Autoblog

Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Safety, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has issued a dealer Technical Service Bulletin for a clutch issue on 2011 Mustangs built before April 25, 2010.

Affected models with less than 10,00 miles might experience a clutch pedal stayout condition, where the clutch will remain on the floor even after it's released during high RPM shifts, something that sounds like both an annoyance and a potential safety issue. According to the TSB, the repair takes less than an hour.

It is not clear if the clutch issue will eventually precipitate a recall, but there have been no rumblings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to suggest that it will. Have a look at the details after the jump or speak to you're dealer if you're not sure if your pony car is covered.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems

Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One-off SR-71 Mustang sells for $375,000 at EAA AirVenture

Drew Phillips — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird - Click above for high-res image gallery

Generous giving can be a sign of how the economy is doing, and if the auction of the custom SR-71 Blackbird Mustang at the EAA AirVenture show yesterday is anything to go by, then things are looking up. Built in collaboration with Ford, Roush and Shelby, the one-off pony car was sold for $375,000 to benefit the EAA's Young Eagles program - that's significantly more than $250,000 the AV-X10 'Dearborn Doll' Mustang raised last year at the event.

Of course, the winning bidder was likely motivated by a little more than charity during the bidding. The one-of-one 2011 Mustang features an exterior designed after the legendary Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance plane, and it includes black and gray matte exterior paint, custom front and rear fascias, performance wheels and a unique screen-print glass roof. Performance has also been boosted thanks to a Whipple supercharger system and a slew of Ford Racing Performance Parts. Follow the jump for more details on the car or check it out in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading One-off SR-71 Mustang sells for $375,000 at EAA AirVenture

One-off SR-71 Mustang sells for $375,000 at EAA AirVenture originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is so good we don't even want to associate the word "Mustang" with it anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with the Mustang - particularly the revised 2011 model. But as a sports car, the word "Mustang" conjures images of something much less than refined. If a Porsche is a scalpel, a 'roided up 'Stang is the Jaws of Life: it'll get the job done, but it ain't gonna be pretty.

However, if a Mustang is a mauling maw, the Shelby GT500 is a defibrillator. Perhaps not pinpoint precise, but it hides a sting, a little bit of burn and you can put it right where you want. And once you're there, you can use it to deliver a glorious shock to the system. Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt

First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

Jay Leno reviews the 2011 Ford Mustang - Click above to watch video after the jump

It was only a matter of time before Jay Leno got his hands on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT. It's no secret that the guy is a fan of Detroit ponies - he owns a minty 1965 Shelby GT350 that he claims is one of his favorite cars to drive. Now it looks like he's added the newest generation 5.0 to the flock. As you might expect, he's been so kind as to share his impressions with the interwebs via an episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

You might be surprised to hear what the comedian has to say about the car. On more than one occasion, he compares the new Mustang to high-end metal from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This isn't the first time we've seen that connection drawn. Hop the jump to see the video.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saddle Up! 2011 Ford Mustang configurator comes online

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

They can keep their retail therapy, we have configurator therapy. It soaks up just as much time, you can get your "help" in your jammies, and provided you don't go through with a purchase, it's much, much cheaper.

Ford's 2011 Mustang configurator is now up and taking virtual orders, and to go along with the pony car's movin'-on-up attitude, there are some increasingly swanky options. But remember, the challenge isn't just to see how expensive you can make the car, it's how expensive you can make the car you'd actually want to buy. The best part about it: everybody wins. And did we mention it's free?

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Ford]

Saddle Up! 2011 Ford Mustang configurator comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vaughn Gittin Jr. unveils new 2011 Mustang drifter, announces new sponsor

Drew Phillips — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Racing

Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2011 Monster Energy Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few days ago, Vaughn Gittin Jr. gave a sneak peak of his new 2011 Mustang and hinted that a new sponsor would be involved for the 2010 Formula Drift season. Judging by the green wheels and that the car's unveiling would be held at Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory in Los Angeles, it was an easy assumption that Monster Energy Drink would be involved. The company is most famous in the motorsports world for sponsoring Ken Block, and both Gittin Jr. and Formula Drift seem like an easy fit. Sure enough, when the wraps were pulled off the new livery featured Monster's green and black theme.

