FoMoCo announced today that two key executives at the company will be hanging up their hats. Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, have elected to retire effective April 1. Each individual has served the Dearborn automaker for more than 30 years.

“Lewis Booth and Derrick Kuzak represent the very best of Ford and our culture and built a legacy of leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence that will benefit us for years to come,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “Lewis and Derrick were absolutely integral to the comeback of Ford and they are retiring with our deepest respect and gratitude.”

Booth will be succeeded by Bob Shanks, who is currently vice president and Controller. Kuzak will be succeeded by Raj Nair, who is currently vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development.

A world from Mulally on both Booth and Derrick:

“Bob is a terrific leader,” Mulally said. “He has been a wonderful partner to the leadership team in the implementation and institutionalization of the One Ford plan. His deep experience in finance, combined with his global perspective will allow us to continue to deliver an exciting profitably growing Ford.”

“Derrick’s commitment to product excellence and continuous improvement has allowed Ford to deliver to our customers the industry’s freshest showroom with a complete family of best-in-class products,” said Mulally. “At the same time, he prioritized the development of the next generation of talented, experienced product leaders who will continue to deliver for our global customers.”

- By: Omar Rana

The Ford SYNC system is now available on more than 4 million vehicles on the road. The feature is available either as an option or standard equipment on every new Ford model sold in North America. Ford now says that it will go ahead and offer the SYNC system as standard equipment on the new Ford Fusion and Flex.

Check out our original post on the Ford Fusion.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Every new 2013 Ford Fusion model and Flex model will come with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or FoMoCo’s MyFord Touch infotainment system. Those with compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

- By: Omar Rana

To celebrate SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the years of performance vehicles.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

Check out more news on the Ford Shelby GT500.

Power comes from the same 5.8 liter supercharged V8 engine making 650-hp with a maximum torque of 600 lb-ft – stopping power comes from a strong set of Brembo brakes. That helped the Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package shave nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at the Sebring International Raceway. Like the coupe, the Ford Shelby GT500, the Performance Package can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

How fast will it go from 0 to 60 mph and what will be the top speed? Well, Ford didn’t release that info so stay tuned for more.

- By: Omar Rana

Automakers stole the show when it came to Super Bowl XLVI commercials. However, behind the scene FoMoCo was complaining about a Chevrolet Silverado commercial that took a stab at Ford. Apparently, General Motors ignored a request from Ford to cancel the commercial before it made its television debut last night.

The ad, which shows the Chevrolet Silverado being the only truck to survive an apocalypse, takes a stab at Ford when one of the main characters asks about the fate of one his friends.

“Dave didn’t drive the longest lasting, most dependable truck on the road,” another friend tells him. “Dave drove a Ford.”

“What’s important is that Ford is proud to be the best-selling truck in America for 35 years, the best-selling vehicle for 30 years and the only brand with more trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles — demonstrating just how durable our trucks are in the real world,” Ford said in a statement.

The General isn’t backing down, however. ”We stand by our claims in the commercial, that the Silverado is the most dependable, longest lasting full-size pickup on the road,” said Joel Ewanick, GM Global Chief Marketing Officer in a statement. In the meantime, people who are really worried about the Mayan calendar coming true should buy a Silverado right away.” Ewanick jokingly added.

Check out the commercial for yourself after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney

The pace for U.S. light vehicle sales rose by 11 percent last month and was set by a few major automakers including Chrysler Group, Volkswagen Group and Hyundai/Kia.

All major automakers posted sales gains last month except General Motors, which fell 6 percent from a strong January 2011. The automaker sold a total of 167,962 vehicles with Chevrolet being the main highlight as sales for the brand were up 13 percent.

“Chevrolet drove our performance once again and sales of our fuel-efficient new cars were especially good,” and Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “The strength that the economy and the auto industry showed in the fourth quarter carried into January, so we believe the year is off to a good start.”

FoMoCo sold a total of 136,710 vehicles in January, a 7 percent increase. Ford as a brand sold 131,589 vehicles in January, making it the best January sales month for the Ford brand since 2008.

Chrysler shined the most out of Detroit automakers with U.S. sales coming in at 101,149, a 44 percent increase compared with sales in January 2011.

Toyota sold a total of 124,540 units – up 7.5 percent. Honda sold 83,009 units a increase of 8.8 percent. Nissan was up 10.4 percent after selling 79,313 units.

