Ford Mustang – Page 5 – Automobiles Review

What’s New for 2016 Ford Mustang?

We have great news for Mustang fans! For the new 2016 model year, the iconic pony car will get several updates, which will make it fancier and closer to its ancestors. Ford is actually adding new turn signal indicators that are located in hood vents. This typical Mustang trait originates from 1967 Ford Mustang and almost 50 years later it returns as standard equipment in the GT version of the car.

In addition, the GT Premium will get an exclusive California Special Package, while the Pony Package will be available for the Mustang EcoBoost Premium by the end of the year. The open top experience is not left behind. Instead, the GT convertible will be available with a special Performance Package.

Several other new options will help the owners make their Mustang more individual. These include the new racing stripes and wheels, accompanied by the already mentioned standard hood vent indicators. Precisely, the stripes are offered in black or silver, and will be available on most color and trim packages. In addition, the EcoBoost-equipped Mustangs will benefit from a black roof option.

If you wonder what’s in the Pony Package, we won’t keep it in secret anymore, but will tell you that it includes one-off 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, tri-bar pony logo on the grille, side stripe and chrome window surround.

On the other hand, the Black Accent Package will benefit from 19-inch black-painted alloys, black decklid spoiler, dark taillamp trim, and black 5.0 and pony logos. At last, the most special pack of all, the California Special Package, comes offering a host of features like 19-inch ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels, ebony leather/Miko suede seat inserts and embossed logo, door panel inserts and premium carpet, aluminum dashboard finish with California Special badge, and red contrast stitching.

On the outside, the Mustang equipped with this pack will show-off with hood and side stripes, black pedestal spoiler, faux gas cap, strut tower brace, dark taillamp accents, black-painted mirrors, hood vents, performance front splitter and a grille with tri-bar pony logo.

For those who want to own a GT Convertible, Ford has also prepared goodies. The manual transmission cabrio is getting a Performance Package for the 2016 model year. This pack enhanced structural bracing, improved suspension components, brakes, 19-inch wheels, tires, Torsen limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio and six-piston Brembo front brake calipers. There is also a more aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler delete.

In addition, the Premium Pack will also get the SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. It has user-friendly interface, improved voice command, Wi-Fi network and etc.

The updated 2016 Mustangs will be available at dealerships in the third quarter of this year.

Source: Ford

May 11, 2015

Why Shelby GT350 Mustang Has the Best Handling Ever?

Did you know that Ford Shelby GT350 has been built on Carroll Shelby’s original idea of changing the Mustang from an everyday to a road racer? Then it is no surprise that the new 2015 Mustang now receives a GT performance pack, which comes to offer the best in terms of technologies and components. The goal is to create the most athletic pony car ever!

Suspension

The first thing to mention about this beautiful car is that its suspension has been tuned for maximum performance on road and track. It has been thoroughly revised in order to improve the cornering performance of the car. Precisely, the new Shelby Mustang is fitted with stiffer and lighter aluminum front knuckle, hub and bearing assemblies.

The rigid bushings help in the steering feedback because they control the arms and subframes. In addition, the heavy-duty bearings are added for increased lateral stiffness. The diameter of the front and rear antiroll bars has been increased so that there is better body control. The side of the rear suspension has new rear spring and rear control arm.

MagneRide Suspension

This is the name has been applied for the first time in a Ford vehicle. The continuously variable MagneRide dampers are actually filled with a hydraulic fluid that features iron particles. This allows near-instantaneous adjustment of the suspension. In fact, changes can be made to each corner every 7 milliseconds.

Brakes

This Shelby Mustang features the most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production Mustang. The brake system comprises of two-piece cross-drilled iron rotors with aluminum hats. They measure 394-millimeter at the front and 380-millimeter at the rear, and are a floating-type and reduce heat transfer to the bearings.

The rotors are also accompanied by Brembo calipers. At the front they are with integrated caliper bridges, while at the rear they are with four-piston units. Additional ducting helps in cooling the brakes for optimum performance.

Wheels & Tires

The new Shelby GT350 rides on 19.0-inch alloys that are 10.5 inches wide in front an 11.0 inches in the rear. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. What is the difference with the GT350R version? The latter rides on hand-laid wheels, which are 19.0 inches in diameter, 11.0 inches wide at the front and 11.5 inches at the rear. Each wheel is fitted with custom formulated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. This combination shed 50 pounds of unsprung weight compared to the previous mentioned.

