All Ford Mustang News

EcoBoost Shelby Mustang Rumoured

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 12:50:58 PST

By Nick Dasko
�I think you're going to see the industry going completely to small engines with turbochargers. That's the only way you can get the mileage that the government is going to be demanding.�
That is Shelby American Vice President Gary Patterson quoting the late Carrol Shelby talking about the future of their models, which will debut at January's Detroit Auto Show.
While this likely means a Shelby Focus ST, it also is hinting at an EcoBoost Mustang built by Shelby. Shelby could drop an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine into the Mustang to make an affordable Shelby performance car

Mustang-Based Lincoln Coupe in Development

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:36:30 PST

By Nick Dasko

Lincoln has a history of using Mustang platforms for their own projects. The Fox Body platform was used for the Lincoln Continental from 1982 to 1987. It also came in a coupe, the Mark VII from 1984 to 1992 and now there is a rumor of a follow-up vehicle.

If the new MKZ succeeds then Lincoln will have money to proceed on a RWD coupe project. With Ford investing so much money into a new, global, Mustang platform it only makes sense to get a second vehicle out of it.

To keep the vehicles separate, the Lincoln is expected to use a slightly wheelbase version of the platform. Predictions are for an EcoBoost 2.9 V6 to be the most popular engine.

EVO Magazine Drag Races Shelby GT500 Against C63 AMG

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 18:41:32 PST

By Nick Dasko
The United Kingdom's EVO is one of the most well respected buff-books in the automotive world. They recently pitted the brand new 2013 Shelby GT500 against a European "muscle car," the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG in a 1km drag race. The much more afFORDable Shelby, trounces the AMG but you can see that for yourself in the EVO Magazine video.
For the race, they used the only 2013 GT500 that is currently in the UK. We went on the UK's Autotrader and found one for sale for just under 60 thousand British pounds. A Mercedes C63 AMG stickers for just over 58 thousand pounds in the UK.
This makes the the Shelby seem like less of a bargain in the UK, until we look at the power figures. The 6.2 liter V8 in the Merc is hooked up to a 7-speed automatic transmission that sends 451 HP and 452 LBS/FT of torque to the rear wheels. Now Mercedes has detuned this engine to 518HP, that it normally produces in most of their vehicles. This is to encourage buyers to spend more and get the pricer cars.
Perhaps the more powerful version of this engine would have put up a better fight against the Shelby that has one fewer gear ratios but a mighty 662HP and 631 LBS/FT of torque pulsing through its rear wheels. Watch the video and see the race for yourself.

Ford Possibly Working on 2014.5 Mustang For 50th Anniversary

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:29:07 PST

The Ford Mustang has enjoyed uninterrupted production since its debut as 1964 1/2 model. So it makes perfect sense that a Ford Social Media representative would post on a Mustang forum site about the coming of a 2014 1/2 model.

The rep says "The 2014 � will be the 50th Anniversary edition. It will be added to production for a limited run sometime during the year." Now as a limited edition this makes it seem that it could either be the swan-song for the current model Mustang or the debut of the brand-new, global car.

Two Twister Mustangs Sell for Combined $270,000

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:48:14 PST

Back in the 60s and 70s, certain parts of the United States got their own special editions of the Ford Mustang. Colorado had the High Country, Texas had the Blue Bonnets, California of course had the California Special and in 1970, Kansas City had the Twister. Two of these ultra-rare cars recently sold at auction for a huge chunk of change.

Only 96 were made, all as part of an agreement with American Raceways Inc. They were all Grabber Orange and were based on the Mach 1.

All the cars were originally suppose to have Cobra Jet 428 engine but there was a shortage of the engine so only 48 were built that way. The others have Cleveland 351 V8s. All the cars had every option box ticked from the factory.

The two cars were sold at Mecum's Kansas City auction, earlier this month. The larger engine model sold for $140,000 while its less-valuable Cleveland sibling sold for $130,000. Also sold at the auction was a 2008 Twister Mustang convertible built as a tribute car by R&A Motorsports. The convertible sold for $55,000.

Saleen Ford Mustang S351 Has 700HP

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:37:54 PST

By Nick Dasko

Steve Saleen left his company to found SMS Supercars in 2008. Well that company is dead and he is back where should be. The latest car out Saleen's shop is the S351 Mustang which sports a 351 C.I. engine (5.7 liters.)

Using a Saleen 296 supercharger this is a tremendously potent 700hp machine. In order to get all that power to the pavement the only gearbox is a six-speed manual. The clutch is a heavy-duty Saleen unit. The final drive is set to 3.73:1. This thing PULLS!!

