**Update: Video has been added of the 2010 Mustang pacing the field…..

The new 2010 Ford Mustang appeared in camouflage as it paced the Kohler International Challenge vintage car race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin this past weekend.  The race is said to be the largest vintage car event in North America with hundreds of Mustangs on hand.  Saturday marked Ford Mustang Day at Road America featuring a “Mustang Corral” along the straightaway. Every Ford Mustang and its occupants will be admitted free on Saturday to the Kohler International Challenge presented by Ford.

Ford’s sneak peek at the future of the Ford Mustang will help kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America.

Enthusiasts will be part of a special public “debut” of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which will serve as the pace car for the vintage racing field throughout the weekend. The next-generation Mustang will be outfitted in a special “camo” package, keeping some key design cues secret until its reveal later this year.

The camouflaged future version of America’s favorite muscle car will look right at home in Elkhart Lake, Wis., along with a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt and a 2009 Ford Fusion with a limited-edition “Blue Suede Package.”

“One of the key components of our program is to meet our customers face-to-face, and the Kohler International Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for Ford to interact with a group of dedicated, knowledgeable enthusiasts,” said Robert Parker, Car Marketing manager, Ford Division. “Road America and the vintage weekend provides an opportunity for customers to get behind the wheel and for Ford to show off our new product line, while still highlighting the fact Ford has been involved in racing since the inception of our company more than a century ago.”

While historic race cars will be gracing the famous race track, enthusiasts on hand also will be able to get behind the wheel of some of Ford’s latest products at the Briggs & Stratton track located inside the Road America circuit. Ford will have the 2009 Flex, Escape, Edge, Fusion, Focus coupe and other vehicles available for consumers to test drive all weekend.

The 25th anniversary of the then-highly anticipated 1983 Mustang GTP debut and its rain-soaked maiden victory is the foundation forthe on-and off-track events.

The Mustang GTP car that won that day will be on display for the thousands of fans attending the event. The legendary car, an innovative racer that was the creation of Ford’s then newly-formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), will be just a part of a significant Ford presence at the annual vintage event.

Also on hand during the weekend will be several Ford GTs, which will give hot laps on the legendary 4.048-mile Road America course. Fans can enter to win a Ford GT hot lap, which will be given away every hour, or laps can be purchased by making a $50 charitable donation to the Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Vince Lombardi Titletown Champions foundation, which is raising money for youth sports programs.

The final component to the Ford Mustang celebration is on-track. Four Shelby Cobras will enter the Historic Grand Prix, and the Shelby drivers will wear vintage late 1960’s racing attire. These Shelby entries mark the first time Shelby Automobiles has joined forces with Ford to race since 1968.

A Mustang convertible owner decided to customize his SN-95 Mustang with a front clip from a new Dodge Charger.  The end result looks pretty clean with a photochop type look unfortunately it’s no fake it’s the real deal.  Other features include Lambo doors, custom wheels and a DVD/Audio system.  Check out the photos below.

ROUSH Performance gives 2005-09 Mustang GT owners a chance to compete with the big dogs by way of their new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger.  The new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger has the potential to make up to 700 horsepower and will be available in a variety of packages to fit the needs from enthusiasts wanting a new complete kit with a warranty, those simply looking to get the maximum horsepower with a custom tune, and owners wishing to upgrade a car with an existing ROUSHcharger system. The new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger was first used on the 2008 ROUSH P-51A Mustang vehicle builds to much acclaim.

For those willing to explore the wild side, the TVS2300 ROUSHcharger is now sold separately allowing custom tuners to develop their own calibration which can push the horsepower anywhere from 510 to more than 700. This is the first time that ROUSH is offering specialty tuning firms the option of using their own calibrations and being creative with their tune on a ROUSHcharger. This kit includes a cold air intake system, unique fuel rail with 52 lb.-hr. injectors, a dual 60 mm electronic throttle body, all hardware, brackets and instructions. With a one-year component warranty, this kit retails for $5,899 (part number 403994).

Owners of an existing ROUSHcharger system can upgrade to the TVS2300 ROUSHcharger for $4,999 (part number 403995). This kit includes several of the same components above but utilizes as many of the installed ROUSHcharger components as practical to help reduce the upgrade cost. Customers will need to work with a custom tuner for maximum performance. For complete details, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.

