Autoblog

Auction Action: Steve Saleen's pre-pro Ford GT up for grabs in Monterey

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Celebrities

Steve Saleen's Ford GT Prototype - Click above for image gallery

Steve Saleen has apparently gotten it in his mind to auction off his personal Ford GT. While we're not exactly ones to go all star-crossed over a vehicle's ownership history, this particular car is more than a plain vanilla GT with Saleen's name on the title. In fact, the car was never titled at all because it's the fifth of nine prototype vehicles built before GT production got off of the ground in 2005. The car started life dipped in yellow, but received the blue on white treatment at some later point in history.

If the paint doesn't do anything for you, the fact that the car reportedly wears a hand-built twin-screw supercharger should. Supposedly, Saleen's GT was the only of the nine prototypes to receive the blessing of forced induction. The car currently has 4,000 miles on the odometer thanks to a lengthy stint in PR and a few movie appearances in the likes of The Fast and the Furious and Rocky Balboa - that's got to be worth something, right?

If Saleen's supercar sounds like something you wouldn't mind sticking in the garage, you'll need to check out the Russo and Steele auction at Monterey this weekend.

Gallery: Steve Saleen's Ford GT Prototype

[Source: Russo and Steele via Automobile]

Auction Action: Steve Saleen's pre-pro Ford GT up for grabs in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

A little over a month ago, I got a call from Jonny. Something was up. He was excited and anxious, and before the words "MacKenzie offered me a job, and I've accepted" came out of his mouth, I knew he was off to greener pastures.

I'm proud of a lot of things at Autoblog, but getting Dr. Lieberman on board is near the top of that list. And now he's gone, taking the Senior Editor position at Motor Trend after the buff book's editor-in-chief called and said, "We need to talk." Plenty of people have moved on from Autoblog over the years, but given Jonny's penchant for prose and never-say-die attitude, we asked him to pen a farewell letter before heading off to do some ludicrous comparison test for MT. You'll be missed, sir, so the floor is yours... one last time.

Damon Lavrinc - Senior Editor

Working at Autoblog has been one of the best experiences of my car-writing career. As you may or may not know, if there's a website about cars, odds are it's hoisted my byline at some point. From The Truth About Cars to Jalopnik to Clunkbucket and most points in between, I've cranked out some auto-centric virtual ink nearly everywhere. But Autoblog was the feather in my digital cap. No car website commands more respect, is more widely read or opens as many doors. And yeah, a pretty big door just got opened for me.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful men behind the screen. I've worked at some sites filled with mega-friendly people that weren't capable of pouring piss from a boot. Other places were hyper-competent and staffed almost totally with assholes. Autoblog combined near-ruthless professionalism with the kind of positive working environment you only dream about in any job. It really is a wonderful operation, one that sent me Japanese whiskey as a wedding gift. Thanks to Damon Lavrinc for always being in my corner and John Neff for not only giving me the chance, but for running such a tight ship. I'd like to thank especially Drew Phillips, "my photographer," for putting up with my right foot on all those canyon runs.

But of course, it's not all roses and sunshine. There are quite a few things I regret. In true Butthole Surfers fashion, allow me to quote, "Well son, the funny thing about regret is, it's better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you haven't done." Sadly, while there's nothing I regret doing at Autoblog (well, maybe SEMA), there's a whole slew of things I regret not doing. With that in mind, here's a small list of stuff that for one reason (lazy!) or another (extra lazy!) I never got around to sharing. Read on...

Continue reading Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog

Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Ford

BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans - Click above for image gallery

Artist Jeff Koons' special paint scheme is now the only thing that makes the #79 BMW M3 GT2 Art Car look like it's moving. Just after starting the sixth hour of the 24 hours of Le Mans, the BMW was crawling around the track for the third time. Andy Priaulx pulled off the course onto the grass and began swerving back and forth as though he was out of fuel. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as the M3 rolled to a stop for good. The marshals pushed the car behind the guardrail and Priaulx set off on foot for the pits.

