|
|---|
Fast and Sport Car Review : Ford GTX1 Roadster
New 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302



We'll spare you going over the details again - you can see the official press release, photos and video from our post this morning – but what we can bring you are the first live photos of the Mustang Boss 302, including a few of the "Laguna Seca" edition.
New 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302



We'll spare you going over the details again - you can see the official press release, photos and video from our post this morning – but what we can bring you are the first live photos of the Mustang Boss 302, including a few of the "Laguna Seca" edition.
2011 Shelby Roush SR-71 Mustang Sold $375,000!

Ford Motor Company has been a proud supporter of EAA and the Young Eagles for the past 15 years by providing various vehicles and donations each year to be raffled and auctioned off. Last year Ford created the AV-X10 Mustang which sold at auction for $250,000. The year prior Ford built another one-of-a-kind Mustang for the Airventure show, the 2008 AV8R Mustang. The AV8R was named after the famous P-51 fighter plane, which played a key role in World War II as a bomber escort. It sold for an amazing $500,000! In 2006 Ford and Shelby donated a Shelby GT-H Mustang, which sold for $250,000.
The 2011 SR-71 Mustang was inspired by the SR71 "Blackbird" spy plane built by Lockheed Martin in the 60s, an airplane that holds the world record for the fastest air breathing manned aircraft in history. The SR-71 Mustang will be packed with tons of unique features including a Whipple Twin Screw Supercharger atop it's 5.0L V8 engine and Carroll's and Jack's signatures embroidered on the seats. The auction for the SR-71 Mustang will take place on July 29th at 7:30 PM CST at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
2011 SR-71 Mustang Features:
-Aluminum block 5.0L engine with a Whipple Twin Screw Supercharger with Ford Racing calibration and Roush intake
-Ford Racing Handling Pack
-Ford Racing tuned exhaust and tips
-SVT Track Pack wheels in custom paint (19" front, 20" rear)
-Glass roof with unique graphic treatment
-Unique matte and silver exterior paint treatment with SR-71 cues
-Custom Recaro race seats featuring embroidered signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby
-Custom racing steering wheel
-Rear seat removed to accentuate cockpit environment
-Ford Racing performance gauge cluster
-Modified navigation screen and instrument cluster
-Roll cage
-Custom badging, sill plates, and floor mats
2011 Shelby Roush SR-71 Mustang Sold $375,000!

Ford Motor Company has been a proud supporter of EAA and the Young Eagles for the past 15 years by providing various vehicles and donations each year to be raffled and auctioned off. Last year Ford created the AV-X10 Mustang which sold at auction for $250,000. The year prior Ford built another one-of-a-kind Mustang for the Airventure show, the 2008 AV8R Mustang. The AV8R was named after the famous P-51 fighter plane, which played a key role in World War II as a bomber escort. It sold for an amazing $500,000! In 2006 Ford and Shelby donated a Shelby GT-H Mustang, which sold for $250,000.
The 2011 SR-71 Mustang was inspired by the SR71 "Blackbird" spy plane built by Lockheed Martin in the 60s, an airplane that holds the world record for the fastest air breathing manned aircraft in history. The SR-71 Mustang will be packed with tons of unique features including a Whipple Twin Screw Supercharger atop it's 5.0L V8 engine and Carroll's and Jack's signatures embroidered on the seats. The auction for the SR-71 Mustang will take place on July 29th at 7:30 PM CST at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
2011 SR-71 Mustang Features:
-Aluminum block 5.0L engine with a Whipple Twin Screw Supercharger with Ford Racing calibration and Roush intake
-Ford Racing Handling Pack
-Ford Racing tuned exhaust and tips
-SVT Track Pack wheels in custom paint (19" front, 20" rear)
-Glass roof with unique graphic treatment
-Unique matte and silver exterior paint treatment with SR-71 cues
-Custom Recaro race seats featuring embroidered signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby
-Custom racing steering wheel
-Rear seat removed to accentuate cockpit environment
-Ford Racing performance gauge cluster
-Modified navigation screen and instrument cluster
-Roll cage
-Custom badging, sill plates, and floor mats
Ford Mustang V6 aims for 1,000 laps of Bristol track on one tank of fuel

How many laps of Bristol Motor Speedway will a V6-powered Ford Mustang run on one tank of fuel? Ford is about to find out as part of a marketing effort for the car, which got new V6 and V8 powertrains for the 2011 model year.
