Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2014 Ford Mustang GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



I was more than a year removed from my last experience with the Mustang GT and its delicious 5.0 V8 when this new 2014 example rolled up to my driveway recently. Good weather and a planned road trip across the state meant that I would get plenty of seat time in this conservatively specified example, too. In total, I logged about 400 miles in a week of driving - not a lot for some of you super commuters out there, but quite a lot for this work-from-home journalist.

The basic formula of the 5.0 has stayed the same for 2014. The 2013 model year saw a number of updates to keep the Mustang fresh until it's replaced with an all-new generation for 2015. So, for its bon voyage tour, the fifth-generation Pony Car has seen only a few modifications: a couple of new paint colors (Oxford White and Ruby Red Metallic), trim and wheel revisions and, sadly, the deletion of the Boss 302 from the Ford lineup. However, while the limited-edition Boss is likely to reappear sometime after the gen-six Mustang makes its debut in 2015, the GT Track Package cars like the one I tested provide at least a partial solution for those looking for hot laps.

Driving Notes
  • The 5.0 V8 never gets old. 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque are delivered with satisfying linearity, as the Coyote motor spins up to redline far quicker than you'd expect for an engine of this displacement. Sonically rich, with just a hint of a hard edge to the exhaust over 5,000 rpm and a satisfyingly lazy rumble at idle, the soundtrack is pure enthusiast driving pleasure at most speeds. Oh yeah... on the first day I had the car I was reminded that the 5.0 Mustang is fast as all hell, too. Don't let its ubiquity fool you, this is a serious performance machine.
  • The six-speed manual trans is quite substantial, with a positive, metallic click heard when shifting through the range. The gates are nicely spaced and the throws short. I generally enjoy using this beefy gearbox, though when trying for really fast changes - especially downshifts - a lighter, more accurate action would be appreciated. Clutch action is pretty low effort and progressive, and with so much torque that it's simple to get the GT moving - gently or in a cloud of smoke as your taste and situation dictate.
  • As I mentioned, the Mustang I drove was equipped with Ford's excellent GT Track Package. For $2,450, the track pack feels like an excellent value for weekend racers or drivers that might want to upgrade their GT substantially down the road. The options group contains a little bit of what made the Boss 302 cool, in a Bossless model year. (Automobile web editor Evan McCausland quipped to me that the test car I had was, "more of an assistant manager" than a Boss, which is about right.) The most noticeable equipment you'll get if you spec your Stang this way are the larger Brembo brakes and the Torsen helical diff with its more aggressive 3.73:1 rear axle. In a week filled with random quick corners and side-trips to back roads, I can attest that all make the GT feel a lot more sports car-like than less-endowed base GTs. For actual track work, the package's upgraded radiator (from the Boss 302) and engine oil cooler should help keep internals cool, as well.
  • Not part of the track pack, my car also had optional ($1,595) Recaro cloth racing seats. A far cry from the fully stuffed leather chairs I'm used to seeing in media-fleet Mustangs, I ended up falling in love with these Recaros. The fabric they're trimmed with is simple without looking downmarket, and the bolsters help them grip the driver firmly without squeezing too hard at the hips. Even my XL frame was a good fit. I'll admit that after about 150 miles, I was feeling the frame dig into my thighs a little bit - these probably aren't the best road trip seats - but for everyday driving or canyon road bombing, they're superb.
  • On that same road trip, I should mention that I had no trouble hitting the EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon on the highway... if I set the cruise right around 70 miles per hour. At a more normal (for me) 75 or 80 mph, the econ drops to about 21 on the interstate. In town I was seeing roughly 11 mpg, though admittedly I was keeping the revs high quite a lot to better hear the exhaust. I think the 17 mph city estimate is doable, if you're willing to blandly shift up into fourth a lot.
  • Outside of the great seats, this interior is starting to feel pretty dated. With no navigation screen especially, there's no end to the gray and black plastic you seen in front of you. Accessing SYNC via the standard radio's buttons and knobs is an atrocious way to navigate your digitally stored music, and the voice commands feel utterly unwieldy compared to newer systems like Cadillac CUE. (Dan Roth's, Chris Paukert's and Consumer Reports' protestations to the contrary, CUE feels positively visionary after a week with this low-end, touchscreen-less SYNC.) Both iPhones and iPods were randomly spurned as "not recognized" devices; even after working the time before. And even when I could get my music to play, the sound system managed to sound both underpowered and badly voiced. It's a good thing the V8 soundtrack doesn't get old.

