Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/#commentsFiled under: ,

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Today marks 20 years since Ford first announced its Special Vehicle Team, most famously known as SVT. With performance mastermind John Coletti at the helm, SVT produced some legendary cars during its first 10 years, beginning with the 1993 SVT Cobra (and its even more hardcore sibling the SVT Cobra R), as well as the 2003 F-150 SVT Lightning. Since then we've had numerous updates to each, most notably the SVT Cobra of 2003-2004 lovingly referred to by Mustang fans as the "Terminator," plus new models like the SVT Contour and SVT Focus built from 2002-2004.

Today SVT is alive and well with a lineup consisting of the Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, and we're guessing that back in 1993 no one could have imagined just how far the brand has come. A 650-horsepower Mustang capable of 200 miles per hour or a Ford F-150 capable of running the Baja 1000 in nearly stock form would have seemed insane at the time. And it still does today.

Have a look at some of the vehicles produced by SVT over the past 20 years in the gallery above, and let us know what you think might come from Ford's performance division in the next 20 years in the comments section below.

SVT celebrates 20 years of Blue Oval performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-150 svt raptorfordford svtraptorspecial vehicle teamsvtsvt cobrasvt contoursvt focussvt raptorMon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165594/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/fords-svt-celebrates-20-years-of-blue-oval-performance/20165594/article-detail.xml 20165594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-svt-20th-anniversary_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-svt-20th-anniversary.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Exhilaration At 1 MPH

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

When thinking about the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, one tends to picture an orange meteor barreling across the desert at absurd velocities, flying through the air, long-travel suspension dangling its dirty bits below. That's partially because desert storming and bombing down muddy, root-strewn fire roads was the Special Vehicle Team's design brief, and partially because those environs have dominated Ford's advertising efforts. Marketing shtick aside, there's little doubt that the Raptor has that Kool-Aid Man "Oooh, Yeah!" wall-crashing thing going on better than any other vehicle on sale today.

In fact, if you tend to picture the Raptor exclusively in terms of yumps and dry creekbeds, you're not alone. Ford and SVT kind of admit they did, too. But in building this street-legal trophy truck, they've come to realize that they unwittingly created a vehicle that's far more versatile than originally envisioned. Case in point: Back in 2009, a massive snowstorm crippled the ability of Ford staffers and media members trying to reach the Chicago Auto Show. In particular, Mark Fields and other key execs had to journey from Dearborn to the Windy City, and company pilots refused to take off in the horrible weather. Fields and some other executives settled on boarding the train, arriving haggard eight hours later and barely making their press conference. SVT boss Jamal Hameedi and his crew elected to travel by Raptor. Driving their trucks through inches of thick slush and ice in the fast lane at more-or-less normal highway speeds (while what little traffic was sharing the road crawled along with hazard lights aglow) was a revelation. Despite building the thing, Team SVT simply didn't expect something with wide, knobby tires and a higher center of gravity to cut through the frigid slurry like that.

It's exactly this sort of discovery process that led us to the foot of the smoothly picturesque red rocks seen here. We had arrived in a convoy of eight 2012 Raptors, having taken the easy hour's drive from Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah to tackle Hell's Revenge, a well-known 4x4 trail over this otherworldly terrain that doesn't take kindly to larger vehicles like our full-size SuperCab pickups. Solid bets for tackling Hell's Revenge include Jeep CJs and Wranglers, Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4s and so on - vehicles with exceptional approach, departure and breakover angles. Even with its raised suspension and ground clearance of 11.2 inches front and 12.1 rear, we couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish about the Raptor's chances.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford f-150 svt raptorf-150f-150 svt raptorf-seriesfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefordhells revengejamal hameedimoabraptorsvtsvt raptorThu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130528/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/20130528/article-detail.xml 20130528 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-ford-svt-raptor-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-ford-svt-raptor-fd.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Timewarp 1993 Ford F-150 Lightning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-timewarp-1993-ford-f-150-lightning/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-timewarp-1993-ford-f-150-lightning/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-timewarp-1993-ford-f-150-lightning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1993 Ford F-150 Lightning

Long before Ford turned its attention to building one of the most capable production off-road trucks in all the land, the company's SVT engineers spent their time trying to wring the most straight-line speed possible from an F-150. The result was the first-generation Ford F-150 Lightning - a vehicle that still manages to pull at our heart strings eighteen years after it debuted. If you're still sore you never got the chance to own a brand-new F-150 Lightning, eBay Motors has something special for you. A seller in Saint George, Utah is auctioning off a 1993 Lightning with just 37,850 miles on the clock.

