Ford Mustang Boss 302 (2012) [Reviews]

Ford has given the green light only once: in 1968, has approved a special management Mustang - a car that has offered nothing in its efforts to be the best all-around performance street machine ever built by Ford Motor Company. That car became the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and is still one of the world's most sought after examples of American performance.

Forty-two years later, Ford gave the green light again.

The team of Ford engineers, designers and stylists - all Mustang enthusiasts in the heart - that created the revolutionary Mustang GT 2011 has collected a new model in its purest form, strengthening, lightening and refining each system to create a race car with a license plate. Its name: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

"The decision to build a modern manager, was not taken lightly," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "The entire Ford team felt it was time, and with the right ingredients for 2011 Mustang world-class support a successful race to race, worthy successor of the original 302nd boss for us it meant a Mustang production could exceed one of the best in the world - the 2010 BMW M3 -. In the lap times at Laguna Seca We met our expectations. "

To celebrate the legacy of the race of the new Ford Mustang Boss 302, Ford will also offer a limited number of models of Boss 302 Laguna Seca, the name of the track where Parnelli Jones won the first game of the 1970 season in a Trans- Am Boss 302. Designed for runners interested in the performance on the track of material comfort, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca greater body rigidity, a set of strong chassis and an aerodynamic kit made almost entirely from the head of Ford Racing 302R.

Sounds like the Boss

While the team of powerplant performance defined that provide an ideal balance for the chassis, another team makes the kind of car owners and enthusiasts of sounds to expect from a Mustang Boss.

Up front is a specific pattern induction system tuned to supply the engine with minimal restrictions. Tube induction retuned gives concrete phonetic sign of what is happening under the hood. And engineers boss exhaust system really had fun.

"When the exhaust system is to consider three aspects: the legal noise limit, pressure, which can rob power and ground space," said Shawn Carney, Mustang NVH engineer. "As the 2011 Mustang GT exhaust is already so free-flowing - it was well below our counter-pressure goals - we had an excellent performance, we were able to tune the exhaust system has a unique sound, combined by taking a hurry, the exhaust system is actually surrounded by the sound driver V8 ..

Each boss has a unique system of quad exhaust: two shops out in the back looks like a regular Mustang GT. The other two companies access to both sides of the cross exhaust, send exhaust through a set of metal discs that act as control elements by the end of the tube opposite the opening of the rear wheel. Visually subtle, the flow of exhaust side pipes but little noisy exhaust, which gives an aural experience unlike any other Mustang - and give the house an additional tuners for change.

"We added the mitigation of the discs to meet the legal standards, but we knew that the buyers could operate these vehicles in situations where noise regulations are not a problem," said Carney. "The record is and includes a removable plate spacer size of the replacement exhaust valve relief if an owner wants to add a set of electric valves, just undo the two screws on each side. The blade and the spacer disk and valve slide right in and secondary pipes are adjusted so that drivers can operate in open and sound levels are comfortable living -. very aggressive, but to make a daily "

Carney also said the idea behind the unusual step of assembling a relaxation component OEM aftermarket. "We are engineers from Ford, but we are also passionate," he said. "We understand the mods are a part owner of the Mustang experience, so we try to help as much as we can."

Suspension and Steering

In accordance with the mandate to provide the patron better handling Mustang ever, the system already strong Mustang GT suspension has been refined. Higher coil spring rates of the four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and larger rear stabilizer bar all contribute to the mission of the road race, and Boss models are lowered by 11 millimeters at the before and 1 inch in the rear compared to the Mustang GT. The real key to handling, is in adjustable shocks and struts, is standard on all models Mustang Boss.

"We had five riders for the configuration of shock," said Brent Clark, Mustang team supervisor of vehicle dynamics. "It's softer, two is the factory setting and five is the strongest, and we have provided a wide range of settings. A client can take to the track in the configuration of two, crank up to five a better response in the track, and then mark up a house for a relaxed What is unique is that drivers find -. thanks to the way the suspension works as a complete system - the smoothest fit is too loose and firmer setting is not very controlled and each step only provides additional levels of control. "

Also unique is a method of adjusting a shock. Ditching the weight and complexity of electronic wizardry, the team chose Mustang to compete in a traditional style with practical-regulation - the same Gabriel shocks available in the original Boss 302

"The adjustment of unloading is right at the top of the tower discharge, integrated into the stem and easily accessible from under the hood or trunk," said Clark. "You just take a small flat screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw between one and five, and head back on the track."

