An EcoBoost V8 Shelby GT500 Mustang?

More power, less fuel consumption, lower emissions. The claims for Ford Motor Co.’s EcoBoost engine seem almost too good to be true, but the automaker is ready to offer the technology in as much as 90% of its line-up by mid-decade, and is planning to expand the engine variations using the advanced technology that makes such promises possible.

Until recently, Ford would only discuss the EcoBoost that is being used on the new, aluminum 3.5-liter V6, though it now has confirmed a version of the system will go onto an inline-four, as well. But several sources are telling TheDetroitBureau.com that Ford is considering using the EcoBoosttechnology on a modified V8, as well, which might serve as the replacement for the big block eight-banger now used in such muscle cars as the Shelby Cobra Mustang. More in the jump!

Meanwhile, a report in the Detroit News claims that the automaker is also taking EcoBoost technology in the other direction, with a possible 1.0-liter I4 application that could be used in future small cars, such as the Fiesta subcompact coming to the U.S. in mid-2010.

Ford plans to generate a 35% increase in its fuel economy by mid-decade, a massive achievement – if it works. The company backed off from an earlier promise, dubbed “25 in 5,” to increase SUV fuel economy 25% in five years. While hybrids, electrics and other alternative powertrain systems will help meet the latest goal, company officials, including product development chief Derrick Kuzak, have said that EcoBoost will play the critical role in getting there.

The underlying technology is, in many ways, similar to what has made the diesel so popular in Europe: high-pressure direct injection and turbocharging – in this case, small, twin turbos that avoid the classic “turbo-lag” that used to frustrate motorists waiting for the devices to “spool” up and provide an added boost to acceleration. Ford technicians claim that EcoBoost delivers a significant portion of the mileage gains that would otherwise come from switching to diesel, which Ford doesn’t see much of a market for in the U.S.

The automaker is still in the early roll-put phase with EcoBoost, which is making its first appearances on models like the 2010 Taurus SHO, the 2010 Lincoln MKS and the updated Ford Flex “people mover.” Other models, such as the F-150 pickup, are due to get thetechnology. And it will begin to roll out overseas, in places like Australia, as well.

The initial demand for the vehicle has been far stronger than anticipated, despite Ford’s own upbeat forecast. The SHO is accounting for 20% of overall Taurus sales, while EcoBoost models account for 40% of the new Lincoln MKT, the Detroit News quotes Amy Marentic, the automaker’s marketing manager. That’s 15 points higher than anticipated.

With the automaker demanding a premium of $5,000 to $7,000 for models equipped with the powertrain – a figure that typically includes other optional gear – that has helped Ford sharply drive up the transaction prices for its products, this year.

While the company claims the 3.5-liter version of EcoBoost can achieve V8 performance with V6 fuel consumption, some reviewers have been cautious about endorsing the claim. The more aggressive the system is used, the less the mileage benefit, if there is any at all. This could be another EPA cycle beater at its core – designed to give great ratings that customers may never obtain. Whether consumers will find thetechnology worthwhile make take some time to find out. Real world results often differ sharply from what happens in the federal government’s fuel economy rating system

But for now, at least, Ford is moving ahead aggressively.

There has been talk about using the EcoBoost in performance and muscle cars. And if a V6 would do, what about a V8? The system is flexible enough to adapt to a wide range of engines. With a V6, like the one in the SHO, EcoBoost is turning out 365 horsepower.

“Imagine what we could do with a big V8?” hinted a well-placed company source. Could it rival the 540 horsepower of the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 in the Shelby GT500? Apparently, we’re going to have to wait awhile to find out.

Source: Detroit Bureau

Last year when Ford announced a 50-unit run of the 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, the program became a huge success and the Dearborn automaker sold out of all the units before the vehicle even went into production. Well, Ford is back this year and is repeating that success with the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the 2009 SEMA show.

For its SEMA launch, Ford racing has unveiled a one-of-a-kind SEMA Special Silver Cobra Jet with charcoal Cobra Jet graphics. Like its predecessor, the 2010 Cobra Jet is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The 2010 model comes with all the features of the 2008 model with some enhancements including a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. Another new option is the launch control/rev limiter that lets drivers preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to go, all they have to do is put the pedal to the floor and enjoy the ride.

Production of the 2010 Cobra Jets will kick off in January at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. All 50 units of the car have already been spoken for and deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2010.

But worry not; since the Cobra Jet is based on the V6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

Source: eGMCarTech

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien last night. The comic host still owns and drives his beloved 1992 SHO, claiming it's the finest car ever built, so Ford invited him to Galpin Motors in Los Angeles to check out the new one. Amy Marentic from Ford is his tour guide and does a great job keeping up with the jokes, at one point refusing to massage Conan's neck where the multi-contoured massaging seats won't reach.

