Autoblog

2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

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

Putting The Finishing Touches On The Poster Child For The Midlife Crisis

Shortly after I turned 16, my father set out to acquire a new car for himself. Dad knew a guy who knew a guy who ran one of those quasi-legal used car lots that specialized in deals-too-good-to-be-true, so, armed with the protection of the referral, he drove off to the wrong side of town to see what might replace the 1980 Ford Fiesta that was about to become my hand-me-down.

When dad came home in a barely used 1987 Mustang GT, my mind was blown. I pestered him to let me drive it the moment he set foot through the door of the house, but was told that I was not allowed, as he had not actually purchased the vehicle, but merely borrowed it for the night. Dad wasn't sure that it was the right car for him, he said, explaining that what drew him to it was that, like the Fiesta, it was a hatchback.

The absurdity of this statement was not lost on me. The Mustang met 110 percent of my automotive fantasies at the time, and even at my young age, I could sense that giving a newly ordained driver access to such a car would be eclipsed in the Pantheon Of Bad Parenting only by introducing your child to hookers and blow. This just made me more furtive and desperate.

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2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"High Gear" Mustang chosen to be SEMA's first all-female build [w/video]

Scott Burgess — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

Ford designer Jennifer Seely's "High Gear" Mustang concept will debut at the 2012 SEMA show this fall after collecting the most online votes out of three female-created Mustang concepts.

The SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, a partnership between Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, will begin transforming a 2013 Ford Mustang GT into the High Gear concept with an all-female team.

The car features rosegold trim, satin black body, quilted suede seats and will arrive with additional modifications to the engine, suspension, drive train and sound system. Seely also added "angel eyes" to her concept, which are the horizontial lights across the headlamps to give it a distinctive daytime appearance.

The build begins in July by a group of aftermarket specialists. After the car is shown at the SEMA show, it will be auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Scroll down to check out Seely explaining her design in a video put together by Ford.

Continue reading "High Gear" Mustang chosen to be SEMA's first all-female build [w/video]

"High Gear" Mustang chosen to be SEMA's first all-female build [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, First Drives

Poor-Man's BMW M3 Is Sharper Than Ever

Ford has been quietly blurring the line between muscle car and sports car since the 2010 Mustang debuted at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Lighter, smaller and nimbler than rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Mustang established itself early on as being just as happy on a road course as it was tackling the quarter mile.

With the introduction of the 5.0-liter, dual-overhead cam V8 for the 2011 year model, the Mustang found itself armed with the muscle necessary to blacken the eyes of its crosstown rivals after a painful period of trudging along with an antiquated 4.6-liter lump under the hood. Despite the additional brawn on hand, the pony has nonetheless been routinely bested in sales by the larger Camaro.

In an attempt to pull past its big-boned rivals, Ford has opted to continue its strategy of aggressive model improvements, and buyers who put their cash down on a 2013 Mustang can look forward to a new suite of technology, visual improvements, more power and available options aimed at making it an even more capable track machine. The tricks have turned one of the best performance buys on the market into an even more tempting option for buyers who want more than just a boulevard cruiser.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video]

2013 Ford Mustang GT [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 get styling, packaging updates

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

The 2011 model year brought big powertrain upgrades for the Ford Mustang - that's when the 5.0-liter V8 and 3.7-liter V6 were introduced - and for 2013, Ford's Pony Car is getting some updated style, tech and packaging to make it a more competitive offering in the segment.

Up front, all Mustangs get a new front fascia with revised lower air intakes and a new splitter. High-intensity discharge headlamps are also now standard across the board, and GT models get a new hood with functional air extractors, as well as optional HID foglamps. New body-colored rocker panels flank both sides, and new 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels are also available. Around back, there's now a high-gloss black panel that connects the slightly redesigned taillamps, and the side mirrors have a pretty cool gee-whiz feature: there are LED lamps in them that project Ford's legendary pony logo onto the ground when the doors are unlocked. New colors including Gotta Have It Green and Deep Impact Blue are also available.