2014 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustang2014 ford mustang gtfordford mustangford mustang gtquick spinFri, 17 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571331/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/20571331/article-detail.xml 20571331 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-2014-ford-mustang-gt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-2014-ford-mustang-gt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Now With More EcoBoost



There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

For the second time in my life, I'm staring at an engine in the back of a truck with no concept of how to get it safely into the garage by my lonesome. The first time this happened, I dragged home a $300 International 345 V8 in the back of my Scout Terra only to discover that the bounds of my manliness terminated well before my ability to muscle that 800-pound cast iron block out of the pickup bed.

Now you know the story of how and why I bought my first engine puller.

Some six years later I'm playing out the same dance, though a Ford F-250 has stolen the Scout's starring role, and there's a towering pallet of thick cardboard boxes in place of the old International mill. It's not that the boxes are particularly heavy. They're just stacked too high to get in the garage. Each one is emblazoned with a massive Ford Racing Performance Parts logo and wrapped in enough plastic to keep both prying fingers and the persistent rain at bay. Good thing, too. There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

Project Ugly Horse is an ongoing series. Need to catch up? You can find the previous articles here.

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustangecoboostecoboost fox body mustangecoboost mustangfeaturedfocusfocus stfordford focus stford mustangproject ugly horseugly horseFri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/20570764/article-detail.xml 20570764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Just a few months ago, fan safety at racetracks was a hot topic following the last-lap NASCAR Nationwide Series crash at Daytona that sent large pieces of racecars into the grandstands injuring 33 fans. Now, a freak incident at a National Hot Rod Association event resulted in a drag racer's bodywork flying into the crowd at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte over the weekend. The carbon-fiber body of Robert Hight's Ford Mustang funny car blew off toward the end of a run when his engine exploded, but fortunately, the two fans evaluated after the incident were later released without serious injury.

As you can see in the image above, the body flew high into the air before landing on a walkway in front of the grandstands, a bit of happenstance that likely gave most fans enough time and space to move out of the way. Scroll down to watch a couple of videos showing what happened, including one from a fan's perspective that also reveals what appears to be part of the body's metal bracing landing dangerously close to the crowd.

Continue reading Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd

Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racingfailfan safetyfordford mustangfunny carnational hot rod associationnhranhra four-wide nationalsrobert hightvideoTue, 23 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/20547503/article-detail.xml 20547503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/robert-high-nhra-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/robert-high-nhra-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Ford celebrates 1 millionth Mustang built at Flat Rock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/ford-celebrates-1-millionth-mustang-built-at-flat-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/ford-celebrates-1-millionth-mustang-built-at-flat-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/ford-celebrates-1-millionth-mustang-built-at-flat-rock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Yesterday, the Ford Mustang turned 49 years old, and Ford didn't miss the opportunity to celebrate the one millionth version of the Mustang rolling off the assembly line at the Flat Rock Assembly plant. Production of the Mustang at Flat Rock coincided with the fifth-generation design launching in 2004, and the one millionth car was the car shown above, a 2014 GT convertible painted in Ruby Red.

In total, Ford has sold more than 8.5 million Mustangs since the original car went on sale, but some of the key milestones over the car's nine years at Flat Rock include the Shelby GT-H, Bullitt, Boss 302 and, of course, the 662-horsepower Shelby GT500. Scroll down for a press release celebrating Flat Rock's milestone Mustang.

Continue reading Ford celebrates 1 millionth Mustang built at Flat Rock

Ford celebrates 1 millionth Mustang built at Flat Rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustangflat rock assemblyfordford mustangone millionth ford mustangThu, 18 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20543898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/ford-celebrates-1-millionth-mustang-built-at-flat-rock/20543898/article-detail.xml 20543898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/millionth-ford-mustang_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/millionth-ford-mustang.jpg <![CDATA[First Ford Mustang prototype shots caught by legendary spy shooter Jim Dunne]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/first-ford-mustang-prototype-shots-caught-by-legendary-spyshoote/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/first-ford-mustang-prototype-shots-caught-by-legendary-spyshoote/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/first-ford-mustang-prototype-shots-caught-by-legendary-spyshoote/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Ford Mustang prototype - heavily camouflaged - rear three-quarter view

You know how people refer to someone as having "been around the block" to mean they're very experienced? Well, when it comes to automotive spy photography, Jim Dunne actually laid down the concrete slabs of the block's sidewalk. The unforgettable Dunne more or less invented the car spy game - a fact he cemented by writing book called Car Spy - and has been delivering spy shots and reporting on the industry for some 45 years now. (He also once employed this writer as his impromptu personal chauffer on a Volkswagen trip in Germany, while he slept, but that's a story for a different time.)