Korean’s Hyundai was up 15 percent with total sales coming in at 42,694.

Germany’s Volkswagen Group sales were up 40 percent to 36,681 units. The sales were led by a 48 percent increase for the VW brand and 20 percent increase at at Audi.

- By: Omar Rana

“The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”

Power for the 2013 Ford B-MAX will come from a 1.0 liter EcoBoost gasoline engine as well as a Duratorq TDCi diesel.

Sales will begin in Europe later this year.

- By: Omar Rana

Ford has released the online configurator for the new 2013 Ford Escape with some preliminary pricing details. As of right now, prices start at $22,720 for the Escape S model and top out at $30,620 for the Titanium.

Check out our original post on the 2013 Ford Escape.

The 2013 Ford Escape has dropped V6 and Hybrid variants and has opted to go the all 4-cylinder route. The lineup include a 2.5 liter Duratec, 175-hp 1.6 liter EcoBoost and a 240-hp 2.0 liter EcoBoost. All engine choices are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Click here to visit the configurator.

- By: Omar Rana

Whenever anyone thinks about America and the automobile industry, one of the first things that should pop-up into mind is the pickup truck: an automobile that is synonymously iconic to our culture like the small roadster is to Great Britain or the executive saloon is to Germany. And when anyone thinks of a pickup truck, the ultimate buy word in the segment would arguably be the proverbial Ford F150. That should be a given considering that the Dearborn-based manufacturer invented the automobile when they produced the “Ford Model T Runabout with a Pickup Body” in 1925. Not to mention, the F150 is indubitably one of automotive history’s most iconic automobiles, racking up some astonishing accolades such as America’s best-selling vehicle for 24-years and best-selling truck for 34.

That said, the Ford F150 can be considered the car that ‘built’ America, much like how Jeremy Clarkson showed the world that the Ford Transit had “built” Great Britain. No matter where you go, you’ll always find some generation and some sort of variant of the Ford F150 running about doing all things utilitarian. I can go on and on about the F150’s prominence, but that would be similar to me rambling on about how famous Mr. Henry Ford is himself—gee, thanks Captain Obvious.

But truth be told, I have very little personal experience with pickups for my short time on Earth. The first and last pickup truck that I had comprehensively driven in-depth was a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Magnum V8. And even though the Ram was uncomfortable, brash and tiresome to drive—on top of abysmal fuel economy that never went north of 15 mpg—the Ram’s commanding view of the road made it interestingly fun to drive and its practicality was hard to trump, considering that the Ram helped me move back and forth between college and home. Afterwards, the last pickup I ever drove entirely prior to this review was a 2005 Ford F150 King Ranch SuperCrew, complete with the top-of-the-line 5.4L Triton V8 during my time working at a used car dealer. Other than that though, pickup trucks never really appealed to my taste for refined and fun-driving performance and luxury cars. And that was due to their sacrifice for utilitarianism in place of luxury and driving pleasure. In other words, I felt one would be socially awkward pulling up to a fancy function in a workhorse pickup truck rather than a stately executive saloon.

2012 Ford F150 EcoBoost Lariat 4×2 SuperCrew V6 Specifications:

• Style: Full-size pickup truck.
• Drive Type: RWD / 4WD.
• Seating Capacity: 5.
• Base Price: $39,475.
• Price As Tested: $45,380.
• Engine: 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged, direct-injected EcoBoost V6 – 365-hp / 420 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 6.1 seconds.
• Top Speed: 100 mph (electronically limited).
• Curb Weight: 5,699 lbs.
• Fuel-economy (EPA city/highway – egmCarTech Observed): 16/22 – 17/19 mpg.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

Social awkwardness aside though, over the years numerous others have proven to take Ford’s recipe for a pickup and have perfected it in their own ways, the Ram being one of them. And over those same years, manufacturers, including Ford themselves, have evolved the pickup to be not only a workhorse automobile, but one of the most versatile vehicles money can buy. In order to continue keeping up with the times of fuel economy-conscious buyers and strict CAFE regulations, Ford had decided to gamble with a new engine top-of-the-line option for the 2011 F150: a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6. It’s a boosted mill that Ford hopes will help improve the brand’s CAFE rating and sway the traditionalists from the typical pickup powerplant, so that the gasoline-guzzling V8 can slowly fade away into the pages of history (Oh dear God please no), or at least be the second choice. So, how does it fare and does it have what it takes to meet Ford’s and the buyers’ expectations?