Other changes to the 2013 Mustang include a Recaro seat option for both V6 and GT models, an available SelectShift function on automatic-equipped V8 cars, a GT Track Pack with a Torsen differential from the Boss 302 and Brembo brakes (only available on cars with the 3.73 axle and a manual transmission) and the availability of the V6 Performance Pack on automatic-equipped cars. There's also a Track Apps function inside the instrument cluster that shows a whole host of performance stats. Speaking of performance, the 5.0-liter V8 now makes 420 horsepower for 2013, up from 402 and still six shy of the current Chevrolet Camaro.

The Mustang Boss 302 (above, right) may have just been introduced for the 2012 model year, but it also receives some small tweaks for the new model year. Specifically, a new hockey stick graphic with reflective stripes has been added to the sides of the Boss, paying homage to the 1970 Boss 302. Both the standard and Laguna Seca models are now available in School Bus Yellow, and the updated front fascia from the base Mustangs has been fitted to the 444-horsepower Boss, as well. The foglamp covers in the grille are now removable for 2013, and Ford says this will improve cooling during longer stints of high-performance driving.

Ford will officially debut the 2013 Mustang lineup at the LA Auto Show this week, with the first cars hitting showrooms early next year. Follow the jump to read Ford's official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 get styling, packaging updates

2013 Ford Mustang and Boss 302 get styling, packaging updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Mustang GT will channel GT500

John Neff — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

After decades of dominating the pony car sales charts, the Ford Mustang has finally met its match in the latest Chevrolet Camaro. Naturally, this high-profile segment, is one that Ford is loathe to concede. After being infused with completely new engines in 2011, the Mustang will soon receive a visual refreshening that aligns this horse's looks even more with the range-topping Shelby GT500 model.

Our spy photographers have snapped a Mustang GT prototype with just a thin layer of 3M vinyl hiding the changes. Up front, you can clearly see the GT500's influence in this Mustang prototype's protruding grille. Also note that the coupe has dropped the Mustang GT's circular, grille-mounted foglamps, as well as swapped out its galloping horse badge for a new logo that's been moved from the center of the grille to the side. Even the lower air intake is shaped like an open smile, just like on the current GT500. And, is that a splitter we see hanging off the car's chin?

We can also see brand new projector beam headlights up front with some LED tech buried within, and out back, the rear end gets new taillights. That rear wing is also new, and the rear bumper has been slightly redesigned as well.

Ford clearly hopes to imbue the Mustang GT with the GT500's aggressive looks, and these spy shots show they're on-track to do just that. Will it be enough to boost sales above the Camaro? We'll see. The more interesting question is once the Mustang GT looks like the GT500, what will Ford do with its most powerful pony car? With the impending arrival of the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1, we're sure Ford's got something planned.

Next Ford Mustang GT will channel GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Partisan Pony Cars: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible vs. 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible [w/poll]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Humor

You can forget baseball - it seems like Americans have a new favorite pastime on their hands. No, we're not talking about saddling up to the feeding trough at the local Golden Sizzlin'. Now more than ever, we love to argue. As a country, we'll leap into a debate half-cocked, half-informed and fully armed faster than you can say, "You're fired!"

In that grand tradition, the editors at Autoblog have dug in on which of our country's convertible muscle cars is the most American - the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible or the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible. Motoring out across the Lady Liberty's wide open spaces in a topless muscle car is more patriotic than all the flag pins in Congress. They give our homecoming queens a perch from which to wave and make drive-in movies all the more magical.

In a twist of test fleet fate, two of us have been granted the keys to these beasts for the most American of holidays, Independence Day. Editor/Test Fleet Manager Steven J. Ewing has taken up the FoMoCo banner, leaving Associate Editor Zach Bowman to lead the Bowtie charge. Who will stand victorious?

Since it's the Fourth of July weekend and this is America, we'll leave that for the people to decide. Click past the jump to read the respective arguments for both cars and cast your vote.

Continue reading Partisan Pony Cars: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible vs. 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible [w/poll]

Partisan Pony Cars: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible vs. 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby to bring back rent-a-racer program?

