Leak: 2010 Shelby GT500 order guide races online

In keeping with what has become somewhat of a tradition in the auto industry these days, the 2010 Shelby GT500 order guide has been leaked onto the web. The new GT500 is what many of us in auto journalism expect to be the “next chapter” in the Mustang story to be revealed at the Detroit auto show. The guide reveals that the new super-Stang does indeed have some new features, but nothing to jump out of your seat for.

Returning from the previous model is the supercharged 5.4 liter V8 mounted to a Tremec 6-speed. To stop it all, expect 4 wheel discs with ABS and Brembo front rotors and calipers. Horsepower numbers are all TBA in the product guide, but don’t be too surprised to see a modest horsepower increase to help this Mustang keep up with the pack.

Other new bits and pieces include 19 inch Gooodyear Eagle F1 super car tires available on the coupe, and 18 inchers available on the convertible. Also coming to the GT500 are auto… [Read More]

Supercars? Introducing the 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs

Here they come. The 2010 Mustang was unveiled last month, so it’s only fitting that a stampede of aftermarket tuners follow with their renderings of the redesigned steed. It looks like Steve Saleen has beaten all of his competitors to the line as he recently introduced his new 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs.

“After 25 years of rich Mustang heritage, I am excited to begin work on the 2010 model” explained Steve in a press release. “Ford has hit the spot with the excellent new Mustang package and has provided me with an outstanding starting point. “The SMS 460 Mustangs will be truly world class performance vehicles and they will be available though the entire Ford dealer network!”

Luckily for SMS, the fundamentals of the new Mustang are carried over from its predecessor, so parts for the 4.6L V8 are already on hand. Aside from some upgrades to the drivetrain, suspension, tires and wheels, most of the features on the SMS 460 Mustangs will be aesthetic improvements to the exterior and interior- the brainchild of notable designer Phil Frank.

So SMS has set the benchmark. Are these really “supercars” as the company’s… [Read More]

Sweet: 2010 Mustang burnout courtesey of Top Gear

While it certainly looked great, Ford’s first 2010 Mustang promo video was almost completely computer-generated. It wasn’t the real deal.

Well, true Mustang enthusiasts can rarely go long until they’re satisfied, so it’s only fitting that the folks over at Top Gear should get their hands on a 2010 Mustang to try a real burnout.

Check out the video to see the new 2010 Mustang burn it up:

2010 Ford Mustang Burnout
[Read More]

Discovered: Hundreds of classic Mustangs in Rhode Island junkyard

Ah, the beauty of online enthusiast communities – there’s always a member who has a gem of a story tucked away. One of the fine folks over at MustangForums.com discovered a massive 200+ acre graveyard of roughly 20,000 classic vehicles, including hundreds of Ford Mustangs.

The Rhode Island junkyard is located in the middle of some woods and was started by the owner in the 60s. While he could have made a small fortune on the body parts before he let them sit for 40 years, instead he let them rust. What’s his motive? Not sure.

So perhaps the collection isn’t worth much, but the story’s novelty is satisfying enough. The state allegedly caught wind of the heavily concealed junkyard and has ordered the owner, now in his 70s, to clean it up. The task of “cleaning up” some 20,000 vehicles is a tall one, so the rusted collection of hundreds of classic convertibles, Fastbacks, Mach 1s, Bosses, K-codes and Shelbys will likely be crushed up.

I’ve attached a few photos of the Mustangs below, but check out all of the photos of the junkyard and even be sure… [Read More]

Watch Again: The 2010 Ford Mustang CGI Commercial

The passive Mustang enthusiast won’t see any official commercials for the 2010 redesign on television for months. But anyone who has scoured through galleries and looked for any developments regarding the new release has probably seen Ford’s first 2010 Mustang commercial.

Set on a back road (to avoid complications with burn-outs), the spot is done almost entirely in CGI – it’s fake. Welcome to Hollywood, folks.

Again, the passive Mustang fan might enjoy the spot’s assets – the seamless curves and the throaty growl that produces 315 horses. But an even more prevalent theme in the video, which AutoBlog’s Chris Shunk has so kindly pointed out, is a backwards GT badge. It seems the technical gurus behind all of this digital jazz missed a pretty blatant error on this model’s nameplate.

If it serves as anything, the commercial will easily calm the anxious nerves of enthusiasts who are anticipating the release of the 2010 Mustang in the coming months. To those enthusiasts,… [Read More]

Spied: 2010 Shelby GT500 is Mustang’s “next chapter”

Remember when Ford told us to expect the “next chapter” of the Ford Mustang story to be unveiled in Detroit? It looks like that chapter has gotten an early read, thanks to our fellow automotive nuts over at Jalopnik.