In order to stop this massively powerful Mustang, the brakes have of course been upgraded. At all four corners are 15 inch rotors. To accomodate the big brakes are 20 inch rims.

�I think we have certainly pushed the bar in the production Mustang segment with our 351 offering. Once the project came together I couldn�t help but thinking; if the 302 mustang is using a coyote engine, the 351 is definitely the gray wolf of the class,�said Al Wagner, V.P. of Engineering.

Steeda Boss 302 Program Announced

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 11:53:04 PST

By Nick Dasko

Steeda debuted a tuned version of Boss 302 Mustang at SEMA earlier this year and now have announced the details for a production version of the car.

The options list for the Boss 302 is supremely comprehensive covering tires, suspension, and of course drivetrain and engine.

All the products being offered by Steeda proved their gumption during track-testing sessions.

On offer are:

Steeda Certified Mustang Boss 302 Features:

Steeda Watts Linkage Kit

Steeda Adjustable Coil Over Suspension System

Steeda/Tokico D-Spec Shocks and Struts

Steeda Adjustable Upper 3rd Link

Steeda Billet Lower Trailing Arms

Steeda Lower Trailing Arm Relocation Brackets

Steeda X11 Ball Joints

Steeda Bumpsteer Kit

Steeda Adjustable Rear Swaybar

Steeda Competition Front Swaybar

Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter

Steeda Rear Shifter Bracket Bushing

Steeda �5.0� Billet Oil Separator

Steeda Pro-Flow Boss 302 Cold Air Intake Kit

Steeda Custom Boss 302 Powertrain Calibration

Steeda Axle Back Exhaust System

Steeda High Output Ignition Coils

Steeda Rear 13� Slotted Brake upgrade kit

HRE P44SC Monoblok 20�9.5 front and 20�11 billet aluminum wheels

Nitto NT05 Performance Tires (275/35ZR20 front, 315/35ZR20 rear)

Steeda makes and sells performance parts for every year and trim of Ford Mustang.

Spy Photos of 2015 Mustang Show Family Nose

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:51:22 PST

By Nick Dasko

When the Mustang debuted as a 1964.5 model it changed the automotive industry. The 50th anniversary of the car seems like the perfect time to update it to a model that will once again, completely change the game.

With Ford's new "One Ford" policy dictating global distribution of the majority of its products, the Mustang is going to Europe with the next redesign. That means it has to look like the other global products, meaning it has to sport the new nose that was first seen on the Evos concept.

The full gallery shows a rear-end styled like the current models but that may just be a trim piece used as a red-herring. As it is not very well camouflaged, that is what we are leaning towards.

Current Mustangs More Track-Friendly Thanks To Eibach Trailing Arms

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:02:31 PST

If you have a 2005 or newer Mustang that you track, or just tune the suspension on, you know the stock, rear-trailing arms are not adjustable. The good folks at Eibach have just the part for you.

Made of 6061 aluminum, these parts are lighter, and more resistant to heat than the stock units. They are fully adjustable, allowing for drivers to change the angles of the thrust, tracking and pinion.

We really hope this encourages more people to track their mustangs. When we see Mustangs on lowered suspension, or sporting lightweight wheels, we always ask if the car sees the track. If it doesn't then well, we beg them to take it out, for the sake of the car!

Vortech Unleashes Supercharger Kit for 2013 Mustang

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:34:11 PST

By Nick Dasko

If you have a 2013 Ford Mustang GT but feel that the V8 rumble is missing something, Vortech has the thing for you. Their V3 Si supercharger system is now fully compatible and integrate-able on the 2013 model's 5 liter engine.

The boosted unit brings the horsepower output to 605HP and 473 lbs/feet of torque. These figured are based on a supercharger running at about 7.5 to 8.5 psi. Vortech customers who buy the kit get everything they need for the lengthy install process. The most important part of course is the compressor that 3.60″ drive pulley. In order to run the system buyers will have to reflash the ECU with the included SCT programmer that sets the car to run on 91 octane.

There is of course new piping for the air system and new fuel rail spacers that hook up to new, high-flow fuel injectors. The piping for the coolant system is all replaced as is the coolant reservoir.

2014 Mustang Brings New Option Packs

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:55:12 PST

We already went over most of the chanages for the 2014 Mustang but there are also some new option packs, and some changes to the Shelby GT500.

While Ford did get rid of High Performance White, they are replacing it with Oxford White. Both colors are available on the Shelby GT500. Red Candy Metallic with a tinted clearcoat is replaced with Ruby Red Metallic with a tinted clearcoat. Both new colors are available on the Shelby.