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Rumormill

Most available choices at your local car rental agency are tame appliances built to shuttle you from Meeting A to Hotel B. Back in the day, however, things were a bit different thanks to Shelby and Hertz. In 1966, the rental car company and Carroll Shelby partnered up to offer a custom Ford Mustang. Shelby built 1,000 units, Hertz rented them out and a horde of happy customers used them to rip up their local dragstrips and main streets. In 2007, the duo joined again joined forces to supply some muscle into the rental fleet. Now comes word that Shelby is looking to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an all-new rent-a-racer.

According to Automotive News, Shelby plans to team up with Hertz to bring a new generation of the Mustang GT-H into the world. Starting with a 412-horsepower Ford Mustang GT, Shelby will reportedly take the two-door and juice it up a notch before applying gold stripes to either a black car or a white one. The details of the mooted 2012 Shelby GT-H program have yet to finalized, but keep an eye out for distinctive Mustangs sitting at Hertz lots in the not-to-distant future.

Shelby to bring back rent-a-racer program? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing Mustang sets half-mile speed record at Bristol [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Ford

David Ragan sets new record in 2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

NASCAR Driver David Ragan hopped out of his Ford Fusion and into a Ford Racing-modified 2011 Mustang GT and set out on the Bristol Motor Speedway to take a shot at the half-mile speed trials. The result? A new production car lap record of 98.497 miles per hour in 19.481 seconds.

Seeing a sub-100-mph speed for a track race may seem slow, but trust us, it's not. By comparison, a Yamaha superbike hit the course and managed a time of 19.582 seconds at a speed of 97.990 mph.

Ford Racing's modified Mustang uses a supercharger to add an extra 200 horsepower, bringing the total up to 624 hp. To manage that power, Ford Racing also fitted upgraded brakes and suspension parts. Click past the jump to see the Mustang, its new parts and David Ragan in action.

[Source: YouTube via MustangsDaily.com]

Continue reading Ford Racing Mustang sets half-mile speed record at Bristol [w/video]

Ford Racing Mustang sets half-mile speed record at Bristol [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang: Official SEMA cars rendered

Drew Phillips — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST

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

2010 SEMA Mustang Preview - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all of Ford's talk about their lineup of custom Fiestas, Explorers and F-150s at SEMA this year, we were beginning to wonder if there were going to be any Mustang models at the show.

Okay, so you're either laughing at us because you think we're idiots or you're laughing because you got the joke. A SEMA without Mustangs is like Christmas without Santa Claus. So don't worry, pony car fans, there will be plenty of Mustangs in Las Vegas come next week.

In fact, there will be no less than nine custom Mustangs in Ford's display this year with a wide range of themes and modifications featuring both V6 and GT models. Ford will have its own products represented with a Mustang customized by Ford Vehicle Personalization, joined by cars built by Mustang Racing Technologies, Muscle Mustang & Fast Fords magazine, Mobsteel, Street Scene Equipment and more. You can see each of the Mustangs in the gallery below, and check back next week for live pictures of the cars from the show floor.

Gallery: 2010 SEMA Mustang Preview

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Mustang: Official SEMA cars rendered

Ford Mustang: Official SEMA cars rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Ford Mustang to make NASCAR Nationwide debut Friday night

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Racing

2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR Nationwide Race Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

All of you who have been anxiously awaiting the debut of the Ford Mustang in what we loosely refer to as modern-day stock car racing, take note: The original Pony Car will see its first action this Friday night at the Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway.

To help build excitement for the Mustang's entrance into the Nationwide Series, Ford has just announced that it will offer a brand-new 2011 Mustang GT - powered by the excellent 5.0-liter V8, no less - to anyone that wins the race... provided they do so in a Ford-branded race car, of course.

