LAS VEGAS – June 26, 2009 – Continued demand for a “Super Snake” post title package has led Shelby Automobiles to unveil a new program to turn a limited number of 2010 Ford Shelby GT500s into Shelby super cars. The Super Snake package will include enhancements to the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500’s handling, styling and power; output ratings will range from 630 to over 725 horsepower. Exclusivity will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built at the Shelby Autos facility in Las Vegas or one of the Mod Shops, beginning in August 2009.
“We take great pride in engineering fast, fun cars that people love to drive,” said Carroll Shelby. “Over the past 12 months, my team of hot rodders was hard at work on a Super Snake package for the next generation GT500. Every lesson we learned kicking the competition around on the track over the past two years has been poured into this new car to keep Shelby owners out front.”
Born on the drag strip and road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford Racing and Shelby Automobiles dialed in an even more aggressive suspension and engine package for the 2010 car.
Ford will be submitting plans for a Mustang body stock car for the 2010 NASCAR season and Chrysler has done the same with their Dodge Challenger. The plans are due by June 26th and are likely to meet with rather swift approval. The plan to include the two iconic pony cars in NASCAR is a bid to accomplish several things: first, and foremost, it will help raise the profile of the Mustang and Challenger, and hopefully draw in more viewers and boost souvenir sales; and second, it will serve to differentiate the vehicles from the rest of the pack.
For the casual race fan, it is virtually impossible to distinguish the automakers who provide the different stock cars unless there is a tight shot on the portions of the cars that carry the manufacturer's logo. There have been no leaked images of the proposed bodies for the Mustang and Challenger, but one would assume that the inherent styling differences between the stock Fusions and Chargers currently in use, and their pony car cousins, will lead to some visual differences on the track. We'll have to wait a bit until the official designs are unveiled, but here's hoping that some of the 2010 Mustang's great styling hits the circuit next year.
Lastly, don't expect to see a three-way pony car matchup, as GM will not be entering a Camaro-based body next year as they're sticking with the Impala.
Source: AllFordMustangs.com
DEARBORN, Mich., June 10, 2009 – The 2010 Ford Mustang, now in dealer showrooms, builds on a proud, unbroken 45-year heritage of Fast, Fun and Affordable with an all-new exterior design, available cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements pioneered on Ford's extensive racing and special programs.
One hallmark of Mustang's enduring popularity is the opportunity to customize this American icon. Enthusiasts who have personalized and customized Mustangs range from legends, such as Carroll Shelby, to professional drivers to hobbyists who enjoy a weekend at the track.
For those customers interested in more-aggressive performance, an optional factory-installed Track Pack is available this summer for 2010 Ford Mustang GT coupes with manual transmission. Ford Racing's FR3 Handling Package also is available for those enthusiasts who want even more aggressive suspension tuning and can be installed in their garage or at a Ford dealer. Car and Driver magazine recently declared a 2010 Mustang equipped with a Track Pack the winner in a comparison test against the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, calling the body control of the Mustang with the Track Pack "astounding."
Ford will soon be replacing the aged old 4.0 liter SOHC V6 in the Mustang with a new high-reving 3.7 liter 24-valve DOHC mill. The engine similar to the new 3.5 and 3.7 liter Duratec engines that are found in Ford's front-wheel drive platforms will come to Mustang officially for the 2011 model year.
Ford showed off the 2011 Mustang 3.7 liter V6 at an employee town hall event at their Dearborn Development Center last week. The event was attended by a number of Ford personel and Ford racing personalities like the John Force racing crew of NHRA.While exact specifications of the new 3.7 liter V6 as outfitted in the Mustang are not yet finalized, we can look to the Lincoln MKS for a good idea.
In the Lincoln, the same exact Duratec DOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6 cranks out a healthy 273 hp @ 6250 rpm with 270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm. This is a significant jump from the lazy 210hp coming from the current mill, whose basic architecture dates back to the 1970's. It has a robust 10.3:1 compression ratio and modern variable cam timing to bring the Mustang up to par with its competition.
Rex Roy, from The Car Connection, got the chance to spend a week with a 2010 Ford Mustang V-6 and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6. Rex compares both vehicles and gives his thoughts on what each had to offer. Rex has made his comparo a two part feature. In the first part he concentrates on the style and powertrain.
Rex starts off by going through the basics of how each car is set up. The Mustang and Camaro are both front-engine, rear-wheel drive four seat coupes. One of the first knocks on the Camaro is it's not offered in a convertible where the Mustang is but Chevrolet has...
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