The TVS2300 ROUSHcharger utilizes Eaton’s new Twin Vortices Series technology. The patented design on this supercharger system features a four-lobe rotor and high-flow inlet which greatly enhances thermal efficiency, higher volume capacity, and higher operational speeds.

“The gloves are off for the specialty tuners to get really creative with a ROUSHcharger now,” said Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance. “We’re excited to see what some of these guys can do with the new TVS2300 ROUSHcharger and really explore the type of performance that this new unit is capable of. We’ve heard some numbers from a couple of exploratory installs already and I must say that they are very impressive.”

The complete kit with a ROUSH-backed 3-year/36,000 mile engine warranty will be available shortly. This version of the TVS2300 ROUSHcharger is 50-state legal and rated at 510 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Included in the package is the complete TVS2300 ROUSHcharger system featuring new upper and lower intake manifolds for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler and larger TVS supercharger. A custom ROUSH calibration is included, as well as new fuel rails and high-flow 52 pound fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel pump, as well as a dual electronic throttle body. A ROUSH Cold Air Kit with a stylish carbon fiber clean air tube helps to dress up the engine bay and provides improved performance.

This kit also includes a ROUSH-assembled short block with forged components such as a steel eight-bolt crankshaft, aluminum flywheel, aluminum pistons with increased dish to lower the compression from 9:8 to 8:6, and steel H-Beam connecting rods.

Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles and parts are designed, manufactured, tested and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.

Source: Roush Performance

Steve Saleen’s passion for automotive excellence still shines bright after 25 years with the introduction of the 720 horsepower SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept.  The SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang concept celebrates his illustrious automotive career starting in the early 70’s carrying through the 80’s when he formed Saleen Autosport till the present day with his new company SMS Limted.

The SMS Anniversary Mustang packs a 720 hp Supercharged 5.0L aluminum block V8 engine with CNC ported Saleen supercharger and CNC aluminum heads.  Other options not found on Steve’s previous cars include a patented SMS Red Butterfly induction system and SMS Light Blade led taillights system give the car a unique look.  This is SMS Limited’s first working concept vehicle with plans to makeover a Challenger and Camaro in the future. 

More photos, specs and information after the jump…

Press Release:

July 6, 2008 - Orange County, California. Twenty five years focused on performance automobiles takes a great deal of commitment and passion. From his early automotive days spent race preparing his personal cars, to his inevitable entrance into the professional racing world, and finally into the domain of the automotive business, automotive icon Steve Saleen has done it all. Steve set the course for his automotive future in his first race on August 19th, 1973 at Riverside International Raceway, where he took his GT350 to the winners’ circle, and he never looked back.

Steve Saleen moved up through the amateur and then professional ranks of closed and open-wheel racing during the 70’s and 80’s, racing and winning against drivers such as Bobby Rahal, Gilles Villeneuve, Danny Sullivan etc. His racing career eventually intertwined with his USC business degree when, in 1983, he formed Saleen Autosport and produced his first vehicle, a 1984 white and blue high performance Saleen Mustang, the first of thousands of vehicles that would eventually be built based on his innovative niche manufacturing, certification and racing business model.

Steve and his vehicles have dominated the competition wherever they raced around the world, having won nine championships, countless races and set track records from Daytona to Le Mans and every track in between. And Steve is still racing, he is currently testing one of the two European Le Mans Series Championship winning S7R’s in preparation for his return to competition in the American Le Mans Series later this year.

For 25 years, Steve Saleen has been the leading pioneer in lifestyle performance automobiles, with his companies building an amazing array of high performance, sports, race and collector cars that are coveted by enthusiasts and celebrities alike from Tim Allen to Tom Cruise. His companies have created everything from the world’s fastest production Mustang, the S302 Extreme, to the Saleen S7 and S7R the most victorious supercar based racing vehicle ever, bar none, with 171 Top Tens, 118 Podiums, 84 Pole Positions, 76 Fastest Laps, 72 Wins and 9 GT Championships. Amazing cars are not the only thing associated with Steve Saleen’s name and ingenuity, his companies are also credited with an impressive array of patented automotive technological innovations.

As an entrepreneur, his endeavors encompass more than simply delivering the performance hardware. In 2006 he was the driving force behind the opening of his company’s first automotive retail experience. With as much visual impact and excitement as one of his supercars, Maxim Magazine awarded it “Best Automotive Retail Store”.