In addition to the suspension system is speed-sensitive electronic control was adjusted to maximize feedback and road feel to the driver. The driver is also an opportunity to fine tune the steering feel to his taste by choosing one of three settings in the menu panel: Comfort, Normal and Sport modes help provide monitoring and precise control when desired without compromising low-speed maneuverability in parking situations and everyday use.

Similarly, the employer receives unique traction control (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC) settings to help drivers maximum performance in either the street or track. Both systems can be completely disabled in situations where using the track-controlled pilot competition up and fully engaged for maximum safety while driving or drive under normal conditions less than ideal. Through sport mode allows the driver to push harder to track their vehicles without completely disable security systems for a more aggressive appearance before the TCS and ESC systems act.

Exterior and interior

Changes in the appearance of the Boss Mustang subtle but unmistakable. True to its heritage breed race, every component that could support the aerodynamic and engine / brake performance was designed to make the car more competitive, chief designer Darrell Behmer while the sophisticated style reminiscent of 1969, the boss of fashion today.

"We reach out to conservatives as a legend," says Behmer. "We took design cues from the car owner 69 of the street and threatening to Bud Moore / Parnelli Jones racing cars and carefully updated 2012 to give the child the right attitude bad it is undoubtedly a Boss Mustang."

To set the Boss on the other, each car has a roof panel is black or white, the color coordinated Page C-stripe. Exterior colors are available up to Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-metal layer and the red race.

Up front, grille and fascia are characterized by the openings closed with fog light and less aggressive splitter, a version of the model used - and proven - the owner of the 302R race car. The front splitter is designed to operate at high speeds through the effective management of air into and around the car. Helps to reduce drag and lift under the front body, forcing the air more effectively through the cooling system specific Boss. At the rear of the car, the wing was chosen to complete the treatment front and minimize the total drag.

"What we have, after the head elevation has been reduced with better overall balance," said Pericak. "We had to keep the car glued to the street or the track at high speed without increasing resistance and affect the speed and fuel consumption The end result is a streamlined package that uses the treatment front, rear skirts side, not to show, but the effect -. balance and stability of this car all the way to its top speed of 155 mph is simply outstanding. "

Inside, the only head of the steering wheel Alcantara suede covers the full complement of standard seats which are upholstered in suede fabric similar to a central place to keep the passengers securely in place. Boss customers who want to experience the best places to choose a package that includes the Recaro buckets, designed by Ford SVT in collaboration Recaro high-performance Mustang models, and shared Boss and GT500.

A dark metallic finish, instrument panel, gauge cluster and door trim panel also differentiate the Boss Mustang standards, while a pool cue black shifter ball and "Powered by Ford" door sill plates also remind customers that they are in a special car.

The interior receives a boss with this sudden hearing was deleted. Eleven pounds of soundproofing material was removed to allow residents have additional inputs, the engine and exhaust.

"Boss is dedicated to the word here, and we were not able to put that name on the new Mustang until we were all that was going to make this car worthy successor," said Pericak. "We were both going to do it properly, or does not do it at all - neither team will label boss and wheel package."

Ford Transit Connect Taxi (2011) [Reviews]

Ford Transit Connect Taxi goes into production and will arrive in dealerships in 2010 2011 model, the addition of the Ford Motor Company, a leader in the North American market, take a taxi.

Making the announcement at Chicago Motor Show 2010 Ford also said it is the use of motor preparation packages to all Ford Transit Connect models - base, and a taxi - to allow the transition to an efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG or liquefied petroleum gas). Both natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas taxis are popular for businesses because of their low level.

The spacious interiors and flexible Transit Connect - the 2010 North American Truck of the Year - is perfectly suited for taxi service, and the conversion to CNG and LPG. 135 car cubic feet of cargo space containing a compressed gas tank, while the legs of passengers and ample cargo capacity.

"While meeting with the taxi operators in the city of the United States, we have received significant interest in vehicles that run on alternative fuels," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of America. "Taxi Ford Transit Connect, combined with the Ford engine is suitable for the use of CNG / LPG, has been designed to meet this need. This event marks a new era of" "transit" green.