Like the production 2011 Mustang, Vaughn's new ride features several new upgrades. The chassis and suspension have been updated using the knowledge gained from the 2009 season, and the looks have been tweaked to match Gitton's ponycar for the street, the RTR-C Mustang. Falken Tire remains as a sponsor and has provided their brand new RT-615K tires to be sacrificed on track, and a version of Ford Racing's 4.6-liter supercharged V8 is still under the hood. So what will happen to the 2010 Falken Mustang? Justin Pawlak, who finished ninth last year with a Mazda RX-8 last year, is joining the Falken team and will take over Vaughn's old Mustang.

We were fortunate enough to receive an invite to the unveiling, and made sure to have cameras in hand. A dark, crowded warehouse isn't our favorite place to photograph a car, but we did the best we could and have put the resulting images in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2011 Monster Energy Ford Mustang

Vaughn Gittin Jr. unveils new 2011 Mustang drifter, announces new sponsor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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King For a Day? 312-HP Camaro V6 ends short reign of entry-level Mustang *UPDATE

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:16:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford

2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew General Motors wouldn't take the rampant boasting coming from Ford about its more powerful and efficient 2011 Mustang V6 lying down. According to the crews at Modern Camaro and Camaro5, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro will boast a number of features that should help put the Bowtie's six-pot back on top. First and foremost, it appears that GM has directly contacted these enthusiast websites with some select tidbits about the 2011 car, with Camaro5 going so far as to post a short letter credited to a number of GM folks tied to the program - Cheryl Pilcher, John Fitzpatrick, Adam Denison and Scott Settlemire. Of primary importance in the note is that the Camaro's base V6 will now boast a total of 312 horsepower - beating out Ford's offering by seven ponies. That should allow GM to resume bragging that it has the most powerful entry-level muscle car out there, even if the bump in grunt doesn't make up for the fact that the Camaro weighs in at 282 pounds heavier than the Mustang. (See here for an explanation on why that really matters.) Nor does the forum claim to know what the new EPA fuel economy rating of the '11 Camaro V6 model will be after its engine's gets upgraded.

Both websites also say that buyers will be able to pick up any trim level in Chevrolet's new eye-searing Synergy Green - a color that was previously limited to the 1LT car. If the forum is to be believed, GM has also made the Camaro's heads-up display standard equipment on all 2LT and 2SS models.

If true, the changes aren't exactly earth shattering, but they should be enough to keep the Camaro near (or even at) the front of the muscle car pack for now. We would have liked to have seen The General put its pride and joy on a serious diet for 2011, but we won't exactly thumb our nose at a little extra horsepower, either. We'll be on the horn with Detroit today to confirm these claims. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

UPDATE: Official press release from Chevrolet added after the jump that confirms everything above. One note: There were no actual changes made to the Camaro's V6 engine that resulted in a power increase. Rather, Chevy says the current 304-hp rating was conservative and a new SAE certification resulted in 312 hp. So that means anyone who bought a 2010 Camaro V6 shouldn't feel shortchanged, as their engine is just as powerful as the 2011 model that will start production on June 7th.

Gallery: The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS

[Sources: Modern Camaro, Camaro5]

Continue reading King For a Day? 312-HP Camaro V6 ends short reign of entry-level Mustang *UPDATE

King For a Day? 312-HP Camaro V6 ends short reign of entry-level Mustang *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line runs the numbers on 2011 Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro V6 models

Zach Bowman — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before your palms get all sweaty, let's be clear - the boys and girls at Inside Line have put the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT and the base 2011 Ford Mustang toe-to-toe. This isn't the big bad SS vs GT throwdown the world has been clamoring for, but that's fine by us. Both models dish out over 300 horsepower, and when it comes right down to it, there will be more V6 engines battling it out in high school parking lots that V8s.

So how'd they do? The big-boned Camaro V6, complete with its 3,790-pound curb weight, managed to dish out a 6.1-second 0-60 mph run, a 14.3-second quarter-mile time and .86 g on the skidpad. Coming down from 60 mph, the Bowtie delivered a stopping distance of 111.78 feet. Those are all solid numbers, to be sure, but they don't quite stack up to what Ford brought to the table with its pony.