Judging by the photos and the description, the truck is as close to factory perfect as you're likely to find anywhere. The owners is proud to say no aftermarket equipment of any kind has been added to the vehicle in its life, and the 351 V8 still looks fresh. Purists may cry foul at the tonneau cover, but the seller says that piece is a dealer-installed original. The paint, interior and engine bay all look clean enough to dine on with no rust, stains or leaks anywhere to be found. It looks like a million dollars, but the seller is only asking $15,500. Head over to eBay Motors to take a look.

eBay Find of the Day: Timewarp 1993 Ford F-150 Lightning originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1993 ford f-150 lightningf seriesf-150f-150 lightningf-seriesfordford f-150 lightninglightningsvtTue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20121860/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-timewarp-1993-ford-f-150-lightning/20121860/article-detail.xml 20121860 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-ford-f-150-lightning_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-ford-f-150-lightning.jpg <![CDATA[Ford releases 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor video with a lot less jumping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/ford-releases-2012-f-150-svt-raptor-video-with-a-lot-less-jumpin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/ford-releases-2012-f-150-svt-raptor-video-with-a-lot-less-jumpin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/ford-releases-2012-f-150-svt-raptor-video-with-a-lot-less-jumpin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Commercial

Ford has released a new advertisement for the 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor, and while it's entertaining, the clip is a good bit more demure than the footage we've seen from the company in the past. Gone are the shots of the off-road bruiser sailing through the desert air. Instead, the truck has turned its attention to muddy, wooded trails to show off its new 4.10 Torsen limited-slip front end, hill-descent control and front camera with integrated washer.

So, has Ford pulled in the reins on the Raptor after at least a handful of overzealous owners bent their vehicles' frames after aggressive jumping? Hard to say. The footage was shot at Ford's Romeo Proving Grounds in Michigan, which doesn't offer much in the way of jumps. Thus, the lack of airborne footage could be because of the location, or it could be that Ford chose the location because it didn't want to show the truck piling over big jumps. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself, and let us know what you think in Comments.

Continue reading Ford releases 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor video with a lot less jumping

Ford releases 2012 F-150 SVT Raptor video with a lot less jumping originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 f-150 svt raptor2012 ford f-150 svt raptor2012 ford raptor commercialf-150f-150 svt raptorfordford commercialford raptor videoraptorraptor commercialsvtvideoMon, 03 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072380/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/ford-releases-2012-f-150-svt-raptor-video-with-a-lot-less-jumpin/20072380/article-detail.xml 20072380 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/ford-svt-raptor-gets-new-torsen-diff-and-interior-package-among/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/ford-svt-raptor-gets-new-torsen-diff-and-interior-package-among/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/ford-svt-raptor-gets-new-torsen-diff-and-interior-package-among/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford SVT Raptor

It's no secret that we're big fans of the Ford Raptor pickup. After all, there aren't many vehicles you can drive straight off the showroom floor, over and through harsh desert terrain at high speed and then back again. But Ford decided its off-road-ready truck needed a few updates for the 2012 model year.

While the 2011 Raptor was quite adept at handling varied terrain, from rutted washboard surfaces to the occasional jump (within reason...), it's four-wheel-drive system wasn't really designed with hardcore rock climbing in mind. For the new model year, though, Ford's extreme pickup gets a new Torsen front differential that features a helical gearset that promises to send torque to whichever front wheel has the most traction.

Another intriguing update for '12 is a front-mounted camera that can be ordered alongside the navigation system. This feature ought to help the driver figure out where best to steer the truck's front wheels so as to avoid otherwise unseen obstacles. The eight-inch screen in the center of the dash will be used to display what the camera sees at speeds of 15 miles per hour or less. Oh, and there's a dedicated washer for the camera to help keep it clean.

Besides those functional upgrades, the 2012 Raptor also gets a new optional side graphic that sports two diagonal stripes and is accented in matte, gloss and textured black. On the inside, a matte anodized blue treatment is now available on every color but Race Red (also new for '12). Rounding out the notable changes are optional cooled seats and new Euroflange wheels that keep their weights on the inside for better protection from off-road hazards.

Check out our high-res image gallery to see it all for yourself, and feel free to read the complete press release after the break.

Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes

Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford f-150 svt raptor2012 ford raptorf-150f-150 svt raptorfordford raptor cameraraptorsvtsvt raptorThu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20069152/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/ford-svt-raptor-gets-new-torsen-diff-and-interior-package-among/20069152/article-detail.xml 20069152 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-raptor-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-raptor-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Ford SVT Raptor with... six doors?! Only in the UAE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/ford-svt-raptor-with-six-doors-only-in-the-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/ford-svt-raptor-with-six-doors-only-in-the-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/ford-svt-raptor-with-six-doors-only-in-the-uae/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

six-door ford raptor

The United Arab Emirates is a land that continually breathes new life into the phrase "More money than sense." The new prime example of this is a custom-built Ford SVT Raptor that believes the prime number of doors is six. Said to hail from the UAE, it's quite clear that anything goes in the Land Of The Burning Dollar Sign Sun.

We're not going to completely hate on this thing, of course, as the idea of a six-door Raptor puts visions of a seriously great camping trip in mind. Still, we're not even sure if this thing is actually real or if someone with solid skills spent too much time playing around on their computer. Judge for yourself by clicking past the jump and watching the video.

Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor with... six doors?! Only in the UAE

Ford SVT Raptor with... six doors?! Only in the UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford svt raptorfordford raptorraptorsix-door ford raptorsix-door raptorsix-door raptor videosvtsvt raptoruaeunited arab emiratesvideoFri, 02 Sep 2011 20:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20033985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/02/ford-svt-raptor-with-six-doors-only-in-the-uae/20033985/article-detail.xml 20033985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/six-door-raptor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/six-door-raptor.jpg <![CDATA[SVT boss goes on record about Ford Raptor frame damage claims [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/svt-boss-goes-on-record-about-ford-raptor-frame-damage-claims-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/svt-boss-goes-on-record-about-ford-raptor-frame-damage-claims-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/svt-boss-goes-on-record-about-ford-raptor-frame-damage-claims-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Over the last several weeks, there have been a number of reports on web forums of frame damage incidents involving the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Thanks to a number of reader tips, Autoblog was the first news outlet to inquire with Ford about the matter. After launching its own investigation into the claims centering around one particular organized Raptor Run in Nevada with 14 participating vehicles and 10 bent frames, Jamal Hameedi, a 20-year Ford veteran and SVT's Chief Nameplate Engineer, agreed to talk exclusively with Autoblog.

Jamal HameediAB: When did you first become aware of these Raptor frame claims?

Hameedi: We monitor all the blogs - I think there are three or four different versions of Raptor online forums. We saw that there was one particular run where several Raptors bent their frames on the same obstacle.

 AB: How many Raptors have been reported with frame damage?

Hameedi: We have four nationwide since the beginning of production.

 AB: It sounded like there were more than four vehicles damaged in this individual run alone - are these not included in that total?

Hameedi: I think we've been reading that there are ten trucks in question [in that run].
"We have a pretty firm understanding of what's going on."
Jamal Hameedi, SVT Chief Nameplate Engineer
AB: So the four trucks you mentioned - those are just the ones that have been directly reported to Ford dealers?

Hameedi: Yes.

AB: Have they all been bent in more-or-less in the same way?

Hameedi: The ones on the run, I think there are varying degrees of how [badly] they are tweaked, but generally we have a pretty firm understanding of what's going on.

Continue reading SVT boss goes on record about Ford Raptor frame damage claims [w/video]

SVT boss goes on record about Ford Raptor frame damage claims [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford raptor2011 ford svt raptorf-150f-150 svt raptorf-seriesfeaturedfordford raptorford+ranger+2012ford+raptor+bent+frameford+raptor+framefordranger2012fordraptorbentframefordraptorframeframe damagejamal hameediraptorraptor frame damagesvtsvt raptorvideoThu, 21 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19995209/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/21/svt-boss-goes-on-record-about-ford-raptor-frame-damage-claims-w/19995209/article-detail.xml 19995209 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/ford-svt-raptor-frame-bent-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/ford-svt-raptor-frame-bent-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/video-mopar-explains-why-they-think-ram-runner-is-better-than-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/video-mopar-explains-why-they-think-ram-runner-is-better-than-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/video-mopar-explains-why-they-think-ram-runner-is-better-than-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ram Runner Autoblog Short Cuts
Mopar Ram Runner Stage II Short Cuts video - Click above to watch after the jump

The Ram Runner Stage II kit makes for one very impressive Ram 1500. Performance modifications like beefed-up control arms, Fox shocks and 14 inches of wheel travel make us want to pit the modified Ram against the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in a high-speed dirt race to the death finish line.

We're not the only ones eager to compare the Ram Runner Stage II to the Raptor. Follow the jump to watch an Autoblog Short Cuts video of Jim Sassorossi, Director of Mopar Parts, as he explained to us why Chrysler believes the Ram Runner is better than the Raptor. In fact, Sassorossi brings up the Raptor no less than four times, and throws in "best in class" for the Ram Runner's specs another another four times.