Exterior:

There’s really not much to discuss when talking about the aesthetic aspects of pickups. Their designs are pretty straightforward. Though what differs Ford’s F150 from the more chiseled-down looks of GM’s GMT900 pickups and the sleek, refined muscle of the Dodge Ram is the F150’s Tonka Truck Toy-like looks. But it’s not outrageously childish or terribly offensive. In fact, I like the way the F150 looks. It comes off as thoroughly American, rugged and masculine—as if it could take on anything you can throw at it. It has every visual trait a real pickup should have. And who’s to argue? And what makes me appreciate the F150 even more is that its looks are also civil enough that once you were done with your dirty work, you could just take a hose and some suds to it and drive it through town like a boss. In other words, I wouldn’t feel ashamed to pull up in a clean, modern F150—like the one we had—at a fancy function. I couldn’t exactly say the same thing with the Ford F150 from several decades ago and earlier. And I definitely couldn’t say that about the 2002 Dodge Ram I drove several years ago.

Interior:

The same Tonka-like characteristics can be found inside the F150 as well. Where as the F150s of yesteryear often had flat, boring and monotone insides, the F150 of today (and ever since the 11^th generation F150 from 2004 such as that 2005 King Ranch I aforementioned) dropped the straight-workhorse looks for some style, without any sacrifice or deviation from the F150’s tough, rugged utilitarian roots. And this latest F150 just takes it even a step further. So if you were like me, with the little experience I have with pickups, you’d be surprised to find a very comforting ambiance when compared to the F150s of the 1990s and prior. The responses elicited from me when I first stepped into the F150 were: “wow, this is pretty darn nice,” and “I’m really impressed.” Ford’s use of different colored materials is extraordinarily well executed making you think that you’re in a more civilized Expedition rather than an F150—and it’s definitely an exponential upgrade from that brash Ram. I simply love it.

Our tester was of the Lariat spec, which is one of the most commonly optioned trimlines of the F150. It surely isn’t the most luxurious model, nor is it the cheapest as Ford pins the Lariat just in the middle of the lineup, below (and in order from least luxurious and expensive to most luxurious and expensive) FX4, SVT Raptor, King Ranch, Platinum and Harley-Davidson Editions and above the base XL, STX, XLT and FX2. Ours was fully optioned up the wazoo complete with Microsoft/Ford’s collaboration called SYNC, their tow package, leather-trimmed 10-way heated and cooled seats with memory function—which also means the transmission shifter changes from a column stalk to a center console-mounted selector. All of the ergonomics were simple and easy to use. Admittedly, a lot of the equipment bespoke to pickups that help its owners tow and haul stuff did throw me off a bit. But I’m sure that’s purely from my lack of experience. Either way, Ford offers a lot of kit and the seats were wonderfully supportive and comfortable. Additionally, our F150 was optioned out with the 6.5-foot bed and the SuperCrew layout, which means four full doors and a rear bench to haul not just your friends or family, but their junk as well.

Performance:

Driving the F150 is where the real news is. For the first time ever, Ford’s iconic workhorse gets their latest twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which is the same engine that received some honorable mention and placement in cars like the current Taurus SHO and the Ford Flex EcoBoost. And even though the F150 EcoBoost V6 produces the same 365 horses as the Taurus SHO, the F150’s EcoBoost V6 produces 70 more lb-ft of twist for a whopping total of 420 lb-ft that’s best-in-class—and 90% of that is fully and readily available at 1700rpm, all the way through the rev range to 5000rpm. Mated to Ford’s SelectShift six-speed automatic, mashing the pedal from a standstill in the F150 EcoBoost would yield a 0-60 time of roughly 6.5 seconds, which is not shabby at all. In fact, during our week long test, Editor-In-Chief Omar Rana and I often found ourselves with our windows down in between quick stoplight drags with owners of older pickups and even some quick car drivers, all wondering what the hell just put them in the dust. And because that power is so readily available from the well-tuned and adjusted six-speed, highway cruising and overtaking is a breeze. Turbo lag was virtually nonexistent and traditional pickup purists would feel right at home with the EcoBoost V6. The only thing that would tell them that the F150 EcoBoost has two less cylinders would be the options list and the exhaust note, which was the sound of a muffled yet, meaty V6 with a slight hiss from the snails versus a throaty, rumbling V8. But for those who are truly committed to the seductive rumble of Ford’s V8 still have a choice to opt for their all-new 5.0L V8 mill—the same that debuted in the current Mustang 5.0—and 6.2L Boss V8, which is in the SVT Raptor. The only sacrifice with the V8s is for those seeking practicality in terms of tow capacity: the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost has the highest ratings out of all the other engine options.

