Ford unveiled the 2013 Shelby GT500 at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, but only in its coupe form - an odd decision considering Chevrolet had already announced their ZL1 Convertible. However, this doesn’t mean the masses will not be privy to a GT500 Convertible; it just means that it has been delayed just a bit until the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
Changes in the exterior of the convertible GT500 will follow along the lines of the coupe with a "more modern and edgy" design, as well as new wheels and an overall improved look. Of course, the Convertible model will get a soft top for those cruising days.
As for the power, the GT500 debut promised a top speed of 200 mph for the Coupe model, but we highly doubt that will transfer over to the Convertible.
As the coupe version the GT500 Convertible will be powered by a 5.8L supercharged V8 engine producing a staggering 650 HP with a quieter and more efficient TVS unit.
Expect more details about the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible at the Detroit Auto Show next week!
With just one day before its official debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Ford Mustang has been fully unveiled. It will be offered in four different packages: V6, GT, Boss 302, and Shelby GT500. All models will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan with sales beginning in Spring 2012.
Changes for the 2013 MY include a more aggressive design with a more prominent grille, a new hood, and new LED signature lighting. There is also an optional GT Track Package that brings an engine cooler, an upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads, and the same Torsen differential found on the Mustang Boss 302.
Power for the 2013 Mustang will comes from a 5.0-liter V6 that delivers a total of 420 HP - a 8 HP increase over the previous 412 HP.
"The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes the refinement to the next level," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience."
UPDATE 02/06/2012: The new year comes with some bad news for those planning to buy a Mustang GT. Ford has announced prices for their 2013 Mustang line-up and most of the models come with a price increase. For example, the GT coupe and GT Convertible have both received a $1,100 increase over last year’s prices, with the Coupe coming in at $31,095 and the Convertible at $36,095. Premium versions of the Coupe and Convertible are priced at $35,095 and $40,095, respectively, which is an increase of $200 and $1,200. (MustangDaily)
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Mustang GT.
Leave it to Chevrolet to throw the first punch in its long-standing rivalry with Ford.
The Bowtie’s newest Super Bowl commercial takes a stab at its crosstown rival with a commercial that’s set just after the world ended, confirming the Mayan predictions. In the ad, a group of friends, all of which were driving Silverados, miraculously survived the global catastrophe to round up and see how each one was doing.
Everybody was accounted for except for their friend Dave, who lost his life because he, as one of the buddies explained, "drove a Ford." Way to be subtle, Chevy.
The Chevy ad is expected to run during the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVI and just as sure as those Mayan predictions are nothing more than myths and fables, you can expect that this new Chevy Silverado commercial will draw strong reactions from both camps.
So allow us to say, "It’s on, Chevrolet. It is most definitely on."
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.
Since Ford has yet to reveal any serious details from the testings performed on the new Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, Sport-Auto Magazine took it upon themselves to run a performance test on the car at Hockenheim. Turns out, the Mustang has better braking performance than the Porsche 991 and is faster than the Aston Martin DBS, Audi R8, Ferrari California, and BMW M3 in Hockenheim.
The video starts off with burning rubber and a couple of drifts as a warmup, but then it moves on to showing the car in action on the race track. The Mustang’s potent 302 cubic-inch 5.0-liter V8 shreds through its 444hp, killing the vehicles listed above, but failing to outdo the BMW M5 F10.
Still, beating out the Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi, and BMW (the M3, not the M5) is enough to warrant some applause, especially considering the fact that the Boss is priced at $47,990, or less than half of the price paid for most of the cars on this list.
