All Ford Mustang News

Carroll Shelby Has Died at Age 89: 1923 � 2012

Sat, 12 May 2012 11:54:28 PST

Carroll Shelby, the automotive legend, died last night at age 89 because of medical complications. As one of the most notable and recognizable names .Best known for his racing career and for his prowess as an auto tuner and businessman, he is a storied hero to many enthusiasts for his iconic AC Cobras and Shelby Mustangs.

Comp Cams Introduces New Break-in Oil

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:38:04 PST

You've just built that fresh 347 or 408 stroker or cammed four-valve mod motor and are in the process of putting it in your favorite Mustang. However, when it comes time to fire it up, much of your hard work might be in vain, since many modern motor oils don't contain the necessary ingredients to protect the moving parts from excessive wear, especially during the break-in period.

Although some think resorting to diesel engine oil is a good idea for break-in due to the higher zinc content, which helps reduce wear on parts such as flat tappet camshafts, it can also cause further problems such as cylinder sealing issues and damage to emissions components.

So what's a Mustang enthusiast to do? Well Comp Cams could well have the answer with its new ZDDP enhanced Break-In Oil. Extensive research and development has resulted in an oil that's not only designed to improve the surface mating of all moving parts within the engine, including camshafts, lifters (especially flat tappets), pistons, rings, valve guides, crankshaft journals and rod bearings, but also one that's designed to prevent premature engine wear, without affecting any aspects of operation.

2013 Shelby GT500 Officially rated at 662 hp!

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:30:10 PST

For horsepower junkies it seems there�s no end in sight for the current crop of American muscle machines. For Ford fans it�s an especially giddy time, since the 2013 Shelby GT500 is officially the most powerful production V8 powered car on the planet.

Just how powerful? Well the Society of Automotive Engineers has officially rated the latest Shelby�s 5.8-liter supercharged V8 at 662 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque.

What�s even more remarkable is that some 395 lb-ft of the engine�s monster torque load is available at just 1,000 rpm with 95 percent at 2,200 all the way through to a giddy 5,800 rpm.

MCA "Split" 50TH Anniversary Mustang Show Drawing Criticism

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:34:56 PST

It's getting closer by the day and appears to be stirring almost as much talk as the upcoming 2015 Mustang itself. We are of course referring to the Mustang's 50th anniversary gatherings being planned by the MCA.

Given that April 17th 2014 marks the golden anniversary of Ford's original pony car, the Mustang Club of America believes having two big shows, one in the East and one in the West, makes more sense than having a single, large event at one location in the United States.

The two events, which are scheduled to take place over the April 17-20th weekend that year, are to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina (East) and Las Vegas, Nevada (West).

However, the idea is drawing a lot of criticism from Mustang fans; who believe it will dilute the car's birthday celebration, as well as compromise visitor and vendor attendance, since many will end up choosing one show over the other; resulting in less revenues, both for the show organizers at each event and also the vendors themselves. It will also result in splitting up groups of Mustangs fans, simply because of their geographical location.

Le Mans Winner Justin Bell Lets Loose in the Boss 302

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:31:13 PST

Not many of us have had the chance to sample the re-invigorated Boss 302 but for those who have, the car has left an indelible mark. But to really sample the potential of this 444 horsepower beast you need the road to do it on.

In motorsports circles, the name Justin Bell probably doesn't need much of an introduction. The son of Derek Bell, he's also a former Le Mans winner and won the FIA GT2 world championship driving for Team ORECA. Since 2009 he's been hosting eBay Motors' "The World's Fastest Car Show" and recently decided to give Ford's new Boss a workout.

Unlike his double victory at St Petersburg in the SCCA World Challenge race earlier this year; this time out the car was a street ready Boss and the venue was greater LA's infamous Mulholland Drive. A winding stretch of two lane black top, which ribbons its way through the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, it's long been a favorite stomping ground for car guys to have a bit of fun.

SHELBY 1000 MAKES WORLD DEBUT, GT500 TO LIVE ON

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:16:00 PST

It might seem we've had a bit of Shelby centric focus lately, but that's because there's been a lot going on with the company. At the New York International Auto Show last Thursday (April 5), Shelby American finally took the wraps off the infamous 1000. All Ford Mustangs was there to witness the unveiling and the car appears to live up to the hype. Shelby President John Luft and Vice President of Operations Gary Patterson were on hand during the press conference, giving gathered members of the media official information on the 1000.

