Ford unveiled the new generation Fusion in early January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show and, right on cue, it has been followed by the NASCAR version. This is, in fact, the third time Ford has simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino and then again in 2006 with the Fusion.
The NASCAR Ford Fusion features a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside, but keeps the proportions found in the production Fusion. There are brand and design cues on the side of the vehicle and an identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford.
"This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans."
The new NASCAR Ford Fusion will be enduring its testing season for the entire year and will then have its racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.
While Ford has been tempting everyone with the idea of offering a successor for their famous GT supercar, tuners are hard at work with the current model they do have on hand. The GT Guy, a garage that tunes Ford GT models exclusively has announced their latest project - the Ford GT "Merkury 4" - developed in cooperation with Camilo Pardo – the designer of the original GT.
The Merkury 4 is based on a solid red Ford GT that features a Mirrachrome abstract custom paint job with a florescent orange center stripe separated with a satin black pinstripe. The car was equipped with HRE center-bolt rims with 275/30ZR19 front and 345/30ZR20 rear Michelin tires. And because one of the most impressive features of the GT can be found under the hood, the tuner has equipped the car’s 5.4 L supercharged modular V8 with a second generation Whipple supercharger and a GTG cold air intake kit that increased the engine’s output to an amazing 725 rwhp at 19lbs of boost on 91 octane fuel.
The package continues with a GTG "Vintage" bumper delete kit, a passport radar detector/jammer system, custom "Ford GT" billet fuel door, billet clamshell center and side clamshell vents, GTG clamshell release hooks, and Penske triple adjustable shocks with custom alignment lowered about 1".
In the shadows of all the auto shows going on around the world, Ford took to the Autosport International Racing Car Show in Birmingham, England to unveil the 2012 Ford Fiesta WRC Rally Car dressed in its new livery.
Heading into its sophomore season in the WRC, the Fiesta is looking to build on the surprising success it had last year when it won the season-opening and season-ending races as the successor to the Ford Focus WRC.
Just like last year, the Fiesta RS Rally Car comes with a 1.6-liter Ford Ecoboost turbo engine and has been designed with the Blue Oval’s acclaimed ’kinetic design’ styling language. The car was prepared for rally-spec use by Ford’s long-time partner M-Sport and as has been the case for years now, Castrol remains the team’s primary sponsor.
The Fiesta RS’ surprising showing at the 2011 WRC season has given the team high hopes for a better showing this year. If for nothing else, the team should give perennial title-holder, Citroen, a serious run for its money.
The recent unveiling of the new 2013 Ford Mustang means a lot of things to a lot of people. But one of the most important, at least for those that aren’t satisfied with a standard version of the muscle car, is the introduction of some of Ford’s special edition packages for the Mustang.
One such is the California Special package, which has been one of the favorite trims for Mustang lovers everywhere. The full breadth of details surrounding the 2013 Mustang California Special have yet to be announced, but it appears that it will carry a number of unique additions similar to what Ford did with the 2012 version.
Among the noticeable modifications given to the 2013 Mustang California Special will include a unique front grille, side scoops, a new pedestal rear wing, a new rear diffuser, special black decals on the hood and side of the car, and just like the 2012 model, a special interior trim.
As far as performance modifications go, the 2012 Mustang California Special package kept the 412-horsepower, 5.0-liter V6 engine pf the standard model. For the 2013 model, we expect Ford to do the same, which means that the 2013 Mustang California Special will carry the same 420-horsepower, 5.0-liter V6 engine that the 2013 Mustang GT has.
Whatever the case may be, the 2013 Ford Mustang California Special package is fixing to be a great alternative choice for those that want something extra for their 2013 Mustang.
UPDATE 01/12/11: To be honest, we don’t understand why Ford just wouldn’t come out with an extensive batch of photos for the 2013 Mustang California Special. But hey, we’ll take any new photos any way we can get them, even if it’s in batches of three. Check out the new photos of the Mustang California Special in the gallery provided!
Back in 1962, Carol Shelby built his first updated Mustang and now, as a celebration of their 50th anniversary, Shelby is offering a special edition Mustang in three different variants: the GTS, GT350, and Super Snake. Each model will be built in a limited run of 100 units, 50 white and 50 black, and will all be combined with gold racing stripes.
The most powerful version, the Super Snake, delivers a total of 750 HP and comes with a unique body kit, an upgraded interior, and a new set of wheels painted in matte black.
Prices for the new models are as follows: the Shelby GTS is priced at $19,995 for the V-6 and $24,995 for the V-8; the GT350 is priced at $59,995; and the Super Snake is priced at $59,995. All prices do not include the price for the standard 2012 Mustang GT or the Shelby GT500 for the Super Snake version.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Shelby GT350 50th Anniversary Edition.
Full story
