Autoblog

SEMA Preview: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s Mustang RTR

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Mustang RTR - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's SEMA Show promises to be an aftermarket Camaro orgy that would make Caligula blush. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But, as you know, there are Chevy guys and there are Ford guys and never the two shall meet (unless they're making fun of Dodge guys). So, here's one for you Ford heads - Vaughn Gitten Jr.'s RTR Mustang. Here's what Vaughn has to say about his car:

"There is no question that Mustang's performance, quality and looks have evolved straight from the factory. However, the majority of the Mustang aftermarket has not fully followed the progression with regards to aesthetics. I saw the need to get something out there that was different from traditional Mustang styling. Something that could open up a new set of eyes to the already-incredible Ford Mustang, while keeping the current Mustang enthusiast smiling."

And now, the skinny. First of all, the RTR package will be available as a dealer-installed option. At first it will only be available for the V8-powered Mustang GT, but after a while you'll be able to get the RTR package on a V6 Mustang, too. Gittin's RTR is both a show and go package. There's a slight horsepower bump (9 hp) from a K&N air filter and a teeny bit of tuning, Ford racing shocks and cut springs, a fatter rear sway bar, cross drilled and slotted brake rotors and finally Falken FK452 performance tires on 19x9.5 inch wheels.

As far as the looks go, RMR 'Stangs get a front chin spoiler w/splitter, revised side sills, rear diffuser and aluminum rear spoiler, stripes, decals and an interior flourish or two. There's ten different paint schemes to choose from -- ours has to be the Grabber Blue with the darker blue accents. Also, RTR is promising OEM quality across the board. There's also going to be an all-carbon fiber edition called the RTR Carbon that we'll certainly be seeing at SEMA. Bad news? The full Gittin Jr. RTR will set you back $7,800. Full press release and a video of the RTR Mustang drifting around can be found after the jump.

Gallery: RTR Mustang

[Source: Mustang RTR]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s Mustang RTR

SEMA Preview: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s Mustang RTR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh'

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST

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

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

Sorry Transformers fans, but your precious Bumblebee just got his butt whooped. Color us not surprised. Because for anyone that's ever driven the Detroit Three's nouveau muscle cars (and seriously evaluated them), the 2010 Mustang GT is clearly Best of Show material. It's just too refined, too capable and let's be honest, too good. Especially when compared to the cetacean Dodge Challenger R/T. How obvious? Even Consumer Reports says so.

True, it used to be getting your sports car endorsed by Consumer Reports was kinda like Tipper Gore and Joe Lieberman banging their heads and flashing approving devil signs at your band. But somewhere about ten years back, the ad-free, subscriber-funded mag began testing cars that enthusiasts might actually want to buy. And then they began factoring in metrics like acceleration, handling and braking, while still lowering eyelids with stats on mileage and reliability (we kid, we kid).

So yeah - straight up, the 315 horsepower Ford Mustang GT got a rating of "Very Good" and 78 points, whereas the 426 hp Chevrolet Camaro SS got "Very Good" but only 71 points, whereas the 370 hp Challenger R/T received a rating of merely "Good" and just 53 points.

But wait, there's more! CR also tested the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, Subaru WRX and Nissan 370Z. How did the evolved-but-not-revolved 'Stang stack up? Funny you should ask. Consumer Reports' press release doesn't say. Specifically, it doesn't give numeric scores for the sporty Asian cars. However, all three non-domestics got the (apparently) coveted "Very Good" rating, meaning they all finished ahead of the Challenger. And yes, the big Dodge had the six-speed manual. Part of the Challenger's problem is no doubt this sentence: "Braking is mediocre and it has a big car feel rather than a sports car." But the real question is, which car won the competition outright? All we know is that the new issue comes out today. PR posted after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh'

Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger better than Ford's Mustang? Consumer Reports says 'neigh' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - A full week changes attitudes