For what it's worth, Friday's event will be the second straight race where a new 2011 Ford Mustang GT will serve as the pace car. In other words, those in attendance for the festivities would be witnesses to an All Mustang, All The Time Show if it weren't for the fact that Dodge will also be showing up with its new Challenger-based entry. 'Stang vs. Challenger? Sounds like fun.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR Nationwide Series race car

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading PSA: Ford Mustang to make NASCAR Nationwide debut Friday night

PSA: Ford Mustang to make NASCAR Nationwide debut Friday night originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

Jay Leno reviews the 2011 Ford Mustang - Click above to watch video after the jump

It was only a matter of time before Jay Leno got his hands on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT. It's no secret that the guy is a fan of Detroit ponies - he owns a minty 1965 Shelby GT350 that he claims is one of his favorite cars to drive. Now it looks like he's added the newest generation 5.0 to the flock. As you might expect, he's been so kind as to share his impressions with the interwebs via an episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

You might be surprised to hear what the comedian has to say about the car. On more than one occasion, he compares the new Mustang to high-end metal from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This isn't the first time we've seen that connection drawn. Hop the jump to see the video.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: New Ford promos get cozy with 2011 Mustang engines

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT promo - Click above to watch video after the jump

At this point, we know all there is to know about the 2011 Ford Mustang. The fact that the all-new 5.0-liter V8 delivers a heady 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque is scrawled on our collective consciousness for good. Likewise, it's old news that the base car has been transmuted from rental fodder into a genuine sports car thanks to its new 305 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Needless to say, Ford has a bit of a challenge ahead of it when it comes to marketing its reborn pony.

How do you advertise a car that has been so thoroughly dissected by every auto rag and site on the planet? If you're the Blue Oval, you do it by showing the adoring public exactly what makes the car so special. Ford has rolled out two new promos for the 2011 Mustang, both of which pour over every detail of both the mighty GT and respectable V6. There's plenty of awesome CG to take you deep into each car's drivetrain, and a burly voice over to remind everyone just how manly you'll be when you hop behind the wheel.

Hit the jump for your daily dose of engine p0rn.

[Source: Ford via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: New Ford promos get cozy with 2011 Mustang engines

Video: New Ford promos get cozy with 2011 Mustang engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2010 BMW M3: Tie Game? [w/poll]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, BMW, Ford, Luxury

Ford Mustang GT and BMW M3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alright, fan boys (and girls), prepare for battle. The ever keen-eyed Sam Smith over at Jalopnik has spied an interesting phenomenon in the car universe. The new 2011 Ford Mustang GT performance figures are within spitting distance of the mighty 2010 BMW M3. The Bavarian bruiser produces 414 horsepower out of its milky-smooth 4.0-liter V8 and hits the scales at 3,652 lbs. Meanwhile, the 5.0-liter Mustang serves up two less horsepower, but weighs 40 pounds less, too.

At this point, odds are your blood is pumping no matter which side of the ring you happen to find yourself on. Stats that close yield frighteningly similar numbers when the two cars hit the track, too. The M3 can clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds. The Mustang can do it in 4.4. Quarter mile? Deadlocked at 12.7 seconds at 111.3 mph.

It's true, a quarter mile doth not a sports car make, which is why these next figures are so important. While the M3 can come down from 60 mph in 105 feet, the Mustang can do the same in 104. And here's the real shocker: Both cars hold onto the skidpad at .97 g. Now, before the comments go superfly TNT, it's worth noting that the as-tested BMW will set you back an eye-widening $28,180 more than the Ford. We could think of a thing or two to do with an extra 30-large.

So the question remains, which would you take home?

View Poll

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: Review: 2008 BMW M3

[Source: Jalopnik]

2011 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2010 BMW M3: Tie Game? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saddle Up! 2011 Ford Mustang configurator comes online

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST

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

They can keep their retail therapy, we have configurator therapy. It soaks up just as much time, you can get your "help" in your jammies, and provided you don't go through with a purchase, it's much, much cheaper.

Ford's 2011 Mustang configurator is now up and taking virtual orders, and to go along with the pony car's movin'-on-up attitude, there are some increasingly swanky options. But remember, the challenge isn't just to see how expensive you can make the car, it's how expensive you can make the car you'd actually want to buy. The best part about it: everybody wins. And did we mention it's free?

