Ford is set to reveal its updated 2013 Mustang at the 2011 LA Auto Show on Tuesday, but the automaker has released a teaser image via the company's Facebook page depicting a handful of the changes to the model. Those include new head- and taillights, as well as the Track App display. The spy shots we've seen so far have indicate that the 2013 Ford Mustang GT will borrow plenty of aesthetic cues from the current Shelby GT500 model, which means buyers should be able to look forward to more aggressive styling all around.

Some of those exterior tweaks likely have aerodynamic origins, including a new chin splitter and rear spoiler. We like what we've seen so far, and we can't wait to hear what Ford has planned for the 2013 GT500 when that vehicle bows. With the arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the top-dog Mustang finally has some muscle car competition, which is always good news for fans of the pony car genre.

Source: AutoBlog

It looks as if the 2013 Ford Mustang will receive a 4.2-inch LCD screen in its gauge cluster. Stang TV has gotten its hands on some photos of a few dealer training posters introducing the new tech, and the screen can be configured to display all sorts of important vehicle information.

In addition to standard data like transmission and coolant temperature, owners will be able to keep an eye on cylinder head temperature, the air/fuel ratio and more. Now this is the kind of advance we get behind. Ford also appears to be readying a number of apps that drivers will be able to access through the screen.

Chief among those is a track app that can keep tabs on you information like eighth mile, quarter mile, 0-60 and 0-100 mile-per-hour times. Drivers will even be able to measure braking performance. It all sounds like a lot of gadgetry to play around with in a safe, controlled environment.

Source: AutoBlog

Revstone Industries, the parent company of Saleen Performance Vehicles, announced today that it will no longer produce vehicles under the Saleen name, although it will continue to produce aftermarket parts through the Saleen Speedlab brand and honor warranties for all existing vehicles. The company cited the confusion and controversy with Steve Saleen's company, SMS Supercars, as the main reason for stopping production of Saleen-branded vehicles.

A representative for Saleen said that Revstone will continue to build performance Mustangs in the future, but the brand under which those vehicles will be produced is yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date.

Source: AutoBlog

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a performance monster, featuring an all-aluminum engine displacing 427 cubic inches that was originally intended for racing. Just 69 units were built, and they are highly coveted by collectors today. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that Chevrolet chose to resurrect this classic moniker for what it is calling the fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built.

At this point, specifications are still preliminary, but Chevrolet is estimating that its supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission using a dual-disc clutch that's necessary to properly harness all those horses. There's also a dual-mode exhaust system that alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.

Chevrolet tells us that its goal was to built "a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street." To that end, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 will be fitted with a new electric power steering system and Magnetic Ride Control that will offer both Tour and Sport modes. Brembo brakes measuring 14.6-inch (370 mm) in the front (with six-piston calipers) and 14.4-inch (365 mm) at the rear (with four-piston calipers) bring it all back down from speed.

Naturally, there's an updated body kit to differentiate the ZL1 from lesser machines. Most notable are the redesigned fascia that features a front splitter, vertical fog lamps and air intakes designed for brake cooling. There's also a new aluminum hood with a raised, satin black-finish carbon fiber insert that uses a unique air extractor that is said to increase downforce by directing oncoming air over the car. There's also a spoiler at the rear of the car and new 20-inch aluminum wheels fitted with specially developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires.

Chevrolet promises to have the Camaro ZL1 on dealer lots in the beginning of 2012, and it will be available in any color offered on the Camaro.

Source: AutoBlog

Now that the Ford Mustang V6 achieves 30 miles per gallon on the highway, General Motors is apparently looking to up its game by offering a more efficient version of its Camaro ponycar. Reportedly given the 2LS trim designation, this new Camaro will be available for order through dealers starting at the end of this month, and its 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 reportedly hits the magic 30 mpg highway figure.

If GMInsideNews has it right, the Camaro 2LS will only be available with The General's six-speed automatic transmission, and will be fitted with a rear spoiler, 18-inch steel wheels and a 2.92 rear axle ratio. The website also reports that the Camaro 2LS will still wear a 2011 model year badge, and that pricing is expected to be set around $24,700, including destination charges.

Source: AutoBlog

Today at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, FL, Ford Racing took the wraps off its latest Mustang race car, the Boss 302S. Serving as a replacement for the now defunct FR500S race car that was used for the Mustang Challenge race series, the Boss 302S is intended for the serious track day enthusiast as well as racing series like the SCCA's World Challenge and NASA's American Iron.

Fitting in between the Boss 302 Laguna Seca and the Boss 302R race car that competes in Grand-Am, the Boss 302S will feature the stock transmission, clutch and flywheel mated to the Boss 302 5.0-liter engine putting out 440 horsepower. Race-spec items like a six-point roll cage and Recaro HANS Pro Racer seat will be standard, as well as a fully adjustable suspension system, Brembo race brake system, massive front splitter and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. Pricing is set at $79,000, identical to the FR500S, and just 50 will be available from the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. Full specs at the source!