Considering the F150 is no performance automobile, I completely relieved myself from any expectations of handling with the F150. But such a notion wasn’t exactly necessary because simply put, the F150 EcoBoost is truly wonderful to drive for being a full-size pickup. Sure, the handling is completely nonexistent when compared to something with a unibody and finely tuned suspension. But the F150, much like many other pickup trucks from the competitors, has thoroughly proven that utilitarian automobiles don’t have to be woeful to drive like they used to be. When compared to my 2002 Dodge Ram experience, the F150 felt like the Mercedes-Benz of pickup trucks. Refined, comfortable and composed describe the F150 EcoBoost’s ride and handling. The same could be said for the 2005 King Range Edition I drove too a while back. Highway speeds were quiet, relaxing and a complete dawdle making me think that it would be the perfect truck to take on a cross-country adventure. The steering for the entire F150 lineup except for the 6.2L Boss V8-equipped models was converted from the typical lifeless hydraulic setup to a more efficient electronically assisted power steering system. When comparing the two, the electronic system offered nothing in the way of feel next to the hydraulic setup I experienced in the 2005 King Ranch F150, but on the upside, the electric tiller was effortless with solid on-center feel, making any kind of maneuvering a breeze. Should you find yourself approaching a corner too fast, the F150 would respond with enough composure surprise to make you forget about the F150’s on-paper body-on-frame and solid-rear axle setup.

Unfortunately, for the time that we had the F150 EcoBoost V6, we weren’t able to put it in a situation to truly test the F150’s ability to haul or tow something. The closest we got though was a quick trip up into North Jersey to pickup a new couch for my apartment. And this trip led us to come up with a thing or two we could point out. Firstly, our fuel economy hovered around an average of 17-19 mpg, which is very respectable for a pickup truck and understandable when compared to the EPA’s rating of 16 mpg’s city and 22 highway. Though, we didn’t think it was much of an improvement over the alternative and more traditional engine, Ford’s new 5.0L V8, rated at 15 mpg’s city and 21 highway and even the 6.2L V8. That said, we were a little perplexed by the fact that Ford chose to opt for a traditional gasoline engine when diesel technologies are so readily available. Altogether, it raises a question for the brand itself too. Are they still betting on gasoline engines when 2/3rds of the world has been benefiting from the higher fuel efficiency of diesel-powered automobiles? Even on home turf, those who are well informed of the pickup market know that a Dodge Ram with a Cummins or a GM pickup with a Duramax, or even the Ford with a PowerStroke will yield far better fuel economy without a sacrifice in capability. Either way, I think “Big Oil” is still to blame. But that’s a whole ‘nother can o’worms.

Overall:

Altogether, I walk away from the F150 EcoBoost in complete awe as to how pickups have evolved over time. Forgetting my lack of experience aside, as a car guy, stepping into an F150 wasn’t overwhelming or intimidating whatsoever. The F150 was a breeze to get used to, especially for someone with my background…or lack thereof. In all, I see the F150 as a Swiss army knife, but one with a snakeskin holster that’s stylish and practical and is sure to elicit some conversation from others and you can take it anywhere without being terribly uncivil. And for that, I can now appreciate the appeal of pickup trucks and I’m sure those venturing into the market for the first time will too. You can haul your friends/family plus their junk and nearly go anywhere all while in good comfort and style of the mighty Ford F150. In other words, where as enthusiasts come to appreciate cars for their sense of value rather than how superior their performance and drive is, enthusiasts can appreciate the F150 for its gung-ho and do-nearly-anything capabilities. And even for those who are looking to buy the F150 for its utility, they are definitely going to feel right at home. Sure, the fuel economy may not meet the promises of exponentially better fuel economy like Ford is pitching. But Ford has apparently tested the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 to extreme ends so the V6 is sure to be as durable and reliable as the V8 it hopes to replace. Not to mention, those who are considering or have experience with pickups are used to getting cruddy fuel economy anyway. Let’s just hope that Ford’s push for the EcoBoost engines in this F150 and its other cars isn’t a harbinger of things to come, like the potential death of the V8. But simply put, the F150 is A+ all the way.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

A survey has been conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center that reflects the consumer’s perception of automotive brands, revealing that small car company’s credibility is on the rise in the eye of the public.

