Ford Racing announced today that the Mustang, which hasn’t competed in NASCAR, will race in the Nationwide series when Ford begins a limited rollout of its new car in 2010.

“We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as part of its vision for a ‘muscle car’ rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of differentiating the series from Sprint Cup,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports. “We loved the idea, so we jumped on the chance to extend Mustang’s racing legacy to a new series reaching a huge and loyal audience.

The Mustang’s motorsports history includes many types of racing including drag, road, drifting – but this will be Mustang’s first appearance in any NASCAR series.

Make the jump for the press release.

2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR:

Press Release:

MUSTANG extends racing presence – enters NASCAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2010 NATIONWIDE SERIES

· Mustang will be Ford’s new race vehicle in the NASCAR Nationwide Series when it begins a limited rollout of its new car in 2010.
· Mustang’s motorsports history includes many types of racing – drag, road, drifting – but this will be Mustang’s first appearance in any NASCAR-sanctioned series.
· Mustang is Ford’s most successful race car in its long history

DEARBORN, Mich., July 28, 2009 – Mustang is already the most successful single nameplate brand in professional racing history, but it hasn’t competed in NASCAR – until now.

Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports, made the announcement today that Mustang will debut as part of NASCAR’s “new car” limited rollout in the 2010 Nationwide Series.

“We’re excited about Mustang coming to NASCAR,” said Wolfe. “It’s the most successful product nameplate in racing history, and it seems only right that it should be coming to the most popular form of racing in North America.

“We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as part of its vision for a ‘muscle car’ rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of differentiating the series from Sprint Cup,” said Wolfe. “We loved the idea, so we jumped on the chance to extend Mustang’s racing legacy to a new series reaching a huge and loyal audience. Mustang has dominated other forms of racing, including NHRA drag racing, Grand-Am Cup road racing, and Formula D drifting, and now it’s coming to NASCAR Nationwide.

“I think race fans – and Mustang loyalists – will be very pleased when we publicly roll out the first car later this fall.”

Ford Racing has gone through the official NASCAR submission and approval process for the new car, and, once templates are finalized, production of Mustang parts will start so teams can build the first cars for testing later this fall.

“We’re excited about the new car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and particularly the new body styles such as the Ford Mustang,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “It’s going to be one good-looking race car.”

The 2010 Ford Mustang will join the 2010 Fusion (Sprint Cup) and the 2009 Ford F-Series (Camping World Truck Series) as Ford’s competitive entries in NASCAR’s three major professional series.

“We’re excited about being able to race Mustang in front of our loyal NASCAR fan base and know it’s going to win races and championships just like it has in every other series it has competed,” said Wolfe. “The Mustang created the pony car movement when it debuted in 1964. Now, the NASCAR Mustang has the opportunity to create a whole new look to stock car racing at its highest levels.”

Mustang in Racing

From the time the very first Mustang rolled off the assembly line in 1964, it was destined to race. Whether it be from the 1960s drag racing cars and the Shelby GT350-R SCCA racers, to the Trans-Am Boss 302 Mustangs of the seventies, to the IMSA and Trans-Am cars of the eighties and nineties, to the drag race and sports car racing Mustangs of today, Mustang has been a winner.

Mustang currently competes professionally in the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions and places like the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, SCCA World Challenge, and the Mustang Challenge Series. In addition, thousands of Mustangs see action by grassroots racers at road courses and drag strips all across America.

Since its debut in 1964, Mustang has compiled more than 2,000 professional racing victories in NHRA, Grand-Am, IMSA, SCCA, NMRA and NMCA, as well as other racing series.

The 2010 Mustang

Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with 315-horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

In true Mustang tradition, there is a “steed for every need.” Customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

The new Mustang was recently launched through the “The ‘10 Unleashed” campaign, which gives enthusiasts the chance to unleash their Mustang side behind the wheel of the new 2010 Mustang – whether it be drifting in Japan like world champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. or customizing a new Mustang using Ford Racing Performance Parts.

Through Aug. 15, consumers can submit their own Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less via Ford’s “The ‘10 Unleashed” site at www.the2010Mustang.com. Written submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and execution of idea. Winning submissions will be selected every few weeks, and winners will be able to turn their Mustang experience into reality.

About Ford North America Motorsports

Ford North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. Ford North America Motorsports also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

SMS Supercars has dropped two images and pricing details for its new 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs due out later this summer.

Prices start at $64,990 for the base SMS 460 Mustang powered by a 4.6L V8 that pumps out 470-hp and 427 lb-ft of torque. That allows it to go from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range. The convertible SMS 460 Mustang starts at $69,990.

For those that want to go a little faster, SMS offers the 460X Mustang, which starts at $85,961. Power comes from a 5.0L V8 with a new SMS 296 Supercharger that helps produce 655-hp and a maximum torque of 600 lb-ft. The SMS 460X goes from 0 to 60 mph in the low 4-second range. The convertible 460X Mustang starts at $90,961.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed SMST manual.