In any event, Dunne must be on a mission to prove that "elder statesman" doesn't also mean "washed up" as it is his shots of the upcoming new 2015 Ford Mustang that we've been handed by our friends at KGP Photography.

Mr. Dunne has likely spent the last few years obtaining powerful telescopic lenses, as the Ford in question has clearly been photographed from some distance. Nevertheless, what you see here is visual evidence that the sixth-generation Mustang has moved beyond the mule stage, and is now testing in proper prototype form. Sources indicate that there are production-spec body panels under that baggy canvass dress; but the slightly less bulky silhouette of the new car can be just made out. While the car's bumpers have been removed to obfuscate things, we can tell by way of the camo's apertures that the car's taillights have moved upwards and towards the lip of the tail. A fender vent appears to be visible, too, just behind the front wheel.

Have a closer look at this brief set of images - from and American classic and of an American classic - in the attached gallery. See anything notable in the first look at the new Mustang? Let us in on it, in comments, below.

First Ford Mustang prototype shots caught by legendary spy shooter Jim Dunne originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustangfordford mustangjim dunnekgp photographynew mustangsixth-gen mustangspy shotsFri, 12 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/first-ford-mustang-prototype-shots-caught-by-legendary-spyshoote/20538975/article-detail.xml 20538975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-mustang-prototype-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-mustang-prototype-628.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VII]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Devils, Details and Weight Reduction

Ford Racing Aluminum Driveshaft

There are many things I could call this exercise. A party is not one of them.

I've spent three days crammed in the axle well of this 1989 Mustang with nothing to keep me company beyond a trouble light, a DeWalt drill on the very last of its legs and billion razor sharp, red hot slivers of metal with an affinity for my most sensitive of regions. My joints are raw from crawling around on the concrete. I'm half deaf from the shriek of the spot weld cutter and the boom of the cold chisel and hammer.

There are many things I could call this exercise. A party is not one of them. You see, after test-fitting the independent rear suspension from a 2004 Mustang Cobra into the old Fox Body I was left with the really challenging portion of the install: the details.

Technically, I could have simply plumbed some brake lines, said, "screw the emergency brake," dropped in a driveshaft and rolled, but I want this car to function in all the ways a road machine should, while still being able turn a decent lap on a road course. Combine that desire with a compulsion to scrape every ounce of unnecessary weight from the Mustang, and the result is me doing my best impression of a hammer-wielding Quasimodo, contorted into the void where the rear suspension should be.

Need to catch up on Project Ugly Horse? Take a look at the earlier posts here!

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustangautoblog project ugly horseautoblog ugly horsefeaturedfordford mustangugly horseugly horse mustangFri, 12 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537842/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/project-ugly-horse-part-vii/20537842/article-detail.xml 20537842 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/driveshaft-628-1365714962_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/driveshaft-628-1365714962.jpg <![CDATA[Ford unveils Mustang 50th anniversary logo, plans merchandise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/ford-unveils-mustang-50th-anniversary-logo-plans-merchandise/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/ford-unveils-mustang-50th-anniversary-logo-plans-merchandise/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/ford-unveils-mustang-50th-anniversary-logo-plans-merchandise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary logo

The Ford Mustang turns 50 years old this year, and this is the logo that will announce the milestone occasion on a special line of merchandise. The graphic is the result of an internal design competition, and Ford will give 50 different companies the license to use it on traditional logo merchandise like shirts and watches, along with some untraditional items like pinball machines.

Ford is going to begin the celebrations at this week's New York Auto Show and continue them throughout the year, but April 17 is the official birthday of the the pony car that just won't quit. You can expect to start seeing anniversary merchandise in the next couple of weeks.

