Shelby reveals the new Super Snake package for 2010 Ford Mustang GT500

Shelby Automobiles, the Mustang’s favorite tuning firm, has decided to take the 2010 GT500 to the next level. Therefore, Shelby revealed its new Super Snake package for the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 this week at the Mid America Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

With the package, Shelby takes an existing customer car and performs power and handling upgrades. Depending on which supercharger the customer selects, the Super Snake will churn out 630 hp for the base configuration or 725 hp with the optional setup. Further changes under the hood include an upgraded intercooler, cold-air intake system and radiator. A Borla cat-back exhaust hangs out back for 630 hp models, while 725 hp cars use a JBA unit.

Handling improvements come courtesy of a Ford Racing suspension with adjustable dampers, stiffer springs, thicker antiroll bars, a front strut tower brace and custom 20in Super Snake wheels shod with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Helping to tame the additional power are Baer six-piston front calipers with cross-drilled rotors at all four corners.

To ensure the car stands out from the crowd when off the track, Shelby’s engineers have also fitted a new hood with an oversized scoop and vents, racing stripes, rear quarter window scoops, and carbon-fiber splitter and side sills. Inside, the headrests feature embroidered Shelby logos and carbon-fiber faced gauge faces.

Pricing for the Super Snake package begins at $29,495 for the 630-hp model and $33,495 for the 725-hp kit, which includes installation at Shelby Automobiles’ Las Vegas plant or at a Shelby authorized mod shop. Additional options include a six-piston rear brake system, Eibach adjustable coil-over suspension and a two-tone leather interior upgrade. Each car will receive a Shelby consecutively number dash plaque, engine plate and listed in the official Shelby registry.

The first customer cars will be modified this August.

2010 Lincoln MKZ gets more luxurious Executive Appearance Package

Ford recently announced a new trim-level to the 2010 Ford Lincoln MKZ, dubbed as Executive Appearance Package. The package adds more traditional luxury appointments and expands the range of Lincoln MKZ option packages.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ Executive Appearance Package is available with Dark Charcoal or Cashmere color, leather-trimmed seats, a unique door trim with stitching, genuine swirl walnut wood instrument panel accents and console and premium front and rear floor mats with the Lincoln star.

Executive Appearance Package is also available with new exterior colors, including Tuxedo Black, White Platinum, Brilliant Silver, Sterling Gray and Sangria Red. Customers also 17in machined aluminum or chrome wheels as standard, with larger 18in polished aluminum wheels available as an option.

Power still comes from the award-winning 3.5L V6 Duratec engine that produces 263-hp and a maximum torque of 249 lb-ft. EPA-estimated fuel-economy comes in at 18/27 mpg (city/highway) for the front-wheel drive MKZ. The engine uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs. It also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and a broader torque curve.

Pricing should be revealed closer to the launch of the Executive Appearance Package in the late summer.

Glass Roof Option added to 2010 Ford Mustang and GT Convertible

Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country.
The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use. Ford also points out that "scientific studies show that increased exposure to sunshine or bright light is therapeutic because it regulates the body's synthesis of melatonin, a mood-regulating hormone that modulates the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness."

The glass roof has been specially engineered to filter out 90 percent of the sun's heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays. This effectively means the Glass Roof Mustang is the only coupe to be equipped with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 50.

The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. Finally, to help improve acoustics and Mustang’s interior quietness the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Since its introduction in 2008, the glass roof option – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10% of all Mustang sales. The convertible, on the other hand, accounts for 25% of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia.

Other Blue Oval vehicles that feature the glass roof option include the 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.

To get that amazing different feeling, head to your local Ford dealer and shell out an extra $1,995.

Ford Racing working on new 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

The FR500CJ Cobra Jet, which was introduced at last year's SEMA show, was the latest Mustang to become part of the Ford Racing range. This 2009 model was a success both with customers and on the track. Ford Racing sold the entire run of 50 copies within two weeks, and it won its first race at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA back in February this year.

Because of its success, Ford Racing intends to follow up with a 2010 version of the Cobra Jet, with production to begin during the fourth quarter with deliveries taking place in early 2010. The base price is expected to be less than $75,000, and once again production will be limited to 50 copies only.

Like the 2009 model, the 2010 Cobra Jet will be modified with all Ford Racing parts. Ford Racing is expecting to put a 425hp 5.4L supercharged V8 straight out of the Ford Racing Parts (FRP) catalog in the standard model, with an optional upgrade to a 475hp aluminum-block engine.

Shifting gears yourself is one of the most rewarding parts of driving a car fast when done properly, but at the drag strip, it just slows you down, so Ford is offering a five-speed Liberty manual in addition to a race-prepped automatic on top of the standard six-speed tranny that was available on the 2008 car.

To keep the car from crumpling when the shiny side fails to stay up, all 2010 Cobra Jets get a 8.50et NHRA certified roll cage, too.

