Autoblog

Ford recalling 10,500 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models over faulty transmission sensor

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of several recent Ford models due to a defective transmission sensor. Some 10,000 vehicles are affected, including some 2011 and 2012 F-150 pickups, 2012 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models, and 2012-2013 Ford Mustang vehicles.

Problem vehicles will experience one of several issues with their automatic transmissions, including the transmission not shifting into reverse when the gearshift lever is moved to the "R" position, the "R" lamp on the dashboard not illuminating, and the backup lamps not working. A faulty transmission range sensor is the culprit.

Ford says the recall campaign will start on June 25, with owners being notified by the automaker. Ford can also be reached at 1-866-436-7332.

Scroll down to read the full recall report.

Continue reading Ford recalling 10,500 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models over faulty transmission sensor

Ford recalling 10,500 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models over faulty transmission sensor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang V6

Chris Shunk — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

Cylinder-Envy No More

My first car was a used 1981 Ford Mustang. It was a complete piece of garbage, but it was the best I could do with $900 worth of hard-earned busboy tips. It only had one side mirror, the power steering fluid had to be filled every two weeks and there was a nail in the dashboard. I would have removed that last bit of nonstandard hardware, but whenever the Brown Bomber didn't want to turn over, touching the nail for luck seemed to work. But compared to my friends' cars, mine at least looked the fastest. Looks don't win at the stoplight, though, and my rust-colored 'Stang featured the double whammy of a 109-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 and an automatic transmission.

To say that my Mustang's powertrain was a disappointment could be the understatement of the century, but I wasn't the only V6-powered Mustang owner suffering from horsepower humiliation. It would be another 30 years before Ford would offer a V6-powered Mustang with anything more than mule muscle, but that's where we are today. The 2012 Mustang boasts a legit 305 horsepower, or more punch than the 4.6-liter V8 under the hood of the 2009 Mustang GT. I have no doubt that the 2012 Mustang is vastly superior to my 1981 shame machine, but does that 305 horsepower and a vastly improved rear-wheel-drive chassis make this Mustang one of America's great performance bargains? Hit the jump to find out.

Continue reading 2012 Ford Mustang V6

2012 Ford Mustang V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA closes investigation into 2010-2011 Ford Mustang shifter issues

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has concluded its investigation into 2011 Ford Mustang vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The agency looked into a total of 364 reports of shift quality issues supplied by Ford and they've reportedly determined that owners have experienced no loss of mobility or any unreasonable safety risk due to the problems. According to Inside Line, Ford identified several possible issues that could have contributed to difficulty shifting, including cold transmission fluid, clutch stay-out at high engine speeds, gear clash and loosening clutch plate bolts in early production vehicles. Ford has since replaced those fasteners with new hardware currently used in production.

The automaker said that the majority of the gear shift issues were due to the transmission not being up to operating temperature while driving and that the problems sorted themselves out after the drivetrain warmed up. Had NHTSA found any glaring issues with the transmission or clutch in the 2011 and 2012 Ford Mustang models, Ford may have been forced to issue a recall.

NHTSA closes investigation into 2010-2011 Ford Mustang shifter issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Shelby GTS

Drew Phillips — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

Bringing The Shelby Name To The Masses

The Shelby name doesn't come cheap. Vintage Shelby Mustangs and Cobras can command six or sometimes even seven figure sums. The current Shelby offerings are much cheaper - the GT350 is priced around $70,000 while the Ford-built GT500 is a little less expensive with a base price just short of $50,000 - although we still wouldn't consider them attainable to the average guy with a mortgage and 2.5 kids.

Shelby sees that as a problem. The majority of its customers are the people who craved a GT500 or Cobra back when they were kids in the 1960s. Those customers are getting older, and like many other automakers, Shelby has decided to reach out to younger buyers. At the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Shelby announced the GTS, a new model designed to be attainable to the masses. The GTS would be available in both V6 and V8 form and, with a package price of $9,995, could be had for less than $33,000 in base form. "It's a car that reaches a younger buyer while acknowledging the economic realities of our times," said Shelby American president John Luft at the time.

We have to wonder, though. Are younger buyers interested in buying a Shelby Mustang? Will people actually buy a Shelby with a V6? We aimed to find out for ourselves and picked up a V6 model in Race Red with White Le Mans stripes at Shelby's facility in Gardena, CA for a week-long test.