Continue reading Ford unveils Mustang 50th anniversary logo, plans merchandise

Ford unveils Mustang 50th anniversary logo, plans merchandise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford mustang50th anniversaryfordford mustanglogomustang anniversaryschottschott jacketschott nycTue, 26 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20518436/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/ford-unveils-mustang-50th-anniversary-logo-plans-merchandise/20518436/article-detail.xml 20518436 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mustanganniversarylogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mustanganniversarylogo.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Shelby 1000 unleashes its 1,200 horsepower ahead of NY show reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2013-shelby-1000-unleashes-its-1-200-horsepower-ahead-of-ny-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2013-shelby-1000-unleashes-its-1-200-horsepower-ahead-of-ny-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2013-shelby-1000-unleashes-its-1-200-horsepower-ahead-of-ny-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Shelby 1000 Mustang - front three-quarter view, black

True story: Last fall, I had the opportunity to spend a week with Ford's new 2013 Shelby GT500 - the Blue Oval's factory Mustang with 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque. It's an amazing beast, to be sure. I'm not sure if it was Michigan's damp streets strewn with potholes and wet leaves, but at no point did I ever say to myself, "You know, Ford is on to a really good thing here, but what it really needs is about twice the power." And yet, for people in warmer climes with infrastructure in better nick - or for those whose muscle cars live their lives out on the track, there's apparently sufficient demand to warrant just such a beast.

Quick studies will recall that Shelby American launched its 1000 last year to commemorate its 50th anniversary, but it is returning to the New York Auto Show with a fresh version based on the 2013 GT500 I drove. The 2013 Shelby 1000 whips up 1,200 horsepower on pump gas thanks to beefed-up forced induction, engine internals and cooling. Wisely, it also incorporates an adjustable suspension and big brake package to make sure those ponies have the best chance being safely deployed to the ground.

What price the world's most powerful "production" muscle car? $154,995 for starters - donor GT500 not included. What, no convertible variant?

Continue reading 2013 Shelby 1000 unleashes its 1,200 horsepower ahead of NY show reveal

2013 Shelby 1000 unleashes its 1,200 horsepower ahead of NY show reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shelby 1000carroll shelbyfordford mustangford shelby gt500most powerful musclecarnew yorknew york 2013new york auto showshelbyshelby americanFri, 22 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514638/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/2013-shelby-1000-unleashes-its-1-200-horsepower-ahead-of-ny-show/20514638/article-detail.xml 20514638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/shelby-1000-mustang-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/shelby-1000-mustang-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ford's drag-strip-ready Mustang Cobra Jet is back for 2014, and it's sporting a few changes to make it even better - both in competition and while sitting still. Rolling off the assembly line ready for duty in the NHRA Stock or Super Stock classes, production of the 2014 Cobra Jet is limited to just 50 units.

Racing upgrades for 2014 include the addition of a new three-speed transmission and a parachute mount, and while these will make the car better in the quarter mile, the Cobra Jet's new colors will make it look better tearing down the track. Buyers can now get their racecars painted up in Gotta Have-It Green or a custom, Cobra Jet-exclusive matte black hue. Ford and Ford Racing have already teamed up to make this an incredible factory drag racer with a full rollcage, massive slicks, a race-tuned suspension setup and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Now, if only wheelie bars came standard...

Unlike the confusing third-party ordering system announced for the COPO Camaro, all you need to snatch up a 2014 Cobra Jet is $97,990 and good timing (as the cars will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis). Ordering opens up next month with production commencing in July. Check out the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount

2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustang cobra jetcobra jetdrag racingfordford mustangford mustang cobra jetFri, 22 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20512914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/20512914/article-detail.xml 20512914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-ford-mustang-cobra-jet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-ford-mustang-cobra-jet.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Solid Axle? What Solid Axle?

Independent Rear Suspension in Project Ugly Horse

I was fully prepared to embark on a seven-day journey down a rabbit hole of broken bolts, internet hearsay and consternation.

This should not have gone this easily. Having a long and checkered history of simple projects punctuated by much wailing and gnashing of knuckles, I was fully prepared to embark on a seven-day journey down a rabbit hole of broken bolts, internet hearsay and consternation when I finally decided to lay hands on the '89 Mustang with the goal of relieving the car of its stock rear axle. Instead, it took less than a full morning's worth of work to carve the old 7.5-inch solid axle from its moorings and mock up something, well, different.

You see, after my enablers friends at a local Ford Mustang salvage shop made mention of how easy it would be to plunk an independent rear suspension from a 2004 Mustang Cobra in the ass-end of my decrepit hatch, I became consumed with the notion. Sure, anyone with half a lick of sense and the synapses necessary to fire off a Google search will tell you the stock hardware can be made to handle quite well with a few modest modifications, but the IRS held a number of unique appeals. Chiefly, the conversion actually made financial sense.