This will be a thrilling battle when Ford's ready-made race truck gets pitted against Ram's D.I.Y. wonder. To see what we mean, watch the video and then answer our poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree?

Video: Mopar explains why Ram Runner is better than Raptor, do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford f-150 svt raptordodgef-150 svt raptormoparmopar ram runner stage II kitramram 1500ram runnerram runner stage iiramrunnerraptorsvtsvt raptorvideoThu, 07 Apr 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19906334/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/07/video-mopar-explains-why-they-think-ram-runner-is-better-than-r/19906334/article-detail.xml 19906334 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/autoblog-shortcuts-ram-runner-1302206863_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/autoblog-shortcuts-ram-runner-1302206863.jpg <![CDATA[Reader Spy: U.S. Border Patrol finally gets its leatherless Ford Raptors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/us-border-patrol-ford-svt-raptor-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/us-border-patrol-ford-svt-raptor-spy-shots/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/us-border-patrol-ford-svt-raptor-spy-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


U.S. Border Patrol Ford Raptors being delivered - Click above for image gallery

What the U.S. Federal Government wants, the U.S. Federal Government gets. And what the Customs and Border Protection division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wanted were at least 10 Ford SVT Raptor pickup trucks to patrol the area where Arizona borders with Mexico. Only problem is that Ford puts a standard leather interior in all its Raptor trucks, which is evidently against the ordering preferences of the Feds.

So, what to do? Put in an extra-special order with Ford, make a few phone calls (give us what we want... or else...) and patiently await delivery - a truckload of specially liveried pickups that Autoblog reader Matt happened photograph and send in to us. We went ahead and contacted Ford to be sure that it managed to deliver the authorities the Raptors it wanted, and we got an affirmative... sort of.

Ford would need the actual Vehicle Identification Numbers of the trucks to confirm individual equipment levels, and we're not about to march on down to Southern Arizona to grab them. But Ford says the Feds did order Raptors without leather and that the Blue Oval Bosses complied. So we're going with a definite probably. Have a look for yourself below. Thanks for the pics, Matt!


Gallery: U.S. Border Patrol Ford SVT Raptor shipment


Reader Spy: U.S. Border Patrol finally gets its leatherless Ford Raptors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>border controlborder control ford raptorborder patrol ford raptorF SeriesF-150F150fordFord F-seriesraptorSVTU.S. Border PatrolTue, 23 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19730843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/23/us-border-patrol-ford-svt-raptor-spy-shots/19730843/article-detail.xml 19730843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-svt-raptor-border-patrol-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-svt-raptor-border-patrol-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew to start at $44,315*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/report-2011-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-to-start-at-44-315/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/report-2011-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-to-start-at-44-315/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/report-2011-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-to-start-at-44-315/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Ford SVT Raptor SuperCrew
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew- Click above for high-res image gallery

Ready to go stompin' around with your friends in a Baja-blastin' Ford SVT Raptor, but don't know how much you'll need to plunk down for the new-for-2011 four-door SuperCrew? Grab your pen and your checkbook, then write down 4-4-3-1-5.

Pricing has just been announced for the newly expanded range. The MSRP on the roomier four-door SuperCrew is priced at $44,315 while the shorter extended-cab Raptor SuperCab will cost a bit less at $41,550. (*In either case, destination and delivery charges will add a further $975 to the bottom line.)

Both 2011 Raptors are now powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that's rated at 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. The less powerful 5.4-liter unit found on last year's model is no longer available.


Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew to start at $44,315* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford f-150 svt raptor2011 raptorF-150F-SeriesfordFord F-150ford f-150 svt raptorraptorRaptor pricingraptor supercabRaptor SuperCrewSVTsvt raptorFri, 08 Oct 2010 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19665547/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/08/report-2011-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-to-start-at-44-315/19665547/article-detail.xml 19665547 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/raptorsc630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/raptorsc630opt.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Former Bondurant Ford Crown Victoria Roush Cobra-engined car
Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're aching for some seat time in the the new Ford Police Interceptor, but given our choice of flogging one of the new-school bruisers or one of the old-school cruisers, we know which one we'd take. And it just happened to appear on eBay Motors. Used as an ex-Bondurant Driving School car, this 1999 Crown Victoria is just one of eighteen cars built by Roush for Bob Bondurant's school. Number 15, to be precise.