Ford Mustang 'X-1' and Dodge Challenger 'Vapor' Revealed

American tuners Galpin Auto sports have created two customs for the U.S. Air Force to wheel out on their 2009 Super Car Tour. Both cars will be used as recruitment tools for the military outfit.

First up is the matte-pearl white Ford Mustang X-1, with an interior modeled after a fighter jet cockpit. The muscle car seats one, but even that could be reduced: the driver sits in an ejection seat "just in case." Pedals are on either side of the center console, with an oddly placed flight stick in the middle to replace the steering wheel. Three "advanced instrumentation panel(s)" take up quite a bit of space, and look to cut off some of the view outside the windshield. But who cares? The monitors on the panels show night- and thermal-vision almost making the windshield obsolete!

Along with other mods, three-valve Ford Racing heads are used inside the 4.6 liter engine to bring the output up to 500 hp. Vertical doors are meant to give a more "jet-like" feel.

That feeling also translates to the Dodge Challenger Vapor thanks to the "radar-absorbing" stealth-black paintjob. The military aspects only begin with the exterior look; stealth exhaust lets the vehicle run in near silence, but the driver can open the headers to create a surprise aggressive engine noise. The Vapor requires biometric verification to gain entry to the driver compartment. Once inside, the driver can view the night and thermal vision as it is projected onto the windshield.

However, if the driver is unable to get to the car, he or she can still command the vehicle from a remote control system modeled after the Air Force's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The remote system can be accessed worldwide through the internet.

Both cars recently were introduced in Austin, Texas by Galpin's own Mad Mike. Mad Mike, a fixture on "Pimp My Ride," said, "If it was not for the U.S. Air Force, I would not have the knowledge and skills that enables me to stand where I am today."

Source from: worldcarfans.com

Ford offers SYNC TDI update

Ford is enhancing the capabilities of its vehicles by offering its popular Sync system with the new Sync TDI application (SYNC 3.0 version) , which adds traffic, directions and information in a simple download, now available for download via the Ford SYNC website.

SYNC TDI pairs with drivers' Bluetooth handsets to connect to Ford's Service Delivery Network to bring them turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic information, business searches and new, sports and weather updates. Users can call up these features with voice guidance through their handsets --- at no subscription cost for the first three years of vehicle ownership.

To operate the system, all the driver needs to do is state the voice command “services”. Stating “traffic” will then send a text message to the driver’s phone with information such as location and severity of accidents or new road construction causing areas of heavy congestion. This message is then broadcast over the vehicle’s audio system.

If a user states “directions,” a turn-by-turn route for a desired journey is downloaded and is spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on the central information display near the radio.

The latest system also enables drivers to personalize and categorize their favorite media topics, such as sports, weather and news using voice commands or through the Sync website.

The automaker's 2010 models equipped with the SYNC entertainment system will ship with the update already installed, though owners of some early-launch 2010 models will need to perform the update themselves.

The SYNC system is available as an option on select Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles for $395, and includes a GPS receiver for the 2010 model year.

2010 Ford Mustang achieves 5-star NHTSA safety rating

The 2010 Ford Mustang (Coupe only) has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 5-star rating in the agency's latest round of testing, which include 5-stars for both the driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the car’s driving performance but this also has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the new Coupe structure is approximately 31% stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The key is the use of high strength steel in the body structure and ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection. Other important features include special octagonal shape front rails to help spread crash forces evenly, Ford’s SYNC 911 Assist, standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, dual-stage airbags, and safety belt pretensioners.

When it comes to safety, Ford (and its Lincoln and Mercury subsidiaries) is one of the leaders in the industry. In fact, the state-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System™ – a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.

It’s said that Ford has more NHSTA rated 5-star vehicles than any other brand. On the other hand, Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with the new 2010 model driving showroom traffic. In April, Mustang had nearly a 40 percent share of the retail sports car segment.

Ford confirms development of 5.0L ‘Coyote’ V8

Recently, Ford executive has revealed to Drive that Ford’s current 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines will be replaced by a new 5.0L V8 codenamed ‘Coyote’ that’s currently in development in North America.

Ford's Australian product development chief, Russel Christophers, wasn’t willing to reveal any other details but said he had "seen the performance curves" and described them as “pretty good”. But several sources have indicated the 5.0L will include a four-valve SOHC design and crank out at least 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

The new Coyote engine will likely see two applications in the U.S – the Ford Mustang and F-150. The Mustang’s current engine – aside from the powerplant found in the GT500 – is a 4.6L unit generating 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A boost all the way up to 400 ponies should give the Mustang enough firepower to take on the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. In the F-150, the 5.0L is set to replace Ford’s aging 5.4L. Despite its smaller displacement, the Coyote with trump the 5.4L by 80 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque – all while saving a few MPGs.

An exact date for release of the engine is not known, but we expect to see it in the 2011 model year.

