The new Ford Shelby GT500 is powered by an aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque. The most powerful engine ever in a North American production car propels the 3,852-pound vehicle to a top track speed of more than 200 mph, yet is exempt from gas-guzzler tax at a projected 15 mpg city, 24 mpg highway

Nearly every vehicle system has been optimized, including a new Brembo™ six-piston front caliper brake system, updated gearing for superior traction management, suspension tuning and a user-adjustable launch control that seamlessly works with the engine and chassis control systems

2013 Shelby GT500 sets a performance-driven design standard with new downforce-generating front grilles, an aggressive splitter, a new quad exhaust system and two new forged-aluminum wheel choices.

Also new for 2013 is an optional Performance Package with electronically adjustable dampers and a Torsen® limited-slip differential. A Track Package can be added for all-out racetrack performance including three additional coolers.

Visit Mertz Ford to test drive a 2012 Ford Mustang near St. Louis, or place your order for the all new Ford Mustang, arriving at Mertz Ford this summer!

Ford Media had this to say about the 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500:

“Twenty years after the launch of the original 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning, Ford is celebrating with the fastest open-air Mustang of all time, the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible.

In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles. The 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, which demonstrates just how far the cars have come in 20 years. The 2013 Shelby GT500 with its 662-horsepower V8 marks the latest offering from one of the oldest and most successful automotive performance groups in the world.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

The 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with optional Performance Package is faster around a track than the outgoing model. The new convertible shaved nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2012 model.

Keys to the improved lap times are the power boost from the new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 662 horsepower, as well as the SVT-designed Bilstein^™ electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

Accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button, normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. The upgraded dampers allowed SVT engineers to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track while still allowing desirable on-road manners.

A new Brembo^™ brake system also is a key enabler in boosting the performance of the convertible. The new brakes offer drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, while new six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors further improve braking performance. More aggressive brake pads also help the car achieve rapid deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence.

Similar to the coupe, the convertible is offered with a Performance Package that also can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Visit Mertz Ford to test drive a new Ford Mustang near St. Louis and place your order for the 2013 Boss, arriving at Mertz Ford this summer!

The 2013 Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy. The new model offers seven brand new technology additions, including:

Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane positio

Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

Car buyers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

Harold A. Poling, former Chairman of Ford, has passed away. Bill Ford, current Executive Chairman of Ford, said: “Red Poling was an extraordinary leader who had a profound impact on Ford Motor Company and everyone who worked with him.  With a list of accomplishments that span 43 years, including leading the company through a remarkable turnaround during the 1980s and 1990s, Red was respected by all for his leadership, his passion for being the low-cost producer and  his genuine affinity for people.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Mr. Poling was the son of an auto mechanic, and climbed the company ranks because of his financial knowledge and his leadership skill, appreciated for its stability during tough recessionary times. Mr. Poling was the head of Ford’s troubled North American operations, later became the company’s president and chief operating officer. He required financial discipline early on in this position, closing plants and making job cuts. He also used Japanese production techniques to cut costs and improve the quality of products. Mr. Poling joined other Ford execs in backing $3 billion project that ultimately created the Ford Taurus, a popular Ford model.

Ford is apparently thinking the same thing: that a family car can also be fast, and fun. The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO with Performance Package is the ride of choice for anyone who wants to burn rubber after work in the same car used to drive to parent-teacher conferences.

Here’s a video of the SHO in action at Grattan Raceway in Belding, Mich. You’ll get to hear what engineers have to say about this fast Ford Taurus:

As the engineer in the video says, “Your wife and kids won’t mind riding in this car.”

Now that you’ve seen the video, visit Mertz Ford today to test drive a new Ford Taurus SHO!

Also on the list, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, which rounded out AOL’s top five.

AOL Autos said:

“Ford F150 is the leading truck brand in the U.S. and for good reason. It has history and reliability with its owners who remain fiercely loyal.

There are dozens of configurations of F Series trucks, starting in the low $20,000′s and going all the way up to Mercedes E Class pricing if you want to cram your truck with leather, special wheels and chrome bits and bobs, towing packages and dual rear wheels.

But our editors chose this particular version of the F Series for its best performer/best value status with us.

For a price tag that will land you in the mid $30,000′s when it is optioned out you will get a serious workhorse truck, nicely equipped and appointed, four doors and Ford’s EcoBoost engine, which has a lot of pep on the road without costing you extra dollars at the pump.