The Mustang is a considerably smaller car in nearly every way, and right off the bat, it has 282 fewer pounds to lug around. With a curb weight of 3,508 pounds, the Mustang clicked off a 5.6-second 0-60 mph sprint, a 13.9-second quarter-mile and .91 g on the skidpad. Can you say "smoked?" Throw in 60-0 mph in 103 feet, and it's clear Ford wanted to ensure that the 'Stang not only puts the hurt on its arch rival from General Motors, but it's also clear that the Blue Oval was seeking to build a solid all-around performer.

Before the Chevrolet faithful start clamoring about price, it should be noted that both cars fall within $1,000 of each other. The General clearly has a lot of work to do before the 2011 models roll out, but we have it on good authority that their engineers are hard at work. Fortunately for enthusiasts, this clearly isn't the end-all, be-all... it's just the latest volley.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V6

Gallery: The Joy of Six: 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 RS

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line runs the numbers on 2011 Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro V6 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, this certainly didn't take long. Only a few weeks after Ford let the 2011 Mustang GT loose on the road, the boys at Motor Trend have done what we've all been waiting for, putting the new 5.0-liter V8 model up against the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger SRT8 in a head-to-head muscle car throwdown. In our first drive, we were very impressed with the new GT's antics, and apparently, we aren't the only ones. Sorry, Camaro and Challenger - the Mustang takes top honors in this comparison.

Motor Trend points out that, at the end of the day, the Mustang 5.0 is the closest representation of what a modern day muscle car should be. It stands true to the original concept of a lightweight coupe with a nimble body and chassis that's stocked to the brim with rumbling V8 power, and they say that there's no doubt that it's dynamically better than the Chevy and Dodge. What's more, the interior offers better tech and refinement - something that's key in the year 2010. Be sure to click over to MT's comparison test for the full details.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The reborn 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is the 2010 Ford Mustang GT's most obvious competitor (obviously). While the Camaro is certainly a head turner, it's just not that great of an all around performance car. However, despite the 2010 Mustang GT coming out on top in many comparisons against its crosstown rival, one fact is undeniable: When it comes to power, the Camaro SS kicked the Mustang GT's butt up and down the block. Across the drag strip, too. The 6.2-liter LS3-equipped SS (manual only, as automatic Camaros get the weaker L99 motor) produces a screaming 426 horsepower and 420 rumbling pound-feet of torque, enough mojo to embarrass the 2010 Mustang GT's relatively wimpy 4.6-liter V8 with its 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. True, the Mustang handled better, rode better, had a much better interior and cost less, but at the end of the day we're talking muscle cars. Gumption matters. Chevy was king. Ford had to act.

And act it did. Meet the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, or as everyone is already calling it, the 5.0. That's right, Ford is offering enthusiasts an honest to goodness 5.0-liter V8 (302 cubic inches, baby! Check out our Deep Dive for all the technical mumbo jumbo) in the 2011 Mustang GT. As we're sure you know by now, thanks to some fancy breathing, the all new small-block produces 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. That's less than the Camaro, sure, but remember that the Mustang is lighter than the Chevy by a good 300 pounds. Besides, it's looking like Ford has decided to underrate the 5.0's output by about 30 ponies for who knows what reason. Meaning that while Ford might be using invisible ink, the Mustang's got the Camaro beat on paper. But what about in the real world? Make the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game

First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 rewrites the rental car rulebook

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

To many, the terms "Mustang" and "high technology" are as mutually exclusive as "China" and "transparent, open society." After all, the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line before the Vietnam War got under way, and in the minds of most people it hasn't changed all that much in the 4.5 decades since. Sure, every once in a while Ford will bolt a fairly high-tech motor into a special edition 'Stang (SVT, Cobra, GT500), but for the most part the original pony car represents exactly that: the origin of the species. Especially when it comes to the base model, the until now lowly - some might say primitive - V6 iteration.