For 2014 Ford is eliminating the Mustang's 101A appearance package, which is basically a stripes and spoiler pack. This year does however bring two new packages the FP6 and FP8 packs. The FP6 pack is coded 541 and brings a black spoiler deck, black mirror caps, louvres for the quarter windows and black 18-inch aluminum rims. The FP8 pack is number 542 and it has all the same equipment as 541 but it has 19 inch machined aluminum rims with black accents.

Ford Limits Boss 302 Production to Two Years As Promised

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:51:46 PST

By Nick Dasko When the Boss 302 returned for 2012, Ford said it would be limiting production to just 2012 and 2013 with 8,000 cars being made during that time. They made good on that promise this week when they released the order guides for the 2014 model and the Boss 302 is nowhere in sight.

Along with killing off our favorite Mustang in a long, long, long time, Ford is also as such removing it's exclusive color, School Bus Yellow, from the order guides. High Performance White is also axed, as is Red Candy Metallic, with its tinted clearcoat.

Now this will likely keep Boss 302 values high for years to come. It also has us concerned that many of the cars will be locked up as "investments." These are race cars, they are meant to be driven in anger! The two-year model run had a styling update for 2013 which means those cars will likely be the rarest of them all.

2013 Mustang Customizer Offered as Downloadable App

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 08:06:05 PST

By Huw Evans

There�s no question, that since it was launched back in June, Ford�s online 2013 Mustang Customizer has proved a hit. According to the Blue Oval�s digital marketing manager, Brian McClary, over 120,000 people have registered on the site and have created more than 450,000 individual �fantasy� Mustangs. Now, Ford is hoping that its popularity will continue to grow, by offering it as a downloadable app for the iPad, iPhone iPod Touch as well as Android powered smartphones and tablets.

Once a registered site member has finished adding their signature touches to their favorite virtual Mustang, they can save the car and have it entered automatically into the Customizer�s battle mode, where other site users can vote on their favorite Mustangs. Users are able to earn points and up to 70 different badges for each virtual Mustang build and can take part in battles against each other on the site or pitch individual challenges against their own Facebook friends.

A new feature, specific to the downloadable app version of the 2013 Customizer is the drift challenge. With this, players are able to select any one of the custom Mustangs in their virtual garage and race it around one of nine different tracks in an effort to beat course times set by their friends.

Ford Racing Introduces Spyder Wheel

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 08:07:38 PST

By Huw Evans

One of the first things upgraded on any Mustang, along with exhaust are the wheels. While the factory fitted rolling stock is fairly decent in its own right, nothing as easily adds that touch of individual expression as a replacement set of rims. And while there are tons of aftermarket vendors offering wheels designed for S197 ponies, those from Ford Racing Performance Parts are often amongst the most popular. Recently, Ford Racing has bolstered its lineup thanks to the availability of a handsome 20 x 8.5-inch Spyder cast aluminum wheel. The new wheel is designed for fitment on 2005-2013 Mustangs, specifically V6 and V8 GT models. It features a five-lug, 4.5-inch bolt circle and 6.8-inch backspacing. Additionally, it sports a 44 mm offset and is compatible with the factory Tire Pressure Monitoring System (standard fitment on S197 Mustangs from the 2007 model year onwards).

Vicari to Auction Carroll Shelby�s Personal GT500KR

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:59:30 PST

By Huw Evans

This October, at Vicari's 16th annual Biloxi Auction at the Mississipi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, a 2009 Shelby GT500 KR, personally delivered to and owned by Carroll Shelby will go under the hammer.

The car in question is KR #445 and is finished in Ebony Black with Satin Ebony stripes (one of 236 out of a total of 712 2009 model year KRs painted in this combination). As a KR, it sports the 540 horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged dual overhead cam V8, Tremec T6060 six-speed manual gearbox with short throw shifter, 8.8-inch solid rear axle with a 3.73:1 ring and pinion and Ford Racing suspension with specific dampers and coil springs, plus 34 mm front and 24 mm rear stabilizer bars.

Other standard features include 14-inch Brembo front and and 11.8-inch Ford rear disc brakes; 18 x 9.5 inch Shelby KR wheels and staggered Goodyear Eagle F1 special compound tires.

�Red Tails� Mustang GT sells for $370,000

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:48:20 PST

By Huw Evans

Many of us who are into cars are often, also fascinated by airplanes. In the case of our favorite four-wheeled steed, there�s not much needed to make a connection to one of the most legendary aircraft of all, the North American P-51 Mustang.