To better serve taxi operators, the company will deliver the necessary calibration specifications for CNG or LPG conversion. When properly according to the specifications of Ford, the conversion being carried out without draining the engine warranty.

The advantage of alternative fuels

According to the U.S. Agency Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is cheaper and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less emissions of greenhouse gases. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.

"Compressed natural gas and propane offers more than enough power for vehicles, because they are high-energy fuels," said Rob Stevens, Chief Engineer Transit Connect. "Another advantage of these fuels is natural to provide a total emission of greenhouse gases than gasoline. In addition, CNG or LPG operation gives operators the cost of fuel / fleet management."

In addition, nearly 87 percent of natural gas in the United States are produced locally. Government credit are also tax incentives to convert fleets to alternative fuels.

Since October 2009, GNC preparation packages were available on the E-Series vans with 5.4 liter gas engines of 6.8 liters.

Internal conversion is ready

Ford Transit Connect Taxi offers a unique package from the inside of people and goods. With its open architecture provides excellent headroom for passengers and taxi visibility. Back seat of the car has been moved back three inches to maximize passenger comfort. And with 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the double doors. Additional ventilation climate control have been added for the rear passengers.

Ford Transit Connect Taxi is also upfit package wiring hole in the roof and signage, vinyl front and rear seats, rubber floor in the back, a second row sliding windows and third row standard Windows - all of which are installed at the factory. Additional installation of technology and other changes, such as the signs of the roof of a taxi, and optional seating section managed by taxi upfitters local market.

Luggage compartment of the car can easily accommodate a compressed natural gas tanks directly behind the second row of seats allows much luggage storage.

Technology in motion

Ford works with Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC (MTC) to integrate payment processing and information from the first passenger of the Ford Transit Connect Taxi.

Ford, CMT and also develop strategies for the potential integration of the work of Ford's series of productivity solutions for entrepreneurs wireless technology to offer full in-dash computer with high-speed Internet access and navigation. "Ford has demonstrated a significant commitment in support of the taxi is not only your product but also the commitment to work with companies that support the technology," says Jason Poliner, Chief Operating Officer of CMT. "Ford is aware that the taxi business is not just a machine, but a complete technical solution."

The proof of how this technology could work in the future, including the Taxi Ford Transit Connect. It also includes a 8.4-inch electronic entertainment and a navigation screen that looks like a taxi ride, news, weather, sports scores and stock quotes. The touch screen, passengers can also choose the choice of programming, follow the taxi on the map, or browse the points of interest along the route - including restaurants, museums and shops.

Once there, the screen shows the options to pay the fee in cash, debit or credit card. Cardholders can swipe your card, select a recommendation advanced pre-calculated or use the touch screen to enter the tip amount and complete the transaction of their seats.

Based on the taxi leadership

The "green" taxi is not new at Ford, which has been a leader in the taxi industry for decades. Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric hybrid-powered taxi fleets in North America with the launch of the Ford Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York in early 2005.

Built on a platform dedicated commercial vehicle and tested according to Ford trucks difficult, Ford Transit Connect Taxi - including petrol versions and those modified to run on CNG / LPG - is designed to meet the extreme service taxi.

Its standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, traditionally powered Ford Transit Connect is expected to produce about 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption compared to many of today's traditional taxis.

"Ford Transit Connect has been tested as it offers great versatility in the use of the commercial fleet," said Gerry Koss, marketing manager of Ford's fleet. "The Ford Transit Connect taxi, combined with the ability to convert CNG / LPG, further demonstrates its flexibility."

[advanced] Ford's Future Models Might Track Your Heart Rate

We always say that the vehicles of the future will be a lot smarter than the vehicles running currently on the streets, and to give a glimpse of it Ford already has started showing some new technologies that they will be incorporating in their future vehicles. Recently Ford developed a heart monitoring seat, which has the capacity of monitoring the heart activity of the driver. This initiative from Ford will be making the modern trucks and cars rolling medical devices.

Just a week ago, we saw a Sync system from the Dearborn automaker, which was developed to help drivers in managing their asthma and probably even will help in tough tasks such as quitting smoking in the future.
Speaking at the event, a Ford Spokesman said, “The Company is not trying to turn the vehicle into a medical device. We just are trying to make the healthcare mobile.”

Ford also said that the heart-rate monitoring seat of the car is still a research project and is in its very early stage of development and hence didn’t said when the seat is expected to enter the market as a production car.