Meanwhile in GT1, the all-female team of Natacha Gachnang, Cyndie Allemann and Rahel Frey have finished their race in the #61 Ford GT as well. At about the same time the BMW Art Car gave up the ghost, Gachnang pulled over right in front of the marshal's stand at the Mulsanne corner with thick smoke pouring out of the Ford. Gachnang, who has been limping on crutches all week, was able to crawl out of the car just as the marshals arrived with fire extinguishers. At this point, we haven't heard the cause of the fire.

Gallery: BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans

[Source: Speed]

BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari 250 GTO and Ford GT40 (sorta) reunited in Malibu

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos, Ford, Ferrari

Ferrari and Ford retro supercars on The Smoking Tire - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Any racing fan nut, automotive enthusiast or classic car nut worth his driving mocs knows the story of the Ford GT40. In the early 1960s Ferrari was on a six-time winning streak at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That's when Henry Ford II initiated proceedings to take over the Maranello sportscar-maker and racing team.

As the story goes, though, the notoriously intractable Enzo Ferrari didn't like the terms and canceled the deal at the 11th hour. Ford was left holding his hat and out of spite commissioned the GT40 with the explicit aim of knocking his Italian counterpart off his high (prancing) horse. The result was that, with the GT40, Ford won Le Mans four times in a row.

Now the Ferrari 250 GTO wasn't one of the cars that won at Le Mans during Ferrari's six-year reign. It was busy winning other categories during the same period. But that's alright, because the car in the video after the jump isn't a real GTO anyway. It is a real Ferrari, though: a 365 GTB/4 Daytona rebodied to look like a GTO. And it's not facing off against a GT40 either - that's actually the modern tribute, the 2005 Ford GT.

Do either of those facts mitigate the sight of seeing these cars take to the mountain roads outside Malibu, California? Hardly. But don't take our word for it, follow the jump to watch the video for yourself and see Matt Farrah of The Smoking Tire take the joyride of his life.

[Source: The Smoking Tire via RideLust]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari 250 GTO and Ford GT40 (sorta) reunited in Malibu

Video: Ferrari 250 GTO and Ford GT40 (sorta) reunited in Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2005 Ford GTX1 prototype

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Videos, Ford

Ford GTX1 Prototype - Click above for image gallery

The Ford GTX1 Prototype - as in, the car claimed to be the first GTX1 built - in its blemish-free debut color, Valencia Orange with Tungsten stripes, is being offered for sale on eBay. This car was to become a limited-run evolution of the Ford GT built by the Gennadi Design Group, the same folks who built the prototype. Gennadi planned to build 600: one hundred SEMA show cars, five hundred customer cars. That didn't happen, and only 100 ever made it to the road.

According to the seller, this very first GTX1 was created from the second Ford GT built in 2005, sold to Gennadi, who built it, and Gennadi sold it to its current owner in Atlanta. Recent dyno results paint a picture with 626 horsepower and 585 foot-pounds of torque at the rear wheels, which should keep you in the game even five years on.

At the time of writing, there are no takers on the opening bid stands at $300,000. If your well heeled fancy is being tickled, though, you can save yourself some time and click on the Buy It Now price of $525,000. Those not in the market can have less expensive fun in the gallery of high-res photos below, as well as the video after the jump in which one Jeremy Clarkson flogs this exact car (ProTip: fast-forward to 3:30). Top tip, Kip!

Gallery: Ford GTX1 Prototype #1

[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 2005 Ford GTX1 prototype

eBay Find of the Day: 2005 Ford GTX1 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Natacha Gachnang eyes Le Mans for post-crash return [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 16 May 2010 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety, Videos

Natacha Gachnang - Click above to watch her GT1 crash at Abu Dhabi after the jump

When we first spoke of Natacha Gachnang, she was racing in the nascent Formula Two series. This year, however, she's driving the Matech Ford GT in the FIA GT1 World Championship. Unfortunately, she was sidelined during the opening round at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit after following a crash that broke her right leg in two places. By the closing laps, the Ford was leaking brake fluid, forcing Gachnang to compensate by applying extra pedal pressure. Heading into turn 8 at the end of the straight, her foot slipped and hit the accelerator instead, sending the car into the safety barrier at around 160 miles per hour.