As previously stated, the Shelby 1000 will be offered in two states of tune - a regular street version and an "off-road" S/C (Street/Competition) derivative. The street car will make approximately 950 horsepower from its reworked 5.4 liter DOHC V8 and, even with a monster 3.6-liter Kenne Bell positive displacement supercharger, will be 50-state certified for street use. The S/C model, which is offered with an even bigger 4.0-liter Whipple blower will make approximately 1,100 horsepower. Luft said at the unveiling that only 100 examples of the Shelby 1000 will be built and although the company refused to actually take orders before the car's official debut, he did say there was already a list of some 30 people who'd put down a deposit for one. Clearly it indicates, that whether a complete 1000 might cost $200,000 or not, the Shelby name still has extremely strong brand equity, even after 50 years.

SHELBY TO SHOWCASE 1,000 HP MUSTANG IN NEW YORK

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:05:59 PST

In some respects, it's quite fitting, since the S197 based Shelby GT 500 was first officially unveiled at the New York International Auto Show back in 2005.

However, with the car being a focal point for ever-increasing power upgrades and this year marking the 50th anniversary of Shelby American, it stands to reason that a 1,000 hp limited edition version could only be seen as the logical next step. Details of this new hyper Mustang, appropriately dubbed the Shelby 1000 have already been revealed ahead of the car's official debut at the New York show later this week. And suffice to say, in order to achieve that "magic" horsepower mark some serious upgrades were required.

Based on the 2012 GT500, the Shelby 1000 sports a seriously modified 5.4-liter V8, thanks to new crankshaft, rods and pistons. It also sports high flow heads, an upgraded supercharger, enhanced exhaust and beefier cooling system (since the larger blower and greater power generates significantly more heat).

COBRA JET PRODUCTION BEGINS

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:44:21 PST

As Ford gets ready to ship 2013 Mustangs to dealers, it's also been busy getting new turnkey Cobra Jet drag cars ready for an assault on the National Hot Rod Association's Stock and Super Stock classes.

Last week, Ford began shipping bodies-in-white from the Flat Rock plant to nearby Watson Engineering, in preparation for building the CJ cars. Watson is tasked with removing non-essential sheetmetal items such as the real parcel shelf, sections of steel from the cowl and inner fenders, plus under skin gussets, designed to save weight.

In order to add the required structural integrity and satisfy NHRA rules, Watson is also installing a full 4130 Chromemoly rollcage in each of the bodies. This cage design meets NHRA 8.5 second ET requirements, which is more than adequate for cars running in Stock and Super Stock.

CALIFORNIA SENATE INTRODUCES CLASSIC EMISSIONS EXEMPTION BILL

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:27:14 PST

For owners of some older Mustangs in California, essentially models made from 1976 onwards, the repeal of CARB's 30 year rolling exemption of smog tests in 2004 was undoubtedly a bitter blow, since it required the permanent emissions testing of all vehicles registered for road use in the Golden State that were manufactured for the 1976 model year or newer.

Despite protests at the introduction of the law and widespread support from both enthusiasts and the Specialty Equipment Market Association's Action Network against it, any attempt to overturn it has so far proved unsuccessful.

Now however, it looks like there might be a ray of hope. California's State Senate has introduced a bill from Senator Doug LaMalfa (S.B. 1224) that aims to exempt all pre 1981 model year vehicles for state smog inspections. Now while this probably isn't particularly great news for most Mustang enthusiasts (1981-93 Fox fans, we are thinking of you), it's at least a step in the right direction and if passed by the Senate, this bill could lead to further developments that enable vintage and classic vehicle owners to enjoy their rides responsibly, without facing the threat of overbearing and largely counterproductive legislation.

ALCATRAZ TO FEATURE BULLITT STYLE CHASE SCENE

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:57:14 PST

When you've got a TV show that incorporates elements of San Francisco and the 1960s, it's probably only a matter of time before a Bullitt reference materializes. In the case of the Fox sci-fi drama Alcatraz, which focuses on the infamous prison and what supposedly "happened" to both the inmates and guards following its closure in 1963, such a car chase scene has indeed been incorporated, as part of the season finale. Like all episodes in the series (pilot not withstanding), the finale is titled after one of the supposed former inmates, "Tommy Madsen" who happens to be the grandfather of one of the major protagonists in the show, Detective Rebecca Madsen. As per Bullitt tradition, the chase scene involves a Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang.

Alcatraz series director Jack Bender says some locations from the original 1968 Bullitt chase are indeed incorporated into this new one, the idea being to not only pay homage to the classic movie scene but also to maximize entertainment value for the audience, so, as Bender says there will be "a lot of sliding around corners" and "a lot of getting close to things."

Filming took place over the course of three days last week using modern versions of the Charger (2008-10 model) and Mustang (2013). Besides updating the vehicles, a major change from Bullitt is the fact the Mustang is blue instead of green. In the chase scene, the Ford will be driven by Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones) who, in the series, is tasked with helping Agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neil) track down missing Alcatraz prisoners and bringing them to justice.