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Reviews

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

We spent a few precious hours in the 2010 Ford Mustang GT toward the end of last year. More recently, we were able to get a Kona Blue model in the Autoblog Garage, and this time, we spent a full week exploring the car's metropolis manners in between long rounds in the saddle, throwing the car over hill and dale... and around the track. This Mustang promises much, and on our First Drive, it delivered as promised. Follow the jump to see if it could do the same for an entire week.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - A full week changes attitudes

Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - A full week changes attitudes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Mustang starts below $21,000

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

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

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

Need further proof that the pony car wars are once again raging through the Detroit 3 automakers? Look no further than Ford's official press release pasted after the break. Ford is quick to point out that its 2010 Mustang holds a distinct pricing advantage over its rivals, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and the recently-revived Dodge Challenger. On the low end, a base V6-powered Ford Mustang will run you $20,995, a figure that undercuts the Camaro LS at $22,995 and the Challenger SE at $22,545. For a little more comparison, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe will start around $22K and the R-Spec will be available mid-2010 with a base price of $23,750.

Moving on up the performance ladder, the latest Mustang GT will run $27,995. Again, the 'Stang costs less than the Camaro SS at $30,995 and the Challenger R/T at $30,545. The Blue Oval also carries a big advantage over its rivals in that it offers a droptop option on the Mustang, which will cost its sun-loving purchasers an extra $5K over a standard hardtop. For those looking to let just a little sun in, there's a glass roof option for both the V6 and GT models that will carry a $1,995 surcharge.

The ultimate in factory Mustang performance can be had for $46,325, which will net buyers a brand new 540-horsepower Shelby GT500 Coupe. For the complete rundown on Mustang options and pricing, click past the break.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Mustang starts below $21,000

2010 Ford Mustang starts below $21,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Ford F-150 to share new V8 with Mustang, also get EcoBoost V6

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:17:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Ford

PickupTrucks.com is reporting that by the end of 2010, Ford will alter the three engine options that currently make up the engine choices in the F-150. What is coming in time for the 2011 model year will be a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 code-named "Coyote."

Subbing the V6 EcoBoost for the V8 is about providing the same power with more efficiency. Said to be the premium engine for light-duty trucks, the direct-injection gas engine will offer something like 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque while carrying an EPA rating of "at least 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway." Those power numbers handily beat what you'll get from any of the current engines on offer, even though it's down two cylinders.

The "Coyote" 5.0-liter, modular, four-valve V8 will have "huge heads," and will return the same numbers as the V6: 400 hp and 400 lb-ft. This engine will become the standard F-150 lump, returning the same gas mileage as the current 5.4-liter but with much more power. This same engine will also reportedly find its way into the Mustang. That will leave the 6.2-liter V8 (the Boss) slated for the Raptor later this year as last engine choice (unless there's a 4-cylinder EcoBoost added in 2013), and it will go into special edition F-150s and the Super Duty trucks.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

REPORT: 2011 Ford F-150 to share new V8 with Mustang, also get EcoBoost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang GT caught... parked

John Neff — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang are an easy thing to come by lately, as Ford has seemingly taken to driving prototypes around Detroit just for fun. We've shown you the base V6 model wearing little camo, the GT500 and even the car's interior. Now we bring you shots of the '10 Mustang GT model that were recently snapped in the parking lot of a strip mall. The shots show of all the goods, including the new front end inspired by the Giuigiaro Mustang Concept that debuted in 2006 at the LA Auto Show.

The refreshed '10 Mustang GT has a much harder job on its hands than did the 2004 model that kicked off the modern Mustang era. That car enjoyed a rear-wheel-drive muscle car segment of just one - itself - for years. The new Mustang, however, will find the Dodge Challenger and brand new Chevy Camaro waiting for it next year.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots VI

[Source: Great Lakes 4x4 via Mustang Evolution, photos by Caleb Tipton]

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang GT caught... parked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots/Video: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

John Neff — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of new 2010 Mustang GT spy shots!