Gachnang was rushed to nearby Sheikh Khalifa Hospital, where she's been recuperating from the double compound fracture, biding her time until she can put enough weight on the leg to drive again. She's hoping for a June return, just in time for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, Matech's tentatively pulled its Ford GT from the grid until it can figure out what caused the fluid leak in the first place. Gachnang's crash at Abu Dhabi was caught on tape and is available after the jump.

Gallery: Natacha Gachnang

[Source: FIA GT1 World Championship]

Continue reading Natacha Gachnang eyes Le Mans for post-crash return [w/video]

Natacha Gachnang eyes Le Mans for post-crash return [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 May 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Maserati, Racing

Maserati MC12 GT1 - Click above to enlarge

While GT1 cars have faded away from the American Le Mans Series, they're still running strong in other parts of the world. The 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship kicks off a 10-race series this weekend in Abu Dhabi with two dozen cars signed up, including a quartet of Maserati MC12s. The Maseratis are the defending GT1 champions and this year's new series will see them challenged by Ford GTs, Nissan GT-Rs, Lamborghini Murcielagos, Aston Martin DB9s and ex-works Chevy Corvettes.

The format for this year's events has been changed from a single two-hour race to a pair of one-hour sprints. Four events will be held outside Europe, including this weekend's races and December's season finale in Argentina.

[Source: Maserati, FIA]

Continue reading 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s

2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Ford, Racing

2010 FIA GT1 Matech Competition Ford GT - Click above for video after the jump

It wasn't that long ago that Ford was selling a genuine supercar, one that made no excuses as it took on the world's best. The Ford GT had one foot in the past and one foot in the present, with its '60s GT40 good looks and somewhat more modern 5.4-liter supercharged V8. Altogether, some 4,000 or so GTs were built during its production run. Sadly that program ground to a halt in 2006 and nothing has come along from the Blue Oval to replace it. Still, the GT lived on as a great platform for tuners and racers.

One race team that has grown particularly fond of the GT is Matech Competition, and the Swiss team has already raced it to championships in FIA GT3 racing in Europe. The retro roadcar was never intended for racing, but like its forebearer, it is once again hunting Ferrari and Porsche racers on Europe's most famous tracks. After successes in GT3, the GT has shown it might be ready to move up in class. While the small independent Robertson Racing has run a GT in the GT2 class of ALMS for a few seasons with mixed results, it's Matech once again that will take on the next challenge - GT1.

For 2010, Matech has developed their GT1 version of the car that builds on lessons learned during the 2009 campaign when the team ran a prototype in the same class. Although similar in overall looks, Matech tells us that the two cars share no parts whatsoever. With an all-new formula for 2010, that's not very surprising, but 2009 was a development year for the teams. After the jump you can read the press release regarding the car's initial outing, and better yet, there's a video of it in action. The clip is painfully short but will give you goosebumps when the car sprints away. Besides its wonderfully melodic tone, the car looks plain badass, definitely up to the challenge being brought by GT1 competitors like the Nissan GT-R, Reiter's Murcielagos, Aston Martin DBR9s, Maserati MC12s, and our local boys the Chevrolet Corvettes. No wonder the clip is titled "Matech Symphony No.1." Top tip, Johannes!