The heart-rate monitoring seat puts Ford in the front position of automotive wellness and health initiatives, beating all its rivals by a huge margin. In their video on YouTube ford showcased how the seat works. Researchers said that there aren’t any electrodes attached to the body with the special seat. Rather it monitors the heart rate using 6 electrodes entrenched into the seatback, just like the technology which is being used in the beds in the intensive-care units. The researchers also said that a lot of electrodes were required; so that the seat can easily deal with “different body types.” The heart rate for any body can be detected using the clothing.

2011 Ford Mustang GT

A muscle car performs two functions. Like most cars, it moves people and things between places. Unlike most cars, it makes you think you’re stronger than you are. It makes you tall enough to play power forward. It gives you 20-inch biceps. Stamp the accelerator, feather the clutch, throw the shifter...and it makes everything alright.



Americans instinctively understand this. And, in recent years, America’s “Big Three” automakers have done their best to take advantage of it. But the results haven’t been the same for each of the three.

Chrysler built itself a badass-looking muscle car in the Dodge Challenger, but one that’s still too heavy, its interior still a little too much like a $15,000-Dodge Caliber, its engines just a little too weak for their huge size, to really pull off the trick. There are well-done Challengers, but most feel more like a sketch of a muscle car than a finished product you’d buy.


Chevy did better with the Camaro. The numbers, on paper, are outstanding. But the look is a little too outlandish, more like a cartoonist’s impression of a muscle car. Those ridiculously high doors seal the deal. Sitting in it, you can’t help but feel that you’re a kid in the bathtub pretending to drive a muscle car.

Only Ford – the only automaker to build its pony car continuously since the moment it was introduced —really gets it. A week in a V8-powered 2011 Mustang GT Premium Coupe proves it. This may be the most authentically American car there is. It looks massive and strong, it screams like a warrior charging, and it longs for an open road. It’s the most soulful muscle car, and in a way, the only authentic one left.

You don’t buy a muscle car just for how it looks. But this is the best-looking Mustang since the first-generation car left the stage in 1973. It has all of the classic touches required of a new standard-bearer for the Mustang line, from the slight aggressive cant to the front fascia to the retro turn signals—the brake lights flash in a sequence, 1-2-3, from the center out. The classic fastback roofline is there. You can’t describe it without burning through a year’s supply of the word “classic.” Yet it’s clearly a modern interpretation of the (nope, not gonna say it again) original. There are curves beneath those sharp angles. A bulging shoulder line (something cribbed from the Challenger, if we’re being honest), gives the impression that the car is actually tensed, ready to explode off the line.

The right color goes a long way toward setting it apart. Our tester shows up in a neon hue Ford calls “Grabber Blue.” When the specs first showed up, we thought the shade would be a bad idea. In person, it’s a showstopper. More than once, when we get out of the car, strangers stop us in parking lots to compliment the paint job. We get thumbs-up signs in traffic.




You don’t buy a muscle car for its luxurious cabin. But you’ll like this one from the inside. The interiors of some muscle cars feel like afterthoughts—like designers ran out of money when they got to the cabin. The exterior evokes a primitive yearning for power, but it’s all disappointment when you open the door. When it comes to the cockpit of the Mustang, not a word of that is true.

You open these heavy doors and settle down into low-slung bucket seats. Ours are black leather, with accents in the same neon blue that, on the sheet metal, had the neighbors talking. Ice blue accent lighting throughout, and the same color on the gauges, just radiates cool. The color accents are a $395 option, but it’s an option you should select. Rear-seat passengers might not be as pleased. Those seats are tight, and the sweeping fastback roofline leaves them with a tiny porthole instead of a real window. Kids might like it. Adults...well, it’s a great car for impressing one passenger. Invite your favorite person and leave the rest to find their own rides. A race-bred steering wheel, thick in your hands with coarse stitches in the leather, feels exactly like you want it to.

You should be buying a manual, because driving a muscle car without that visceral command you get from using your left foot to connect that massive engine to the wheels is pointless. The shifter, a polished-aluminum ball just the right size (cool in your hand with short throws), is brilliant. Some designer spent days getting that little ball right, and they should retire happy knowing they nailed it.