Source: AutoBlog

The auto industry is embracing the age of electrification, and so too is the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list.

Both the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV earn their way onto the 2011 list, as selected by Ward’s editors after evaluating 38 vehicles with new or significantly improved engines for the ’11 model year.

This year’s winners and the applications tested:

* 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)
* 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i)
* 1.6L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mini Cooper S)
* 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Dodge Avenger)
* 5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang GT)
* 1.4L DOHC I-4/111kW Drive Motor (Chevrolet Volt)
* 5.0L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)
* 80kW AC Synchronous Electric Motor (Nissan Leaf)
* 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta TDI)
* 3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (Volvo S60)

Source: Wards

Ford has yet to officially announce the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, but the full details on the car are apparently now available thanks to a Puerto Rican Ford dealer that published the specifications early on their website. The car, named after the legendary Cobra Jet drag racers of the late 1960s, was relaunched in 2008 at the SEMA show and revised in 2010 (pictured above).

Now Ford Racing is updating the car once again with a slew of new upgrades and options. The 2012 Cobra Jet will come standard with an aluminum block (previously an option) and the 5.4-liter V8 now also boasts a fortified crankshaft and upgraded forged connecting rods. The rear suspension and brakes have also been improved, and springs rates both front and rear have been optimized. New black anodized Weld Racing wheels are wrapped with Cobra Jet branded Goodyear tires with an all new compound. Finally, three colors will be offered – red, white and blue – with an optional graphics package.

Full press release at the source!

Source: AutoBlog

Ford has yet to officially release pricing for the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, but a forum member over at TheMustangSource.com with some inside information has revealed that the special edition pony car will retail for $40,995 including destination and delivery. This places the Boss 302 almost squarely in the middle between the Mustang GT and the Shelby GT500.

While certain things like a navigation system won't be available, Boss 302 customers will have a few options to choose from. Recaro seats and a Torsen differential adds $1,995, an Accessory Package with floor mats and car cover go for an extra $475, and Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat paint is an additional $495. The track-oriented Laguna Seca Package comes in at a grand total of $47,990.

At first we weren't sure about the complete accuracy of the information, but a representative at Ford has confirmed these numbers and options. So is the 2012 Boss 302 a steal at $40,995 or is that crazy money for a hopped up pony car with a live rear axle?

Source: AutoBlog

As if the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 wasn't tempting enough with 440 horsepower and killer good looks, Ford is throwing in a few extra goodies to make it that much more desirable.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 TracKeyFirst off, the Blue Oval announced today that owners of the new Boss 302 will receive a dual set of keys, one of which, 'TracKey,' activates a secondary PCM race tune that alters nearly 200 engine management parameters for the 5.0-liter V8. "From an engine management standpoint, we've done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience," says Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. "It's not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits." The TracKey also features a two-stage launch control feature similar to the one on the Cobra Jet Mustang that can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.

Not wanting all of that new technology to go to waste, Ford has also announced that it will be offering customers a complimentary track day to test out their new ride. Offered through Team Mustang and Ford Racing, Boss 302 owners will be treated to driving instruction and track time at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT. Owners will need to book their own travel arrangements, but once there, everything is free of charge.

Source: AutoBlog

Ford has been on a roll with the new Mustang, especially with their new and amazing 5.0L V8 and the new 3.7-Liter V6 that’s replacing the primeval 4.0L V6. But if the new engines, updated chassis and suspension dynamics, and reworked bodies weren’t enough, our friends at Edmunds spotted a slightly new Mustang in the works.

The results are some visual tweaks on the exterior that suggests that they’re working on a new trim, but that new front lower valence looks like it’s set up for an intercooler and additionally, the interior is what gives some more clues. A new rev counter pegged at 9000-RPM and a sticker demanding that drivers use premium fuel can only suggest that an EcoBoost V6 Mustang is on the way.

Now of course you guys can say, “Hey, maybe it’s just a new V8 model…” but as far as I’m concerned and by logical deduction, the only guys that have been able to make a V8 that can rev to 8000 or 9000 RPM from the factory are the buffoons at Ferrari and Audi.

So that leaves us with the only logical conclusions that Ford could be throwing in a new inline-4 into the mix, or could be planting the new EcoBoost turbocharged and intercooled V6 that we saw in the Taurus SHO.

Source: eGMCarTech

Shelby American has finally released the specs on its 2011 Shelby GT350. Starting with a 2011 Ford Mustang GT, Shelby utilizes Ford's 5.0-liter V8 engine but ups the ante a bit. The base GT350 is rated at 430 horsepower (the stock GT musters 412 hp). On the standard GT350, a Whipple supercharger can be added to boost power output to 525 hp – enough to propel the modified Mustang from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds. If that's not enough, the R tune version produces a monstrous 624 horses.