To celebrate his illustrious automotive career, Steve Saleen and his new company SMS have developed a truly innovative and exceptional celebratory vehicle - the 2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept. To find out more about the 720 hp SMS concept car, we talked to its creator, Mr. Steve Saleen.

Comments by Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS

“In celebration of my 25 years in the niche manufacturing business I wanted to create a personal car for myself that appropriately marks this very special Anniversary. The functional aesthetic innovations that we have developed are truly exceptional in every way. Though this car is not going to be for sale, it nevertheless demonstrates the technological advances present at SMS.”

“With the SSC, SA-10, SA-15 and SA-20, I used those platforms to introduce new technology to the automotive market. In keeping with that tradition, this concept car incorporates many important advances developed by SMS. In particular our patented SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction System and SMS Light Blade™ LED Taillight System are definitely the coolest things that any Anniversary car has ever had! When those butterflies crack open under throttle, people stop and stare, you can be sure you will see those on our future products. And when you are passed by this car and the full width sequential turn signals come on, you will be just as awestruck!”

“Along with the main features, the supporting cast of innovation developed by SMS is just as deep, including; SMS Side Splitters and Diffuser Fences in carbon fiber, SMS billet aluminum signature elements, a beautiful SMS Two Tone Leather interior and the unique SMS “Chromosome Silver” paint with the signature anniversary yellow, white and black graphic accents.

“My Anniversary cars were always the most powerful of the breed and this car continues that tradition, as this engine produces 720 Horsepower at the crank and 612 Horsepower at the rear wheels! And the exhaust note truly is something else. Topped with 670ft lbs of Torque it is quite a steed to tame, thus it is equipped with SMS Cross Drilled 15″ 6-Piston Front Brakes and a completely new SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System that is robust, durable and attractive.”

“The performance is astounding; the SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang has reached nearly the same levels of performance as was previously achieved in the S7 Twin Turbo! It is not everyday that the word Supercar is associated with a Mustang, but in this case it is appropriate. The team and I are very excited about the vehicle as it incorporates an entirely new platform of technological advances by SMS, and it is a testament to what our company is capable of. We look forward to it touring the show circuit this summer to show that we are in the business of power!”

“I look forward to the next twenty five years!”

Concept features:

• SMS 720 HP Supercharged 5.0L Aluminum Block V8
• SMS CNC Ported Saleen Supercharger
• SMS CNC Aluminum Heads
• SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction System
• SMS Light Blade™ LED Tail Light System
• SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System
• SMS Cross Drilled 15″ 6-Piston Front Brakes
• SMS Cross Drilled 12″ Rear Brakes
• SMS Two Piece Billet Aluminum Hood Vents
• SMS Carbon Fiber Side Splitters
• SMS Carbon Fiber Diffuser Fences
• SMS Red Butterfly™ Quarter Intakes
• SMS Chromosome™ Silver Paint
• SMS Leather Grip Billet Aluminum Shifter and Shifter Bezel
• SMS Leather Dash
• SMS Leather Two Tone Door Inserts
• SMS Leather Two Tone Seats
• 6-Speed Transmission

Source: SMS Limited

According to a reliable source of Garage419, Ford is thinking really hard about bringing back the SVO badge for a 2010 Mustang.  The 2010 SVO Mustang’s rumored powerplant would be a 4-cylinder twin-turbo Ecoboost engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission producing 300 horsepower and weighing 500 lbs less than the GT model.  If your wondering why Ford would bring back the SVO badge using a 4-cylinder its pretty simple, fuel economy.  Fuel economy would increase by as much as 25% over the current GT model which gets in the neighborhood of 18 city 25 highway.  This could definately be the right play for Ford as there seems to be no end in sight for high gas prices.

Ford did a similar thing back in early 80’s with the original SVO Mustang as gas prices were high but after only 9,844 units Ford stop selling SVO badge Mustangs because gas prices hit the floor.  Lets hope we can have the same result after Ford makes a few thousand of the newer SVO models.