Continue reading 2012 Shelby GTS

2012 Shelby GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Roush RS3

Drew Phillips — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

Making A Case Against Increasingly Excellent Factory Options

The last time we drove a Roush Mustang - a 2010 427R - we declared that the company had set the bar for Mustang tuners around the country. But that was nearly two years ago. Since then, the pony car landscape has evolved immensely. Ford itself revamped the entire Mustang lineup, introducing the new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 Mustang GT, dropped weight off the Shelby GT500 with a new aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 and successfully launched the track-ready, BMW M3-fighting Boss 302. Every Mustang that comes from the factory now offers more performance than ever, and a $50,000 aftermarket Mustang from a couple of years ago with a paltry 435 horsepower simply can't compete with an OEM-developed 'Stang.

But Roush hasn't been sitting idly by. Its answer to hottest factory options from Ford comes in the form of the 2012 Stage 3 Mustang. Offering up 540 supercharged horsepower, a fresh look and Roush's legendary suspension tuning, the RS3 is perhaps the company's most appealing Mustang yet. But does it still have the magic of Roush's previous pony cars?

Continue reading 2012 Roush RS3

2012 Roush RS3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang under investigation for transmission issues

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Safety, Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation surrounding transmission issues in the 2011-12 Ford Mustang. NHTSA has received 32 complaints citing inability to shift into gears at speed. Around 26,000 Mustangs are being investigated because of these claims.

Regarding the 32 complaints, NHTSA filed this in its report:

Some reports allege incidents occurred while merging into high speed traffic and others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. Some complainants allege that the erratic shifting behavior almost caused a collision with adjacent vehicles.

The official investigation was opened on August 3rd. According to The Detroit News, a spokesperson from Ford Motor Company said that the automaker will fully cooperate with NHTSA regarding this matter.

Ford Mustang under investigation for transmission issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Angels-themed Mustang to be auctioned off at EAA AirVenture

Drew Phillips — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

Blue Angels Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has partnered up with EAA AirVenture for the last several years, producing one-off aviation-themed Mustangs that are auctioned off to benefit the EAA Young Eagles program. Whether it's the collectible nature of the cars or just plain generosity by those with deep pockets, the cars have always garnered huge bids. Last year, an SR-71 Blackbird-themed Mustang built in collaboration with Shelby and Roush sold for $375,000, and previous years' cars have sold for up to $500,000.

We fully expect there to be plenty of interest in this year's car as well, with the Blue Angels being chosen as the theme for 2011. The one-off Mustang was built by Creation 'n Chrome in Valencia, California, and features an amazing chrome blue paint scheme that pays homage to the famous F/A-18 Hornets. The Spectra Chrome process that was used along with hand painting the graphics took more than 600 hours to complete. A Boss 302 front fascia, custom rear wing and a set of HRE 590RS wheels complete the look of the exterior.

The Blue Angels theme continues inside, drawing inspiration from the pilots' suits. Dual yellow stripes can be seen on both the seats and seat belts, and the custom Alcantara and leather Recaros each feature an embroidered logo of the Blue Angels' crest. A few pieces from the Boss 302 Laguna Seca parts bin were used inside as well, including the dash-mounted triple gauge pack and the rear seat delete that has also been painted yellow. Even the gauges have been changed to an aviation theme, with the speedometer now displaying "ground speed."

Performance hasn't been ignored either. A supercharger system, Ford Racing handling pack and Brembo brakes have all been installed.

If you want to see the Blue Angels Mustang up close, it will be on display inside the Ford Hangar during EAA AirVenture from July 25-31 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Interested in buying the car? You'll have your chance on July 28 when it goes up for auction. Hit the jump for more details and the official press release from EAA AirVenture.

[Source: EAA AirVenture, Creations 'n Chrome]

Continue reading Blue Angels-themed Mustang to be auctioned off at EAA AirVenture

Blue Angels-themed Mustang to be auctioned off at EAA AirVenture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook users choose "Mayhem" as name for new Mustang V6 performance package

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

The Ford Mustang name is among the most iconic in the world, and performance variants like the Boss, Shelby and Bullitt are almost as memorable in the eyes of enthusiasts. While those names were no-doubt spawned by committee, the newest Mustang variant was given its name on Facebook.

Ford opened up a competition on the Mustang Facebook page to name the new V6 Performance Package, and "Mayhem Mustang Package" won out. The winning submission, which came from Jeremy Marler in North Carolina, was chosen from over 3,000 entries. Marler's entry wins him a three-year lease on a 2012 Mustang with his Mayhem designation.

The Mayhem package features a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6, front and rear stabilizer bars, suspension and brakes from the Mustang GT and a 3.31 performance rear axle. To help differentiate the Mayhem Mustang from its less capable siblings, the variant will be given unique 19-inch wheels wrapped with Pirelli performance rubber and Mayhem badging throughout.