Under the hood sits a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine plucked from the 1999 Ford Mustang Cobra. The typical police-issue slushbox has been nixed in favor of the T45 five-speed manual normally reserved for SVT Cobra duty. The front and rear suspension setup features Eibach springs and solid sway bars, and the go-fast action can be brought to a quicker halt thanks to a set of Brembo rotors, Hawk pads and Baer steel-braided brake lines. The car is also fitted with a Corbeau driver's seat and five-point safety harness, four-point harnesses for the other seats and a fully-integrated roll cage. If that isn't enough, this potential super-sleeper has a Halon fire suppression system should things get a little warm in the cabin.

The good news is that you can put this car in your driveway by parting with 20,000 of your hard-earned dollars, or perhaps somewhat less if you're a savvy bidder. The bad news? it's not street legal. It's a purpose-built machine for Bondurant and has never been registered or titled. Track beater anyone?

Hop on over to eBay to see the listing to see the specs and hop the jump to see this big black beast in action.


Gallery: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown Victoria

Ex-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown Victoria

[Source: eBay Motors | Image: Challenger Motorsports]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondurantbondurant driving schoolCrown Viccrown victoriaeBayebay Find of the Dayfordford crown victoriaford mustang cobraford police interceptorpolice interceptorROUSHSVTsvt cobraFri, 17 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19636471/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/19636471/article-detail.xml 19636471 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/bondurant-roush-ford-crown-victoria-lede11_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/bondurant-roush-ford-crown-victoria-lede11.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Automobile</i> checks in for border control duty with Ford F-150 Raptor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/automobile-checks-in-for-border-control-duty-with-ford-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/automobile-checks-in-for-border-control-duty-with-ford-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/15/automobile-checks-in-for-border-control-duty-with-ford-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor serves and protects

Aside from the recent dust-up over immigration law in Arizona, we've heard very little about America's efforts on border patrol lately. Where once we heard all about fences, militia parties and night-vision, now the collective media consciousness is focused elsewhere. That doesn't mean that the challenges facing border patrol have exactly evaporated, of course. The men and women charged with keeping an eye on the line between the U.S. and Mexico still face mile upon mile of some of the most grueling terrain on the planet, which is exactly why the Yuma Sheriff went ahead and ordered up a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor before the official government-issue fleet arrives.

Automobile Magazine's Eszra Dyer decided to tag along with Major Leon Wilmot to see how the truck handles itself in an official capacity and just what this border patrol business is all about. As it turns out, the majority of the operation is concerned with large expanses of sand, moon dust, non-exploded ordinance and the cleverness of a people who want nothing more to outwit American law enforcement. If you've got a hot second, click over to Automobile for a quick read.


Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Automobile checks in for border control duty with Ford F-150 Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>border guardsBorder PatrolBorderGuardsBorderPatrolEzra DyerEzraDyerF Seriesf-150F-150 SVT RaptorF-150SvtRaptorF-SeriesFordford f-150 svt raptorFord RaptorFordF-150SvtRaptorFordRaptorFSeriesMexico borderMexicoBordernational borderNationalBorderRaptorSVTSVT RaptorSvtRaptorU.S. borderU.s.BorderYumaThu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19555416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/15/automobile-checks-in-for-border-control-duty-with-ford-f/19555416/article-detail.xml 19555416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/raptor-patrol-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/raptor-patrol-630.jpg <![CDATA[Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/reader-spy-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-spotted-naked-and-un/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/reader-spy-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-spotted-naked-and-un/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/reader-spy-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-spotted-naked-and-un/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew - Click above for high-res image gallery

Autoblog reader Geo happened to be cruising on I-275 in Detroit last week when he was passed by a convoy of Ford F-150 pickups. Snugged smack dab in the middle was none other than the upcoming F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew without a stitch of camouflage to cover those two extra doors. Geo did what any good enterprising AB reader would do and clicked a couple of photos as the desert-crushing truck blew by.

The prototype in the photos has ditched the outlandish graphics of its shorter brother, but it still looks just as mean, and it's even slathered in silver paint, a color that isn't currently available. If the badge on the fender is any indication, this particular example packs the same 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 mill we were fortunate enough to sample not too long ago, which means it should have no problem jumping over hill and dale. If ever there was a backyard party on four wheels, this is it.


Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue ovalBlueOvalF-150F-150 SVT RaptorF-150SvtRaptorf-seriesF150fordFord F-150 SVT RaptorFord F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrewFordF-150SvtRaptorFordF-150SvtRaptorSupercrewRaptorRaptor Spy PhotosRaptorSpyPhotosSpy PicsSpy ShotsSpyPicsSpyShotsSVTSVT RaptorSvtRaptorMon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19515345/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/14/reader-spy-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-supercrew-spotted-naked-and-un/19515345/article-detail.xml 19515345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/raptor-2-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/raptor-2-630.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 is born to fly]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/2010-ford-svt-raptor-6-2-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/2010-ford-svt-raptor-6-2-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/2010-ford-svt-raptor-6-2-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Unless you're a died-in-the-burlap save-the-planet kind of person, you probably think the 2010 Ford SVT Raptor is freakin' cool. There's not a factory truck on the planet that can wing across the desert floor with equal ease, grace and unmitigated speed.