After trying out the new SHO, Conan shows Amy what's up with a tour of his own 1992 SHO – "The Beast" – that's parked right beside. We won't ruin all the laughs for you, suffice it to say that Ford got some sweet product placement in a skit that makes you chuckle more than it tries to sell you a car. Hit the jump for the video!



Source: AutoBlog

Saleen's designers have managed to retain much of the design language that made previous versions of the S281 so popular while updating the style enough to properly flow with the lines of the 2010 Mustang. What do you think?

Source: AutoBlog

Ford Racing is continuing to launch its assault on all forms of motorsport with the upcoming launch of the 2010 Boss 302R Mustang to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Boss 302's 1970 Trans-Am championship. No photos of the car have been released quite yet, but we do have plenty of information thanks to a leaked letter to Ford dealers. Like the FR500S, FR500C, FR500CJ and other Mustangs available from the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog, the Boss 302R is for off-road use only and will be built in very limited quantities. Just 50 are planned for production at a starting cost of $79,000.

Two versions of the 302R will be available, with the base package designed to compete in various SCCA and NASA classes and the upgraded version built to Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series specifications. The base Boss 302R includes a 5.0-liter four-valve V8 pushing out an estimated 400 horsepower as well as a six-speed transmission, race-spec suspension, brakes and tires, and safety equipment including a roll cage and race seats with safety harnesses. The Grand-Am spec version also gets a sealed high-output race engine, seam-welded body, racing fuel cell, a data acquisition system and more for a cost of $129,000.

Ford Racing is currently taking orders, and judging by sales of their other competition Mustangs you will need to order immediately if you want to get your hands on one. Full details at the source!

Source: AutoBlog

Ford is expanding its previous recall of vehicles over a cruise-control-switch defect by 4.5 million vehicles. Including previous recalls for the problem, Ford has now recalled more than 14 million vehicles, making this the company's biggest recall ever. The switch poses a fire hazard, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles are pickup trucks, minivans and commercial vehicles built between 1992 and 2003.

Ford's recall history with the switch, which started a decade ago, was expanded on Tuesday, notably to include the Ford Windstar. In Canada, 522,900 are being recalled, bringing the total to a million, the largest recall in Ford of Canada's history, reported the Toronto Star. More in the jump..

The problem affects 1995-2002 Explorers/Mercury Mountaineers, 1995-2003 Windstars, 1995-97 and 2001-03 Rangers, 2000-03 Excursions with diesel engine, 1992-2003 Econoline vans and 1993-97, 1994 F35 motor homes and 1999-2003 F-Series Super Duty trucks with diesel engine.

The switches are for cruise control deactivation and were made by Texas Instruments. According to NHTSA, the switch can overheat, and it poses a fire hazard even when the engine is shut off. The agency also said vehicle owners can notice warning signs such as malfunctioning cruise control and brakes, unusual activation of brake lights and difficulty shifting the vehicle out of Park.

Ford's notice to NHTSA says dealers will install a fused wiring harness "to eliminate the potential risk of fire." On the recalled Windstars, the repair will also include inspection and repair, "if necessary," of the ASS module connector. Inspections and repairs will be made at no charge.

The recall officially begins on October 26. Meanwhile, owners of affected vehicles can call Ford at 888-222-2751 for more information. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, quoted by the Detroit News, said the vehicles should not be parked inside garages or near homes until the fix is made.

Source: Edmunds

In July, Ford Racing announced that the Mustang will race in the Nationwide series when Ford begins a limited rollout of its new car in 2010. The Ford Mustang NASCAR Nationwide Car was revealed today and in collaboration with Roush Fenway Racing and Con-way Freight.

The No.16 Con-way Freight Mustang will be driven by 21-year old Colin Braun, who was the 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year. He will move to a full-time Nationwide program next season. Press release at the source!

Source: eGMCarTech

Saleen's Flickr page has given us some teasers for the upcoming Saleen S281 debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The three photos posted on the site actually provide a decent look at the front and rear of the car, and we especially like what's been done to the 2010 Stang's controversial rear with the elongated tail and the diffuser-style rear valence. Full details to follow.

Spies have caught a pack of “Coyote” powered Ford F-150 pickups undergoing hot-weather testing. The 4-valve 5.0L V8 engine is expected to pump out approximately 400-hp with a maximum torque of 400 lb-ft. Ford plans to replace the 5.4L V8 engine with the Coyote V8 in 2010. The naturally aspirated engine is expected to deliver 5.4L V8 performance while providing an increase in fuel-economy.