[Source: Matech Competition]

Continue reading Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil

Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geiger continues excessive use of bright paint, boost with 790-horsepower Ford GT

Drew Phillips — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Geiger Ford GT HP790 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Geiger, the German tuner with a fascination with American performance cars, generally produces modified vehicles in not-so-subtle and "look at me!" variations. This Ford GT encompasses both varietys, with plenty of performance upgrades to boot. Geiger has previously modified the Blue Oval's retro supercar and ended up with impressive results - 701 horsepower, 617 lb-ft torque, and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

This latest version takes it one step further, and the 5.4-liter V8 now produces 790 horsepower and 637 lb-ft torque thanks to a larger 4.0-liter supercharger that replaces the stock 2.3-liter unit as well as a larger throttle body and a new air filter. Geiger claims the same 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds, probably limited by traction, but top speed has been stretched to 223 mph. Hit the jump for more details on this lime green beast and browse through the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Geiger Ford GT HP790

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

Continue reading Geiger continues excessive use of bright paint, boost with 790-horsepower Ford GT

Geiger continues excessive use of bright paint, boost with 790-horsepower Ford GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo for PSP - click above image to watch the video

In terms of tracks, we'd guess that while the Nürburgring gets the most press, Laguna Seca is number two. And with good reason, as Mazda's Raceway is fast, technical, beautiful and challenging. Plus, because the famed track's in Caramel, California, you get gorgeous, picture postcard weather for ten months of the year. If not more. Then, of course, there's the famous Corkscrew, and all of the hijinks that it ensures.

So large is Laguna's legend that Sony is now using to the track to sell its newly PSP ported version of Gran Turismo, the ever popular racing game. And as far as commercials go, this is one of the few we wish were a few minutes longer. The 'vert takes place on track at Laguna Seca where a Corvette ZR1 is chasing down a Ford GT and Nissan GT-R. And is that Tanner Foust? We think it is. Also, bonus points for whoever can identify the car the Blue Devil passes at the very beginning. Okay, we've stalled long enough. Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research

Noah Joseph — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Ford

Ford GT National Rally II - Click above for high-res image gallery

Still grumbling over having missed the chance at buying a Ford GT when it was still in production? Well, if you've got the cash on hand, there are probably dozens of examples up for sale by owners who need the liquid assets more than they need the retro supercar. But few are as enticing at what Ford and RM Auctions have going on this August.

At both the Meadow Brook and Monterey concours the month after next, RM will be auctioning off an early VIN example to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The sixth example produced, decked out in red with white stripes, will be on offer at Meadow Brook, with the seventh Ford GT, in white with blue stripes, up for grabs in Monterey. Each is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $200,000 for the medical research endowment, so if getting your hands on Motown's hottest piece of machinery in decades wasn't cause enough, altruism ought to do the trick. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ford GT National Rally II

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research

RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Exotic runway dancers prove that even now, the rich still have more fun

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Click above to watch video after the jump

If you own a Lamborghini Gallardo or a Ford GT for the sole purpose of being seen around town, it's a real shame. We fail to see why 500 hp is necessary to traverse traffic on the way to the country club, yet we know from experience that being seen in a supercar doesn't suck. Even still, the real fun is found when you're driving the machine... hard.

Back in February, a group of well-to-do car enthusiasts got together in Miami to appreciate their exotics for what they really are: fire-breathing track stars. Follow the jump to see a two-minute video of some of the world's best and fastest supercars as they take to airport runways. If you're a fan of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Corvettes, the Ford GT or the Saleen S7, you'll see something you love going very fast. Putting 40 or 50 exotics in one video is usually enough reason to get us to watch, but the sounds from the exhausts prompted us to take a second look.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Exotic runway dancers prove that even now, the rich still have more fun

VIDEO: Exotic runway dancers prove that even now, the rich still have more fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford GT designer, Camilo Pardo, leaving the Blue Oval

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Supercars, Ford

AutoWeek is confirming rumors that Ford GT designer, Camilo Pardo, is parting ways with Ford after a 24-year relationship. While no details were disclosed, Pardo confirmed he is leaving the Blue Oval and said the specifics are still being ironed out. Pardo is probably best known for designing the GT40 concept car which spawned the production Ford GT.