DESERT SALVAGED SHELBY TO REMAIN UNRESTORED

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:33:50 PST

This must be one of the coolest Mustang stories we can recall in recent times. Everybody it seems; knows the value of an original Shelby G.T. 500 these days, especially since the re-made Gone in 60 Seconds helped push values through the roof around a decade ago.

That said, given the popularity of these cars among collectors, what do you think the odds are of finding a genuine example left out in the weeds? Better than you might expect actually.

A Massachusetts based Ford enthusiast and Mustang collector stumbled onto something quite incredible, a genuine 1967 G.T.500 that has spent a quarter century parked outside, exposed to the elements in Death Valley, California.

Given the arid climate of the Mojave Desert, aside from the paint being shot and the Fiberglass parts in need of fettling, the rest of the car is in remarkably good shape, being straight and rot free. The car is a genuine G.T.500, since it has the correct Shelby ID fender tag and sports all the right equipment for a big-block model from that year, including the 428 cubic inch FE V8 with the dual quad intake, elongated fiberglass nose and hood, Shelby ducktail spoiler and Mercury Cougar sequential rear taillights. As found, the car sported a set of 1970s vintage Firestone Wide Oval tires and even a trailer hitch! Reportedly when the new owner first tried to move the thing, silt poured out of the doors!

FORD RELEASES "INNER MUSTANG" COMMERCIAL

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:11:55 PST

Timed to coincide with this year's Daytona 500 on February 26, Ford's latest Mustang commercial, dubbed "Everyone has an inner Mustang, unleash yours" was designed to promote the personalization of America's original pony car, an aspect that's helped drive its popularity since day one back in 1964.

The ad depicts a 2013 model driving down a city street, which morphs as it moves, adopting different paint colors, wheels, graphics and other features in base and GT forms, before transforming into a Gotta Have it Green Boss 302 and ultimately a sinister black Shelby GT500.

Besides promoting the car itself; the ad was also designed to draw attention to Ford's Mustang Customizer website and downloadable app, which began last fall and allows users to pick and choose which options they want for their own "virtual" Mustang, whether it be a base V6, GT, Boss or Shelby. Customizer allows users to view the finished result as well as going head to head against other "one-off" Mustangs on a Customizer Battle page. In addition, once owners have settled on the options and features they desire, they can print off the finished list and submit it to their local dealer, to ensure that when the time comes to order a new Mustang, the car is delivered just the way they want it.

"NEW" MUSTANG SVO RUMORS GAIN MOMENTUM

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:28 PST

With Ford's current strategy of downsizing engine displacement while attempting to maintain or better current power levels via its EcoBoost technology, rumors have persisted for some time that the next generation Mustang will be the recipient of a four-cylinder EcoBoost moto, leading to speculation that a new SVO model might be in the works.

Now the rumor mill is at it once again, Top Gear citing that a new 2.3-liter version of the EcoBoost four will debut in the upcoming Ford Focus RS and possibly a new generation 2015 Mustang SVO.

Further adding fuel to the idea of the SVO are hints from Ford insiders (including styling chief J. Mays) that the next generation Mustang will be smaller and lighter than the current version, eschewing the retro look for something more "contemporary."

FORD ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2013 MUSTANGS

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:14:43 PST

Several months after we first got wind of significant changes to the Mustang lineup for 2013, followed by introductions of the updated models at LA and most recently, Chicago Auto Shows, Ford has now released pricing information on the latest Ford pony cars.

With current economic conditions continuing to put a damper on new car sales, Ford has, despite adding a number of upgrades to each of the four models in the Mustang lineup, tried to maintain current pricing levels in most cases, despite the plethora of new features and options.

Despite featuring a revamped front fascia, hood, revised rear panel treatment (namely the rear taillights), plus revised, body color rocker panel treatment, base Mustang pricing remains fairly consistent with last year, the entry-level V6 coupe retailing for $22,995, while the convertible stickers at $27,995 (these prices are inclusive of the $750 destination charge). In Premium trim, V6 Mustangs retail for $26,995 (coupe) and $31,995 (convertible).

THE MOST STOLEN MUSTANG IN THE US

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:29:16 PST

Given that Ford has made so many Mustangs (around 8.5 million), plus the fact, the car ranks as one of the most affordable performance buys on the market, it probably isn't surprising that Ford's pony is also high on the list when it comes to theft rates.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which has released its first ever "Hot Wheels" report, approximately 611,003 examples of the total 8.5 million produced since 1964 have been stolen. Among the worst years, were during 1980s, when 5.0-liter cars were among the most stolen vehicles in the country. In fact, even in the most recent consensus, the 1989 Mustang still made the top 10 list of Ford pony cars stolen.

