of Mustang modifying, and that trend continues for 2011. The new 5XR is Jack and the gang’s latest stab at ‘Stang perfection, with a R2300 ROUSHcharger mated to Ford’s already potent 5.0-liter V8 to produce a hearty 525 ponies and 465 pound-feet of torque.

When Roush upgrades a Mustang, obviously it starts with a more powerful engine, but the fun usually doesn’t end there. The 5XR will also feature a bevy of upgraded components, including a suspension kit with new front shocks and rear springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. Power will be transferred to the road via 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires.

On the outside, Roush provides plenty of cues to alert even the novice that the 5XR is no run-of-the-mill pony car. Upgrades include a new front fascia with splitter, side rocker splitters, rear valance and three-piece deck lid spoiler. And if that isn’t enough to clue you in, the 5XR also comes standard with a copious amount of badging.

The 5XR is limited to a production run of 150 units, but prospective owners will first have to purchase their own 2011 Mustang. Roush-certified Ford dealers will install the $15,390 worth of goodies. Other available upgrades are up-rated vented brakes, custom leather seating surfaces and a vent pod gauge. Hit the jump to pour over the Roush press release.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading 2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH

2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH

Ford has worked hard over the past few years to completely overhaul its entire model line. Recent product launches like the 2011 Mustang and Fiesta show that FoMoCo is committed to making class-leading vehicles, and the larger (ahem) focus on style, quality and packaging is nothing short of impressive.

Perhaps the most important new car launch for Ford, however, is the 2012 Focus, which makes its world premiere at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. This is the first product designed from the ground up with the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” product strategy, and Ford’s group vice president of product development says the Focus is the automaker’s “flagship” for global vehicles. The Focus you see here will be sold in both North America and Europe with only very minor tweaks being made for the individual markets. Not even the original Focus that was sold in both markets when it debuted back in 1999 shared so much with its sibling on the other side of the Atlantic.

It certainly looks good, and with a raft of new engineering, safety and infotainment technologies on hand, the 2012 Focus is ready to set the C-segment on fire.

Continue reading…

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus: North America’s version of global car in detail [w/video]

2012 Ford Focus: North America’s version of global car in detail [w/video]

Ford has issued a dealer Technical Service Bulletin for a clutch issue on 2011 Mustangs built before April 25, 2010.

Affected models with less than 10,00 miles might experience a clutch pedal stayout condition, where the clutch will remain on the floor even after it’s released during high RPM shifts, something that sounds like both an annoyance and a potential safety issue. According to the TSB, the repair takes less than an hour.

It is not clear if the clutch issue will eventually precipitate a recall, but there have been no rumblings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to suggest that it will. Have a look at the details after the jump or speak to you’re dealer if you’re not sure if your pony car is covered.

Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems

Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible

The 2011 Mustang GT remains the king of the pony car hill, even when saddled with a clunky six-speed slushbox.

Spy Shots: Lamborghini Jota caught primping for potential Paris debut?

Our spies have next great Lambo testing again, but the most recent reports indicate that we won’t be seeing the Jota in Paris. Pity.

Paris Preview: Porsche 911 Speedster channels original 356 [w/video]

With the eventual replacement of the 997, Porsche creates yet another limited edition 911.

Also of interest:

• 2011 Ford EcoBoost F-150 puts out 365 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque
• Spy Shots: 2012 Audi S7 caught, but what’s under the hood?
• Report: Hyundai Sonata overtakes Nissan Altima for third in mid-size segment
• Volvo reveals S60 and V60 R-Design models ahead of Paris debut
• Paris Preview: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.21.10

When we tested the 750 horsepower 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, our man Jonathon Ramsey declared it the “new king” of Mustangs. Surprisingly, he found that the suspension was able to – barely – keep up with the engine, but we figured that the Super Snake had just about all the power a street-driven Mustang could handle. We thought wrong, at least according to Shelby.

Ol’ Carroll has upped the ante in the horsepower wars once again by offering up to 800 horsepower in the newly-released 2011 version of the Super Snake. Of course, there are more sane options including 660 horsepower and 750 horsepower variants, but the 800 horsepower version will undoubtedly be the must-have for the guy (or girl) who needs the biggest and baddest ‘Stang on the block. Also new for 2011 are the optional anthracite wheels, white stripes and new side scoops. The Super Snake package starts at $30,245 (just $250 less than the cost of a brand new 2011 Mustang GT) and can be built at Shelby’s Las Vegas facility or at any of their official Mod Shops around the country. Hit the jump for complete specs for the 2011 Super Snake package and more details.