SMS 460/460X 2010 Mustang:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: SMS Limited (via AutoWeek)

We’ve been following Roger Keeney, the first winner of the ‘10 Unleashed program, and his adventure with driving the 2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Keeney has been blind since 1990 and hasn’t driven a vehicle in nearly two decades.

You can checkout episode 2 and 3 of Keeney’s adventure of getting behind wheel of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT after the jump.

Click through for the videos.

Roger Keeney Test Drive the 2010 Ford Mustang:

Speeding Without Sight: Episode 2:

Speeding Without Sight: Episode 3:

Roger Keeney Test Drive the 2010 Ford Mustang:

- By: Omar Rana

Speed TV will be airing a documentary on the creation of the 2010 Roush Mustang on July 20 at 8 p.m. Easter time. Called “2010 Roush Mustang: The Art of Performance Engineering,” the behind-the-scene documentary will take you through the 14-month process of the vehicle from concept to the showroom.

“You’ll see the boardroom drama, the trade-offs that have to be made and the official unveil before a throng of media and fans of Jack Roush and his vehicles,” Roush said in a press release.

Power comes from a Ford 4.3L V8 that has been supercharged to produce a total of 435-hp. 0 to 60 mph comes in the low 4-second range with a quarter mile run in the 12 seconds range.60 mph to 0 mph takes less than 115 feet.

2010 Roush 427RT Mustang:

“2010 ROUSH® Mustang: The Art of Performance Engineering” is scheduled to air three times on SPEED:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The last time the Chevrolet Camaro outsold the Ford Mustang for a full year was in 1985. Well, history may repeat itself this year. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro outsold the new 2010 Ford Mustang in June 2009 9,320 to 7,362. The last time the Camaro outsold the Mustang in a monthly sales race was October 1993 – during when Chevy sold 10,985 Camaros and Ford sold only 5,680 Mustangs.

GM’s vice president of sales, service and marketing Mark LeNeve, said that nearly every 2010 Camaro sale in June was retail and that the figure was nearly double the number GM expected. LeNeve said that the new Camaro sold the best in California and that GM only has a six-day supply left of the model, reports Automotive News.

Dealers have reported selling the 2010 Camaro right of the delivery truck with some customers paying as much as $500 over the sticker price.

On a side note: We will be picking up the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS for 10 days later today. Stay tuned for live updates and coverage everyday of the week.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro:

- By: Omar Rana

While Chevrolet and Dodge may be marketing their new muscle cars the traditional way, Ford has planned a variety of different campaigns to keep those interested in the 2010 Mustang from looking at anything else but its new pony car.

One of the many campaigns pursued by Ford is the ‘10 Unleashed program, which gives Mustang lovers the opportunity to live out their ultimate dream experience with the brand-new 2010 Ford Mustang. The first winner of the ‘10 Unleashed segment is Roger Keeney – a man that has been blind since 1990 and hasn’t driven a vehicle in nearly two decades.

You can check out the trailer of Roger Keeney’s 2010 Ford Mustang drive after the jump. Keep checking back at www.the2010mustang.com to see a video of Keeney driving.

Roger Keeney Test Drive the 2010 Ford Mustang:

Trailer 1:

Trailer 2:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

It’s almost like the glass-roof Ford Mustang has become the third variant in the Ford Mustang lineup. Succeeding the 2009 model, Ford announced today that the 2010 Mustang GT Convertible will be joined by the 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang when they both arrive at dealerships within the next couple of days.

The panoramic glass used on the 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang filters out 90 percent of the sun’s heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ford says that “scientific studies show increased exposure to sunshine or bright light – like that provided in the convertible and Glass Roof Mustang – is therapeutic because it regulates the body’s mood-regulating hormone and circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness.”

“The Mustang’s glass roof gives customers more of what they want, sunshine, while protecting against the sun’s harmful rays.” said Chester Walawender, Glass Technical Expert, Ford Product Development. “If an occupant wants less sun or additional privacy, a retractable mesh sun shade also comes standard.”

The glass roof is available on both the V6 and the V8 powered Mustang GT for $1,995.

2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang:

- By: Omar Rana

The 2010 Ford Mustang is already in dealer showroom with prices starting at $20,995. Ford announced that it will be offering a new factory-installed Track Pack which will be made available this later this summer for the 2010 Mustang GT coupes with a manual transmission. Ford Racing’s FR3 Handling Package is also available for those that want a more aggressive suspension.

The Track Pack option includes upgraded suspension parts, unique tuning and special 19-inch Pirelli summer tires. The FR3 Handling Package lower ride-height by more than 1-inch, increases spring rate about 75 pounds to improve turn in and mid-corner performance, adds stiffened front and rear sway bars and offers re-tuned dampers.