While employed at Ford's advance design studio, Pardo also worked on the Thunderbird and the Lincoln LS among other things. It's rumored that he hasn't done much vehicle design work for Ford recently, being relegated to smaller tasks such as side view mirror shaping. Such a pity, although we have no doubt that this talented artist and designer will land on his feet in short order. We had a brief meeting with Camilo during last year's Ford GT National Rally II and you can scope out the images from that day in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ford GT National Rally II

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Ford GT designer, Camilo Pardo, leaving the Blue Oval originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matech clinches FIA GT3 title with Ford GT, developing GT1 contender

Drew Phillips — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Matech Ford GT racecar

A big part of us dearly wanted the Blue Oval to have a factory race program for the Ford GT. Visions of four straight Le Mans victories danced in our heads, and we're sure Corvette Racing would love to have competed against someone besides themselves the past few years in ALMS. Alas, production of the GT supercar ended near the end of 2006 without so much as a single competitive lap. In the past couple years, however, a few privateer teams have tried their hands, including the Black Swan Racing and Falken, which ran in ALMS this past season. While neither had much success taking on Porsche and Ferrari in GT2, Matech Racing's three-car program dominated the European FIA GT3 by winning more than half the races and capturing the team championship in only its second year. Building on that success, Matech has announced plans to move up to GT1 next year with an upgraded version of the Ford GT race car. Hit the jump for the press release and enjoy the high-res images from Matech's 2008 season in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Thomas!

Gallery: Matech Racing Ford GT

[Source: FIA GT3]

Continue reading Matech clinches FIA GT3 title with Ford GT, developing GT1 contender

Matech clinches FIA GT3 title with Ford GT, developing GT1 contender originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heffner Performance unleashes Camilo Pardo Edition Ford GT

Drew Phillips — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Heffner Camilo Pardo Edition Ford GT

We've become familiar with Jason Heffner's creations over the past few years, from his insanely powerful Lamborghini Gallardos to mindblowingly fast Ford GTs. For his latest project, Heffner has teamed up with Ford GT chief designer Camilo Pardo for a special edition version of the car that looks as good as it is fast. Visually, the American supercar gets a racing inspired paint scheme and graphics, flat black BBS wheels and a new rear bumper from Classic Design Concepts. Inside, the car gets a chrome shift ball, wide-shaft shifter and aluminum seat grommets. Under the bonnet, the GT is blessed with Heffner's twin-turbo treatment as well as a Camilo-designed billet aluminum intake and black valve covers. Horsepower is rated at north of 900 and the car is capable of topping 200 mph in under 20 seconds while passing through the 1/4 mile at over 150 mph. There's a press release after the jump with more details and high-res photos in the gallery below over which you have our permission to ogle.

Gallery: Heffner Camilo Pardo Edition Ford GT

[Source: FordGTForum.com]

Continue reading Heffner Performance unleashes Camilo Pardo Edition Ford GT

Heffner Performance unleashes Camilo Pardo Edition Ford GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Hennessey shows a pair of turbocharged Ford GTs

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Supercars, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Hennessey Ford GTs

Hennessey is perhaps more closely associated with Dodge Vipers to most people, but they also do work on Ford's late, great supercar, the Ford GT, too. What Hennessey does with the GT is sort of up to you. One option they can do is a swap, wherein the factory supercharger is removed and a pair of turbos are fitted. With additional modifications, that car can reach more than 235 mph. If it strikes you as a sacrilegious thing to do to a rare factory-supercharged car, you can keep your blower and simply add the twin turbos as well. They call that one the Ford GT1000 for the metric tonne of horsepower it produces. It can squirt from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds and cover the quarter in 10.6 on its way past 240 mph. The company had one of each on hand at SEMA this year in front of the duPont Registry trailer. Decisions, decisions. We'll take one of each.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Hennessey Ford GTs

SEMA 2008: Hennessey shows a pair of turbocharged Ford GTs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steven Millen and his Ford GT ready to run in Dunlop Targa Rally

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Supercars, Ford

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Stillen Ford GT

A little over two years ago we had the chance to spend some time at the track with Steve Millen and his race-prepped Ford GT before the team embarked on its fifth excursion to New Zealand to run in the Targa Rally.