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower

Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower

Ford is ready to come up for air. The automaker has been updating its product line with great quickness and now it’s ready to take a breather. 33 percent of the Blue Oval’s product line has been replaced for 2010 and Ford says it will be scaling that back next year. The lineup is currently bolstered by the likes of the 2011 Ford Edge, Fiesta, Explorer and, of course, the Mustang with its wonderful new engines.

Still, the plan is to outpace the rest of the competition and move to a fleet built upon global platforms. Ford’s goal is to accomplish this by 2013 which will allow the automaker to reduce costs across the board and cut away at its $5.4 billion debt. This is welcome news to people who bought 2011 Mustangs, yet owners of not-as-fast 2010 models are still being monitored for signs of depression.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Ford scaling back on model changes in 2011

Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.

Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it’s proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.

While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost ($100,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between $9,000 to $12,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

Mustang owners have always had a healthy appetite for the aftermarket, and it looks like the new 5.0 will provide plenty of opportunities for warranty-busting horsepower upgrades. Ford Racing just unveiled its supercharger system good for up to 624 horsepower, and now Roush has introduced its own ROUSHcharger system for the 5.0-liter V8.

The Roush system utilizes the TVS2300 supercharger first seen on the P-51A Mustang (replacing the old Eaton M90-based blower) and requires professional installation and calibration. A 90mm pulley good for seven psi, with 47 lb/hr fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails and a twin 60mm throttle body included in the kit. Roush says that the system can produce up to 550 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque with the stock fuel pump, and even more with additional upgrades. Pricing is set at $5,999, and Roush offers a 90-day parts warranty. A full system complete with a Roush calibration and a full warranty will be coming later this fall. Hit the jump for full details on the new ROUSHcharger system for the 2011 Mustang.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0

Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0

Things just got a lot more interesting for owners of the 2011 Ford Mustang. This weekend at the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford Racing released its new supercharger package for the new 5.0-liter V8, turning the already potent pony car into a serious drag-strip contender.

The supercharger system is available in three packages, each utilizing a 2.3-liter Whipple twin-screw supercharger, air-to-liquid intercooler and 47 lb/hr fuel injectors. The base package provides 525 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque and comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty when installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer, while the second kit offers 624 hp and 536 lb-ft torque… but no warranty. Finally, those that want to build their own custom system can opt for the tuner kit, which comes with only the core components but needs to be independently calibrated to work with the engine’s computer. Hit the jump to see full details on both packages, and if you’re the owners of a 2011 Mustang, you’ve got some decisions to make. Top tip, Panayiotis!

[Source: Ford Racing]

Continue reading Ford Racing now selling supercharger that boosts new 5.0-liter V8 to 624 HP

Ford Racing now selling supercharger that boosts new 5.0-liter V8 to 624 HP

Heads up, pony fans; Ford has just released the details on its new graphic program for the 2011 Mustang. Just like with the pint-sized Fiesta, the company will let you slather the muscle car in any number of graphics packages to suit your tastes. The designs vary from tasteful stripes and accents to some cringetastic pieces like the “clear hood” 5.0 shown above and various tribal decals. Jersey Shore, here we come.

Ford has priced the most of the vinyl packages at $299, though prices vary depending on how complicated the design is and how much vinyl is used in the process. Near as we can tell, the priciest of the lot are the reverse stripes that cover the majority of the top of the car in the sticky stuf. That package will set you back close to $1,000.

You can even pick from a number of colors to suit your vehicle, including a carbon-fiber look material. Please, for the love of the ponies, stay away from that one. You can play around with the configurator yourself at the Ford site. Word has it that the next vehicle to get the vinyl treatment will be the Taurus starting next month. Stay tuned.

[Source: Ford]

Ford now offering custom graphics for Mustang, Taurus is next

[Source: Ford Racing]

New Ford 5.0L and supercharged 5.4L V8s now available as crate engines

With all-new powertrains debuting in the 2011 Ford Mustang, you knew it was just a matter of time before a new limited-edition model was introduced. Well, it looks like that time is next week. As you all know very well by now, the 2011 Mustang GT has the new Ford 5.0 V8 underhood. Since the new race version wears the Boss 302R moniker, a new street-going Boss 302 seems like a no-brainer.

During a recent Grand-Am race, the announcers let slip that the consumer-spec Boss 302 would be debut in mid-August at Laguna Seca as part of Pebble Beach week. (The exact date spinning around the rumormill is August 13.) The Boss reportedly delivers about 430 horsepower with a price in the low $30,000 range. Ford’s motorsports partner, Multimatic, is apparently building some special parts for the Boss 302, but we’ll have to wait until next week to find out those specifics. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Ford unveiling Boss Mustang on August 13th?

Ford unveiling Boss Mustang on August 13th?