Arguably the best pursuit fighter of World War II, the Mustang, with its long range, could escort U.S. Army Air Force bombers to their targets and back, significantly reducing their losses and helping turn the tide against Germany and Japan. And among those fighter escort groups, the 332nd Fighter Group, consisting of the first African-American aviators, better known as the �Tuskegee Airmen, earned a reputation for exceptional skill in combat; losing far fewer bombers than other groups.

Their story of adversity, determination and triumph is the stuff of legend and movies, so it stands to reason, given other warbird-themed Ford Mustangs in the past, such as Roush�s P-51 and the 2009 �Dearborn Doll� that a Tuskegee tribute would materialize. In conjunction with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture and Young Eagles auction at this year�s Gathering of Eagles Fly-in at Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 26; Ford produced such a car, a one-off Mustang GT �Red Tails� edition that pays tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Wins in Washington, new street RTR unveiled

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:53:07 PST

By Huw Evans

Several weeks ago we reported on Vaughn Gittin Jr.�s victory in Round 4 of the Formula Drift Series at Wall Speedway in New Jersey. Well, we�re glad to report that this past weekend at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, Gittin put in yet another superb performance to clinch victory from Ryan Tuerck in the final round. That now puts him firmly in the lead for the 2012 Formula D championship with 391 points, ahead of Daigo Saito (383.5) and teammates Justin Pawlak (376) and Daijiro Yoshihara (347). There are just two more events to go, After Dark in Las Vegas and the final, Title Fight at Irwindale, California.

Gittin and his new 2013 Mustang RTR are clearly proving a force to be reckoned with on the Formula D circuit, and following on from the car�s competition debut, the 2013 RTR is now also available in street-legal form from select dealers.

The latest version, much like Vaughn�s drift car, ups the game in terms of capability, with a great deal of time spent developing and refining suspension setups, enabling owners to tailor the car to their specific requirements.

Kenny Brown Offers new 2005-13 Mustang Tubular K-Member

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:13:57 PST

By Huw Evans

Make no mistake, the S197 Mustang, in factory trim, is a heavy car. With the base V6 weighing in at 3,501 lbs and the GT coupe at 3,618 lbs (with premium package cars being even more) there is plenty of improvement for weight savings, especially if you plan on racing one.

Although starting off with a body-in-white is one way to go, if that option isn�t open to you, one area where you can definitely trim the fat, is in the suspension. To help, Kenny Brown Performance has launched its new Lightweight Tubular K-Member for S197 chassis cars.

Designed as part of KB�s AGS 4.0 road race suspension, which was conceived to improve vehicle roll center, significantly improve anti-dive under braking and deliver better camber/toe for improved handling, as well as reduce un sprung mass, the new Tubular K-member is a direct bolt-in for the stock (and heavy) OE unit.

Wilwood Introduces S197 Mustang Brake Upgrade Kit

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 08:15:35 PST

By Huw Evans

There's no question, that for road racing fans, the S197 Mustang is by far the most competent of the breed, being light years ahead of its predecessors in terms of chassis and suspension design. However, for many of us, while the factory provides a solid foundation, there's always room for improvement. Take the case of brakes.

Road racing can eat pads, rotors and fluid for breakfast, so it pays to have anchors that are up to the job. And for enthusiasts who love to pilot their S197 through the corners in anger, Wilwood has just released a 2005 and up Mustang front brake upgrade kit, designed to ensure better stopping performance and durability.

This bolt-on kit; incorporates Wilwood's heavy-duty Superlite forged billet four-piston front calipers that incorporate Thermlock pistons, plus a set of Spec 37, slotted and vented 12.9-inch diameter front rotors. A set of 15H PolyMatrix high temperature racing brake pads come standard, designed to help maximize braking performance (other pad options are available depending on specific racing requirements).

Shelby American Launches 2013 GT350

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:28:20 PST

By Huw Evans

When the �new� 5.0-liter Mustang GT was launched as a 2011 model, Shelby American announced that it would be offering a GT350 post title package, which included a hotter engine, thanks to an available Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, specific calibration tweaks and a Borla performance exhaust system.

With lowering springs, adjustable shocks and caster-camber plates, plus big Baer/Eradispeed brakes and 19-inch Cragar wheels and Goodyear rubber, the car was a unique high performance piece, further accentuated by unique body modifications, courtesy of Hot Wheels designer Larry Wood. Just as was the case in 1965, when the GT350 was originally launched, you could have any color you wanted so long as it was white with blue stripes. In a case of history repeating itself, color choices were expanded for 2012, with the addition of red, blue and black and gold (much like the �66 cars), plus the option of an automatic transmission and convertible body style.

For �13 the GT350 is back and thanks to the regular Mustang�s facelift, becomes more distinctive, retaining it�s original 2011 style modified fascia, rear valance and side skirts.