The 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey compiles data based on seven different categories, including quality, value, safety, environmentally friendly/green, performance, technology/innovation, and design/style. Each category gets is own score, which is then totaled for each automaker’s overall brand-perception score. All of the scores are based on consumer option and not industry facts.

Maintaining its lead in consumer brand perception is Toyota, as well as other major brands, with Honda, Ford, BMW, and Chevrolet all at the top of the list. What has changed from previous years is how much these brands are leading over smaller automakers by. Toyota has seen a drop by 17 points from last year, while Honda, Ford and BMW all decreased by over 20 points. Cadillac and Chevrolet’s scores saw the smallest decrease of less then 10 points each.

Taking over the lost points, at least in part, are the electric car companies, which are becoming increasingly popular. Both Tesla and Fisker were added onto the survey this year, and received better scores then some of the more reputable brands.

What is remaining the same from previous years are the outstanding factors consumers are basing vehicle purchases on. In order of importance they are safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design/style, and technology and innovation. It seems that the small automakers are beginning to meet consumer needs, and should continue on in this direction.

-  By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Consumer Reports

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

While many automakers in the industry are constantly fighting for the top spots, market domination, or even global domination, Ford Motor Co. is taking a surprisingly different approach with its Fusion model.

FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally may have recently hinted that the Ford is trying to outsell the ever-popular Toyota Camry, but executives say this is not the case.

One of the outstanding reasons the automaker hasn’t made it a goal is because they don’t have the production capacity to sell as many units as the Camry.

Click here for more news on the Ford Fusion.

Instead, “Between price and volume, we’ll sort out the right mix,” Jim Farley, Ford’s global marketing chief, said in an interview. “I don’t think we’re very enamored with being No. 1 just to be No. 1. We’re much more enamored with getting the right price point and the right kind of people to buy the car.”

Ford is relying on several factors to get top-dollar for each of the Fusion’s it sells. With the expansion of the brand’s available technology, the demand for it will drive up sticker pricing, while hybrid and plug-in models will attract those looking to go green or save on gas. The improved design is also expected to increase consumer demand, as the model was named the best designed production car at the Detroit Auto Show.

As for figures, last year Toyota rolled 308,510 Camrys off U.S. lots, which is a 6 percent drop for the brand, while Ford was up 13 percent, with 248,067 units sold. This year, Ford is increasing production capacity to 400,000, while Toyota’s capacity is at 500,000 for its newly redesigned Camry.

“It’s going to be hard to outsell the Camry,” Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds.com sales analyst said. “Camry has been on top so long they’ve built up a huge, loyal owner base. Just from the sheer numbers, Camry is hard to beat.”

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

Ford will be introducing a new marketing campaign complete with an all-new slogan. Previously “Drive One” in North America and “Feel the Difference in Europe,” Ford will be utilizing the slogan “Go Further” for both markets.

“We are at a different point now in our company’s history,” said Jim Farley in an interview, Ford’s global head of sales and marketing.

He also explained how the brand’s marketing team came up with the new slogan. By looking into the success of other brands like Nike and their “Just Do It” campaign. However, the change has apparently been met with criticism already.

“I don’t think it’s that good. It’s a little too inside the industry,” said Jim Wangers, a marketing analyst.

Either way, Ford vehicles as of recent have been pretty well received by the automotive press, which should help to impress the public as well.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Reuters

Fans of the new and well-received Ford Focus will be pleased to hear that the Dearborn-make will be apparently offering a real-man’s cog swapper for the top spec Focus Titanium. Yes, that means the Focus Titanium will be receiving three pedals and a manual shifter. WOO!