The 2011 Ford Mustang with its 305-hp 3.7L V6 engine set a new record by averaging 48.5 mpg on a track while completing 1,457 laps at an average speed of 43.9 mph.
The 2011 Mustang V6 has spent about 12 hours going 1000 laps on ¾ of a tank of gas and that would suggest that the Mustang has roughly 3-4 hours left and if they maintain an average of 43mph (they are shooting for 45, but there are stops and such), they are on a pace to run 129-172 more miles, or 242 to 322 laps - finishing up somewhere between 11pm and midnight.
Of course that 48.5 mpg record has been achieved by driving consistently on a track with average speed of 43.9 mph. The real life economy of the V6 Mustang is 31 mpg which is still very impressive considering that it delivers 305 hp. We’d just like to say well done to Ford and all those drivers who tolerated hours hours of mind-numbingly boring consistent economy driving to set this record!
So anyone who placed their bets on whether or not the Mustang had it in him, either start collecting or start paying. The Mustang proves to be a killer muscle car that wipes the floor with the 29mpg highway of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro and the 26mpg of the 2010 Dodge Charger.

Press Release
MUSTANG V-6 AVERAGES 48.5 MPG; RUNS 1,457 LAPS AT BRISTOL ON A SINGLE TANK OF GAS
- The 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 sets a new record by averaging 48.5 mpg on a track while completing 1,457 laps with an average speed of 43.9 mph
- Mustang is powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering and technology to deliver great performance and fuel economy
- More than 51,000 entries were received for the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge with 22 entries guessing the winning number of laps
- A team of five drivers, including four Ford Mustang engineers and Ford NASCAR star David Ragan, drove the Mustang during its record run
Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge
BRISTOL, TN., June 24, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Mustang, which made history when it became the first car ever to deliver more than 30 mpg and 305 horsepower, has set a new record by running 1,457 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway while averaging 48.5 mpg.
The Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was designed to demonstrate that a stock production Mustang V-6 could run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single of tank of fuel. With the aid of fuel efficient driving techniques by Ford engineers, the Mustang far surpassed its goal of 1,000 laps.
"To see a Mustang post average fuel economy of 48.5 mpg while running at Bristol is impressive," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "The new V-6 engine along with the advanced six-speed transmission in the car is a key element in delivering both fuel economy and performance for Mustang."
Ford is committed to being a fuel economy leader in every segment it competes in and Mustang's leads in its class along with other Ford fuel economy leaders like the Ford Fiesta, Fusion Hybrid and new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, America's most fuel efficient luxury sedan.
The Challenge team, which included NASCAR star David Ragan and four Ford Mustang engineers, completed the challenge in 17 hours and 40 minutes, showing off the 2011 Mustang V-6's class-leading fuel economy by averaging 48.5 mpg over the course of the 776.5 miles logged during the Challenge. That distance is more than the two complete NASCAR Sprint Cup events that take place in Bristol every year.
Ragan pushed the Mustang past the 1,000-lap mark at 7:26 p.m., 12 hours and 26 minutes into the Challenge, but the car wasn't close to being out of fuel. Mustang engineer Seong Park was behind the wheel when it finally came to a halt (on the backstretch) of the famed NASCAR track at 12:41 a.m. local time.
Other Mustang Challenge team drivers included Tom Barnes, Jonathan Mehl and Carl Ek, who along with Park, rotated through one-hour driving stints during the event, which took place at the world's fastest half-mile track.
"When we hit 1,000 laps we still had a quarter of a tank of gas left," said David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing, and the man who drove the 2011 V-6 Mustang past the 1,000 lap mark. "The last driving stint before I passed 1,000 laps I was averaging 43.7 miles a gallon and that is unbelievable. These guys have run the distance of more than two Sprint Cup races at Bristol and they still have fuel left. Congratulations to everyone behind the Mustang and to everyone at Ford, because this 2011 Mustang V-6 is really something special."
