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Ford Cobra Pack Coming For Mustang

cobragt — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:51:20 +0000

Behold the 2013 Cobra Jet from Ford Mustang. This special edition will come with a supercharged engine (2.9-liter Whipple) or naturally aspirated option, both using a 5.0-liter V8 Coyote engine Mustang GT. Only 50 will become available.

Cobra Jet dates back to the 1968 NHRA Winternationals, with revivals in 2008 (40th anniversary edition) and on through 2011. This new version features the latest in drag-race technology for greater speed.

“The 5.0-liter has all the attributes to make a world-class drag-racing engine and is ideal for the Cobra Jet,” said George Goddu, business manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “Both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines will be competitive as delivered.”

Prices start at $86,000 for the naturally aspirated, $93,000 for supercharged vehicle.

Source: Auto Week

Next-Gen Shelby GT-350 Gains Weight

cobragt — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:44:05 +0000

The all new Shelby GT350 enhancement of the Ford Mustang is a little fatter, in size that is. Engine power is still as big as ever, and the car retains its “Nu” Mustang appearance – But thicker curves and a bulkier front end make this Shelby look more like a Pro-Football player (RIP Bubba Smith), and we like it.

Pic – Jalopnik

2015 Mustang Engine Will Be 4-Cylinder

cobragt — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:15:08 +0000

Ford is reporting that their 2015 Mustang engine will be offered with a 4-Cylinder. Throughout the USA, Chevy fans are laughing. Followers of the classic 40 year old muscle car won’t like the direction America’s Automaker is taking Mustang in 2015.

photo: stangbangers

But maybe it is Ford lovers who will have that coveted last laugh. Online magazine Motor Authority says the redesigned car will feature “a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and, possibly, a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6.”

Best of all, the 5.0-liter V8 will continue to be available, possibly outfitted with direct injection technology to improve fuel efficiency. Don’t celebrate yet, Chevy fans. We have you on this one.

Embracing Ford Rustang

cobragt — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:10:19 +0000

The old joke on Mustang, Ford Rustang, is something that should be embraced by fans, not frowned upon. You see, according to Urban Dictionary – “Rustang” is the “The proper name given to a Ford Mustang.” The derogatory term, used by Mustang Haters, should in fact be embraced by Ford lovers.

Think about it like this: it takes a very long time for a car to rust. Decades, in fact, depending on where you live. Ford owners are loyal, and with quality vehicles they can keep their rides around for generations. Many owners drive Fords for 10, 20 years before passing the car down to their teenage child.

And what brings more hate than something that’s the best? The Mustang, which has been in production since 1964, is one of the oldest American muscle cars around. That longevity and reputation is going to attract almost as many negative comments as positive. Rest assured, if someone names you a “Rustang” lover, they speak only out of jealousy.

Ford’s 2011 Lineup

cobragt — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:01:41 +0000

Have you driven a Ford lately? Whether the answer is yes or no, 2011 promises to be a superior year for the American auto maker.

Ford has a slew of models to offer, from the sporty Mustang and family friendly Taurus, to the award winning Edge and F-150 pickup.

Don’t forget about the all new Fiesta, a car popular to new buyers thanks to its 40 MPG rating. There’s also the redesigned Focus, and its hybrid variant available this year! Here’s our rundown of the Ford lineup in 2011. Let us know which Ford model interests you.

Ford F-150

Now that Ranger is in retirement, Ford F-150 is the smallest pickup available by the company. Its midsized cargo space and towing capability make it a great addition to any construction site, while giving drivers a comfortable ride, well enough to use as your daily commuter through suburb or city.

Ford Fiesta

Speaking of urban driving, the all new Ford Fiesta has caught the attention of city dwellers across North America. Ford dealers can’t stop boasting about its 40 miles per gallon rating by the EPA. Available in both sedan and sporty hatchback models, Fiesta has only just begun to dazzle us all.

Ford Flex

No one was surprised when the Ford Flex became a huge seller. The vehicle is powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine, producing 262 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is so powerful yet fuel efficient, it was named on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list.

Ford Focus

Ford Focus is still a relatively new model by the auto maker. But in its short life Focus has already become one of their best selling vehicles of all time. A darling of rental lots and first-time drivers alike, this sedan has gone through various style changes. But there is no mistaking a Focus when you see one. Later this year, Ford will introduce a hybrid gas-electric variant of the popular car.

Ford Fusion

The spacious and powerful Ford Fusion is another recent addition to the company’s profile. It uses a similar engine to the Flex, a 3.5-liter Duratec, and comes with an upgrade option to Eco-Boost, producing over 350 horsepower. Fusion is also a movie star. Models were used in multiple scenes during The X-Files sequel, which was released a couple of years back.

Ford Mustang

Everyone knows the Ford Mustang. This iconic vehicle has inspired people of all ages to drive fast, drive smart, and look cool behind the wheel. 2011′s Mustang GT has been named one of the “Best New Models” for 2011 by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Mustang’s 5.0-liter all-aluminum V8 engine gives those behind the wheel an exciting 412 horsepower.