Listen, you can't give me any look I haven't seen from my wife on a weekly basis for the past four years, and sheltered as I am from the glare of your skeptical eyes, I'll expound on the dollars and cents argument for gracing my $400 car with more than $900 worth of engineering.

Need to catch up on Project Ugly Horse? Catch up on all the earlier posts here!

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VI

Project Ugly Horse: Part VI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustangcobrafordford mustangfox bodymustangmustang cobraproject ugly horseugly horseThu, 21 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20512053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/project-ugly-horse-part-vi/20512053/article-detail.xml 20512053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ugly-horse-irs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ugly-horse-irs.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #324 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #324 tonight, and our friend Peter Leung (a.k.a. BaronVonClutch), who writes about racing for Richland F1 is going to teach us how to love the vroom-vroom. Drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #324

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #324 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 ford mustangautoblog podcast topicsbaron von clutchbaronvonclutchfordfour-cylinder mustanggeneva motor showmotorsportmustangpeter leungpodcastracingtopicsTue, 12 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/20499286/article-detail.xml 20499286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Americans will get a four-cylinder Ford Mustang after all? [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/09/americans-will-get-a-four-cylinder-ford-mustang-after-all-w-po/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/09/americans-will-get-a-four-cylinder-ford-mustang-after-all-w-po/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/09/americans-will-get-a-four-cylinder-ford-mustang-after-all-w-po/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Mustang emblem

Ask and you shall receive. Remember that previous report suggesting that the 2015 Ford Mustang getting a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, and that it would be sold in Europe only and not the United States? Well, according to Road & Track, the rumor is only partially true - The Mustang will get the engine, but it is indeed coming to America.

Additionally, according to RT, the 3.7-liter V6 will continue to serve as the base engine, and since it offers up a stout 305 horsepower in its current form, it's likely that the 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost will produce a bit more than that. At the top of the range, the Mustang GT will continue to soldier on with a V8 engine, which should continue to send over 400 horsepower to the rear wheels.

Finally, while we agree 100 percent with RT's heartfelt request for a paddle-shift automatic, we certainly expect that the EcoBoost 'Stang will be offered with a manual transmission as standard equipment. This is a Mustang, after all...

View Poll

Americans will get a four-cylinder Ford Mustang after all? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 ford mustangecoboostecoboost mustangecoboostmustangfordmustangmustang ecoboostmustang svoSat, 09 Mar 2013 19:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496006/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/09/americans-will-get-a-four-cylinder-ford-mustang-after-all-w-po/20496006/article-detail.xml 20496006 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ford-mustang-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ford-mustang-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mustang to get four-cylinder in Europe, but not US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/ford-mustang-to-get-four-cylinder-in-europe-but-not-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/ford-mustang-to-get-four-cylinder-in-europe-but-not-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/ford-mustang-to-get-four-cylinder-in-europe-but-not-us/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Mustang SVO

Fans of the Ford Mustang SVO, which was produced from 1884 through 1986 with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission, may be interested to know that Ford is reportedly going to introduce something similar for 2015. But don't get too excited if you live in the US, as Edmunds reports that the vehicle will be offered in Europe only. Boo!

According to the report, Ford will put a version of its EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder into the engine bay of the Mustang. The engine would be enlarged from its current 2.0 liters to 2.3 liters, taking horsepower from 252 to around 300. The well-known 5.0 V8 engine will also be available in Europe.

"The Mustang is uniquely Ford and has a huge fan base here in Europe. Now those fans have something to look forward to and we look forward to providing more details in the near future," says Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell. That's great... but why not offer buyers in the States the (likely) fuel-efficient turbo option, too?

Ford Mustang to get four-cylinder in Europe, but not US originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 ford mustangeuropeeuropean ford mustangfordford mustang europemustangmustang ecoboostmustang svoThu, 07 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20493053/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/ford-mustang-to-get-four-cylinder-in-europe-but-not-us/20493053/article-detail.xml 20493053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-mustang-svo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-mustang-svo.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this awesome R/C car chase scene made with cardboard and glue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/watch-this-awesome-r-c-car-chase-scene-made-with-cardboard-and-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/watch-this-awesome-r-c-car-chase-scene-made-with-cardboard-and-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/watch-this-awesome-r-c-car-chase-scene-made-with-cardboard-and-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It never ceases to amaze us how much video production talent you can find on YouTube, especially when considering movies like Battleship actually exist on the silver screen. It's even better, of course, when cars are involved, which is why we can't stop watching this car chase between a pair of radio controlled Ford Mustangs.