For seemingly ever, Ford has been content to let its low-hanging fruit edition Mustang rot away in irrelevance. Nothing seemed to make the Blue Oval boys happier than stocking every rental car fleet in the nation with soft-riding, underpowered has-beens. Let's make that never-rans. So for the performance minded buyer, the V6 version of the Mustang never even entered the picture. Worse, do you know what car people interested in a V6 Mustang cross-shopped the most? Pat yourself on the back if you said Honda Accord Coupe. In other words, the V6 Mustang was never a sports car.

Now, along comes the 2011 model year and you can throw everything you thought you knew about Ford's entry-level pony car out the window. It simply no longer applies. Gone is the archaic, universally unloved and soon to be totally forgotten 4.0-liter V6. In its place is a very high-tech version of Ford and Mazda's 3.7-liter 60-degree V6. With it, the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 produces 305 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque, and yet returns 31 mpg on the freeway according to the EPA. In fact, as Ford was happy to tell us (quite a a few times), the 2011 V6 is the only car ever to produce 305 hp and get 31 mpg. Fabulous numbers no doubt, but they only tell part of the story. In our opinion, the Mustang V6 could be the most significant car released this year. Follow the jump to learn why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V6

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 rewrites the rental car rulebook

First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 rewrites the rental car rulebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unofficial drag test puts 2011 Mustang GT ahead of Camaro SS in eighth-mile showdown

Eric Loveday — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Though driving impressions of the new 5.0-liter 2011 Ford Mustang GT are off limits for now, Popular Hot Rodding notes that Ford made no mention of releasing pure facts. It's all about the numbers anyway, right? During last week's media launch for the new Mustangs in California, the showdown between the (supposedly) 412-horsepower 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 and the 426-horsepower 2010 Camaro SS got underway at a sectioned-off portion of the Camarillo Airport. An eighth-mile drag strip lay ahead of the two ponycars, both equipped with six-speed automatics.

With time-slips in hand, the numbers don't lie. Popular Hot Rodding managed a time of 8.82 seconds at 83 miles per hour in the Camaro, but the Mustang proved to be even faster at 8.62 seconds at 86 mph. Virtually all journalists on hand recorded better times in the Mustang. Crude translations to quarter mile numbers come in at 13.8 seconds for the Camaro and 13.5 seconds for the Stang.

With a base price coming in at $30,495 and numbers that - for now, at least - appear to beat the competition, Ford looks like it has a serious hit in the making with its new 5.0 Mustang. How the renewed rivalry translates from the streets to the sales sheets, where the Camaro currently rules the roost, will be interesting to watch.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

[Source: Popular Hot Rodding]

Unofficial drag test puts 2011 Mustang GT ahead of Camaro SS in eighth-mile showdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Alex Nunez — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 hits the dyno - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford says that the 2011 Mustang GT makes 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its new, advanced 5.0-liter V8. Well, Ford may just be full of crap. Autojournos have descended upon California this week to to kick the snot out of the 2011 Mustangs at the Blue Oval's invitation, and Inside Line took one of the new 5.0 GT models and strapped it to a Dynojet to see what the real numbers were. Thankfully, they do not disappoint.

It's like this: after seven pulls, Inside Line's tester reliably belted out 395 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 365 pound-feet of torque at 4,350 rpm. That's at the wheel, natch, and since IL estimates the 'Stang sees only an 11% to 13% driveline loss thanks to its stick axle, the car is likely making somewhere between 438 and 446 horsepower at the crank - far more than the advertised 412.

This should come as no surprise to anyone, especially Inside Line. After all, last year they did the same thing with a 2010 GT500 only to learn that - surprise! - it was underrated. (Their tester put down 511 horsepower at the wheel. The guys figured the number at the crank to be around 570 horses, not the 540 advertised).

Is it possible that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT media launch testers are juiced? Sure it is, but we think it's unlikely. Reason number one is that Ford would be exposed the moment customer cars started getting delivered and dynoed, which would then look really foolish. Reason number two is the 1999 SVT Cobra. Upon its release, that particular car became infamous for not making its advertised 320 horsepower. While Ford eventually made things right via a recall, the incident was clearly embarrassing and likely left Dearborn with a "never again" mentality that sticks to this day. Hence, we're inclined to think Inside Line's numbers are no fluke. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, with its new engine, is designed to punch the Chevrolet Camaro in the teeth and make it taste blood. By underrating the 5.0, Ford's just, you know, making sure.

