While parts sales don't typically show up in quarterly earnings reports, they can comprise a big chunk of profits. Ford is protecting its parts investment by filing a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington against eight companies that are reproducing Mustang parts without the Blue Oval's consent. Ford parts affected are the hood, bumper, fender, side-view mirror and tail lamp assemblies, which are all covered under Ford's 14-year design patent on design elements. Chicago-based LKQ Corp and its Keystone Automotive Industries are named in the complaint along with several companies in Taiwan. Ford has already come out victorious in a similar case involving some of the same suppliers and the F-150, and Keystone is currently appealing. With Ford already winning a similar case, and what we'd assume is a much larger legal budget than the defendants', the Blue Oval will likely come out on top in this ruling, as well.
With all the hype surrounding the upcoming production versions of the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro, it's easy to forget that the Mustang is still king of the hill when it comes to pony car sales. We've had the very competent current model since Fall 2004, while any competition continues to be stuck in future-tense. Even without any direct competition, Ford has stayed on top of its RWD V8 American icon, and the 2+2 pony car is still the stuff of dreams. The marketing geeks at Ford picked up on the phenomenon, and the result is a :30 spot with some lucky Joe performing power slides and donuts in a red Mustang GT while the fuzz give him the thumbs-up. Ford added a hot brunette driving a Mustang convertible for good measure, and you've got the ideal REM of many-a-man. Check out the spot after the jump.
Click the image above for more pics of Carroll Shelby's 1969 Shelby GT500
When the GT500 KR was unveiled at New York this past spring, we pressed Ford's SVT team as to why the SVT badging was absent from their creation. Their answer was so simple and obvious that it bears repeating. A 500 HP SVT Mustang doesn't sell for $30,000 over invoice, but if you add Carroll Shelby's name to it, a killer car becomes an instant sensation. Much of the street cred Shelby currently has was earned during the 1960s, when Carroll took the Mustang from a "secretary's car" to a hot-rod pony car.
Mr. Shelby is apparently too caught up living in the present to give much thought to what he did 40 years ago, as he plans on putting his 1969 Shelby GT500 convertible up for auction in January at Barrett Jackson. The vintage hotrod, which has nearly 70,000 miles on the odometer, is sure to fetch quite a premium over an already valuable '69 owned by some lucky schlep. The great-looking collectible is powered by a 428 Cobra Jet engine and has recently undergone a restoration. If you want to get in on the bidding action, make sure to get a lean on your mortgage, or just show up rich. It's gonna fetch a bundle. The press release is available after the jump.
While everyone waits patiently (or for some folks, impatiently) for Ford to release the new Bullitt Mustang, Blue Flame, a Japanese firm that imports and distributes Mustangs over yonder, has taken the initiative to offer its very own Bullitt package. And it looks really good. Available for both V6 and V8 Mustangs, the obvious cosmetic changes (optional blacked-out grille, side window louvers, side scoops, spoiler delete, Bullitt badging, Highland Green paint, etc.) are paired with additional features like Eibach springs, Saleen pedals, and an upgraded Pioneer stereo. Those looking for more can opt for performance and handling upgrades from Ford Racing and Saleen at added expense. Based on the pictures on Blue Flame's site, it's a very nice conversion.
If that's not enough, the company has a slick BOSS package on offer as well. Follow the jump for that one.
Thanks to Scott for the tip!
[Source: Blue Flame American Distributions Network]
Yes, you read that headline correctly. It seems that Ford's offering 0% APR financing over 36 months on all new 2007 Mustang purchases (from dealer stock) through July 9, 2007. The tip came in via a California Ford dealer, and a quick visit to the Ford Direct website confirmed what his email said.
The reason this seemed worth mentioning is that we almost never hear of deals like this on desirable cars like the Mustang, particularly the higher-end GT models and up. From what we see on the website, it applies to the 2007 Mustang V6, Mustang GT, Shelby GT, and Shelby GT500. Lately, the only promos we've been seeing on TV, etc. focus on deals related to the V6es with the Pony Package, etc. The 0% deal that's been available since June 28 was completely off our radar screens until now.
If you're in the market and can swing a 3-year deal, this might be worth looking into, particularly if you're shopping for a V8 Mustang. Don't expect any favors from dealers when it comes to Shelby pricing, though.
Drip...Drip...The info on the 2008 Shelby GT has been leaked, and Mustang Evolution has the details. Unsurprisingly, a convertible version has been added to the stable, per se. We say it's unsurprising because after the introduction of the Hertz-only Shelby GT-H convertible, we figured that a Shelby GT version was a lock -- we just didn't know when it'd come. The coupe's still available, too, and '08 model year shoppers don't need to make any decisions with regard to color: the car's only available in Vista Blue with Metallic Silver stripes.