Racing through a detailed set built in the middle of a public street using just "cardboard, hot glue and spray paint," this video is possibly even greater than The Greatest R/C Car Chase Ever that we saw last year. With the exception of a fruit stand and/or a plate-glass window being carried across the street, this has all the makings of a classic cliché chase scene.

Scroll down to watch the scaled-down action ensue as well as the full-scale conclusion.

Continue reading Watch this awesome R/C car chase scene made with cardboard and glue

Watch this awesome R/C car chase scene made with cardboard and glue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chase scenefordmustangradio controlled carrc carrc car chasevideovideosyoutubeFri, 22 Feb 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473872/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/watch-this-awesome-r-c-car-chase-scene-made-with-cardboard-and-g/20473872/article-detail.xml 20473872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/rc-car-chase_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/rc-car-chase.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part V]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Slippery Slope



I've had a healthy appreciation for cars that stop since one truly unfortunate incident with a runaway 1971 Lincoln Continental.

It's funny how quickly a party can turn from, "We're all having blast" to "What happened to the front of the house, and how many stitches do you think this is going to take?" Standing in a Mustang salvage shop in Kodak, Tennessee, I couldn't help but feel I had strayed into the latter territory with Ugly Horse. There was a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 plucked from a rear-ended Cobra sitting off to my left. The shelves were lined with second-hand Roush and SVT components galore, but I couldn't stop staring at a set of rotors with the approximate diameter of my chest.

Plucked from a 2003 Mach I, the package deal included a set of five-lug hubs, 13-inch rotors and dual-piston PBR calipers for the princely sum of $300. If you're paying attention, that figure is nearly 3/4 of what I paid for my whole Mustang. Still, I've had a healthy appreciation for cars that stop since one truly unfortunate incident with a runaway 1971 Lincoln Continental 12 years ago, and the hardware that was staring me in the face should be enough to pull the freckles from my skin should I get serious with the brake pedal in the Fox. I fished three slumbering 100 dollar bills from my wallet, laid them on the counter with a wince and walked out with a set of parts that set this project down an entirely different path.

Need to catch up on Project Ugly Horse? You can check out earlier posts here!

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part V

Project Ugly Horse: Part V originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustang2003 ford mustang mach ibrakeschrysler 300featuredfive-lug conversionfordmustangproject ugly horseugly horseMon, 11 Feb 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455682/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/20455682/article-detail.xml 20455682 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/front-wheel-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/front-wheel-628.jpg <![CDATA[1968 Shelby EXP 500 fails to sell at Barrett-Jackson despite $1.8 million bid [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/1968-shelby-exp-500-fails-to-sell-at-barrett-jackson-despite-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/1968-shelby-exp-500-fails-to-sell-at-barrett-jackson-despite-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/1968-shelby-exp-500-fails-to-sell-at-barrett-jackson-despite-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

1968 Shelby EXP 500

EXP, in the case of the 1968 Ford Mustang you see above, stands for Experimental. You see, this is one of the cars used by the Shelby American team in the development of a long list of classic Shelby Mustang models.

The car, powered by a 390-cubic-inch V8 engine and known internally as The Green Hornet, underwent a huge number of upgrade sessions that saw it receive experimental fuel injection, independent rear suspension and unique disc brakes. That's right, a Ford Mustang with IRS!

In a somewhat baffling turn of events, despite a top bid of $1.8 million, The Green Hornet's reserve price wasn't met, meaning it stays with its current owner for at least one more auction cycle. Have a good look at our image gallery above, and be sure to watch the video below that shows all the fast and furious bidding action. You can also see some additional live footage here from Speed.