Last year, the team wasn't able to compete due to health issues with a member of the Stillen consortium, but this year they're back and the orange GT is meaner than ever.

For the 2006 campaign, Stillen built up the Ford GT in a few months, equipping the mid-engine supercar with a performance exhaust, catalytic converter delete pipes, AP Racing front brakes, Penske shocks, a full cage and MOMO racing seats and harnesses. This year, they've tweaked the suspension, upgraded the brakes front and rear, added a set of Nordskog gauges and a GPS speedometer, along with pulling a few more ponies out of the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 and sending the additional grunt through an AP Racing clutch and a lower final drive ratio.

The Stillen Ford GT will battle it with everything from Evos to Porsches over 38 stages run on closed public roads, and according to Millen's navigator, they'll be providing updates throughout the race.

Check out the Stillen website for more, and be sure to peruse both our original gallery of the GT testing at Willow Springs and these latest images, courtesy of Stillen.

Gallery: Stillen Ford GT

Gallery: Stillen Ford GT '08 Prep

Steven Millen and his Ford GT ready to run in Dunlop Targa Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford delays 340-hp Fusion GT to 2012

John Neff — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Ford

Motor Trend is reporting in its October 2008 issue that Ford has decided to delay the Fusion GT, an EcoBoost-powered super sedan producing upwards of 340 horsepower. The original plan was to have the GT model arrive at the tail end of the current Fusion's product cycle as a low-volume, super niche send off to the successful mid-sizer before it merges with the European EUCD platform that underpins the Mondeo. The problem is that Ford is planning a big roll-out for EcoBoost engines across its brands and there may not be enough to spare for the Fusion GT. MT is now saying that the Fusion GT will debut around 2012 after the next-generation sedan debuts on the European platform and the automaker's ability to pump out turbocharged, direct-inject engines is up to speed. The good news is that the spiritual successor to the Taurus SHO has not been cancelled altogether, and by 2012 we should be able to drive it.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford delays 340-hp Fusion GT to 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Steve Saleen's pre-production Ford GT

Drew Phillips — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of Saleen's pre-pro Ford GT

The Ford GT went from concept to production in record time thanks to companies like ROUSH and Saleen that have niche manufacturing capabilities. Saleen handled the assembly of the GT in its 200,000-sq ft facility in Troy, MI, and whether it was part of the deal or just a thank you from Ford, Steve Saleen ended up owning a pre-production Ford GT, one of only nine built. There are some differences from the production version, including a 4.6-liter Mustang Cobra V8 that has been bored out to 5.4-liters, as well as a unique supercharger system made specifically for the car. The bad news is that its pre-production status means it can't be registered as a street legal vehicle, so this Ford GT will most likely be relegated to a collector's garage.

Gallery: Steve Saleen's Pre-Production Ford GT

[Soure: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Steve Saleen's pre-production Ford GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The one thing your Ford GT is missing...

Drew Phillips — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Supercars, Ford

On the long road from concept to production, some details inevitably fall off of show cars. We always hope the details that make a a concept a show-stopper carry over after the suits give the green light, and when we're talking about a six-figure halo supercar, we're usually not terribly disappointed. Case in point is the Ford GT, which managed the transition from concept to reality without losing much along the way at all.

In one (relatively minor) concession to reality, however, those deliciously retro little aluminum rings that adorned the bucket seats were axed (see right). Authenticity-fetishists who happen to own a Ford GT can rejoice as Canadian aftermarket firm ExotiCARe has come out with a simple solution. Their easy-to-install kit includes 50 anodized aluminum seat rings to give your Ford GT that fresh-off-the-show-stand retro look. You can order a set for $265 off their website, just follow the link. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: ExotiCARe]

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