Bold Moves: Ford MoCo releases redesigned pony badge for 2010 Mustang

Continuing their efforts to appease the cravings of drooling Mustang enthusiasts anticipating the 2010 model, Ford MoCo has released photos of its redesigned Mustang badge. Accentuating the redesigned model’s muscular appearance, the new badge will do well to represent the new era of the Mustang.

“It’s just a faster-looking steed,” said George Saridakisi, Design manager for the 2010 Mustang.

“We wanted to give the Mustang pony a more realistic feel,” said Douglas Gaffka, chief designer for the 2010 Mustang. “We lifted the head to make the pony more proud, tipped the neck into the wind to give it a feeling of greater speed and better balance. “It’s more chiseled and more defined and looks more like a wild horse. It’s more realistic in terms of proportion to an actual Mustang.”

The new model won’t be officially unveiled until the LA Auto Show later this year, but it’s these tiny details that keep enthusiasts salivating. Stay tuned to StangPlanet for plenty of more updates on the 2010 Mustang.
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Saleen to reduce 2009 production, offer “Super Saleen”

Next year’s line of Saleen products will be cut back and will only feature the upscale varieties of their limited edition models. They’re calling it their ‘Pinnacle’ campaign, but it may very well be a response to the scaling back of the 2009 Ford Mustang production run.

“The campaign for the year is titled ‘the Pinnacle,’ as we intend to solidify Saleen’s position as the leader in exclusive performance vehicles,” says Marques McCammon, General manager at Saleen Automotive. “My vision is to move the brand up with more exclusivity in every model, with fewer, more substantive offerings.”

The reduction will be most noticeable in Saleen’s Heritage line, as 2009 will only see the continuation of the Dan Gurney edition and a to-be-revealed ‘Super Saleen’ that’s currently being codenamed “WM.”

Notice the new wheels in the photo above? That’s the kind of superior design the aftermarket company is presenting in 2009 in addition to some new exterior… [Read More]

Ford MoCo, JWT Detroit host Mustang film contest on filmaka.com

Every Mustang enthusiast has a touch of competition in his or her blood, but it doesn’t always have to be displayed on the track. The creative minds at filmaka.com are reaching out to Ford Mustang owners to tell their stories on video. The tagline: Everyone has a Mustang story—what is yours?

The Ford Motor Company and JWT Team Detroit are asking Filmaka members to create content about the iconic Mustang automobile. Ford and JWT Team Detroit have provided eight “Mustang stories”. The stories are linked HERE in easy-to-print formats. Participants may submit a script for one, some, or all of these stories – or tell their own original story. These stories are meant to inspire, not to define. There is always opportunity to add your personal touch.

The deadline for submitting scripts is Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Twenty members will be selected to produce their films. Each semi-finalist will be provided with a $5,000 production budget and contacts at their local Mustang Club (where available), with which they can arrange for the use of automobiles if needed. Semi-finalists will then have… [Read More]

Bold Moves: Knight Rider series to be featured on No. 28 car in NASCAR Sprint Cup

Ford has never had an issue with promoting the Mustang brand, a verity that resounds throughout its promotions of the new Knight Rider remake on NBC. Not only is the GT500KR KITT featured relentlessly in the pseudo-commercial series, but the series itself is being promoted in the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup series.

NBC recently announced a partnership with Yates Racing and Ford Motor Company to feature a Knight Rider paint scheme on Travis Kvapil’s No. 28 car at Bristol this Sunday. The first episode of the hit series will air on Wednesday, September 24 at 8:00pm EST.

“This is such an awesome sponsor for our team at Bristol,” commented Kvapil. “The television series ‘Knight Rider’ is a show that everyone can get hooked on. I think it’s really cool that NBC has chosen to reinvent the series for the Fall line-up. The best part about the show was always the car, KITT, and this is amazing that I get to drive a version of KITT for the night race at Bristol. It’s every guy’s dream to feel like they are an action hero and I… [Read More]

How To: Install a Blueprinted Suspension on your Classic Ford Mustang

For several years, I’ve contributed How-To write-ups to numerous publications, namely Mustang Monthly. With the help of photographer/writer Jim Smart, these articles have proven helpful to countless readers and enthusiasts. The photos below show all took place at my shop, Marlo’s Frame & Alignment.