But which model is the most stolen of all? Well, if you happen to own a 2000 Mustang, you might want to think twice about where you park it, since this car leads the pack over the last decade, with some 7,085 reports filed (out of a total of 91,152 Mustangs stolen between 2001 and 2011). What's interesting is that all of the top five most stolen Mustangs during that period were SN95 cars; 2nd was the 1995 model, followed by the 1998 and then the 2001 and 2002 models.

PROCHARGER RELEASES NEW F-1X SUPERCHARGER

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:03:45 PST

Continuing to build on their line of hugely successful superchargers ProCharger has now released their all new F1X supercharger specifically designed for the X27 Drag Radial Class.

KENNY BROWN REINTRODUCES SUPER STREET CAGE

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:04:58 PST

Although it helped reinvigorate the American performance car movement with concept of offering a lot of bang for not much money; the third generation Fox Chassis Mustang was compromised by a lightweight unibody structure. As power and torque on the car's 5.0 engine increased during the late 1980s, the limitations of the chassis became increasingly apparent with reports of flexing and fatigue under hard driving, causing stress cracks around the floor pans, A and C-pillars.

To help combat the problem, a number of aftermarket companies introduced frame stiffening products, ranging from subframe connectors to full roll cages. One company that pioneered the development of quality chassis and suspension upgrades for Fox Mustangs was Kenny Brown Performance.

Kenny Brown was one of the founders of late-model Mustang performance and was an integral part in helping Steve Saleen's 5.0 LXs dominate the Escort Endurance Road Racing series in the late-1980s before starting his own business catering to high performance upgrades.

2013 SHELBY GT500 PROTOTYPE SELLS FOR $300,000

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:38:59 PST

Although we've had a quite a bit of Shelby news lately, this story was too hard to ignore. Recently, Ford Motor Company announced it would be auctioning off a very special Shelby GT500 durability prototype at this year's Barrett-Jackson's Westworld auction in Scottsdale Arizona.

The car in question was originally built back in 2007 as an engineering mule (one of the earliest GT500s we might add with updated 2010 model year styling). The car was then updated to 2013 specs and flogged around Sebring International Raceway at speeds of some 150 mph for 24 hours to ensure that all systems on the vehicle could withstand such severe conditions, should customers who purchase one of the production spec 650 hp, 200 mph capable monsters choose to perform similar antics.

The durability prototype sports a full roll cage, special Recaro racing seats (the production model will be offered with SVT designed Recaros), six-point harnesses for the driver and front passenger, evidence of mounting points for testing equipment inside the cabin, plus signatures from every engineer who worked on the 2013 GT500 development program on the underside of the trunk lid.

SHELBY AMERICAN CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:46:15 PST

It's hard to believe that five decades have passed since iconic Texan Carroll Shelby officially formed the company that bears his name. Starting out by shoehorning American Ford V8s into small British AC sports cars, to create the hairy (and competitive) Cobras, he followed up with a range of hopped up Mustangs that gave Ford a competitive edge against rivals in SCCA racing, as well as bolstering that automaker's performance image on the street.

There is absolutely no question that Shelby left an indelible mark on American car culture, one that continues to this very day.

And in celebration of Shelby American's 50 years in business, the company is offering a limited run of anniversary Mustang packages. Offered on the post-title GTS, GT350, GT500 Super Snake cars assembled at the Las Vegas facility, the 50th Anniversary package will be limited to just 100 units, 50 for white cars, 50 for black ones.

SPEED GIVING AWAY GT500 IN HAGGERTY FANTASY BID

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:32:29 PST

As part of this year's Barrett-Jackson collector car auction at Westworld, in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale, Speed TV, which will be broadcasting 40 hours live coverage of the event, will also be giving away a new Shelby GT500 for the Haggerty Fantasy Bid Game and Sweepstakes.

The car in question, is actually a one-of-a-kind Racing Champions Special Edition, boasting upgrades such as a Ford Racing/Whipple supercharger (helping boost power from 550 to approximately 750 hp); a C&R cooling system, 3.5-inch aluminum driveshaft, cosmetic enhancements, (including traditional Shelby style scoops on the quarter panels) along with a SVT handling pack that includes adjustable front struts and rear shocks, plus lowering springs that drop ride height by 1.25 inches.

Given the extra power on tap, the car also sports a Wilwood brake kit, with cross-drilled and slotted 14-inch front rotors, 12-inch rear rotors and forged calipers (six-piston units up front, four-piston out back).