2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Racing

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to officially announce the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, but the full details on the car are apparently now available thanks to a Puerto Rican Ford dealer that published the specifications early on their website. The car, named after the legendary Cobra Jet drag racers of the late 1960s, was relaunched in 2008 at the SEMA show and revised in 2010 (pictured above).

Now Ford Racing is updating the car once again with a slew of new upgrades and options. The 2012 Cobra Jet will come standard with an aluminum block (previously an option) and the 5.4-liter V8 now also boasts a fortified crankshaft and upgraded forged connecting rods. The rear suspension and brakes have also been improved, and springs rates both front and rear have been optimized. New black anodized Weld Racing wheels are wrapped with Cobra Jet branded Goodyear tires with an all new compound. Finally, three colors will be offered – red, white and blue – with an optional graphics package.

Hit the jump for the full list of specs and features for the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

[Source: Micasa Ford]

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2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford launches naming contest for V6 Mustang, winner gets free two-year lease

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford

Ford plans to rename the Performance Package for the Mustang V6, and it’s giving Facebook fans and LA Auto Show visitors the chance to decide what moniker it will carry. On the Contest page of the Ford Mustang’s Facebook profile, you can submit your choice of moniker for the package that adds go-fast items like a 3.31 rear axle, Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm and Pirelli tires to 305-horsepower coupe.

You can also stop by the Ford booth at the LA Auto Show and submit your clever-yet-corporate nomenclature. The contest is on now and runs until the middle of December. Make the jump for all the details.

[Source: Ford Mustang Facebook]

Continue reading Ford launches naming contest for V6 Mustang, winner gets free two-year lease

Ford launches naming contest for V6 Mustang, winner gets free two-year lease originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mustang Boss 302 priced at $40,995

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to officially release pricing for the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, but a forum member over at TheMustangSource.com with some inside information has revealed that the special edition pony car will retail for $40,995 including destination and delivery. This places the Boss 302 almost squarely in the middle between the Mustang GT and the Shelby GT500.

While certain things like a navigation system won’t be available, Boss 302 customers will have a few options to choose from. Recaro seats and a Torsen differential adds $1,995, an Accessory Package with floor mats and car cover go for an extra $475, and Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat paint is an additional $495. The track-oriented Laguna Seca Package comes in at a grand total of $47,990.

At first we weren’t sure about the complete accuracy of the information, but a representative at Ford has confirmed these numbers and options. So is the 2012 Boss 302 a steal at $40,995 or is that crazy money for a hopped up pony car with a live rear axle? Let us know in the comments below.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

[Source: TheMustangSource.com]

2012 Mustang Boss 302 priced at $40,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Dodge Challenger SE

Dodge has big things headed our way for the 2011 model year, not the least of which is a thoroughly updated Challenger that seems to be much better equipped to go up against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Up to this point, even those who loved the last generation’s styling and optional Hemi engine had to admit that lower level models powered by the old 3.5-liter V6 engine were simply unable to match up against its lifelong mortal enemies from Chevrolet and Ford.

As we’ve come to find out straight from the horse’s pony’s mouth, Dodge intends to bring its base-model muscle car up to modern specifications courtesy of a brand spankin’ new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. As a reminder, here’s how the new V6 engine compares to the competitors’ options:

Base Price Engine Size Horsepower Torque MPG Weight
Dodge Challenger $23,245* 3.6 liters 305 @ 6350 268 @ 4800 N/A*** 3819 lb*
Chevy Camaro $22,680** 3.6 liters 312 @ 6400 278 @ 5200 17 / 28 3741 lb
Ford Mustang $22,145** 3.7 liters 305 @ 6500 280 @ 4250 19 / 31 3453 lb

* 2010 model ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

As you can see, the Dodge very nearly matches up with its main rivals on paper, with slight deficiencies in torque and overall weight, though we don’t quite know what the 2011 model’s final poundage figure will be. We’re also unsure of the Challenger’s pricing for the new model year, but we can’t imagine it will go up too much from its current spot as it’s already the priciest of the three competitors, albeit barely.

In any case, we have ourselves one obvious burning question to consider: Does the new V6 engine improve the Challenger enough in your eyes to go head-to-head with the best six-pot pony cars from The Blue Oval and the Golden Bowtie? Or, to put it another way for you Mopar fans, is the 2011 Challenger V6 Sublime or is Chrysler just plain Plum Crazy? Make your voice heard in our completely unscientific, informal poll below.

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Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby releases final specs on GT350 Mustang, power output ranges from fast to furious

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Shelby GT350

2011 Shelby GT350 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Shelby American has finally released the specs on its 2011 Shelby GT350. Starting with a 2011 Ford Mustang GT, Shelby utilizes Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine but ups the ante a bit. The base GT350 is rated at 430 horsepower (the stock GT musters 412 hp). On the standard GT350, a Whipple supercharger can be added to boost power output to 525 hp – enough to propel the modified Mustang from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds. If that’s not enough, the R tune version produces a monstrous 624 horses.

All 2011 Shelby GT350s are fitted with a long list of performance-aiding parts which include upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires. As you can see above, they also wear unique Shelby aero and trim bits, a GT350 45th anniversary badge and a serialized Shelby GT350 dash plate.