The twin-turbo, direct-injection engine will deliver 365 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque. The EcoBoost’s torque is a god-send when doing pickup-type stuff like hauling or towing. The horsepower is comparable to the 8-cylinder Ford and has even more torque.

All in all, we rate this F Series the best pickup truck you can buy today when you balance the need for fuel economy, working capability and value.”

Visit your New Ford dealer, Mertz Ford, to test drive a Ford F-150 today!

The award is named for the late Gene Ritvo, a talented veteran concours photographer. The first Ritvo Award was presented in May 2011.

The 2013 Ford Fusion debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in January. The design of the all-new Fusion, on sale later this year, was built upon five key elements:

1) Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the “three-box” powertrain/cabin/trunk designs synonymous with midsize sedan

2) Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet

3) Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter

4) Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological   capability

5) New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize and smaller cars

Visit Mertz Ford today to test drive an all new Ford Fusion!

If you’re a fan of organization, you’ll love the all new Ford Escape’s new features! There are now designated places inside the car to store specific items, such as umbrellas, bottles and cell phones. Unique storage spots include:

• Overhead visors with ticket holders for parking or toll tickets
• Hidden storage bin under the second-row floor
• Small umbrella holders on both the driver and passenger seat trim panels
• A card holder below and a stowage bin above the center of the instrument panel
• Center console space to hold a 1-liter bottle, MP3 player or CDs
• Eight cupholders – four in the front and rear doors, two in the front center console and two in the optional folding second-row armrest
• Rear cargo management system
• Convenient USB ports in the center console and 110-volt inverter located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops and cell phones

The Ford Escape’s second-row seats fold flat, allowing more room to stow different types of cargo. The new Escape has more cargo space than the previous model as well as a number of storage bins and other unique storage features. Whether you have an umbrella, parking stub, cell phone, sunglasses or large water bottle, the new Escape has a place for it, so it doesn’t get lost, or roll out of your reach. The hidden storage under the second row floor keeps items where they are out of view.

Each item in your car should have a designated space. at least while you’re inside the car. If your items have a place in the car, you’re less likely to lose them, because you’ll know exactly where it is. The new Ford Escape’s clever storage solutions will help drivers focus on the road and prevent clutter in their vehicles.

Who hasn’t been frustrated by a water bottle that rolls away as you’re driving down the highway?

Visit Mertz Ford today to test drive a new Ford Escape today!

The Fortune 500 list of the largest United States firms has been released for 2012. Ford Motor has moved up on the Fortune 500 list to ninth place. Companies on the list are ranked by annual revenue. Ford’s revenue was $136.3 billion, which pushed it from its spot at number ten on the list for 2011.

Demand for Ford cars are up in 2012, prompting Ford to announce many of its manufacturing plants across the United States would remain open an additional week. Ford is expected to make an additional 40,000 Ford vehicles during the expanded production schedule.

At Ford’s recent annual shareholder meeting, Ford executives were praised by shareholders for their turnaround of the company. Ford reported its third consecutive annual profit last year, $20.2 billion dollars. The company’s worldwide sales rose 6.7 percent to nearly 5.7 million cars and trucks. Ford also began paying dividends for the first time since September 2006, and Fitch has raised the company’s ratings.

Ford’s CEO, Allan Mulally, said he expects industry-wide sales of between 14.5 million and 15 million in North America this year, and global sales of about 80 million, up 5 percent from last year.

As recently as two years ago, Google revealed it had logged more than 140,000 miles testing a fleet of self-driving cars.   Many began speculating what the search engine giant was planning to do.  The ideas (and rumors) kept coming until Google finally announced its intentions.  They wanted to reduce the number of accidents and deaths caused by human error.

Anthony Levandowski, manager for Google’s self driving project, gave the key note address at a recent Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress event where (according to The Detroit News) stated “We don’t want to make cars. That’s not our interest.” Google stands firm that their only intention was to keep people alive: “Every year we don’t have this technology built, more people die.”

Rather than building the cars themselves, Google is looking for partners in the automotive industry to stand along side them and build the cars.  These automakers would then install the Google technology as part of a true partnership.   Google announced that it’s intentions is to bring self driving technology to the market and they claim to already be in talks with some major automakers.

Although Mertz Ford isn’t currently stocked with driverless vehicles equipped with Google technology, we have plenty of cars in stock to please even the most tech savvy driver.  Stop in, see us today, and take a look at our great selection.