Chassis

The last change is in the chassis. It has been made stiffer, being the strongest platform in the history of the Mustang. In addition, the GT350 adds bracing to improve the overall stiffness. There is also a new lightweight aluminum tower brace, which links the shock towers and firewall, thus making better the front end stiffness.

The hood is lower for aerodynamic performance; the grille openings have been also reengineered and reinforced with carbon, thus making the overall weight of the chassis 24% lighter than the pervious generation one.

Source: Ford

May 7, 2015

This Shelby Mustang Produces 1258 Horses!

Kinetik Motorsport Shelby Mustang GT500 Side View This is probably the fastest Mustang ever produced. Please, correct me if I’m wrong. The reason for my opinion is that this Shelby GT500 is capable of more than 1258 horsepower! It sounds almost unthinkable, since most of the cars produce around 100-150 hp. Behind this project is the team at Kinetik Motorsport, which is famous for its power tunings for late-model performance vehicles.

The questions are many, but one that pops-out almost immediately, is how was this achieved? Well, the answer is simple: with the means of an entirely new engine. Yes, the tuner has installed a brand new powertrain which was delivered by L&M Engines.

Fortunately, details about it aren’t scarce. The engine is the 5.8-litre V8 which was coupled with a huge 4.7-litre supercharger.

The result is spectacular and it is estimated at 1248 hp (925 kW) and 1435 Nm (1059 lb-ft) of torque. If you ask about the top speed: it is rated at 336 km/h, and this was done on car’s premiere at the Texas Mile.

The modifications do not stop here. Next to the supercharger, the engine also got a limited slip differential. Contributing to the additional hoses is also the Magnaflow 3-inch catback exhaust system that has tube headers by American Racing and sports mufflers.

The chassis of the Mustang has been strengthened via Koni coilovers and Griggs GR40SS suspension. The last component is the brake disks installed at all four corners and delivered by Baer Extreme.

Source: Kinetik Motorsport via Facebook

April 29, 2015

Limited Run for Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R

Shelby GT350 marks 50 years this year and to celebrate this, Ford has announced that it will release a limited run of the GT350 and GT350R variants. The original first generation of the car was introduced in 1965 and since then has been one of the most desired cars worldwide. It is also a synonym great performance, which has been proved on many racetracks through the years. The latest edition of the model is powered by the most potent naturally aspirated engine that Ford has ever produced.

Going into details, the company announced that it will produce only 100 Shelby GT350 with the 2015 model year designation. Half of them will be equipped as a standard with the Technology Package and the other half – with the Track Package.

On the other hand, the pony car legend, which is 2015 Shelby GT350R, will be produced in 37 units. Behind this number, there is an interesting history that has happened 50 years ago. In 1965, Carroll Shelby created an FIA-homologated Mustang, which was dubbed Shelby GT350 competition model.

It competed on various track globally, showing its superpowers. Moreover, it won the Sports Car Club of America’s B Production national championship in 1965, 1966 and 1967, as well as the different races throughout South America and Europe, and the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans is just a single instance.

The car got extremely limited production run and debates are still ongoing on how much examples were produced. Despite that Shelby made two prototype cars and 35 production ones, most records show only 34 production models with official serial numbers. For this reason, the GT350R models will be exactly 37 in memory of Carroll Shelby.

Source: Ford

April 28, 2015

Ford Mustang under Speed Test. Covers 0-100kmh in 4.8 seconds [VIDEO]

Ford Mustang Side View If you think that there is nothing new about the Mustang, you are wrong. Ford has just released a video, showing how the V8 powered pony car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 4.8 seconds. This is actually record-braking, because it guarantees that the Mustang is the fastest accelerating Ford coupe ever offered in Europe.

If you wonder what will happen if the car is equipped with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, well, the answer is simple. It will need an additional second to cover the same sprint, but it will be also more economical and environmentally-friendly, delivering 35mpg and 179 g/km of CO2 emissions.

To go into details, Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine produces 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque. On the other hand, the more fuel-efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine generaes 317 hp (233 kW) and 432 Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque.

Both engines are supported by a standard Performance Pack, which adds updated brakes and cooling. The new chassis and body structure, the additional advanced technology, are the other key factor, which helps in terms of optimized driving dynamic.