The 2010 Raptor genuinely has no competition In the world of production trucks, but that doesn't mean it can't be improved. If you bent the ear of the right Ford engineer, he would admit that the 2010 SVT Raptor was supposed to launch with the 6.2-liter SOHC V8 we're testing today. The aging 310-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton mill included at launch was never the perfect fit for the radical Raptor. Too tame.

From the truck's introduction last Fall, everyone knew the all-new iron-block/aluminum-head 6.2-liter engine would be better. But no one knew how much better until now. Read about our wild test drive (and brief flight) after the ummm... jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2


Photos by Rex Roy / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. and Ford Motor Company

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 is born to fly

First Drive: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 is born to fly originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford svt raptor 6.22010FordSvtRaptor6.2featuredfirst driveFirstDrivefordford svt raptorford svt raptor 6.2FordSvtRaptorFordSvtRaptor6.2raptorraptor 6.2Raptor6.2svtsvt raptorsvt raptor 6.2SvtRaptorSvtRaptor6.2Tue, 25 May 2010 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19489627/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/25/2010-ford-svt-raptor-6-2-first-drive/19489627/article-detail.xml 19489627 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10svtraptor62fd2011optb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10svtraptor62fd2011optb.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/video-hennessey-gets-fords-svt-raptor-6-2-liter-rippin-on-a-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/video-hennessey-gets-fords-svt-raptor-6-2-liter-rippin-on-a-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/video-hennessey-gets-fords-svt-raptor-6-2-liter-rippin-on-a-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 gets dyno'd - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 6.2-liter V8-powered Ford F-150 SVT Raptor went on sale less than two weeks ago and Ford tells us that it already has 3,000 orders signed, sealed and awaiting delivery. While that would spell disaster for the Blue Oval if we were talking about the run-of-the-mill F-150, we're talking about a purpose-built performance truck brandishing Fox shocks and massive 35-inch tires. Given the vehicle's niche audience, those kind of early sales numbers have Ford officials pretty excited. Make no mistake, the reason for all that interest has everything to do with the extra 91 horsepower under the Raptor's beefy hood, and the folks at Hennessey dyno'd the Little Mule to see just how much power transfers to those massive rear wheels. If you're wondering why Hennessey is interested in the Raptor, remember that the super tuner announced the 500 horsepower VelociRaptor back in February.

The post-jump video shows that, on the Hennessey dyno, the Raptor managed 326 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. Keep in mind that the 326 ponies are measured at the rear wheels, where drivetrain losses zap power. Ford quotes 411 hp and 434 lb-ft at the flywheel, which means the vehicle Hennessey dyno'd experienced a 19.5 percent loss from the flywheel to the rear wheels. Hit the jump to watch the video, which includes a zero-to-60 time of less than eight seconds.


Gallery: Hennessey VelociRaptor 500


[Source: Hennessey via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno

Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6.26.2-liter v86.2-literV8dynoF seriesF-150f-seriesfordford 6.2 liter v8 dino numbersford 6.2-literford pickupford raptorFord6.2-literFordPickupFordRaptorFSerieshennesseyhennessey performanceHennesseyPerformanceraptorraptor 6.2raptor dino numbersRaptor6.2RaptorDinoNumbersSVTsvt raptorSvtRaptorTue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19446218/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/video-hennessey-gets-fords-svt-raptor-6-2-liter-rippin-on-a-d/19446218/article-detail.xml 19446218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hennesseyraptor-dyno_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hennesseyraptor-dyno.jpg <![CDATA[Video: KBB gets down, dirty and airborn with the Ford Raptor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/video-kbb-gets-down-dirty-and-airborn-with-the-ford-raptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/video-kbb-gets-down-dirty-and-airborn-with-the-ford-raptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/video-kbb-gets-down-dirty-and-airborn-with-the-ford-raptor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

KBB spends time aloft in the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above to watch video after the jump

Do we even need to say again that we love the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor? No? All right. But we do. Anyway, if we can't be actually driving the thing, what we'll take after that is someone else properly driving it and getting high-def video, especially if said footage involves jumps.