Ford products have the best technology interface in the business in the form of the excellent SYNC infotainment system. The Mustang is no exception. SYNC allows you to control your phone, iPod or other Bluetooth-enabled device through the car with voice commands. It’s part of the $2,340 Technology Package, and we know from experience in other cars that it works brilliantly. But in the ’Stang, we barely touched it. Who needs to be entertained by something external when driving this thing? The wheel, shifter and pedals are all the entertainment you need. A well-tuned Shaker 500-Watt audio system adds to the experience, though. We’ll cop to using that quite a bit.

You buy a muscle car for the way it feels when you throw it into gear and put your right foot to the floor. Ford engineers know that very well. Dropping the 2011 Ford Mustang GT into gear and watching the tach climb toward redline, while the scenery rushes by is a feeling every American should have (at least once a month) to keep some perspective on what is possible.

Every configuration of the Mustang drives well. We like the V6 so much, we built it into the DUB Edition Mustang. But even we have to admit, there is no other engine in the world quite like the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 Ford put under the hood of our GT Premium.

The 5.0 and the Mustang have a long history together, but the engine has been out of production for years. This isn’t the same mill as the classic. It’s better. The Coyote uses variable inlet and exhaust valve timing to push out 412 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Numbers-obsessed car magazines will point out that those figures are lower than what you get in the Camaro’s LS3 V8. But we’d counter with two facts: One, the Mustang is more than 255 pounds lighter, so the power has to move less mass; and two, when pushed, the Mustang’s V8 can buckle the pavement underneath the car, accelerate from 0-60 mph in holy-sh*t-that’s-fast! and make everything that has ever gone wrong in your life recede in the rear view mirror at a satisfying pace.


The 5.0 is not an engine that wants to be driven sedately around the neighborhood. Power peaks at 6,500 rpm and redline comes at 7,000. In other words, to get the most out of it, you have to push it near its limit…and you’ll want to, believe us. This car begs for the open road. No, better yet, it longs for it. If you try to take it on a short, leisurely trip to the corner store, it’s likely to find its own way to an uncrowded highway and lay down the miles.

The six-speed manual transmission is one of the best Ford has ever offered. The clutch is surprisingly light and forgiving for such a powerful car, and throws are short and satisfying. And though muscle cars are all about straight-line speed, the 2011 Mustang is more nimble than it should be. The 3.73-ratio limited slip axle, a $395 option, helps matters. Engineers spent more time honing the suspension, even borrowing control arms from last year’s GT500 to make this a muscle car that can almost hang with pure sports cars. It’s firm, though, your teeth will rattle over even the smallest speed bumps.

Our tester came with a performance brake package, including Brembos and 19-inch painted aluminum wheels. They look good, and could stop a freight train, but other journalists have told us they’re not necessary; the stock wheels and brakes are quite good as well, and the package adds a lot to the sticker at $1,695.


And, then, there is that sound. The Coyote makes a beautiful, righteous growl no other car can make. The sound you have filed away in your imagination labeled under, “What should a good, old-school, American muscle car sound like?” Well, here it is. It’s a hellhound’s growl. It’s the roar of justice. It will have neighborhood men eyeing you with suspicion, and neighborhood women knocking discretely late at night. Ford engineers understood exactly what they had when they heard that sound. Get this: they built a resonance pipe behind the dash to amplify the exhaust note in the cabin. That, in the end, is all you need to know about this car.

The first muscle cars (that is, the first Mustangs) were built for a very democratic purpose: to bring the best American race-bred engines into the price range of the average buyer. The new generation has strayed from that purpose a bit. Our tester’s sticker came in at $38,760, including destination charge. When you can get a first-class European sport sedan for less money, is a muscle car still worth it? If it’s the V8 Mustang GT, we think it is. Its beautiful bodywork with its modern interpretation of classic lines; the gorgeous interior, which oozes sex appeal and power; and that glorious engine, putting an absurd level of power at the command of your right foot. It’ll transport you from place to place. But more importantly, it’ll transport you to another place inside when you let it find that open highway.

All of that for $39k? It’s a steal.

FORD Mustang Shelby GT500 (2010)

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2010 FORD Mustang Shelby GT500

The new 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang - and a few surprises, too."The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford's continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is an estimated 2 miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway."

"We're proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we've now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. "Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive."

Ford's Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR "King of the Road" Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobras from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.

"Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang," stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles.

"Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang's leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable."

"The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive," said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. "We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that."