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Ford]

Saddle Up! 2011 Ford Mustang configurator comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST

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

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

Well, this certainly didn't take long. Only a few weeks after Ford let the 2011 Mustang GT loose on the road, the boys at Motor Trend have done what we've all been waiting for, putting the new 5.0-liter V8 model up against the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger SRT8 in a head-to-head muscle car throwdown. In our first drive, we were very impressed with the new GT's antics, and apparently, we aren't the only ones. Sorry, Camaro and Challenger - the Mustang takes top honors in this comparison.

Motor Trend points out that, at the end of the day, the Mustang 5.0 is the closest representation of what a modern day muscle car should be. It stands true to the original concept of a lightweight coupe with a nimble body and chassis that's stocked to the brim with rumbling V8 power, and they say that there's no doubt that it's dynamically better than the Chevy and Dodge. What's more, the interior offers better tech and refinement - something that's key in the year 2010. Be sure to click over to MT's comparison test for the full details.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The reborn 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is the 2010 Ford Mustang GT's most obvious competitor (obviously). While the Camaro is certainly a head turner, it's just not that great of an all around performance car. However, despite the 2010 Mustang GT coming out on top in many comparisons against its crosstown rival, one fact is undeniable: When it comes to power, the Camaro SS kicked the Mustang GT's butt up and down the block. Across the drag strip, too. The 6.2-liter LS3-equipped SS (manual only, as automatic Camaros get the weaker L99 motor) produces a screaming 426 horsepower and 420 rumbling pound-feet of torque, enough mojo to embarrass the 2010 Mustang GT's relatively wimpy 4.6-liter V8 with its 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. True, the Mustang handled better, rode better, had a much better interior and cost less, but at the end of the day we're talking muscle cars. Gumption matters. Chevy was king. Ford had to act.

And act it did. Meet the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, or as everyone is already calling it, the 5.0. That's right, Ford is offering enthusiasts an honest to goodness 5.0-liter V8 (302 cubic inches, baby! Check out our Deep Dive for all the technical mumbo jumbo) in the 2011 Mustang GT. As we're sure you know by now, thanks to some fancy breathing, the all new small-block produces 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. That's less than the Camaro, sure, but remember that the Mustang is lighter than the Chevy by a good 300 pounds. Besides, it's looking like Ford has decided to underrate the 5.0's output by about 30 ponies for who knows what reason. Meaning that while Ford might be using invisible ink, the Mustang's got the Camaro beat on paper. But what about in the real world? Make the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game

First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT changes the game originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unofficial drag test puts 2011 Mustang GT ahead of Camaro SS in eighth-mile showdown

Eric Loveday — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford

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

Though driving impressions of the new 5.0-liter 2011 Ford Mustang GT are off limits for now, Popular Hot Rodding notes that Ford made no mention of releasing pure facts. It's all about the numbers anyway, right? During last week's media launch for the new Mustangs in California, the showdown between the (supposedly) 412-horsepower 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 and the 426-horsepower 2010 Camaro SS got underway at a sectioned-off portion of the Camarillo Airport. An eighth-mile drag strip lay ahead of the two ponycars, both equipped with six-speed automatics.

With time-slips in hand, the numbers don't lie. Popular Hot Rodding managed a time of 8.82 seconds at 83 miles per hour in the Camaro, but the Mustang proved to be even faster at 8.62 seconds at 86 mph. Virtually all journalists on hand recorded better times in the Mustang. Crude translations to quarter mile numbers come in at 13.8 seconds for the Camaro and 13.5 seconds for the Stang.

With a base price coming in at $30,495 and numbers that - for now, at least - appear to beat the competition, Ford looks like it has a serious hit in the making with its new 5.0 Mustang. How the renewed rivalry translates from the streets to the sales sheets, where the Camaro currently rules the roost, will be interesting to watch.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

[Source: Popular Hot Rodding]

Unofficial drag test puts 2011 Mustang GT ahead of Camaro SS in eighth-mile showdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Alex Nunez — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 hits the dyno - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford says that the 2011 Mustang GT makes 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its new, advanced 5.0-liter V8. Well, Ford may just be full of crap. Autojournos have descended upon California this week to to kick the snot out of the 2011 Mustangs at the Blue Oval's invitation, and Inside Line took one of the new 5.0 GT models and strapped it to a Dynojet to see what the real numbers were. Thankfully, they do not disappoint.