The folks at Kelley Blue Book have filmed just such a video, in which it offers nine suggestions of the things you should definitely do in one, and while our favorite is jumping, we wouldn't mind trying out Tip #6: Drive it like we're being chased by murderous robots. Since that one will probably come true. Rather soon. And we could use some practice. Follow the jump for the vid.

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading Video: KBB gets down, dirty and airborn with the Ford Raptor

Video: KBB gets down, dirty and airborn with the Ford Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor2010 raptor2010FordF-150SvtRaptor2010RaptorBlue OvalBlueOvalFordFord F-150ford f-150 raptorford f-150 svt raptorFord RaptorFordF-150FordF-150RaptorFordF-150SvtRaptorFordRaptorKbbeBryantkelley blue bookKelleyBlueBookRaptorRaptorSvtSVTsvt raptorSvtRaptorvideo gamesVideoGamesFri, 16 Apr 2010 12:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19441812/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/16/video-kbb-gets-down-dirty-and-airborn-with-the-ford-raptor/19441812/article-detail.xml 19441812 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/fordraptorkbbvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/fordraptorkbbvid.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Raptor 6.2-liter goes on sale, nearly 3,000 already ordered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/ford-raptor-6-2-liter-goes-on-sale-nearly-3-000-already-ordered/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/ford-raptor-6-2-liter-goes-on-sale-nearly-3-000-already-ordered/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/ford-raptor-6-2-liter-goes-on-sale-nearly-3-000-already-ordered/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've been holding off on taking the plunge on a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor until the more potent 6.2-liter engine found its way to the option sheet, we've got good news for you. The big 411 horsepower, 434 lb-ft of torque V8 is officially on sale right now, and Ford says the mills are flying off the shelves. According to the Blue Oval, the company has received over 3,000 orders for the Raptor with the more powerful engine.

The bigger engine offers a 91 horsepower bump over the base 5.4-liter V8, which should help the Raptor be a little quicker on its toes when it comes to desert maneuvers. That's all fine and dandy, but how much will it cost you? If you go for the 6.2, expect to add another $3,000 to the final price tag. While we haven't had a chance to play with the uprated Raptor just yet, that sounds like a mighty fine deal to us.

Ford has also announced a number of other optional features now available for its off-road beast, including special halogen lamps mounted atop a light bar, a tow kit for pulling lesser machines from the sand, and blue powder-coated cam covers for both engines. Far be it from us to look down on a little show with your go.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010raptor_firstdrive0022010raptor_firstdrive0012010raptor_firstdrive0002010raptor_firstdrive0032010raptor_firstdrive004

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Raptor 6.2-liter goes on sale, nearly 3,000 already ordered

Ford Raptor 6.2-liter goes on sale, nearly 3,000 already ordered originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor2010FordF-150SvtRaptor6.26.2-liter6.2-liter v86.2-literV8F SeriesF-150F-150 SVT RaptorF-150SvtRaptorF-SeriesF150ford f-150 svt raptorFordF-150SvtRaptorFSeriesRaptorRaptor 6.2Raptor6.2SVTSVT RaptorSvtRaptorFri, 09 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19433510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/09/ford-raptor-6-2-liter-goes-on-sale-nearly-3-000-already-ordered/19433510/article-detail.xml 19433510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/svt-raptor-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/svt-raptor-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Global 'high-performance' Ford Focus variant to spawn U.S. SVT version?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/report-global-high-performance-ford-focus-variant-to-spawn-u/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/report-global-high-performance-ford-focus-variant-to-spawn-u/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/01/report-global-high-performance-ford-focus-variant-to-spawn-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Next-gen Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may not be an earth-shattering revelation or anything - Ford's own Jost Capito said about as much a couple weeks back - but Ford has reportedly confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show that it is merging its European and American high-performance divisions into one unit. First up on The Blue Oval's hi-po radar will be a hotted-up version of the new next-gen Focus.

Will the car carry an ST, RS or SVT badge? That we don't yet know. Nor do we know what engine will be powering the hot hatch, though our best guess (which goes along nicely with rumormill fodder) would be a four-cylinder EcoBoost. Perhaps Ford will find a few more ponies lurking within in its new 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected mill. We'd also gladly take the Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox.