The famous pony car also features selectable drive modes, which are controlled via the toggle switches in the centre console. They adjust the electronic stability control, throttle response, ear-shift patterns, and steering with the help of four settings: Normal, Sport+, Track or Snow/Wet settings.

In addition, the new Mustang also uses independent front and rear suspension and double-ball-joint front MacPherson struts. In addition, body of the car is 28 per cent stiffer than the previous generation, which has also contributed for the great 0-100 km/h performance. Lightweight materials like aluminium for the bonnet, front wings, suspension, transmission and brakes are the other feature which has played a significant role in weight reduction and 4.8 seconds acceleration time.

The Mustang is offered in cabrio and fastback variant and is available throughout the United States. European dealerships will get the Mustang from July this summer. And don’t forget to watch the exciting video below:

httpv://youtu.be/1V2LN5x7GqY

5.0 V8 Ford Mustang 0-100 Speed Test

# # #

		Ford Mustang Fastback				Ford Mustang Convertible
		421 PS 5.0-litre V8		317 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost		421 PS 5.0-litre V8		317 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost
		Man	Auto	Man	Auto	Man	Auto	Man	Auto
Fuel Economy*	Mpg	20.9	23.5	35.3	28.8	20.8	22.1	34.4	28.8
CO2*	g/km	299	281	179	225	306	289	184	225

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

April 27, 2015

ROUSH Performance Releases Stage 3 Kit for the Mustang [VIDEO]

Ford Mustang has been lucky to be one of the most famous and desired car in the world. This does not count only for ownership, but also for customization. Many companies have already released their tuning kits for the latest generation Mustang, thus making it more unique and with better characteristics. The good news is that one of the prominent modifiers of the pony car has already finished its phase 2 and 3 kits.

I am talking about the specialists at ROUSH Performance, who have also released a video showing a dyno run for a development vehicle. In it you will see and hear the rear wheel horsepower with a stock engine and the phase 1 Supercharger kit hardware plus. The upgrades added are as follows: a 75mm supercharger pulley, upgraded fuel injectors, fuel pump booster kit and calibration enhancements.

The testing they performed was done via 93 octane, stock manifolds, and stock catalytic converters. What impression we can get from the video? Due to the small modification to the phase 1 hardware, the 2.3L supercharger kit is capable of exceeding 800 horsepower (588 kW). Just imagine what phase 2 and 3 could do?!

To go into details, the stage 3 Mustang is expected to be the most powerful and well-balanced production version of the car to be launched, not only out of ROUSH Performance garage but also in general. Under the hood of the car is the ROUSHcharged Coyote 5.0, pushing out more than 800 hp. In the second video below you can see in details what it exactly features.

For instance, there is a Quad-Tip exhaust mated with an Active Exhaust System, exclusive “R7” aerobody complemented by graphics and badging, and single adjustable coilover suspension system as a standard. In addition, there is also an independent rear- and optional TrakPak coilover suspension. The latter allows for adjustment of height, compression, and rebound.

ROUSH Stage 3 for the Mustang has been priced at $21,995 USD. It’s up to you to decide whether it is worth it. Nonetheless, the car looks and sounds astonishing!

httpv://youtu.be/KeXiDAynHrE

httpv://youtu.be/MXeEO7S1lD4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: ROUSH Performance

April 23, 2015

Take Closer Look at Saleen’s Powerful Mustang [VIDEO]

Saleen S302 Black Label Mustang Front and Side View If you have followed us yesterday then you definitely know that the most powerful production Mustang has debuted in LA this weekend. Those who are responsible for this are the specialists at Saleen. The car is super sophisticated, does not look like the other pony cars and has this outstanding output of 730 hp. And this all comes under the name of S302 Black Label.

Under the hood of this beast-machine we find the 5.0L motor enhanced with twin-screw supercharger, which is the reason of the aforementioned output. The torque is measured at 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) on 91-octane gas.

To sum up, Saleen has basically changed the perception for this Ford model. The muscle car has one of the most aerodynamically efficient profiles, new suspension and luxurious and spacious interior.

Fast fact: Edmunds says that the current Mustang is with 10% more expensive than the previous generation. In addition, the overall sales are up 62% when regarding the same period. This means that there will be a great interest in what the company has presented and they are “riding the trend”, if we can say so.

Of course, the Black Label Mustang will be produced in limited numbers, meaning a special serial badge that identifies its exceptionality. The exact starting price of each car has been estimated at $73,214 USD, while the car itself can be acquired in Ford dealers around the United States.