Ford Escape

What better way to start a road trip then in a Ford Escape. Combined with its 2.5-liter four cylinder powerplant, Escape was one of Ford’s initial “Crossover” vehicles, and has been a success from day 1. Shoppers also have the option to test drive Hybrid and Hybrid Limited variants, which gives even higher MPG ratings over base gasoline models.

Ford Taurus

This year’s Ford Taurus is a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Taurus is a modern day classic – a member of Ford’s Family since 1986. At one point, Taurus disappeared from the auto maker’s lineup, but she’s is back, and better! Even Conan O’Brien loves Taurus so much that he still has his 1992 SHO model.

Ford Explorer

A fully redesigned Ford Explorer is on dealership lots for 2011. This time, the family favorite SUV begins at a relatively low MSRP of about $28,200. For that, you’ll receive three rows of seating, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder turbocharged engine, and a 5,000 lb towing capacity. Explorer has always been a big deal for Ford, this model looks to continue that tradition.

Ford Edge

Last, but certainly not least, the Ford Edge hopes to have another outstanding year. The crossover (CUV), based on a Fusion frame, is pumped up with a 3.5-liter V6, along with an added 3.7-liter V6 for the Edge Sport. With 285 horsepower, Edge still gives drivers 27 miles per gallon highway. Take a step to the Edge!

Saleen Closes Doors On Mustang Production

cobragt — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:43:30 +0000

Saleen will end their production run of enhanced Ford Mustangs after this year. Saleen’s parent company Revstone announced plans to cease production of performance-oriented Mustangs. Instead, they will focus attention on aftermarket parts.

Saleen’s final model, the 2011 Mustang S302, will end its run in the third quarter of 2011. S302 is based on the 2011 Mustang GT, featuring “an aggressive body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, and a limited slip rear differential.”

According to Revstone Aftermarket President Bob LaCourciere, “We feel it is time to retire the legend and to usher in a new era of performance. The teams responsible for engineering and development of Saleen bring a level of engineering prowess and passion that is second to none. We want to apply that same talent and dedication to second stage manufacturing.”

Source: WCF

Next Ford Mustang Going Global

cobragt — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:04:15 +0000

For the first time in its history, the new Ford Mustang will be crafted outside American soil. Torque News (via Auto News) has more: [Ford's designer] Kuzak stated that designs from Europe, Australia and other parts of the world would be considered and that the winning submission would become the next Ford Mustang.

The man in charge of selecting the winner will be J Mays, Ford’s global design chief, who will then pass the design down to Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan, design studio where it will be crafted into an actual vehicle.

The next-generation Ford Mustang has yet to receive a release date, but Ford is hoping to have a new model by 2014, which happens to be the 40th anniversary of the car. That means that a new Mustang could be here as early as 2013, but Ford might want to step it up a notch. Chevrolet’s Camaro is outselling the pony car, despite not being very good, so Ford’s timetable might get pushed up in order to thwart the GM rival.

For the 2014 Ford Mustang, the automaker has stated that it will shrink to meet global demand and that the live rear axle would be dropped in favor of a rear independent suspension setup. These two things might kill the Mustang as a muscle car, but it should make it one heck of a good sports coupe.

Mustang Outsells Camaro by 3 Vehicles

cobragt — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:58:45 +0000

American muscle car competition in this day & age sure comes close. With the all new 2011 Ford Mustang and GM’s Chevy Camaro on dealership lots at the same time, there was no telling who would win the top position for best seller. In the end, Ford’s Mustang took home the gold – but boy was it close. The Pony outsold GM’s Camaro this July (2010) by only three cars.

According to Autodata, Mustang sold 7,489 models to Camaro’s 7,486. However, Camaro topped Mustang for the first seven months of 2010, 53,864 to 47,524. But the new 2011 Mustang could be a game changer for the Blue Oval.

This is the pony car that gets more than 30 miles a gallon from its 300-plus V-6 engine. Ford thinks that’s the first time that milestone has been achieved in a production car. And the V-8 is an absolute, blow-you-back-in-your-seat hoot.

In the end, both Chevy and Ford can take solace in one fact – they beat out The Dodge Challenger, which only made it to 3,695 sales in July.

Source: USA Today

Donald N. Frey, Originator of the Mustang, Dead at 86

cobragt — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:14:37 +0000

Donald N. Frey, who was responsible for bringing the classic Ford Mustang design to the world, has passed away at 86. Frey and his team at Ford’s R&D created Mustang – based partially on other Ford vehicles like the Falcon, but added personal touches to make it one of the oldest model vehicles still sought after today.

The original Mustang was approved and created in only 18 months, sent to show room floors and ended up selling 80,000 Mustangs in its first year, that classic 1964 model – it sold more than a million in its first two years.

Frey went on to many other achievements, aside from making one of the most popular muscle cars ever – He was chairman of the Bell & Howell Company, recipient of the National Medal of Technology, and an executive member of the World Bank. Frey claims his proudest moment was helping to introduce safety improvements like disc brakes and radial tires to Fords.