More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality
The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine expected to produce 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car's aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby's appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.

The Shelby's open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine's efficiency.

A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 are larger - 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model - and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust.

A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.

The Shelby's distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.

"You still hear the supercharger but not so that it's intrusive," said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. "It's the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you're driving something special, but you don't want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

"We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It's a nice balance; one isn't overpowering the other."

Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT's signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Ford

Mustang Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.
Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control.

The team also stiffened the steering shaft.
"All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible," Hameedi said. "The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear."

The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a "recipe" for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear's team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.

The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates "blade" spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. The default "on" mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford's

Personal Safety System.
Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

"We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible," Baldori said. "We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can't go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths.

"The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we've increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500."

Directing the air so it's used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car's "flush" hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler. SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500's distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.

A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets
The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Ford Mustang lineup. "The design we chose was a 'flush' hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle," Hameedi said. "That's very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very, very different from the base Mustang."

"This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang," added George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. "It's all about power and expressing power."

Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.

Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. "Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles," Hameedi notes. "That's something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA - maybe more so than some of our competition."

Rounding out the Shelby's exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features, round out the exterior modifications. "We wanted the spoiler raked back aggressively to minimize drag, but we also have an integrated Gurney Flap that provides the downforce," Saridakis said.

What's inside counts with the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.

Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. "You'll definitely know you're in a Shelby," said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, Shelby GT500.

The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the "GT500" logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.

This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang's powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word "SHELBY" engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.

All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red "SVT" logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.

"When customers drive this car, they're not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they're going to see all these carefully designed details and know they've bought a well-crafted car," Saridakis said.

Even the classic white shift knob - an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past - received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional "H" pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.

Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including:
= SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities - plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
= 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in
the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
= Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer's paired and operable mobile phone.
= Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors - ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.

Available options:
= Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.

2011 Ford Explorer

After weeks of Ford’s infuriating teasers regarding the all-new Explorer, the SUV will start from $28,995 – $1,000 less than the outgoing model. The new Explorer marks a major departure from the outgoing model as the 7 seater model by switching from a BOF (body-on-frame) to a uni-body structure with independent front and rear suspension – shared with the Ford Taurus sedan and Flex. Ford said despite adding more features on the all-new Explorer, engineers were able to reduce gross vehicle weight by around 45kg (100lbs) through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminium bonnet.

Out goes the previous V8 petrol engine for a new base 3.5 litre Ti-VCT V6 engine that produces 290bhp (294PS) and 345Nm (255lb-ft) of torque. This means the 2011 Explorer is 20% more fuel efficient. However, with the towing package, the V6 can haul up to 2,268kg (5,000lbs).

Optional is the all-new 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, producing 237bhp (240PS) and 339Nm (250lb-ft) of torque from 1,700 rpm. Front wheel drive is standard on all models, but only the AWD is available on the 3.5 litre Ti-VCT engine. Both engines are linked to a 6 speed automatic transmission. Expected is a 355bhp, 3.5 litre turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine that will be added to the range in the future.

The AWD features a Land Rover-esque Terrain Response. This terrain management system has four settings (normal, mud, sand and snow) and is controlled via a console-mounted knob. This also features hill-descent control. Bi-xenon headlamps will be standard on plusher grades, while Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert will be optional.

The entry-level Explorer, called Base will come standard with a 4.2” LCD touch-screen w/ MyFord driver connect, MyKey, air-conditioning w/ air filtration system, Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, cruise control, tyre perssure monitoring system, x6 airbags, electric power steering, front & rear electric windows w/one touch auto down for driver, remote-control locking w/safety rear door locks, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, x4 12v power points and cargo hooks.

Mid-spec XLT adds rain & dusk sensors, 6 speed SelectShift automatic transmission, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors w/LED indicators and puddle lamps, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, rear parking sensors and anti-theft alarm.

Flagship Limited includes XLT specification and electric folding door mirrors w/driver’s memory, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable pedals w/memory, cargo net, climate control, 10 way electrically adjustable fronts seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, reversing camera, remote start system, 110v power outlet, keyless entry & start and Universal garage door opener.

According to Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development, "The new Explorer simply does everything well. It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It's the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability - and three rows of seating - with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure."

Look for the 2011 Explorer to arrive at dealerships in Winter, just in time for the snow.