Ford plans to sell 5,000 to 10,000 Focus electric cars per year

Electric cars may be all the rage these days but making the technology cheap enough for mass-market will take some time. One of the leaders in this field is Ford, which is expected to have one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars on the market with its battery-powered Focus.
Arriving in 2011, the electric Focus is expected to be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a range of close to 100 miles. It won’t be cheap, however, as pricing will be set higher than a comparable petrol model, Ford’s president of the Americas, Mark Fields, revealed to Automotive News. This will "limit its appeal at least initially" but engineers are working to make the car "as affordable" as possible, he said.

Despite the high price tag the electric Focus is destined to bear, as well as the limited infrastructure for recharging, Ford hopes to entice around 5,000 to 10,000 customers a year. This figure is expected to rise as battery technology improves and production becomes cheaper, but for the first few years Ford will be chasing those numbers.

Ford is spending close to half-a-billion dollars to retool its Michigan SUV plant to build the global Focus. To help streamline costs for the electric Focus and remain up to date with new electric technology, the company is also part of a four-way ‘Eco-Partnership’ with organizations both in the U.S. and China.

Ford, Changan Auto Group and the cities of Chongqing, China, and Denver, Colorado, are exploring ways to develop projects to help further energy security and promote economic and environmental sustainability. Areas of focus could include developing electrified vehicle technologies, green city planning, efficient urban transportation and grid integration.

Ford delays plans for diesel F-150

Ford had said it would sell a new 4.4L V8 diesel engine for the F-150 pickup truck beginning in 2010. Last spring, dealers were shown that 4.4-liter V-8 diesel said to deliver more power and torque than the F-150's 5.4-liter gasoline V-8 and offer a 20 percent fuel savings.

Now that petrol prices have fallen down to their pre-spike levels and is once again cheaper than diesel, it doesn't make economic sense for Ford to introduce a new diesel engine for the F-150. Thus plans for the oil-burning truck have been delayed. Ford is being hesitant about when the new engine might be introduced, but for now there has been no date pencilled.

Despite Fields' comments that there is no definite date for when the engine will be brought into the F-150, an anonymous source from Ford revealed that the F-150's proposed diesel engine has been delayed until at least 2013. After this point, there is still no certainty it will be offered as an option as there is no business case for the engine if fuel prices remain at their current levels.

The new 4.4L diesel V8 engine under consideration for the F-150 improves significantly on the current petrol engine currently on offer. Initial tests have shown that the smaller diesel engine produces more power and torque than the 5.4L petrol V8, but still cuts fuel consumption and emissions significantly. Despite these qualities, diesel prices are the real barrier for Ford in the engine's introduction and until petrol prices rise or diesel prices fall we likely won't hear much about this engine.

In fact, General Motors and Chrysler LLC also have delayed diesel versions of their light-duty pickups, giving Ford less incentive to introduce the diesel F-150.

Ford's Fiesta became the most popular car in Europe in March

Figures from industry analyst firm JATO Dynamics said that Ford's Fiesta model has ousted the VOLKSWAGEN Golf, topped the list of most popular cars in Europe. According to JATO, it is the first time in a year that the Golf has dropped from top of the most bought car list.

The survey found there has been a particular growth in car sales in Germany and Italy, where scrappage schemes have been introduced by the governments.

"Germany and Italy are big markets for new cars and we're really seeing the commercial benefits brought about by the new incentives," said David Di Girolamo, head of JATO.

He added: "We will track the markets with interest as it will be important to understand if this is a short-term reaction by consumers or if it will have a prolonged effect on the market."

The results could encourage more people to buy used cars from Ford. The company has recently revealed its used car sector is performing well.

A recent sale of its new Ka and Fiesta models in the used car market saw the vehicles sold for an average of 85 per cent of their original cost.

The Ford Fiesta picked up the Car of the Year for 2009 and the Best Supermini accolades at the What Car? awards recently.

Ford : F-150 SVT Raptor start from $38,995 in U.S.

With only about $3,000 more than a well-equipped F-150 FX4 model, one can buy a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in U.S.

Ford has revealed pricing for the latest addition to its F-150 pickup truck line, the new 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, which will start at $38,995. The pumped-up pickup is a purpose-built off-road version of the popular F-150 workhorse and first went on display at last year’s SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas.

Utilizing experience gained from competing in the Baja 1000 desert race series, Ford has put together a comprehensive off-road package based around an all-new suspension set-up. The F-150 SVT Raptor comes with 13.4 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 in the front. Engineers changed the axle, added a new upper A arm, new lower A arm, new tie rod, and new half-shaft joints. The vehicle also features a seven inch wider track, electronic locking differential, and a hill descent control system.

In addition to this, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts a unique position sensitive damper system that allows its shock to become significantly stiffer as it travels, preventing the truck from bottoming out. The wheels are 17in cast aluminum units shod with 35in tires.

Power comes from the current 5.4L Triton V8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320hp and 390lb-ft of torque. A new open-valve fuel injection strategy improves the air-fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds. This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel. A new 6.2L V8 engine will be available after launch.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is built alongside the standard F-150 at Ford's Dearborn tuck plant in Michigan.