The title of this chapter in the Ford Mustang story (I think I’m pushing the ‘chapter’ bit too far) is the Shelby GT500, as we now have a nice batch of low-camo spy shots of the super Stang to review.

The range topping Mustang looks nice, with the aggressive front end, hood vents and racing stripes carrying over n … [Read More]

Rant: The Big Three are worth saving

According to a recent CNN poll, 61% of Americans oppose an automotive bailout. Sixty-one percent! My gosh people, is this really how we treat these companies that, over the years, have arguably done more for us than we have for them? I, for one, am appalled by my fellow Americans’ lack of faith and it is this writer’s humble opinion that the Big Three are indeed worth saving.

In any discussion of the American auto industry, I’m always the first person to say that I hate American cars, and it’s true. The list of cars exempt from my hatred is a very short one: the modern pony cars, the Corvette and Viper and Chevy trucks. Still, I think it is imperative that we bail out the Big Three.

People have a lot to worry about, and chiefly, they can worry about where their tax dollars go. When faced with a decision on how to spend your hard earned money, it makes sense that most people won’t want to save companies that fly their CEOs on private jets in these hard economic times. But, saving the Big Three isn’t about giving Rick Wagoner another trip on his plane, it’s about the people of America.

Auto workers. They are everywhere, yet their numbers don’t even scratch the surface of the amount of people who risk job loss if even one player in the Big Three crashes. Think about every component that goes into a car, then remember that there is at least one person whose job it is to make sure that component is made, and gets in the car in the right… [Read More]

For Sale: 2005 Mustang GT prop car used in Death Race

In one of the grittier product placement schemes we’ve seen from Ford, the Mustang played a lead roll in the latest Jason Statham thriller, Death Race. Aside from yanking Statham out of his usual Audi S8, the film gives enthusiasts a glance at the afterlife of the Mustang (post-eco-crisis).

But why wait until the Stang apocalypse? You can now own this cherished piece of Hollywood history by placing your bid on the Mustang used in Death Race today in this eBay auction.

The Death Race Mustang gives enthusiasts insight into a reality they may face in the next several decades, where aftermarket options like smoke, oil and napalm are a reality. Really though, this stage prop includes hood-mounted Gatlin machine guns, faux armor plating, completely customized “screen seen” interior, detachable hinged roof, removable… [Read More]

Bold Moves: 2010 Mustang pricing will undercut the competition

In a time when everyone is desperately seeking good news of any sort – especially out of Detroit – Ford, the company that recently asked for $9 billion in federal aid (that’s your money, taxpayer) has given us something to smile at. The 2010 Mustang will be rolling into dealerships cheaper than the Camaro and Challenger across the entire product line.

Yes, just when you thought that the Big 3 couldn’t be any more stupid with their decision making *cough*flying $10,000-a-flight private jets to grovel for money*cough* the FoMoCo finally did something right.

The leaked numbers have the base 2010 Mustang V6 coming in at a tantalizing $21,845 with destination included. For perspective, it should be known that the base Camaro V6 will cost $22,995, and the base Challenger V6 rings up at $22,54. For the base model, the Mustang and Camaro come with manual transmissions, whereas the Challenger gets a slightly out of place 4 speed auto as standard equipment.

Now for the real news, the V8 pricing. To nab yourself 8 rumbling cylinders in Ford’s new pony car, you’ll have to pony up $27,995. That ain’t too bad, especially when compared to the V8 Camaro’s… [Read More]

Discovery HD to air documentary on Ford Mustang Challenge

Throughout this summer, HD Theater’s Why We Race: The Mustang Challenge has been capturing the rivalry, competitive drive and racing drama of the inaugural Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. This new professional road racing series, co-developed by Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park, features professional racers utilizing the Ford Mustang FR500S in an eight-race schedule across North America. Why We Race: The Mustang Challenge premieres on HD Theater on Sunday, December 7 from 8-9 PM ET and runs for three consecutive Sundays.

HD Theater is a premier offering from Discovery Communication’s family of high-definition networks and it is exclusively available in 1080i and 5.1 digital surround sound on high-definition platforms nationwide.

Why We Race: The Mustang Challenge features the thrill of this high-speed racing series from start to finish and all of the crumpled fenders and dented egos in between. Through the use of tiny HD cameras mounted inside the racing cars, HD… [Read More]