It was previously reported that the 2011 Mustang GT is expected to carry the new Coyote 5.0L V8 and is currently being tested in the United States.

Sources now say that Ford is also working on a twin-turbo charged version of the 5.0L V8 Coyote – code-named “Road Runner.” The engine is expected to find its way under the hood of the Shelby GT500 in 2012 and possibly under the Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson edition. It will deliver well over 500-hp.

The current 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is powered Ford’s 5.4L V8 making 540-hp.

Source: eGMCarTech

The all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty revealed itself to the world at the State Fair of Texas. Although the foundation of the truck remains relatively unchanged, Super Duty engineers have modified and improved just about every other important aspect of the full-size heavy-duty pickup.

To begin, every Super Duty has a new, hulkier dual-bar grille that houses a dinner-plate-sized Ford blue oval, as well as a new inverted power dome hood. But it's under the hood where all the significant changes exist.

Without naming exact horsepower and torque numbers, Ford says the all-new 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel will be the strongest engine it has ever had in the Super Duty lineup. Sources told Inside Line weeks ago that the numbers would be 400 hp and 725 lb-ft of torque. More in the jump!

Additionally, the 2011 Super Duty has a new base engine as well, in the form of a 6.2-liter V8. It features dual variable valve timing, twin spark plugs, aluminum heads, and oil-squirting jets to cool down the aluminum pistons. No word yet on power ratings but we have heard it'll likely be better than the previous 6.8L-liter V10 in both horsepower and torque (those numbers were 362 hp and 457 lb-ft).

Backing up both new power plants will be an all-new six-speed automatic, called the 6R140. (For 2011, Ford is cancelling the six-speed manual option on all Super Duty trucks.) The new TorqueShift transmission allows the driver to select a manual mode and shift through the gears manually via a thumb selector on the column stalk, and also has a much smarter computer controller to help identify everything from heavy towing to hard-core four-wheeling.

Additionally, all new Super Duty trucks offer a host of other new electronics, ranging from Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control to a new 4.2-inch LCD information screen. As to the model lineup, don't expect Ford to cut any wheelbases or cab configurations, and special packages like the King Ranch and FX4 will remain.

Source: Edmunds

The hand-build Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang has been priced at $89,950.

The special-edition Mustang is based on the 2009 Ford Mustang coupe and will be offered with two engine options – a naturally-aspirated 4.6L V8 making 320-hp and a supercharged version pumping out 400-hp. Both models are matted to a 5-speed manual transmission and are covered by Ford’s engine warranty.

Only 45 units of the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang will be built.

Source: eGMCarTech

The new stallion atop Roush's Mustang lineup gets a 540-horsepower upgrade complete with a second-generation R2300 supercharger, forged internals, high-flow fuel rails and injectors, upgraded fuel pump and a beefier clutch. The $59,945 price tag also gets you 18-inch wheels and tires, 14-inch brakes, a Roush suspension system, various interior enhancements and a Roush body kit complete with a billet grille.

If the you're the type of person that is only interested in performance and not the rest of the fluff, Roush is also offering a sleeper package called the 540RH. Along with the drivetrain and suspension upgrades, this budget Roush only includes the rear spoiler, a short-throw shifter, and a subtle stripe package. Roush claims they have already tested the car at the drag strip (with the optional Cooper RS3 tires) and came away with an 11.8 second time slip. At $46,145, the 540RH tucks in nicely under the Shelby GT500's price tag while offering similar performance.

Source: AutoBlog

Ford Motor Company has announced today that it will add a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder variant to its EcoBoost lineup.

Expected to produce 180 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine will be the smallest of the three EcoBoost offerings from Ford. The new engine will make its production debut in the European Ford C-MAX later next year. A larger 2.0-liter version may be seen in the 2011 Ford Fusion.

Like all EcoBoost motors, the small four cylinder gets help from turbocharging and direct-injection. The 1.6-liter will do the same duty as a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, but will produce as much as 20 percent less CO2, Ford says.

By 2013, 90 percent of the Blue Oval's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Can we expect to see this engine in the 2011 Ford Fiesta? We suspect so.

Source: Automobile Magazine

So you’ve taken out the second mortgage, told the condescending unsupportive wife to hit the road, and you’ve finally obtained your dream car. But now that you have it, and you’re most likely up to your ears in debt, ask yourself the following question:

If the worst should happen, and I damage my KR, can I afford to repair it? Hit the jump for a startling discovery!

Will the GT500KR get repaired? Will it remain in a wrecked state? Will it be driven without the hood? Bookmark the source to continue the saga.

Source: SpokenTorque

Here's the latest rumors on the upcoming Mustang, with new specs to challenge the Camaro, which has outsold the Mustang the last three months.

Source: BradBarnett