Continue reading 1968 Shelby EXP 500 fails to sell at Barrett-Jackson despite $1.8 million bid [w/video]

1968 Shelby EXP 500 fails to sell at Barrett-Jackson despite $1.8 million bid [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1968 ford mustang shelby exp 500barrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2013exp 500fordmustangshelbythe green hornetSat, 19 Jan 2013 22:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433846/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/19/1968-shelby-exp-500-fails-to-sell-at-barrett-jackson-despite-1/20433846/article-detail.xml 20433846 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/1968-shelby-exp-500-green-hornet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/1968-shelby-exp-500-green-hornet.jpg <![CDATA[One-off 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra raises $200k for charity at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/one-off-2013-shelby-gt500-cobra-raises-200k-for-charity-at-barr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/one-off-2013-shelby-gt500-cobra-raises-200k-for-charity-at-barr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/one-off-2013-shelby-gt500-cobra-raises-200k-for-charity-at-barr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra

You can count on the fact that there will be plenty of tributes to the late Carroll Shelby over the next several months and years - most of them taking the vehicular shape of the Ford Mustang, we'd wager. The one you see above was created by a group called Friends of Carroll and was unveiled by Edsel Ford II, Ford marketing VP Jim Farley and Shelby American President John Luft at the 2012 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

The 2013 GT500's stock 662-horsepower 5.8-liter V8 engine has seen its power bumped to an even 850 horses with upgrades provided by Ford Racing. A widebody kit from Shelby covers up the 13-inch-wide rear wheels and 345-series tires. The car is painted in Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes - a classic color combination seen on many Cobra roadsters from the 1960s.

All proceeds from this sale at Barrett-Jackson will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Check out our live image gallery above and peruse a video of the car's time on the auction block as well as the official auction description below. If you want to have some fun while watching the auction action, click here to take part in the Hagerty Fantasy Bid online game... after all, you could win a new GT500 of your own.

Continue reading One-off 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra raises $200k for charity at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]

One-off 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra raises $200k for charity at Barrett-Jackson [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford shelby gt500barrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2013fordmustangshelby gt500speedSat, 19 Jan 2013 16:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433797/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/19/one-off-2013-shelby-gt500-cobra-raises-200k-for-charity-at-barr/20433797/article-detail.xml 20433797 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-shelby-gt500-cobra-bj_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-shelby-gt500-cobra-bj.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part IV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/project-ugly-horse-part-iv/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/project-ugly-horse-part-iv/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/project-ugly-horse-part-iv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Bits and Pieces

Project Ugly Horse Cabin

The asphyxiation-blue plastic of my dash looked like it would snap under a crass tone.

The line between cleverness and idiocy is a blurry one. After reading a number of write-ups on the best way to swap pedal boxes in a Fox Body Ford Mustang, I decided to eschew common wisdom and blaze a new trail of my own. Traditionally, putting three pedals where once there were two involves pulling the entirety of the ancient plastic dash from the vehicle in order to gain access to a few carefully hidden nuts and bolts. Undo some linkages, pull said hardware, reverse the process and voilà! You suddenly have a portion of the controls necessary to row your own gears.

It was pulling the dash on Project Ugly Horse that had me sweating. The asphyxiation-blue plastic of my dash looked like it would snap under a crass tone, so rather than go all hog wild with the ratchet, I took a closer look at the construction of both pedal boxes. From what I could spy with my little eyes, the swap could be accomplished with a little ingenuity, some sweat and a few well-placed curses. I busted out the grinder, set the welder to warm and got busy.

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part IV

Project Ugly Horse: Part IV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustangfordfox bodyhursthurst billet plus shifterhurst shiftermustangprojectproject ugly horseshifterugly horseFri, 18 Jan 2013 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20432189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/project-ugly-horse-part-iv/20432189/article-detail.xml 20432189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/cabin-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/cabin-628.jpg <![CDATA[Would a Mustang-based Lincoln look like this?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/would-a-mustang-based-lincoln-look-like-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/would-a-mustang-based-lincoln-look-like-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/would-a-mustang-based-lincoln-look-like-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lincoln Continental Mark X1 Concept

Lincoln Continental Mark X1 ConceptDesigner Josiah LaCalla has taken a stab at what a Ford Mustang-based Lincoln model might look like with the Continental Mark X1 concept. Make no mistake, Ford's luxury arm has made it abundantly clear that it won't be pursuing any new products outside of volume models, which means a flashy halo grand tourer like the one you see here isn't in the cards. LaColla used the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a basis for his creation, which explains the long nose, but we certainly don't mind the idea of a rear-wheel drive Lincoln with a cabin pushed to the aft.