It's like this: after seven pulls, Inside Line's tester reliably belted out 395 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 365 pound-feet of torque at 4,350 rpm. That's at the wheel, natch, and since IL estimates the 'Stang sees only an 11% to 13% driveline loss thanks to its stick axle, the car is likely making somewhere between 438 and 446 horsepower at the crank - far more than the advertised 412.

This should come as no surprise to anyone, especially Inside Line. After all, last year they did the same thing with a 2010 GT500 only to learn that - surprise! - it was underrated. (Their tester put down 511 horsepower at the wheel. The guys figured the number at the crank to be around 570 horses, not the 540 advertised).

Is it possible that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT media launch testers are juiced? Sure it is, but we think it's unlikely. Reason number one is that Ford would be exposed the moment customer cars started getting delivered and dynoed, which would then look really foolish. Reason number two is the 1999 SVT Cobra. Upon its release, that particular car became infamous for not making its advertised 320 horsepower. While Ford eventually made things right via a recall, the incident was clearly embarrassing and likely left Dearborn with a "never again" mentality that sticks to this day. Hence, we're inclined to think Inside Line's numbers are no fluke. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, with its new engine, is designed to punch the Chevrolet Camaro in the teeth and make it taste blood. By underrating the 5.0, Ford's just, you know, making sure.

Stay tuned for our man Lieberman's first drive impressions next week. In the meantime, follow the jump for video of one of Inside Line's dyno pulls and visit them to watch a few more and read their full analysis. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mustang V6 burnout shows 305 HP put to good use

John Neff — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford

2011 Ford Mustang V6 burnout - Click above to enlarge

Right now our man Jonny Lieberman is bombing around Southern California in both the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and Mustang V6. Both cars have received major mechanical upgrades for model year 2011 in the form of two new engines: The return of the fabled 5.0-liter V8 for the GT and a new 3.7-liter V6 for the base model.

Jonny's not allowed to talk about his experience behind the wheel of either car until early next week, but that won't stop us from giving you a sneak preview of the Mustang V6 and its upgraded motor. The 3.7-liter V6 has already been used in such everyday fare as the Mazda CX-9, Lincoln MKS and MKT. It's also destined for duty in the 2011 Ford Edge. The 2011 Mustang V6, however, will give this work-a-day engine an opportunity to shine.

Producing 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the Mustang's version of the 3.7-liter V6 will be the most powerful available. Paired with a six-speed automatic, it will also make for the most fuel-efficient muscle car on the market with a highway rating of 31 mpg. But we're not interested in fuel economy today. We're interested in evidence of how much better the new V6 model will be compared to the current one, which has used the 210-horsepower "Cologne" 4.0-liter V6 since 2005. We think the image above is all the evidence we need. Stay tuned for our full First Drive reports of both models early next week.

Mustang V6 burnout shows 305 HP put to good use originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Mustang GT to pace Daytona 500

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:01:00 EST

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

According to the pony car lovers over at Mustang Heaven, a Ford will pace the Daytona 500 for the first time since the Torino GT convertible did the deed way back in 1970. As you may have surmised, the actual pace car will be a 2011 Ford Mustang GT, equipped with the long-awaited 5.0-liter V8 engine with 412 horsepower. Last year, the honor went to the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

As befitting such a car, the Mustang will get a special Daytona Red paint scheme with blue and white LeMans stripes - classic American racing colors. Ford Racing suspension upgrades including a strut tower brace, upgraded mufflers, unique painted wheels and an interior featuring lighted sill plates round out the pace car-specific details.

Want one? Well, that might be a bit tough. Ford plans to build just one example, which will be offered up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, January 23rd. We don't imagine it will be cheap, and all proceeds above MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The new owner will see his or her actual car pacing the Daytona 500 on February 14th.

[Source: Mustang Heaven]

Report: 2011 Mustang GT to pace Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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