In 1967, Time magazine called him “Detroit’s sharpest idea man.” At his death, Frey owned an original Mustang, his son Christopher said he liked to drive it fast.

Source: NY Times

Ford Mustang – NASCAR Edition Revealed

cobragt — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:46:08 +0000

Apparently, FORD no longer stands for “F–ked On Race Day” – as the American Motor Company introduced their NASCAR Mustang to the joy of rednecks everywhere. Or, if they’re Chevy fans, the dismay. But when the Ford Mustang was teased several months back, race fans everywhere stopped putting their pickups on blocks and ran to the blogs. Check out all the details in Ford’s Press Release below:

FORD, RFR, CON-WAY FREIGHT UNVEIL NEW 2010 NATIONWIDE MUSTANG

TRUCK SERIES 2008 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR COLIN BRAUN WILL DRIVE THE NO. 16 CON-WAY FREIGHT MUSTANG

Concord, N.C. – A new era of Mustang racing rolled out here today, piloted by an All-American driver and with a returning sponsor familiar to loyal NASCAR fans.

Three major events were rolled into one today as Ford teamed up with Roush Fenway Racing and Con-way Freight to unveil the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang with driver Colin Braun at Roush Fenway Racing headquarters in Concord, N.C.

Ford announced in July that Mustang, the iconic pony car that has raced for all 45 years of its existence, would compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in July 2010 when a limited rollout of NASCAR’s new car begins at Daytona International Speedway. Today marked the first time the NASCAR Mustang was seen in public.

Braun, 21, a native of Ovalo, Texas, will make the move from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he was the 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, to a full-time Nationwide program next season, along with Con-way Freight, which has been his sponsor for the last two years. Roush Fenway and Con-way Freight recently agreed on a contract extension to remain as a primary sponsor for 18 Nationwide races within the organization.

“I’m so happy that Con-way Freight decided to move up with me to the Nationwide Series for 2010,” Braun said. “They have been a great sponsor for the past two years in the truck series so it means a lot to me that they will continue to support me in the future. I’m also looking forward to driving a Mustang next year. I’ve always thought they are such incredible cars, but have never owned one. Maybe when I win my first race the guys at Ford will want to give me one of my own.”

Mustang has a storied history in motorsports and can claim more than 2,000 professional race wins worldwide. Its iconic standing in the auto industry aside, Mustang brings a breath of fresh air and new sense of excitement to the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

“This truly marks the start of the next era of Mustang racing,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “We fully expect this Mustang, with drivers like Colin behind the wheel, to start to enjoy the kind of success so many other Mustang racing programs have enjoyed throughout the last four decades.

“Mustang is a proud and historic brand for Ford. This is a car born to race, and NASCAR is the next logical step for its racing pedigree.”

Braun and Con-way Freight have had good success together and are experiencing a breakout season in 2009. Braun started the season by capturing his first of his three poles to date in the season-opening race at Daytona, and followed that up with his first NASCAR win, which came at Michigan International Speedway in June. He finished 13th in the point standings last year and currently sits seventh with five races remaining this season.

“We’re excited to help unveil the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Mustang, and to announce Con-way Freight’s first-ever sponsorship in the Nationwide Series,” said John G. Labrie, president, Con-way Freight. “The opportunity to continue working with Ford, Roush Fenway Racing and Colin Braun is a great one for us. Colin’s talent on the track and competitive spirit remind us of our more than 20,000 employees and the commitment they bring to their jobs every day. All of us at Con-way Freight look forward to supporting Colin all the way to another Rookie of the Year win in 2010.”

Con-way Freight’s first venture into racing took place in 2005. In 2006, the company rebranded and changed its name, and a racing sponsorship provided an ideal opportunity to build awareness of the Con-way Freight brand in an entertaining and exciting way for both customers and employees.

“Through the first five years of Con-way Racing, we saw that the program was a huge win for Con-way Freight and our customers, so we made the decision to move forward with a new affiliation with Ford, Roush Fenway Racing and Colin Braun,” said Bill Wynne, vice president of marketing, Con-way Freight. “We’ve seen tremendous rewards from those relationships, and that’s why we’re here today to announce a new era of Con-way Racing action in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.”

Mustang currently competes professionally in the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions and places like the Grand-Am Koni Challenge, SCCA World Challenge, and the Mustang Challenge Series. In addition, thousands of Mustangs see action by grassroots racers at road courses and drag strips all across America.

“I have been a Mustang owner and enthusiast for many years myself so this is an exciting day to see this car racing in NASCAR,” said car owner Jack Roush. “My teams have won several road racing championships over the years in Mustangs, and I look forward to winning more with Colin, Carl [Edwards] and Ricky [Stenhouse Jr.]. With the continued support of Ford and Con-way Freight we plan to give Colin the opportunity for his second Rookie of the Year title in NASCAR, and ultimately a Nationwide Series championship.”