The Mayhem package sounds like a performance bargain to us, and the name isn't too shabby, either. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

Continue reading Facebook users choose "Mayhem" as name for new Mustang V6 performance package

Facebook users choose "Mayhem" as name for new Mustang V6 performance package originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Shelby targets younger crowd with GTS Mustang

Drew Phillips — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Shelby GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Designated as the spiritual successor of the Shelby GT that was built from 2007 to 2008, the new GTS represents the base model in the Shelby lineup. According to company president John Luft, Shelby's average buyer is in their late '50s, and the iconic tuner hopes to bring in a younger crowd with a more affordable offering.

Available as a post-title package on both the Mustang GT and the Mustang V6, the GTS includes a variety of upgrades including a Ford Racing handling pack, Borla exhaust system, Baer brakes, unique front fascia, Le Mans stripes and a deep-draw hood. Optional components include superchargers for both the V6 and the V8, a Watts-link rear suspension system, upgraded brakes and more.

Pricing for the Shelby GTS starts at $9,995, not including the base car, which means a customer can get their hands on one for as little as $32,000. You can read more details about the Shelby GTS in the official PR after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GTS: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GTS

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading New York 2011: Shelby targets younger crowd with GTS Mustang

New York 2011: Shelby targets younger crowd with GTS Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roush announces 2012 Stage 3 Mustang with 540 horsepower

Drew Phillips — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Roush Stage 3 Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Stage 3 has always been the flagship of Roush's modified Ford Mustang stable, and the supercharged pony car is making a return for 2012 with a new RS3 moniker. With 540 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Stage 3 replaces the 5XR as Roush's most powerful offering.

Along with the extra power, the RS3 comes with a new graphics package that is available in six stripe colors and six accent colors, making for 288 color combinations. You can use Roush's new online configurator to see what colors like Luminescent Lime and Red-Blooded American look on the car and add optional items like the 20-inch Hyper Black wheels and rear three-quarter window louvers. The 2012 RS3 Mustang starts at $59,945 and comes standard with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. PR and full details after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Roush Stage 3 Mustang

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush announces 2012 Stage 3 Mustang with 540 horsepower

Roush announces 2012 Stage 3 Mustang with 540 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Special Grabber Blue Mustang Boss to be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson

Drew Phillips — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca in Grabber Blue - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is continuing its tradition of auctioning off a Mustang for charity at Barrett-Jackson this month by offering a one-off 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca painted Grabber Blue. Regular production versions of the car will only be offered in either black or silver with red accents. "Since this Boss Mustang will have a very low production number and be specially built for our 40th anniversary event, the new owner will have a special piece of performance history for their collection," says Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson.

Ford has previously offered special Mustangs for charity at Barrett-Jackson including the first production Shelby GT500KR, the first production 2010 Shelby GT500, and a Daytona 500 pace car. This year, all proceeds of the sale above the car's MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

You can read full details about the auction in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 in Grabber Blue

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Special Grabber Blue Mustang Boss to be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson

Special Grabber Blue Mustang Boss to be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mustang 5.0 comes with lower price, new features

Drew Phillips — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

For those of you desperate to get your hands on Ford's new 5.0-liter Mustang GT, it just got a little easier. Pricing has dropped for the base model of the 412-horsepower pony car by $500 for the 2012 model year, edging back under the 30k mark to $29,995. In contrast, the Premium GT model sees a price increase of $200 while the Premium GT Convertible is $700 more than last year.

While the 2012 Mustang lineup carries over relatively unchanged, there are a few updates to keep the cars fresh. Ford will be offering a new color, Lava Red Metallic, available on both the exterior and interior, while Sterling Gray Metallic will no longer be available. Ford has also added a few minor features like a universal garage door opener and sun visors with a storage system and illuminated vanity mirrors, and the EPAS steering system will now also come with three modes - Comfort, Normal and Sport.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

[Source: TheMustangSource.com, Edmunds]

2012 Mustang 5.0 comes with lower price, new features originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 dealer allocation will be limited, determined by sales and lottery

Drew Phillips — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to announce production numbers for the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, but you can bet that the car will be in high demand no matter how many are produced. The automaker has declared its new special edition Pony Car as the best-handling Mustang ever built, and fully expects its loyal customers to be eagerly awaiting the car's arrival next year.

