The blue oval has revamped their pony car lineup for 2011 Mustang and the big news is what is going on under the hood. Not only does the new car get a slight bump in output, but the 21st century pony car does it in a more efficient manner. The new Mustang will be powered by an all new, high performance, aluminum Duratec V6 complete with modern technologies like DOHC and Ti-VCT that delivers over 300 HP as well as benefiting from a new performance package.
The all new aluminum 3.7 Liter six cylinder engine puts out a total of 305 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque combined with a fuel efficient six speed automatic transmission, the 2011 V6 powered Mustang will have an estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG, and even better is that shifting yourself will only cost you 1 more MPG.
Ford’s new performance package sends the V6’s output through a shorter geared 3:31 rear axle as well as suspension and braking components based on the units from the V8 powered Mustang GT model. However making the base Mustang handle as well as possible, the boys from Dearborn have added a set of 19 inch wheels wrapped with sticky Pirelli performance tires and a Sport mode setting aimed at performance driving enthusiasts from the electronic stability control system when the 2011 Mustang goes on sale late next summer starting at $20,114 for a base model V6 powered pony car.
Updated 01/18/10: Prices revealed. Hit the jump to get full details on it.
UPDATE 06/24/2010: The 2011 Mustang has set a new record by running 1,457 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway while averaging 48.5 mpg with an average speed of 43.9 mph. The main idea for the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was to prove that the 2011 Mustang’s V6 can run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Press release after the jump.
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For those of you with a big family, but who want in the same time a sporty, compact crossover, GM has brought the Equinox. The crossover is offered with standard features like 6 speed automatic transmission, direct injected gasoline engines, XM satellite radio, an iPod input jack, power everything and OnStar roadside assistance.
The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover. The 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009 with prices ranging from $22,615 to $29,970.
The Equinox is powered by a choice of two engines: a 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 hp and 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city and a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 hp and 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city.
The 2010 Equinox is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive.
Press release after the jump.
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According to this magazine article that we came across, it looks like the Italian automaker Ferrari is preparing a hybrid version of their V12 powered flagship front engine grand touring 599 GTB, a verys pecial model that could possibly be presented as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The future Ferrari concept will make the most of what the Scuderia has learned from the F60’s Kinetic Energy Recovery System that was develloped throughout the 2009 Formula One season.
If this is the case, then a hybrid 599 concept would usher in a new era for the sports car manufacturer starting with the first ever prancing horse from Maranello to feature a gas/electric power train that is intended for public use. Ferrari’s hybrid system will combine a set of highly efficient lithium ion batteries and an electric motor mounted in the rear transaxle. This electrified prop shaft will generate its maximum torque at zero RPM, thus cutting the extremely ineficeint around town fuel consumption by up to 35%, bringing overall fuel consumption up from around 9 MPG all the way closer to 14 MPG with the battery being recharged while the 599 is decelerating just like the F1 car.
California is the epicenter of excess, environmentalism and the green car movement; so what better vehicle for the Governator to be taking a closer look at than Audi’s new battery powered zero emission super car. It could be that Mr. Schwarzenegger is considering trading in his trademark Hummer for something a little more conservative because he was spotted both inside and out of the LA Auto Show getting a closer look at the Audi E-tron concept.
A longtime auto enthusiast, Governor Schwarzenegger received a detailed explanation of the E-tron’s inner workings which consist of four electronic motors and a lithium ion battery pack from none other than Audi AG board member in charge of global sales and marketing, Peter Schwarzenbauer, perhaps with the aim of outfitting the California Highway Patrol with a few new gas free high speed pursuit vehicles. No matter whether they close a deal or not, it is worth mentioning that Governor Schwarzenegger joins the very short list of people from around the world who have actually sat inside of the E-tron concept. So if you want unprecidented access to all sorts of cool new cars, all you have to do is become a world famous movie star and then the Governor of one of the largest states in the U.S. and then automakers will be bending over backwards for you to test drive their cars.
Press release the jump.
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Every year the L.A. Autoshow asks manufacturers from around the world to envision the car of the future and then to display their forward thinking designs for all of Los Angeles to see. Every year the theme differs a bit form the year before, this year’s LA Design Challenge is all about what first time drivers will be behind the proverbial wheel of in 2030. While all of the Youthmobile 2030 entries delivered a variety of solutions to future transportation, the judges have spoken and it looks like we will be driving on the GRID because the Nissan V2G will take home the top honor. The 2030 Nissan Vehicle to Grid offers consumers everything from social media to tuner transformations with its infotainment interface and off-GRID gadgetry that allows owners the ability to tailor their future electric vehicles to their specific tastes.
Press release after the jump.
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