All 2011 Shelby GT350s are fitted with a long list of performance-aiding parts which include upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires. As you can see above, they also wear unique Shelby aero and trim bits, a GT350 45th anniversary badge and a serialized Shelby GT350 dash plate.

Pricing for the naturally-aspirated Shelby GT350 conversion is set at $26,995 and the base supercharged car runs $33,995. Due to the 99-pony jump with the R tune, you would expect that package to cost close to $40,000, but it doesn't. It's just 750 bucks over the price of the standard supercharged kit. All of these prices, however, fail to include the cost of the donor Mustang GT.

Source: AutoBlog

Ever since FoMoCo released the 2011 Ford Mustang GT with the new 412-hp 5.0L Boss V8, enthusiasts everywhere have been wondering what Roush is going to do with it. Well, the wait is over and Roush has announced its new 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT that increases horsepower upwards of 550-hp with more than 470 lb-ft of torque.

“While the new Ford five-liter engine
offers amazing performance right from the factory, and the new ROUSHcharger will kick it up a level,” said Jack Roush, motorsports legend and chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. “Our engineering team has worked hard to deliver a product that will satisfy the demands of the ROUSH customer on an extremely tight deadline, and they have come up with another great solution for a powertrain upgrade.”

Source: eGMCarTech

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 may have grabbed much of the spotlight at this past weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise, but Ford had another ace up its sleeve during the festivities. Ford Racing announced that it is offering the first power upgrade component for the 2011 Mustang with the 5.0-liter V-8 — a new 2.3-liter twin-screw supercharger.

Be prepared to pony up significant cash for the upgrade. Ford will offer the supercharger in three levels. The 525-horsepower kit starts at $7,199, while the 624-horsepower kit starts at $7,499. The basic supercharger kit starts at $6,499. More in the jump!

Ford says this is the first twin-screw unit available to customers. The 525-hp kit provides a boost of 113 horsepower to the base 5.0-liter V8, while peak torque is up by 80 pound-feet. The 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 Mustang delivers 412 hp at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm right off the showroom floor.

The 525-horsepower kit comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty when installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer, said the automaker. It includes such goodies as a 2.3-liter twin-screw supercharger assembly, intake manifold, a complete air-to-liquid intercooler system and an ECU tune from Ford Racing engineers that provides 7 psi of supercharger boost on 93 ocatane fuel. The base price of $7,199 is for the "black" version; if vanity requires you to get a polished chrome intake manifold, you'll pay $7,799.

The 624-hp kit does not carry the 12-month warranty. You get all the same items as the 525-hp kit, except the ECU map now gives you 9 psi of boost for 624 horsepower at 6,900 rpm and 536 pounds-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. The base price of $7,499 sets you up with a black plastic intake manifold; the polished chrome version costs $8,099.

If you like to do things the hard way, you can buy the base supercharger tuner kit without the out-of-the-box ECU tune. It will cost you $6,499 with the black plastic manifold or $7,099 for chrome.

Source: InsideLine

The car that Mustang fans have been hoping Ford would build for a very, very long time is finally here: the 2012 Boss 302. Dave Pericak, the Mustang chief engineer says it all.

"Boss is a hallowed word around here, and we couldn't put that name on a new Mustang until we were sure everything was in place to make this car a worthy successor. We were either going to do it right or not do it at all - no one on the team was going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package."

Amen, Dave. A true Boss 302 is raw, hardcore and race-inspired, and Ford delivered the goods. The latest special edition Mustang comes with plenty of items that will excite road racing fans - an upgraded clutch, short-throw shifter, adjustable suspension, improved brakes and a more potent version of the 5.0-liter V8 that produces 440 horsepower and 380 lb-ft torque thanks to a new intake and more aggressive camshafts. Ford claims the Boss 302 will be able to break 1.0g and lap a typical road course two seconds faster than the standard Mustang GT. Ford engineers even reportedly benchmarked the BMW M3 when developing the Boss 302, aiming to beat the famous Bavarian coupe around Laguna Seca, which they claim to have achieved. More in the jump!

The exterior is inspired by the original 1969 model with either a black or white roof panel, C-stripe, closed fog lamp openings and a more aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler. Available colors are more eye-catching than the standard choices and include Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.

2010 Boss 302 owners will enjoy a more aural experience from the cockpit thanks to eleven pounds of sound-deadening material removed from the car. The interior also gets a dark metallic finish for the instrument panel, gauge cluster and door panel trim, Alcantara-covered steering wheel and an optional package with Recaro high performance seats.

Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna SecaFinally, Ford is also planning to release a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models (right) that offer more body stiffness, a stronger chassis and an aero package lifted straight from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

We're attending the 2010 Boss 302's live unveiling at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and will have the first live pictures of the car straight from the famous corkscrew for you soon.

Source: AutoBlog