A team of Ford engineers prepared for the challenge by implementing fuel efficient driving tips like minimizing the use of air conditioning, steady and consistent driving, avoiding sudden stops/starts and by keeping the RPMs low. The engine in the Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valve train in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine's overall efficiency. The Mustang used in the challenge is a stock production vehicle that can be purchased through a Ford dealer.
"This is beyond our wildest dreams," said Tom Barnes, the lead engineer for the Ford Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge. "There have been a lot of people who have done a lot of things in preparing this 2011 Mustang V-6 to run the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge and have the success we have had today. It was great when we went past the 1,000 lap mark with David, but nobody could ever imagine that we still had five hours ahead of us. This is a fantastic feeling and it shows again what a great car the 2011 Mustang V-6 is."
More than 51,000 consumers registered their guesses for the event at www.mustang1000lapchallenge.com. One lucky consumer that correctly guessed 1,457 laps will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and will win their own 2011 Mustang V-6.
2010 Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic Editions – five different identities [video]
Ford has just unveiled five different one-off versions of the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic special edition. The new special edition are meant to celebrate the French classic that takes place this year between July 9th and 11th. The number 5 was not chosen by chance. Each of the five Ford Focus RS Le Mans special model will celebrate one of the cars that brought the Blue Oval a victory in the 24 Hours classic race.
The list of five special Focus RS models will include: a black with silver stripes edition that pays tribute to a Ford Mk II, which was victorious in 1966; a red model with white stripes that is recalling the Mk IV which won in 1967; a white model with a thin blue center stripe surrounded by a red border that pays tribute to the beautiful Ford Mk IIB, entered by Ford France in the 1967 Le Mans 24-hours; a two-tone sky blue and orange edition reference to the modern GT40s which dominated Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 and a two-tone white and blue model representing the livery of the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.
Each car includes four Recaro seats wrapped in stitched leather and quilted Alcantara, in contrasting colors meant to match the exteriors. This is replicated at the gearshift, hand brake, and center arm rest. Front seats also get the advantage of leather seat belts.
The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be joined on the track by the recently released limited-edition Ford Focus RS500, whose exclusive matt black finish will be an equally eye-catching addition to the palette of colors which have fired the imaginations of countless fans of Ford and the greatest endurance race in the world.
Press Release
FORD FOCUS RS LE MANS CLASSIC: A COLLECTION OF 5 UNIQUE EXAMPLES CREATED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY FORD LE MANS RACERS
Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 21 June 2010 - Ecurie Ford France, one of the partners of the popular Le Mans Classic event which takes place between July 9th and 11th, has prepared a collection of just five Focus RS cars in unique colour schemes, each paying tribute to the Ford cars which made 'blue oval' history at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Each of the five Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be finished in the colours of one of the Ford cars which made 24 Hours history for Ford. During the event itself, they will even carry the race number of the cars to which they're paying tribute:
- Black with silver stripes: a reference to the Ford Mk II, which was victorious in 1966.
- Red with white stripes: recalling the Mk IV which won in 1967.
- White with a thin blue centre stripe surrounded by a red border: echoing the decoration of the beautiful Ford Mk IIB, entered by Ford France in the 1967 Le Mans 24-hours.
- Two-tone sky blue and orange: A modern take on the GT40s which dominated Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.
- Two-tone white and blue: representing the livery of the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.
All five exclusive Focus RS vehicles also have customised interiors. The Recaro seats are upholstered in leather and diamond-quilted alcantara, front and back, with stitching that matches the bodywork. The gearshift gaiter, hand brake handle and central arm-rest are upholstered in real leather, and a leather safety belt guide has been added to the front seats.
Each of the five cars will carry a personalised numbered plaque on the dashboard confirming its exclusivity as part of the collection.
The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be driven on a number of laps of the full track at the start of a number of the different 'grid' races reserved for cars of a particular era, with Ford-invited special guests and VIPs at the wheel.
The Focus RS Le Mans Classic units will be joined on the track by the limited edition Ford Focus RS500, whose futuristic matt black livery will be an equally eye-catching addition to the palette of colours which have fired the imaginations of countless fans of Ford and the greatest endurance race in the world.
Only Five For Sale
Once the fifth Le Mans Classic event is over, these five unique Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be put up for sale, and will be offered with exclusive accessories. Fitted with either RS(1) or RS Technology(2) packs, they will be supplied with a Le Mans Classic watch - a 3-dial automatic chronograph with large date display and sapphire background of which only 600 are to be produced.