At last, below you find a 3 minutes long video, which will give you a hint of how this special vehicle was built. Oh, and don’t miss the extensive gallery below it.

httpv://vimeo.com/122972157

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Saleen

March 24, 2015

Saleen Unveils Mustang Black Label with Unexpected 730HP [VIDEO]

Saleen’s Black Label Mustang was announced in the end of September and as we recall, it had to produce 640 horsepower. However, the much praised Ford Mustang was endowed with even more power and now reaches 730 hp. This is quite a pleasant surprise, isn’t it? Moreover, this pony car is one of the best developed by the specialists so far.

We don’t have any official pictures but the video below shows that the 302 Black Label has been changed significantly from the outside too. First, the car has a brand new finely tuned aerodynamic body. It also seems somewhat longer and the reason for this is that it has been lengthened an inch and a half in the front and two inches in the rear.

As a result the muscle vehicle has increased airfoil, thus maximizing the downforce too. At the back we see the traditional Saleen rear wing, which also contributes for the balance of the downforce, created by the front air splitter. Of course, this version of the Mustang is also lighter than its standard siblings because of the use of carbon fiber body components.

The exterior paint finish is called California Sunset and it is a mix between golden yellow and setting sun hues and also changes with the light.

Inside, we trust Saleen that we will see a combination of luxury and styling enhancements. This is implemented via black leather and suede seats that were additionally highlighted with contrasting chevrons. The gauge cluster is there to make a significant design contrast in the interior, while the leather wrapped steering wheel and the unique badging with the specific serial number of the vehicle round out the interior modifications.

The main surprise in this car however is the output, since it was originally announced with minus 80 hp. The updated engine is the 5.0L Coyote one which has been fitted with Saleen twin turbo supercharger. This combination results in 730 horsepower (537 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of optimum torque. How does this feel, Dodge Challenger Hellcat?

Further optimizations have been done regarding the handling, comprising of chassis with independent suspension on all four corners, S4 springs, shocks, swaybars and bushings. At last, the 20-inch five spoke alloys were fitted with huge tires and multi-piston brakes.

All in all, this muscle vehicle has changed the perception of the American pony car and it might be suggesting a more exotic and contemporary expression of the old classic. 2015 Saleen 302 Black Label Mustang can be acquired at a starting price of $73,214 USD.

httpv://youtu.be/Q17KZlDwHI8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Saleen

March 23, 2015

Ford Mustang III Shorty Factory Prototype to be Auctioned

A beauty from the past is going to be auctioned by Actions America in March, 2015. The vehicle in question is the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang III “Shorty” factory prototype. It is a car that real collectors dream about and it is arguably the most historically-significant Ford Mustang which has been ever offered for sale.

Under the hoot, there is a Mustang 260 V8 engine which is bored out to 302 cubic inches (5.0 liters). The power unit is packed with three carburetors and is mated to a specially strengthened and reworked automatic transmission. There is also independent front suspension, hypoid rear axle, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes.

The car is styled by Vince E. Gardner and is based on a pre-production 1965 Mustang. Moreover, it embodies well-crafted design with excellently proportioned bodylines which still reflect on the nature of the base model. Still though, it is called “Shorty” for a reason. The factory prototype has 406 mm (16 inches) smaller wheelbase which makes it shorter than the original vehicle. In addition to this, 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang III features a bespoke rear and an entire body built from fiberglass.

Lastly, there is an interesting story behind this Ford Mustang. Because Ford did not plan an official production of the car and decided to destroy it instead, Gardner stole the vehicle from its warehouse and hid it in another building. He paid rent for the first month only and never bothered to pay for the rest of the time when he used the place. Here is when the story becomes more intriguing. Because of this the owner tore down the wall behind which stood the stolen Mustang III. He then notified the police about the car. The Ford Mustang Shorty was purchased by an employee of an insurance company who later on sold it to its current owner.

Source: Auctions America

December 29, 2014

Ford to Auction First Production Shelby GT350 Mustang

The first production unit of the brand new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is going to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. All off the gathered proceeds are to benefit the JDRF, which is USA’s leading world organization funding type 1 diabetes research. The auction will happen on 17h of January. The one who will win by bidding will be able to choose from available colors and packages for the muscle car. With this event Ford will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Shelby GT350 Mustang.