While we're dreaming, there's certainly nothing stopping us from imagining what's under that lengthy hood. We like the idea of the 5.8-liter supercharged V8 from the Shelby GT500 pushing the Mark X1 down the road, but how about something a little more inventive? Something like a high-revving, buttery V12 with enough torque to push the contraption well past 200 miles per hour. Dream a little dream, people.

Would a Mustang-based Lincoln look like this? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continental mark x1fordford mustangLaColla Designlincolnlincoln continental mark x1mustangMon, 07 Jan 2013 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20418406/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/would-a-mustang-based-lincoln-look-like-this/20418406/article-detail.xml 20418406 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/continental-mark-x1-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/continental-mark-x1-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Mustang RTR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/2013-ford-mustang-rtr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/2013-ford-mustang-rtr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/2013-ford-mustang-rtr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Mustang RTR - front three-quarter view at sunset

There are more varieties of the Ford Mustang than coffee concoctions at Starbucks, yet enthusiasts always seem eager to embrace one more. Vaughn Gittin Jr., the driving champion most famous for his sideways antics in Formula Drift, developed the Mustang RTR as a dealer-installed appearance package and performance upgrade to the popular Ford coupe.

I spent some quality time in the Race Red two-door pictured above, a 2013 Mustang RTR Spec 2. Bundled as a complete RTR package, the $11,995 option (add it to the cost of the donor - in this case a $34,300 Mustang GT Premium) adds a Ford Racing engine tune, Ford Racing adjustable shocks, 1.0 inch or 1.5 inch lowering springs, RTR four-way adjustable front and rear sway bars, RTR strut brace, RTR adjustable Panhard rod, RTR rear chassis brace and a RTR axle back exhaust system.
  • The performance upgrades to the 5.0-liter V8 are limited to a Ford Racing Tune, K&N air filter and RTR exhaust. Combined, they add about 16 horsepower for an estimated output of 436 horses and 397 pound-feet of torque (with a 60 foot-pound boost on the low side of the tach!). The upgraded exhaust - complete with RTR-badged black tips - proved surprisingly enjoyable, adding a nice, deep note without droning on the highway. In stock form, the Mustang GT is plenty quick (4.5 seconds to 60 mph) so the minor engine upgrades are best considered icing on the cake.
  • High-performance Falken Azenis FK-453 rubber is wrapped around very attractive RTR 19- by 9.5-inch wheels (painted matte charcoal or silver with black lug nuts). The summer rubber sticks very well, but I found brake feel, and possibly stopping distances, suffered with the RTR cross-drilled and slotted rotors (keep in mind that the stock pads have less friction surface with this configuration). In my estimation, the factory Brembo brake upgrade is a much more effective performance upgrade.
  • Many aftermarket setups fail in terms of suspension tuning, but not on this RTR. The four-way adjustable suspension allows the driver to dial-in their own preference. It is stiff, but still comfortable enough to tackle LA's broken pavement (we found the 2011 Mustang RTR considerably harsher).
  • Inside the cabin, I found far too many RTR badges and logos - on the shift knob (a nice ball), the floor mats, speedometer, tachometer, 12v plug and on a numbered serial plate signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr. stuck on the passenger-side of the dash. Add those to another half-dozen RTR badges on the outside, and it was RTR overload.
  • The exterior cosmetic package is aggressive and clean - very nicely done. All-inclusive, it includes a front chin and rear spoiler, rear diffuser, rocker splitters, license plate surround with ducts, fender badges, rear deck appliqué and vinyl hood/side stripes. Unfortunately, I found the front splitter annoyingly low. Thankfully, despite being easy to scrape (even when driven with care), the unpainted polymer was flexible enough to take a little bit of abuse without cracking.
  • The rear windows on this particular vehicle, configured for the press fleet, were covered with an extremely dark film. Nearly opaque, it severely reduced outward visibility (so much for seeing any law enforcement in the rearview mirror) and made the cabin feel claustrophobic, even on a sunny day.

2013 Ford Mustang RTR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford mustang2013 ford mustang gt2013 ford mustang rtr2013 mustang 5.02013fordmustang2013fordmustanggt2013mustang5.0featuredfordford mustang rtrmustangquick spinquickspinrtrvaughn gittin jrvaughn gittin jr.Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20406441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/2013-ford-mustang-rtr/20406441/article-detail.xml 20406441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-ford-mustang-rtr-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-ford-mustang-rtr-qs.jpg -1 2