Source: Garage419.com

Saleen has made the RaceCraft 420S Mustang official with a press release, photos and a debut date of July 26th at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Mustang Week takes place from July 22nd to the 26th when the RaceCraft 420S will be unveiled at Colonial Mall on North Kings Hwy. at 4pm.  Saleen is inviting everyone to come out for demo rides and to give feedback on the new RaceCraft 420S Mustang.  The RaceCraft Mustang features a 420 horsepower motor with an MSRP of $38,995 giving it one of the best horsepower to dollar ratios for any aftermarket Mustang.  More photos after the jump…

BBK, leader in Mustang performance parts has come out with an all-new patented 78mm throttle intake for 96-04 4.6L Mustang GT’s.  The BBK throttle intake incorporates a high flow intake plenum and a larger 78mm BBK throttle body all in one great performing unit.  This new direct bolt-on unit adds 12-15 horsepower to your already potent 4.6L GT.  The throttle intake is built from lightweight 356 aluminum castings and comes complete with all necessary hardware for installation.  This all-new BBK throttle intake will set you back $249.99.

If you think 80 miles per gallon and 400 horsepower don’t go together you better think again because Doug Pelmear, a 48-year-old electronics engineer and master mechanic from Napoleon, Ohio has done just that with his 1987 Ford Mustang. 

Mr. Pelmear created his Mustang and more specifically the technologically advanced engine to compete in the $10 million Progressive Automotive X Prize: a “race” to find an affordable, marketable automobile that gets at least 100 miles per gallon.  The Progressive Automotive X Prize is sponsored by the X Prize Foundation.

Read more about Doug’s Mustang after the jump…

Article:

NAPOLEON, Ohio - Doug Pelmear has lots of secrets beneath the hood of his black 1987 Ford Mustang on which the only outward hint of individuality is a series of stickers.

But looks can be deceiving. Mr. Pelmear’s 21-year-old pony car has enough technological innovation to quadruple the classic Mustang’s original gas mileage while almost doubling its available horsepower.

That’s 80 miles per gallon and 400 horsepower, folks. And the 48-year-old electronics engineer and master mechanic is not done yet.

The third-generation automotive tinkerer hopes that next year his Mustang - more specifically its engine - will help him win the $10 million Progressive Automotive X Prize: a “race” to find an affordable, marketable automobile that gets at least 100 miles per gallon, or its equivalent.

“I’m an optimist, and I think people need to know there is hope out there,” Mr. Pelmear said. “That’s why I decided to enter the X Prize race. I could have sold this [technology] off, but then people might not have seen it.

“It’s not about the money. Our country really needs this.”

The Progressive Automotive X Prize is sponsored by the X Prize Foundation to focus attention on and improve technology for real-world fuel economy.

Private teams compete in two categories, mainstream and concept, and compete against one another in a staged race that will judge performance, fuel economy, and marketability. There are no official entrants yet, but scores of teams have signed letters of intent to participate in the races, scheduled for 2009.

What radical technology did Mr. Pelmear introduce? His patents are not fully in place, but he said it mostly is a matter of electronics and precision.

“We redesigned a lot of different things on the [engine] block,” the engineer said.

“It’s still a rod-and-piston engine; it just has a lot more electronics on it.”

Mr. Pelmear said that traditional gas engines operate “at a very low efficiency, like 8 to 10 percent, and our engine is like at 38 percent efficiency.”

He said he could greatly increase even that number if his car used traditional gasoline instead of a mix of gas and 85 percent ethanol, which burns hotter but releases fewer hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.

His engine also would be more efficient if he had sacrificed some of its 400 horsepower or 500 foot-pounds of torque, but Mr. Pelmear said his design is intended for “real-world” uses, not the laboratory.

“I’m not the highest-miles-per-gallon vehicle entered in the X Prize, but I think I’m the more consumer friendly, more down to earth, more conventional,” he said.

Mr. Pelmear’s Mustang is entered in the X Prize’s “mainstream” competition against other modified pro-
duction cars.

According to the X Prize foundation, he will compete against several dozen other vehicles from around the world.
Source: ToledoBlade.com

We all know car sales for most models are down across the board due to the increase in gas prices and Mustang sales are no exception but they did show an increase of 1260 units from May-June.  This increase put Mustang sales back into the 5 figure range where hopefully they will stay for awhile.

Sales of Mustangs for June of 2008 were 10,893 compared to 12,781 from June of 2007 showing a 14.8% drop in sales from the previous year. Year to date sales for 2008 are 55,053 compared to 77,341 for the first six months of 2007, which is a 28.8% drop.

If you are curious what the previous month sales were than check out January , February , March , April  and May sales figures.