January 1964 is the month when Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company introduced the first GT350. After this, the world wasn’t the same. The vehicle was offered through Ford dealers from 1965 through 1970, and nowadays, they are among the most collectible vehicles in the world.

The new Shelby model is based on the 2015 Ford Mustang. It is equipped with great features such as new independent suspension, powerful engine and superb brakes. In fact, it is the most potent Shelby Mustang ever produced.

Precisely, the muscle car is powered by Ford’s first production V8 engine. The powerplant has a design typically reserved for racing applications and exotic European sports cars. The 5.2-liter unit produces more than 500 horsepower (368 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of peak torque.

The car runs on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. As a standard, the car also gets Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential which optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction. Carefully sculpted body panels maximize aerodynamic forces.

Furthermore, the GT350 also includes outstanding brake system. At the front there are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston calipers, while at the rear there are 380-millimeter rotors with four-piston calipers.

Source: Ford

December 23, 2014

Meet the Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake!

Shelby exclusively announced the introduction of its latest project which is so exclusive that it is going to be produced in only 50 examples. The car is called Signature Edition Super Snake and it honors the end of production for the current generation Ford Shelby GT500. It has one-of-a-kind styling as well as more than enough horsepower (850 hp) and some of the most popular upgrades.

As a matter of fact, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a post-title program based on the 2007-2014 Ford Shelby GT500. It comprises of upgrades to the engine, suspension, brakes and cooling. As you can see, the cars that are to get the package will have stunning visual appeal and interior upgrades.

The cars can be colored by the entire color palette offered by Ford on a Shelby GT500. On the airbag cover there is a commemorative badge that honors Carroll Shelby. There is also wide body package available.

Some great upgrades had happened under the hood of the Mustang. The 5.8-liter V8 engine has been fitted with a Kenne Bell supercharger. Thanks to it the musclecar is capable of producing 850 hp (634 kW). The vehicle also features a cooling package, which includes brand new heat exchanger, radiator as well as aluminum cooling tanks.

Key features on the Signature Edition cars include:

Forged Weld Wheels with Signature Edition center caps
3.6 Kenne Bell Supercharger
Shelby Performance cooling package with a new radiator, heat exchanger and aluminum cooling tanks
Upgraded rear brakes
Commemorative Carroll Shelby signature air bag cover decal from the Carroll Shelby Foundation
Stripes in any current color offered by Shelby American
“Super Snake” Signature Edition vehicle badges
Unique CSM number on interior and engine plates
Signature Edition floor mats
One day track experience

The package has a starting price of $44,995 USD.

Source: Shelby

December 22, 2014

I Love the 60’s American Muscle Cars: Fisker and GAS Reveal Ford Mustang Rocket

Galpin Auto Sport (GAS) and Fisker have collaborated to create unique Ford Mustang Rocket, which is inspired by those pony cars of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. The most accurate example is the 1968 Shelby GT500. The car is characterized by hexagonal carbon fiber grill, split by a polished aluminum bar and wild horse running across the horizon. The Rocket features elongated lines, sculptured flared fenders and new rear spoiler. This tuning is definitely athletic and we must confirm that it surely pays homage to those iconic Mustangs of the 60s.

The renowned concept car builder GFMI Metalcrafters constructed the handmade carbon-fiber bodywork. It includes various functional scoops and vents that direct airflow. The front splitter draws out hot air from and makes better the engine cooling. In fact, it works simultaneously with the rear spoiler, enlarged rear diffuser and polished carbon fiber aero skirts.

As you can see Rocket’s sculptured hood has two large air intakes. Of course, they were designed to channel cooler outside air through the engine compartment. Speaking of the engine, it is the 725 hp (533 kW) V8 unit. There are also two additional scoops, mounted on the rear fenders ahead of the wheels, which help channel air to cool oversized 15-inch Brembo Grand Turismo high performance brakes.

The exterior of the muscle car looks amazing thanks to the custom mixed silver paint dubbed Éminence Grise. This design scheme is strengthened by the large 21-inch ADV.1 wheels with Pirelli P-Zero extreme performance tires. The rubbers are supported by a front and rear independent and adjustable suspension.

And the most exciting news is that this is not a one-off concept but the first example of a low-volume series. The production of the car is scheduled to begin this month and the first deliveries are expected in the beginning of 2015.

Source: Galpin Auto Sport

December 9, 2014

Tag: Ford Mustang

Suspension

MagneRide Suspension

Brakes

Wheels & Tires

Chassis