With that in mind, Ford is being very particular about how many Boss 302s each of its dealerships will get, and in many cases, a dealer might not receive any inventory at all. According to Boss302Forum.com, the allocation of cars will be decided in two ways. First, the large-volume dealers that make up 75 percent of sales will receive 75 percent of the Boss 302 allocation. The actual number of cars each dealership receives will depend on the last 12 months of sales ending in September of 2010, although each dealer is guaranteed at least one Boss 302. The distribution of the remaining 25 percent will be determined via a lottery, with each of the remaining dealers receiving one chip simply for being a dealer, and an additional chip for every Mustang it has sold within the last 12 months. Each of these dealers will not receive more than one Boss 302.

So what does this mean for those interested in buying a 2012 Mustang Boss 302? The likely outcome is that dealers will try and make the most of the limited supply and slap on outrageous "market adjustments" to the price tag. Just like with the Shelby GT500 in 2007, customers should expect to pay a premium for the most desirable 'Stang on the market.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

[Source: Boss302Forum.com]

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 dealer allocation will be limited, determined by sales and lottery originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford releases additional photos of Mustang Boss 302, triggers additional drooling

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps the biggest news to come out of this year's Monterey action is the revival of the Mustang Boss 302 for 2012. It's a hardcore version of the already well-liked Mustang GT - the hot new 5.0-liter V8 has been given more power, and performance mods like an upgraded clutch, adjustable suspension, short-throw shifter and improved brakes are all on hand, as is an even more exclusive Laguna Seca model.

We've now spent a good deal of time fawning over the official photos of Ford's new Boss, as well as a set of live photos shot by our own Drew Phillips. However, Ford has just released another smattering of high-res shots showing the track-storming Boss models in all their glory. Scroll through the attached galleries to see the full raft of Boss 302 images, and be sure to wipe the drool from your keyboard when you're done. Hat tip to Antonio!

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling

Ford releases additional photos of Mustang Boss 302, triggers additional drooling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 GT500 to feature 500 horsepower, twin-turbo "Coyote" V8, or not?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Ford

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the two variants of the Ford Shelby GT500 that we've lived with since 2007 are undoubtedly fast in a straight line, they have a major flaw. They are simply too heavy. For a variety of reasons, when Ford created the GT500, they opted to use a cast iron block rather than the aluminum dry sump block that was in the GT supercar. Between that and all of the performance model's extra equipment, the GT500 is over 400 pounds heavier than the Mustang GT with most of that hanging over the front axle.

Ford has acknowledged that the Mustang will be getting updated powertrains in the coming model years and we expect at least two new engines for 2011 including the 400 horsepower, 5.0-liter Coyote V8. PickupTrucks.com is reporting that for 2012, the Coyote should spawn a twin turbo variant with over 500 hp for the GT500. With an aluminum block, this engine figures to be markedly lighter than the current engine, which ought to give the car much better handling.

Another source with knowledge of the upcoming Mustang lineup referred us to a report in AutoGuide.com and tells us "this information is very, very, accurate... ". That report says that there will be instead be an aluminum block supercharged 5.4-liter V8 in the 2011 GT500. Apparently we'll find out in due course.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1

[Sources: PickupTrucks.com, AutoGuide.com]

2012 GT500 to feature 500 horsepower, twin-turbo "Coyote" V8, or not? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hold Your Horses: 2011 Mustang details leak out on internet forum?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

Some potential future Mustang news comes by way of an internet forum user who calls himself TheInsider. With a handle like that, he must know what he's talking about, right? We kid. But some of the rumors he spills gives with what we've been hearing too. In any case, this source tells the masses at The Mustang Source that the 2011 Mustang's 3.7-liter V6 will be rated at 315 horsepower, neatly outperforming the direct-injected 3.6-liter unit installed in the Chevrolet Camaro by a handful of ponies. But wait, there's more!

Moving up the power ladder a step, the 2011 GT will see a bump up to an even 400 horsepower, which we're expecting to come from the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and those horses will be corralled though a new six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately, because the base V6 will sport so much additional power, the mooted EcoBoost model may never come to fruition.

As we've previously heard, rumor has it that the '11 Stang with the new Coyote V8 and Track Pack with Pirelli P Zero Corsa R tires was able to lap GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan at the same rate as a current BMW M3 - fine company indeed. The final two insights of note are that next year's GT500 will be blessed with an aluminum block and that a Boss edition is slated for 2012. Not surprisingly, six pages have accrued on the thread since yesterday morning. Click here to check out the banter in its entirety.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: The Mustang Source]

Hold Your Horses: 2011 Mustang details leak out on internet forum? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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