It may not seem like outstanding news to the driving enthusiast, but the new Ford Focus isn’t terrible to drive and those looking forward to rowing their own gears can expand their options when considering the American brands. Not to mention, enthusiasts who want the Focus don’t have to opt for the base Focus S and midrange SE sedan and hatch to get a manual. As a caveat, the only Titanium-spec Focus that still retains the auto-only option is the SEL model.

Apparently, Ford made the decision after there was some uproar by customers expressing interest in a top-of-the-line Focus with a manual, especially when the Titanium is equipped with Ford’s optional sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys.

Either way, enthusiasts also still have the opportunity to get a hot Focus with a manual when the sport turbocharged Focus ST hits our shores later this year.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup will debut at Daytona 500 in February 2013 and features a new fresh face.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Ford Fusion.

”We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” stated Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”

The new NASCAR Ford Fusion will be tested throughout the 2012 campaign in preparation for their racing debut.

- By: Omar Rana

After a trip to the Nurburgring with the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1, the automaker says its model will be faster then the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.

Check out more news on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer says that “We’ve done simulations. We predict that the ZL1 will be quicker to 60mph than the [2013] GT500… We ran the Nürburgring and released a time. Ford took the GT500, too, and never released a time. I guess you can draw your own conclusions.”

While his assumption holds only a bit of weight, what really throws us about this statement is how the stats for the two models stack up. The Camaro is heavy, at 4,120 lbs, and makes 580hp and 556 lb-ft, while the lighter 3,850lb Shelby makes 650hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.

Click here for more details the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

What sets the two apart in the Camaro’s favor is the all-independent suspension is brings, over Ford’s solid rear axle. Magnetic Ride shocks can help transfer power more effectively, as well. So is Oppenheiser just talking to create a stir again? It’s possible, but no one will know for sure until they hit the track together.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes from a LSA 6.2L supercharged V8 making 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched to a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission with a new shorter-throw shifter that improves gear changes. It also features a dual-mode exhaust system which provides a very throaty and powerful sound. Sales begin in early 2012. Prices will start at $54,995.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoBlog

Ford gave big time muscle car enthusiasts a rare chance to bid on a racetrack durability prototype that was used to produce the new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson.

“This GT500 durability car represents the most recent collaboration between Ford SVT and Carroll Shelby,” said Ford’s President of The Americas, Mark Fields. “Working alongside Carroll, our SVT team put this durability car through some of the most demanding driving conditions at Sebring International Raceway as well as others across the country. The result of those tests is the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, the most powerful production V8 in the world.”

When all was said and done and the hammer slammed the prototype for the 2013 Shelby GT500 brought in a winning bid of $300,000.

The proceeds from the bid will go to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Refresher:  Power for the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 comes from a 5.8 liter supercharged V8 making an outstanding 650-hp with a peak torque of 600 lb-ft. It weighs in at just 3,850.

- By: Omar Rana

The Speed channel will be featuring live coverage of the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction this coming Saturday, where Ford will be offering up the racetrack durability car that aided in the development of the production model 2013 Shelby GT500. Not only will one lucky enthusiast get to take this rare car home, but proceeds will also go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

As one of the first built with the 2010 body style, the durability model was made in 2007. It was tested at 150mph for 24 hours to make sure it could handle that level of usage and that all functions continued to run smoothly.

Inside, the durability car comes with Recaro racing seats with six-point harness belts and a full roll cage, and all of the SVT engineers involved in the project signed the underside of the hood.

“I raced on the Sebring International racetrack for many years,” said Carroll Shelby. “But my ambition was always to build my own car. So it was exciting to be back to collaborate on this GT500 durability car with the SVT guys. I’m really proud to have my name on this car. They took my dreams of what a car should be and made it a reality.”

- By: Alexandra Koken

Each year Polk issues its Automotive Loyalty Awards to automakers who keep buyers coming back. The awards are the only fact-based issued for customer retention, using registration data, lease transactions, and more than 4.5 million personal records from households.

Ford earned several of the top spots in the many categories awards are issued in, some of which include overall loyalty to manufacturer, overall loyalty to make, and African American market loyalty.

While Ford has many repeat wins in its categories, there are some first time winners on the list, such as Jeep for the most improved loyalty to make, and the Porsche 911 for luxury sports car. Hit the jump for the full list.

- By: Alexandra Koken