If you want one in Performance White or Black Ebony, you'd better set about getting yourself an '07. The powertrain's unchanged, so look for 320 horsepower coming from the lightly-massaged 4.6L V8 underhood. As with the '07, both manual and automatic transmissions will be available. We hear that the word on all this becomes official next week, so we'll follow-up then.
Click image for high-res gallery of the '07 Mustang GT
Sometimes, things just work out. The Memorial Day weekend weather forecast called for hot, sunny conditions -- perfect for the unofficial official kickoff to summer. Backyard parties would be devoid of no-shows and parade routes were assured to be standing-room-only. It was going to be a good weekend anyway, and Ford made it even better by entrusting yours truly with keys to an '07 Mustang GT for the duration. The big holiday weekend would be spent with a big, brassy muscle car sitting outside as driveway candy. And oh, what sweet, sweet candy... nostalgic styling covered in a Grabber Orange finish, a thundering V8, and a top that tucks behind the back seats, all to better appreciate the wicked roar coming from the stainless steel pipes in back. The whole thing is glorious Americana. For Memorial Day weekend, one couldn't ask for anything better.
Fortunately or unfortunately, racing is not a cheap endeavor. No matter the series, it's all too easy to drop your life savings, your kid's college fund and any hope of making it to fiscal freedom if you've got the bug. For those willing to risk it all, the Mustang Challenge gives aspiring racers the opportunity to test their abilities in the wail of V8-powered, wheel-to-wheel combat.
The Miller Park Racing Association (MPRA) has setup the Mustang Challenge to allow amateurs to compete in a 14-race series that will be held at the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele Valley, Utah.
For a grand total of $55,000, aspiring racers can purchase a modified Mustang GT, lightened by 330 pounds and sporting a revised intake, exhaust, braking, steering and suspension systems, along with a functional aero kit, prerequisite safety equipment and a data acquisitioning system. For those on the lower end of the economic spectrum, these modded 'Stangs will also be available for rent for practice sessions or on a per-race basis.
The Challenge will make its debut during the Magic of Miller Celebrity race over the Utah Grand Prix weekend. If someone needs a pit crew on their inaugural run, hit us up. A few of us have the chops and would love to live vicariously through a well-to-do reader.
UPDATE: Apparently, we're wrong. We just spoke to someone in the know, who has seen the Bullitt and claims to be familiar with the car pictured. This individual says that this car is NOT the Bullitt, but is another named variant (hence the covered cap in back). The good news is that the same source said that the Bullitt's much cooler-looking than this GT. And here we thought Ford was just being extra-sneaky/slick with the red paint. As for this car, then, we wonder if it's just a minimalist package for the GT, a la the old SN95 GTS (or better still, the 5.0 LX Fox-bodies). We have to admit -- we're curious, and our source refused to divulge any more specifics. In any case, we're all flummoxed right now as the Pony parade continues.
Our friends at Popular Mechanics tipped us off to new shots by Jim Dunne that they've posted on their website. The pics depict a "mystery" Mustang being trailered around Detroit, but the first thing we thought when laying eyes on them was: Bullitt. Dunne would have paid no mind to the car if not for the covered-up faux gas cap on the rear end, which obviously means there's something to hide there.
For us, the black wheels and the ponyless, lightless grille have us all but certain that this is indeed the Bullitt. Take those two elements, replace the photo car's finish with Highland Green, and friends, you have the modern iteration of Frank Bullitt's trusted steed. Kudos to Ford for being clever. By not overly disguising it and using the red paint as... well... a red herring, the car hides in plain sight unless you know what to look for.
Head on over to Popular Mechanics for two more shots of the car, and follow the jump for a little visual aid we cooked up.
Alice Cooper is a serious car guy, and as you might expect, his garage has seen its share of cool toys pass through. Those who watched this past January's Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale may remember Cooper's sublime '39 Lincoln Zephyr, which changed hands for $248,000. Well, Matt over at MustangBlog shot us a note letting us know that another one of Alice's machines is on the block, this time over at the virtual auction house for everyman: eBay.
The car in question is a black 2005 Mustang GT pushing out over 500 horsepower (535, according to a graphic on the car itself) with a little help from things like a Paxton blower and intercooler and Billy Boat exhaust. An automatic transmission tackles the duty of wrangling those ponies to the rear wheels. It looks good too, sporting a Shaker hood (very sweet), red racing stripe, and red line tires that look right at home on the neo-retro Mustang.
"No More Mr. Nice Guy," the title of one of the well-known songs off the rocker's Billion Dollar Babies album, is emblazoned on the quarter panels under the "GT" badging. Those who don't heed the subtle warning may find themselves getting dusted should they decide to get frisky with the car at a stoplight. If you're interested, head on over to eBay and check it out. Bidding starts at $30,000 and yes, there is a reserve to meet.
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