NHTSA opens investigation into 2011 Mustang transmission problems

For the most part the 2011+ Mustang has been void of any major problems, but if anything has caused trouble it’s the transmission. The Chinese-built Getrag MT-82 6-speed has already been the subject of one TSB regarding cold shifting problems, but many owners have reported more serious issues including binding gears, difficulty engaging in shifts and excessive noise and vibration.

To the dismay of many owners Ford has remained silent regarding the transmission issues, but it appears that the issue hasn’t gone completely unnoticed. Today the NHTSA announced that it is opening an investigation into transmission problems, reporting that they had received 32 complaints from owners regarding a sudden inability to shift into gear. According to the Detroit News, “some reports said incidents occurred while merging into high speed traffic, while others said incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic.” The government agency will be taking a closer look at approximately 26,000 Mustangs that could potentially have the problem.

After the announcement Ford did acknowledge that they are aware of the problem. “We will fully cooperate with the government as they review this matter,” commented a company spokesperson.

[Source MustangsDaily]

2012 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang takes on Summit Point Raceway

Video: Billy Johnson, in a 2012 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang, takes on the Summit Point Raceway in Summit Point, WV, as part of the 2011 One Lap of America event.

Video can be seen directly on YouTube.

Hertz adds the Mustang GT to its rental fleets

Need a dose of horsepower added to your vacation? Hertz has added the 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium to its rental lineup as part of the “Adrenaline Collection” that also includes the Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Dodge Challenger R/T. The collection is part of a new marketing campaign built around the question “Are you The Gas or The Brake?” The travel-personality question focuses on how people operate as either the Gas (more aggressive, exciting, adventurous) or the Brake (conservative, reserved, more of a planner), with the corresponding collections to drill home the depth of Hertz’s vehicle lineup.

To generate initial interest, Hertz is offering discounts on weekly rentals. From now through June 15, drivers can save $35 on a weekly rental of a Hertz Green Traveler Collection car using the code PC#156741 in the reservation. Those interested in some muscle can save through June 30, with a $50 discount on a weekly rental using PC#155676 in the reservation.

[Source: MustangsDaily.com]

Ford Announces "Mayhem" As New Name For V6 Performance Package

The Ford Mustang V6 Performance Package delivers on “fun, fast and affordable,” and now it has an all-new name to go along with that. After Ford reached out to the nearly 1.4 million fans on the Mustang Facebook page, “Mayhem Mustang Package” has been chosen as the new name.

“We saw great enthusiasm from fans, with tons of creative, unique names coming in,” said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. “The contest was twofold – it let us engage with fans by letting them have a say, and it helped build awareness for the package.”

More than 3,000 submissions were made to the Mustang Facebook page and nearly 6,700 users installed the “You Name It” app that let them participate in the contest. The winning submission came from a fan in Charlotte, N.C., who has won a three-year lease on a 2012 Mustang equipped with the Mayhem Mustang Package.

Facebook fans were asked to suggest a name on the Facebook page and reach out to their friends in the social media world to help propel their choice into the top five names. A gallery on the page let visitors see all of the choices that could be voted on. After the five most-voted names were selected, Ford chose the name that best shows off the personality of the package.

Each finalist was run through trademark, copyright and brand approvals. The Mayhem Mustang Package will be used as the name on all Mustang sales, marketing and communications materials.

2013 Shelby GT500 to Have 600+ Horsepower

Car and Driver has some photos of what appears to be a 2013 Shelby GT500 test vehicle. Word is leaking out from Ford that the 2013 GT500 will have over 600 horsepower, possibly as much as 620. This power boost is the result of boring out the current 5.4-liter V-8 to 5.8 liters and swapping the existing Eaton M112 supercharger for the same firm’s more-efficient and quieter TVS unit. This should bring the quarter-mile run down to 12 seconds flat, or perhaps even less.

You can read more and see more photos at Car and Driver.