Stay tuned for our man Lieberman's first drive impressions next week. In the meantime, follow the jump for video of one of Inside Line's dyno pulls and visit them to watch a few more and read their full analysis. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: EcoBoosted Ford Mustang not in the cards... for now

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang V6 burnout - Click above to enlarge

We just wrote about the report that General Motors is developing a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 to challenge Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and that the GM version might - just maybe, possibly, perhaps - go into the Camaro. Ford, on the other hand, apparently has no immediate plans to put its powerful and frugal turbo V6 into its pony car, the Mustang.

The 3.7-liter V6 currently in the Mustang makes do with Ti-VCT technology, or twin independent variable camshaft timing, delivering 305 horsepower and 30-plus miles per gallon with a six-speed auto tranny. Ford hasn't forsaken a turbocharged V6, though - The Blue Oval is simply leaving it to tuners to do, and encouraging them in the process. And with that kind of leg up, our guess is that those aftermarket efforts will probably be seen in three, two...

In the meantime, Ford is working on an EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder that Mustang purists can thank the Madonna of Lourdes will not be appearing in the engine bay of said coupes any time soon. Cooler heads realized that when you can do burnouts like the one above and get good mpg, we don't need no stinkin' four-cylinders.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Report: EcoBoosted Ford Mustang not in the cards... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neat Trick: Ford nixing 900 jobs in Flat Rock while expanding production of Mustang, Mazda6

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda

The desire to make more of the Ford Mustang and Mazda6, while improving efficiency and quality, is leading Ford to cut, not add jobs at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The plant's 2,280-strong workforce is expected to decrease by 900, with Ford reducing the number of shifts from two to one and increasing the line speed by 35 percent.

Moving to just a single shift will help stabilize assembly at the plant, which produced 109,000 vehicles last year but experienced a lot of downtime when new vehicle sales cratered. In turn, the workers who remain to work the single shift should appreciate less idle time away from the job and stay sharper as a result, thereby increasing quality as well.

Those workers who have been cut will be moved to the Chicago assembly plant to help build the new Ford Explorer later this year, while others will be transferred to Michigan Assembly to build the new Ford Focus. Those not given new positions will be offered contract buyouts.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Neat Trick: Ford nixing 900 jobs in Flat Rock while expanding production of Mustang, Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Mustang pricing to start from *$22,995?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has really pushed the envelope with its 2011 Mustang. Both V6 and V8 models receive nearly 100 horsepower bumps and new transmissions along with a host of standard features that will help the Blue Oval go toe-to-toe with the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. The 2011 Mustang looks pretty good on paper, but we're very curious to know how much Ford will increase the price of its upgraded ponycar. The Mustang Source appears to have the answer to that question, and from what we can see, the Mustang will cost more than the coupe it replaces, yet it will still beat the Camaro on price.

Judging by TMS' information, a base Mustang coupe will cost $22,995 (*including $850 for destination) - that's $750 pricier than the 2010 model, but over $500 cheaper than the base Camaro. The base GT coupe will reportedly crack the $30,000 barrier for the first time with an MSRP of $30,495 including destination. That's $1,250 more than a 2010 GT and $1,300 cheaper than a 1SS Camaro.

The pony lovers also got their hands on option pricing, ranging from $995 to opt for a six-speed automatic transmission to $2,340 for an electronics package that includes navigation. The California Special package can be had for $2,475 and stopping power can be increased by adding Brembo brakes for $1,695. Head over to The Mustang Source to download the PDF (which we've also gallerized below), or hit the jump to check out base pricing for all eight Mustang models. Once you've done that, come back to let us know if you think Ford has added enough value to justify the price hikes by leaving your thoughts in Comments.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang Pricing Guide

[Source: The Mustang Source]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mustang pricing to start from *$22,995?