We haven't seen new spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang for a while, so leave it to an Autoblog reader to have his camera at the ready when one flies by on the highway. Brandon R. took these pictures on an undisclosed road somewhere in the U.S. (that should narrow it down for you) and tells us that the driver wasn't very interested in smiling for the camera. After he realized that the car was being photographed, the Mustang jockey slammed on the brakes and promptly pulled over, but not before Brandon had taken his pics and recorded video of the Mustang showing off its passing power.

It's all speculation as to what's powering this prototype, but it appears to be a GT model if wheel size and two grille-mounted fog lamps are any indication. Out back are dual exhaust pipes and what must be a rear spoiler all covered up, as well. The hood features a big bulge, but don't get too excited as we surmise it's not to make room for some monster engine but rather keep the contour of the new hood a secret. Studying the front end, we also get a clearer view of the Mustang's new headlights as well as the lower air intake. All in all, Brandon did an excellent job in his impromptu debut as a spy photographer/videographer and we hope he spends more time with the cruise control on and his camera riding shotgun. Thanks for the photos and video, Brandon!

Don't forget to check out Brandon's video after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots IV

Continue reading Spy Shots/Video: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Spy Shots/Video: 2010 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang GT caught again

John Neff — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford

click above for more spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Spy photographers may have lost a money-maker when Bob Lutz decreed that all Camaro prototypes must be stripped of their camouflage, but don't worry about these optical argonauts just yet because Ford is still trying to keep a lid on its refreshed 2010 Ford Mustang. Apparently, however, the automaker isn't doing that well a job, as Brenda Priddy & Co. has snapped new shots of a heavily camouflaged blue Mustang GT prototype on city streets. As we reported earlier, the 2010 Mustang GT will get front and rear fascias to help it compete with the upcoming Camaro and Dodge Challenger. We have a close up of the Mustang's new nose now in which the new headlights and some of the grille and lower air intakes are visible. Despite Ford's best attempt to keep the new Mustang a secret, we have little doubt that spy photographers will catch it sans camo sometime soon.

[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots II

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang GT caught again originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang coupe caught!

John Neff — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford

click above for more spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Spy shots of the production 2009 Chevy Camaro and 2010 Ford Mustang GT in the same day? It's like these two pony cars have started competing for mindshare before a single one's been built. All the better for us, however, as in addition to the Camaro testers that were just caught on camera, we also get to glimpse the new Mustang GT that will arrive a year after the new bow tie brawler. Ford is playing it smart and will steal some of the Camaro's (and Dodge Challenger's) limelight with this mid-cycle enhancement when it appears in late 2009 as a 2010 model. From these spy shots, however, we can see that the changes are more than a nip/tuck. The 2010 Mustang will sport all-new front and rear fascias, so expect new headlights, a new grille, new taillights, etc. In fact, from what we can see of the high-tech looking headlights on this tester, it appears that the front-end will be carrying design cues from the Guigiaro Mustang Concept, which is a good thing. Check out more angles of the car in our gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments.

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots

Gallery: Giugiaro Mustang at NAIAS 2007

Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang coupe caught! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford scaling back production of V8 Mustang

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Ford

Prior to the introduction of the new-for-2004 Mustang, Ford sold about 70-percent of its pony cars with V6s, while the remaining 30-percent came with V8s. That figure shifted when the retro coupe went on sale in late '03 and Ford was forced to bump up the output of its V8-equipped models to keep up with demand.

Over the last few years, 52-percent of 'Stangs came with the 4.6-liter V8, but rising fuel prices and the fact that enthusiasts bought early has brought that number back down to 45-percent, so Ford will be reducing the number of 2008 Mustangs it builds with a V8.

We're sure the excessive amount of special edition models helped fuel the initial fire for the V8, and we expect the eight cylinder engine to comprise over 50-percent of sales once again when a refreshened Mustang hits the market before the end of the decade. That said, we recall that Ford's newish 3.5L V6 is suited to rear-wheel-drive, and expect that engine or a version of it, coupled with a six-speed automatic, to land in the Mustang's engine bay eventually. After all, Ford promised that the 3.5L V6 would power 1 in 5 of its models by 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford scaling back production of V8 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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