I’m always thinking of ways to improve classic Mustangs. They suffer from all kinds of brake and suspension woe, and have seen a lot of them after 30 years in the alignment business.

This is the new Classic Fly-Ford front suspension system for vintage Mustangs. What makes this system different is its stealthy demeanor. Although you can’t see the changes, you can feel them.

From the factory, Mustang upper control arms bind and wander on their shafts, causing frontend alignment to change as the car drives over dips in the road. Ford could’ve done a better job. One example is lubrication. Ford should’ve installed grease fittings at the upper arm pivots but didn’t due to cost… [Read More]

Jake Morris’ 1967 Ford Mustang coupe

The first car is always a big purchase. Jake Morris wasn’t expecting much—like most kids, he was looking for a Honda to tinker with and get his feet wet with mods. Several weeks into his car search during freshman year of high school in 2007, however, he stumbled across a 1967 Mustang coupe. The search was over.

“Once I saw the first picture of this Mustang, I knew I had to have it,” says Morris.

His family lived in Huntsville, Alabama, about two hours from the Mustang in Birmingham. So, he and his father took a… [Read More]

Ford releases official specs and photos for the 2009 Mustang

While it hasn’t nearly been the subject of as much speculation and hype as its 2010 counterpart, the 45th Anniversary 2009 Ford Mustang is now in the spotlight. Ford recently released official details and specs for next year’s moderately anticipated pony car, and though the perks are pale in comparison to the new Mustang style to be released in 2010, our satisfaction with the 2009 model can be described with two words: glass roof.

Yes, next year’s model boasts three roof choices that will take this S197 body out in style. “Our new panoramic glass roof will allow owners to enjoy the outdoors year-round from the comfort of their Mustang,” says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Global Product Development. “It’s one more feature that sets Mustang apart from the competition.”

They’ve held down the title of best-selling sports car for 22 years, and aren’t about to give it up. Ford will release new editions of it Warriors in Pink Mustangs and add an additional 3,000… [Read More]

Bold Moves: BlackJack owner sues Roush and Ford over exclusivity issue

When Drew Conner ordered his 2007 Roush BlackJack Mustang, #002 out of the factory, he was under the impression that he would pay $59,000 to own one of 100 of the special edition builds. Then Roush announced in 2008 that they would build 100 additional BlackJacks.

Now Conner is taking Roush Performance and Ford Motor Company to court in a class action lawsuit for a move that he says devalued his special edition Mustang. The argument of the plaintiff—a small army of at least 100 angry BlackJack owners led by Conner—holds that Roush’s late decision to increase production of the 2007 BlackJacks made them less rare and less unique, thus making the vehicles worth less than the owners originally paid.

What do they want? A class-action trial, a jury and $12 million from the aftermarket giant.

It was only a matter of time before someone spoke out against the copious number of special edition releases from the company—the forum community has been speaking out about it for years. The new releases may keep the company relevant in the media spotlight, but 60k isn’t a drop in the bucket for most consumers who want to preserve the top-dollar exclusivity of their pony… [Read More]

Carroll Shelby introduces new Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center

The Shelby nameplate has changed the lives of countless automotive enthusiasts. Carroll Shelby is now taking the enchantment of the company he founded and passing it on to the young minds at Northeast Texas Community College. Recently, Shelby and the college announced the new Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center, a program beginning this fall that will give students access to state-of-the-art technology and invaluable instruction that will teach them skills in automotive and body repair.

“I want to help young people improve their lives through the industry that has been so good to me,” said Mr. Shelby. “By giving them valuable new skills, they can be proud, productive members of society.”

Perks in the new facilities include a climate controlled shop area, lifts, a paint booth, three classrooms with roll-up doors for car entrance. Of course, students will be given top notch instruction, but nothing will prove more valuable than the experience they gain from building an automobile in the facilities during their final semester.

After the vehicles are built, Carroll himself will autograph them and sell them, giving all proceeds back to the program… [Read More]