2011 Ford Mustang pricing to start from *$22,995? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - click above to watch the video

Let's just call today - December 28, 2009 - Mustang 5.0 Day and be done with it, okay? We've seen lots of pictures and even more information about the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and it's bad to its baffled sump 5.0-liter 32-valve V8. But that's just a bunch of static information. The kids today, they demand action! After all, what good are "teh Internets" without video? Especially Mustang 5.0 video?

That's precisely what the good folks at Ford have provided for our consumption/enjoyment. Warning: this is not Top Gear. The video you are about to watch is typical OEM B-roll. Meaning no tires will be smoked, no apexes clipped, no music will be thumped. All you'll see is the new 2011 Mustang GT with the Track Pack (notice the strut brace and Brembos) driving around. And then parked. So while it's not the most exciting video in the history of the world, it is the very first of the new Mustang strutting its stuff.

Now, as a bonus, we're also throwing in some footage of the new 5.0 V8 on a dynometer. We already know the power ratings (412 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM, 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM), but in the video, we get to see the motor race almost all the way up to its 7,000 RPM redline. And, because we are who we are, we're tossing in one more bonus video to make you smile. Hey, it's the holidays. So, make the jump and watch 'em.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0

VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: 2011 Ford Mustang GT to offer 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to a loose-lipped Facebookian that couldn't help sharing insider information and a quick follow-up post from Inside Line, we can now confirm the return of the iconic 5.0-liter Mustang GT for 2011. Even better news is the fact that the Mustang GT's new mill will crank out an impressive 412 horsepower.

By way of comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS has a 6.2-liter V8 with as much as 422 horses when mated to a six-speed manual and the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a 6.1-liter Hemi that offers 425 ponies. And remember, both of those rivals are considerably heavier than the Mustang.

As much as we'd like to unload more goods on the 2011 Mustang, you'll just have to wait until Ford's good and ready. Or someone blows another embargo, whichever comes first.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: Inside Line]

Confirmed: 2011 Ford Mustang GT to offer 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang with 305-HP V6 gets seen and heard in motion

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 2011 Mustang is only one year removed from a major refresh, but that didn't stop Ford from adding a host of upgrades, especially to the V6 model, to better-compete against its new pony car competition. While we certainly don't discount the V6 Stang's new suspension and packaging updates, the big story resides under its bonnet. The new 3.7-liter V6 packs 305 horsepower mated to a six-speed auto tranny (a six-speed manual is also available, but you lose 1 mpg) giving the new Mustang a big advantage over its predecessor while reportedly delivering the 30 mpg efficiency the masses are looking for.

We got our hands on some b-roll video of the new Mustang V6, with both static and moving shots. If that's not a good enough reason to watch there is also some aural pleasure courtesy of the new 3.7-liter V6. Unfortunately, the engine sounds are only audible when the Stang is in park but it still sounds pretty meaty when inside the cockpit. Hit the jump to see and hear the 2011 Mustang V6 in action.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 3.7-liter V6

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang with 305-HP V6 gets seen and heard in motion

VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang with 305-HP V6 gets seen and heard in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 Ford Mustang details leak out

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Ford, Rumormill

We have to wait a couple more weeks before we're officially "in the know" about the 2011 Ford Mustang, but it appears FoMoCo's secret information dam has a few cracks in it. Ford recently released its fleet distribution news bulletin and it offered some insights as to when the refreshed Mustang is coming and the new variants on offer. The bulletin states customers will be able to order their 2011 Mustang on January 18, 2010, with Ford's favorite stallion tentatively entering production on March 15, 2010.

The alleged news bulletin also mentions some of the new model variants on the way, including the return of the California Special. There will also reportedly be an SVT Performance package, three available 19-inch wheel options, an available six-speed automatic transmission and a Brembo Brake package. The SVT package includes 19-inch wheels, an RR spoiler, "Over the Top" stripe delete and a 3.73 limited slip. The order form also appears to confirm that the 2011 Shelby GT500 will continue to use the 5.4-liter V8 engine, which we hear will be of the all-aluminum variety. We'll learn a lot more about the 2011 Mustang when Ford reveals its vastly updated pony car at the LA Auto Show in early December.

[Source: GMInsideNews via Mustang Heaven]

Rumormill: 2011 Ford Mustang details leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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