The 5 cars to which the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic is paying tribute:
The Ford Mk II (victorious in 1966): on the 18th of June 1966, Henry Ford II himself gave the starting signal for the 24th Le Mans 24 Hours. He let loose a pack of fifty-five vehicles led out by two of the eight Mk IIs entered by the manufacturer plus six GT40s, including one belonging to Ford France which was driven by Guy Ligier and the American Bob Grossman. The duel with Ferrari was at its peak for this "race of the century". Unbeaten since 1960, the Italian marque was the queen of Le Mans. However, this time it was the Americans who dominated, pulling off a spectacular triple! For the first time ever, the 200km/h average speed barrier was broken at Le Mans.
The Ford Mk IV (winner in 1967): Wanting revenge, Ferrari sent its formidable 330 P4s to challenge the Mk IVs in a face-to-face battle without mercy. However, it was all in vain. The unstoppable red, white-trimmed Mk IV, piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, wiped the floor with Lodovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes' P4. Unforgettable new pages in the history of motor sport were being written before everyone's eyes. The epic tale of the Mk IIs and Mk IVs concluded with the spectacular distance (5,232.9 km) and average speed (218 km/h!) records set by Ford that year.
The Ford GT40 (victorious in 1968 and 1969): Even though Ford as a manufacturer was not directly involved, John Wyer's JWA team benefitted from Gulf Oil sponsorship and the blessing of Ford Dearborn. For their first outing in 1968, the GT40s faced some keen and challenging competition from Porsche and Alfa Romeo. Driven by Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi, the GT40 clearly dominated the field ahead of a Porsche 907 and three Alfa Romeo 33/2s. This third consecutive Ford victory was the first for a genuine GT40.
In 1969, competition was as intense and varied as ever: Porsche was in attendance with its 908s and its new 917s, Matra introduced its 630/650s and Ferrari was back again with its 312 Ps. Nevertheless, once again the GT40 beat them all, sweeping the boards at the end of an epic duel. Jacky Ickx raced across the finish line leaving the German Hans Hermann 120 metres behind and red faced at the wheel of his Porsche. The GT40 drove away with Ford's fourth consecutive victory at Le Mans!
Capri RS 2600 (1st in the Special Touring category in 1972): Tenth overall, the Capri RS 2600, driven by Gerry Birrel and Claude Bourgoignie, dominated its category during the 1972 Le Mans 24 Hours. Manufactured between 1969 and 1986, the Ford Capri enjoyed a great sporting career and was one of the great leaders of the European Touring Car Championships and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It also shone in the Production Cars Championship of France and the famous British Touring Car Championship. Many Formula 1 drivers distinguished themselves at the wheel of a Capri, including Jochen Mass, Hans Stuck and the Tyrrell Racing duo of Jackie Stewart and François Cevert during the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard Circuit organised in 1972. The rally version of the Capri also appeared in the colours of Ecurie Ford France with internationally renowned drivers such as Jean-François Piot, Guy Chasseuil, Jean Vinatier and Jean-Claude Gamet at the wheel.
Ford Mk II Ecurie Ford France (1967): Jo Schlesser teamed up with his friend Guy Ligier on only one occasion at Le Mans. That was in 1967, in a magnificent white Ford Mk II powered by a seven litre V8 engine. An early track exit crushed their hopes in the 13th hour. However, driving the same car, they won the last ever 12 Hours of Reims, the other former great French endurance race. Jo Schlesser, a driver with an incredibly eclectic talent, was killed during the 1968 French Grand Prix. He was one of Ecurie Ford France's most emblematic drivers, racing on track circuits, in rallies and in a famous hill climbing race of the time, the Mont-Ventoux.
(1) RS pack: Recaro front and rear seats, parking assist, heat-reflective, heated windshield, keyless entry and starting system.
(2) RS Technology pack: DVD navigation system with touchscreen and reversing camera, 8-speaker CD-MP3 player, bluetooth-2 kit, volume-sensing perimeter alarm and tyre-pressure monitoring system.




