Pricing for the naturally-aspirated Shelby GT350 conversion is set at $26,995 and the base supercharged car runs $33,995. Due to the 99-pony jump with the R tune, you would expect that package to cost close to $40,000, but it doesn’t. It’s just 750 bucks over the price of the standard supercharged kit. All of these prices, however, fail to include the cost of the donor Mustang GT. A full parts list and more performance stats are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT350

2011 Shelby GT3502011 Shelby GT3502011 Shelby GT3502011 Shelby GT3502011 Shelby GT350

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby releases final specs on GT350 Mustang, power output ranges from fast to furious

Shelby releases final specs on GT350 Mustang, power output ranges from fast to furious originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J Mays: “Very cool Mustang” coming in 2014 [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Rumormill

2011 Ford Mustang

Designer J Mays on Ford’s future styling direction – click above to watch the video

The crew at Mustangs Daily has let the internets in on the first morsels of information about the 2014 Ford Mustang. As you may know, America’s pony car will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in just three years, so there’s been more than a little interest in what FoMoCo will come up with to celebrate the occasion. It turns out, the ’14 car won’t be an evolution of the current machine we all know and love. Instead, it will be something completely different. Ford is keeping exactly what that means to itself for the moment, other than to say that the next design will be a huge leap forward for the nameplate.

Here’s hoping that doesn’t mean the re-introduction of the Mustang II.

Fortunately, Ford seems pretty pleased with the way that the design is going so far, saying that we’ll see a “pretty cool” Mustang crop up in 2013 as a 2014 model. Given how far the car has advanced over the past three years, we can’t wait to see what Ford is up to with its muscle car. Listen to what else J Mays, Ford’s vice president of global design, has to say about future styling of the Blue Oval’s entire portfolio in the video after the jump.

[Source: Mustangs Daily]
photo copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading J Mays: “Very cool Mustang” coming in 2014 [w/video]

J Mays: “Very cool Mustang” coming in 2014 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH

Filed under: Coupe, Ford, Specialty

2011 Roush 5XR Mustang – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Mustang already packs a plentiful 412 horsepower under it’s well-contoured hood, but for some enthusiasts there is no such thing as enough power. And what makes owning a Mustang so great is that there are countless ways to upgrade your ride. Roush has done it’s fair share of Mustang modifying, and that trend continues for 2011. The new 5XR is Jack and the gang’s latest stab at ‘Stang perfection, with a R2300 ROUSHcharger mated to Ford’s already potent 5.0-liter V8 to produce a hearty 525 ponies and 465 pound-feet of torque.

When Roush upgrades a Mustang, obviously it starts with a more powerful engine, but the fun usually doesn’t end there. The 5XR will also feature a bevy of upgraded components, including a suspension kit with new front shocks and rear springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. Power will be transferred to the road via 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires.

On the outside, Roush provides plenty of cues to alert even the novice that the 5XR is no run-of-the-mill pony car. Upgrades include a new front fascia with splitter, side rocker splitters, rear valance and three-piece deck lid spoiler. And if that isn’t enough to clue you in, the 5XR also comes standard with a copious amount of badging.

The 5XR is limited to a production run of 150 units, but prospective owners will first have to purchase their own 2011 Mustang. Roush-certified Ford dealers will install the $15,390 worth of goodies. Other available upgrades are up-rated vented brakes, custom leather seating surfaces and a vent pod gauge. Hit the jump to pour over the Roush press release.

Gallery: 2011 Roush Mustang 5XR

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading 2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH

2011 Roush 5XR Mustang: Now with more ROUSH originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Safety, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has issued a dealer Technical Service Bulletin for a clutch issue on 2011 Mustangs built before April 25, 2010.

Affected models with less than 10,00 miles might experience a clutch pedal stayout condition, where the clutch will remain on the floor even after it’s released during high RPM shifts, something that sounds like both an annoyance and a potential safety issue. According to the TSB, the repair takes less than an hour.

It is not clear if the clutch issue will eventually precipitate a recall, but there have been no rumblings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to suggest that it will. Have a look at the details after the jump or speak to you’re dealer if you’re not sure if your pony car is covered.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems

Ford issues TSB for 2011 Mustang over clutch problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mickey Thompson’s son building 300-mph Ford Mustang?

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

Brent Hojek 300 mph Ford Mustang

Plenty of us that grew up around a drag strip know the name Mickey Thompson, but fewer of us realize that the guy was more than a name on the sidewall of some seriously sticky rubber. He was also responsible for setting plenty of land-speed records in his day, including being the first guy to break the 400 mph barrier on the salt. His son, Danny Thompson, is no slouch behind the wheel, either. Last year, the younger Thompson managed to set the fastest land speed for any Ford Mustang. With a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 swilling down E85, the Thompson clicked off 252 mph, and this year, he’s going back for more.

Danny Thompson will attempt to waltz past the 300 mph barrier with another Mustang owned by Brent Hojek. This car, like the last, will run off of E85, but will pack somewhere close to 1,300 horsepower. The new pony also wears soy-based carbon-fiber body work and unique soy-based yellow paint in an attempt to ecologically justify a supercharged V8. Hey, we aren’t complaining. Head over to Stang TV for a closer look at the blown 5.4-liter.

[Source: Stang TV]

Mickey Thompson’s son building 300-mph Ford Mustang? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ford, Reviews

Forty-six Years Of Refinement Make It The Pony Car To Beat

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Potentially ruinous. All that work on an impressive new 5.0-liter V8 engine, chassis tweaks and other piecemeal refinements for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT are almost all for naught because of a single glaring issue. What could erase all the gains the Mustang has made for 2011? The answer is nestled between the front seats, and it goes by the name 6R80.

Despite the promise that a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission carries, not to mention the associated fuel economy, the auto ‘box blunts the Mustang’s edge severely. Can the new 5.0-liter V8 and wind in your hair make up for the dulling effect of the Mustang GT Convertible’s transmission? Follow the jump to find out.

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Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

Photos copyright (C)2010 Dan Roth, John Neff / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible

Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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