All-wheel or front-wheel drive? Dunno. Hatchback bodyshell? Probably, and we hope so. Sale date? No clue, but certainly not before 2011 hits and probably well into the year. Price? We'll see. Clearly, there are way more questions than answers at this point, but you can consider our interest officially piqued by the notion of a return to real performance from Ford's neglected (in the U.S. at least) Focus platform.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus


[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Global 'high-performance' Ford Focus variant to spawn U.S. SVT version? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfocus rsfocus stfocus svt classicFocusRsFocusStFocusSvtClassicfordford focusford focus rsford focus stford focus svtFordFocusFordFocusRsFordFocusStFordFocusSvtsvtsvt focusSvtFocusMon, 01 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19378025/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/01/report-global-high-performance-ford-focus-variant-to-spawn-u/19378025/article-detail.xml 19378025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/nextgenfordfocus003_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/nextgenfordfocus003_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/sneak-peek-2011-ford-shelby-gt500-w-svt-performance-package/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/sneak-peek-2011-ford-shelby-gt500-w-svt-performance-package/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/sneak-peek-2011-ford-shelby-gt500-w-svt-performance-package/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Pack - Click above for high-res image gallery.Follow the jump to watch video

The latest Ford Racing email newsletter contains some juicy stuff for Mustang fans. It confirms that the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be revealed this coming Monday, February 8, at 1:30 PM Eastern time via a live webcast, during which FoMoCo VP for global product development, Derrick Kuzak will also run down the SVT product strategy with Jost Capito, Ford's director of global performance vehicles. The newsletter includes a link to FordMediaLive.com, which is counting down the seconds to the webcast in real time. We recommend you click on the system test button, because doing so gives you a teaser reel of the 2011 Shelby GT500 (shown above), and if you've been following the leaked developments so far, it's pretty revealing. (Note: Ford has since pulled down the old test/teaser reel and replaced it with generic nature scenes.)

As you know, the Shelby GT500 order guide found its way onto the web last week. Among the new-for-2011 features mentioned (beyond the aluminum block for the blown 5.4-liter V8), are the glass roof option, which is installed on the car in the video, and the new SVT Performance Package, which is also equipped. Visual giveaways that differentiate the performance pack cars are readily evident: the hood stripes are skinnier than the ones on the standard GT500, and the body-side stripe is solid (it's bisected on the regular GT500).

Even more obvious are the different wheels, 19 x 9.5 inches in front, and 20 X 10 inches in back) that are exclusive to the SVT Performance Package. Finally, in the shot of the car's rear end, the spoiler with Gurney flap is plainly visible. Regular GT500s don't get the flap.(Never mind; I forgot that the 2010 GT500 rear spoiler had the flap, too. - Nunez) As specified in the leaked order sheet, the performance pack cars also get upgraded to a 3:73 rear axle ratio over the base GT500's 3:55s.On top of all that, The Detroit News reports this morning that the tweaked, aluminum-block 5.4 gets another 10 horsepower over the iron-block version, raising total output to 550 HP.

There's more to tell, but unfortunately, we're sworn to secrecy until 1:30 sharp on Monday. What we will say is this: The Mustang V6 and GT aren't the only ponys in the stable that get better for 2011. As good - great, even - as the 2010 Shelby GT500 is, the 2011 improves on the formula. Stay tuned for some pretty hot stuff on Monday. Thanks to Murray for the heads-up, and to commenter Mike for the Detroit News link.

Update: The teaser video has been posted to YouTube, and is now embedded after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package


Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide


[Source: Ford Media Live via TeamShelby.com, The Detroit News, YouTube]

Continue reading Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video]

Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford mustang2011 shelby gt5002011FordMustang2011ShelbyGt500breakingfordford mustangFordMustangglass roofGlassRoofgt500mustangperformance packPerformancePackshelbysvtsvt performance packSvtPerformancePackFri, 05 Feb 2010 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19346020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/05/sneak-peek-2011-ford-shelby-gt500-w-svt-performance-package/19346020/article-detail.xml 19346020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2011gt500svtpp1630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2011gt500svtpp1630.jpg <![CDATA[Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'


Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009


[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Audi R8 V102010 Ford F-150 Raptor2010 Ford F-150 SVT raptor2010 Ford Flex2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002010 Porsche Panamera2010AudiR8V102010FordF-150Raptor2010FordF-150SvtRaptor2010FordFlex2010FordMustangShelbyGt5002010PorschePanameraaudi R8audi r8 v10AudiR8AudiR8V10ecoboostEdmundsflex ecoboostFlexEcoboostford flexford raptorFord ustangFordFlexFordRaptorFordUstanginside lineInsideLinemazda 3mazda3most wantedMostWantedMustang GT500MustangGt500panameraporsche panameraPorschePanameraRaptorSVTThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262827/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/inside-line-editors-pick-their-most-wanted-do-you-agree/19262827/article-detail.xml 19262827 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ot_120109_717_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ot_120109_717_opt.jpg -1 2