Pricing for the Track Pack starts at $1,495 while the FR3 Handling Pack goes for $1,335.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Ford Mustang:

Press Release:

ENTHUSIASTS CAN ADD NEW FACTORY TRACK PACK FOR 2010 MUSTANG, INSTALL FORD RACING PARTS

* Factory-installed Track Pack option features upgraded suspension parts, unique tuning and special 19-inch Pirelli summer tires for enthusiasts seeking even more performance
* Track Pack is available this summer on 2010 Mustang GT coupes with manual transmissions
* Car and Driver magazine selects 2010 Mustang fit with Track Pack as best muscle car in comparison test versus Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger
* Parts from Ford Racing’s FR3 Handling Pack available for enthusiasts seeking even more – backed by warranty and available for self or dealer installation

DEARBORN, Mich., June 10, 2009 – The 2010 Ford Mustang, now in dealer showrooms, builds on a proud, unbroken 45-year heritage of Fast, Fun and Affordable with an all-new exterior design, available cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements pioneered on Ford’s extensive racing and special programs.

One hallmark of Mustang’s enduring popularity is the opportunity to customize this American icon. Enthusiasts who have personalized and customized Mustangs range from legends, such as Carroll Shelby, to professional drivers to hobbyists who enjoy a weekend at the track.

For those customers interested in more-aggressive performance, an optional factory-installed Track Pack is available this summer for 2010 Ford Mustang GT coupes with manual transmission. Ford Racing’s FR3 Handling Package also is available for those enthusiasts who want even more aggressive suspension tuning and can be installed in their garage or at a Ford dealer. Car and Driver magazine recently declared a 2010 Mustang equipped with a Track Pack the winner in a comparison test against the new Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, calling the body control of the Mustang with the Track Pack “astounding.”

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing compiling victories and championships on road courses all over the world. In just the last few years Ford Racing’s Mustang FR500C captured the European GT4 drivers championship (2007, 2008) and the Grand-AM KONI Challenge championship (2005, 2008).

“At Ford, we always apply what we learn at the track to the street,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Performance/Enthusiast Manager. “The Track Pack and Ford Racing FR3 Handling Pack continue that heritage and give our performance customers great ways to have an even sportier experience in the 2010 Mustang GT coupe.”

Packaged aimed at performance enthusiasts
Both the 2010 V-6 and GT models feature improved handling, but Team Mustang wanted to create a distinctive option package aimed at performance enthusiasts. Starting with the 2010 GT manual coupe, the engineering team was able to create a package that hits the sweet spot.

The first ingredient was to add a high-performance summer tire, and the 19-inch Pirelli P Zero P255/40ZR-19 proved to be an inspired choice for improved grip. Ford’s engineering team then went to work on the underpinnings of the 2010 Mustang GT coupe, using Ford’s proven technology from the Shelby GT500 program.

The front and rear stabilizer bars from the 2009 Shelby GT500 complement the Pirelli tires and help balance the Track Pack 2010 Mustang GT coupe front to rear. The struts and shocks were retuned for the increased capability of the new tire and stabilizer bar changes. The engineering team also spent significant time at the track to ensure the Track Pack was rewarding on the track and offered a balance of spirited driving and track prowess.

The roll gradient (how much the car rolls while steering) was reduced nearly 13 percent compared with the base 2010 Mustang GT. Damping was increased by 23 percent in the front and 8 percent in the rear in the low- to mid-speed compared to the 2010 Mustang GT.

“By reducing the roll gradient, the car stays flatter in turns,” said Tom Barnes, Vehicle Engineering Manager, 2010 Mustang. “And when the car is flatter, the driver is more in command and more confident in what the car’s doing.

“Great handling comes from great control. A driver’s control of the vehicle is facilitated by information. This Track Pack communicates to the driver through the tires and suspension so well that is it easy to drive very quickly. It rewards smooth driving, while offering great capacity to cover driver error.”

Looking at all areas for improvement
In addition to the hardware changes and extensive tuning, the Ford team also took a more holistic approach to improving the Track Pack Mustang.

“Handling is not just chassis,” Barnes said. “Vehicle dynamics – how the Mustang responds under acceleration and braking – is important as well.”

The solution from the powertrain part of the equation was to use a 3.73 limited-slip axle with carbon-fiber clutch plates.

“The 3.73 axle allows for a more-responsive Mustang, especially at mid-range speeds,” Barnes said. “The carbon-fiber plates allow a very robust architecture in terms of temperature and repeated hard driving on the track.”

Performance® Friction brake pads, which better resist brake fade, are used front and rear. Both the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac were retuned to complement the advanced capabilities of the new tires and brakes. AdvanceTrac is standard on the 2010 GT coupe and can be operated in any of three modes: On, Off or Sport.

“The Track Pack covers all the bases,” Barnes said. “The new tires give the Mustang more grip, we have a more-responsive acceleration, better brake linings that are more consistent over time and the car is tied down better because of the changes to the bars and the shock tuning.”

“Track Pack has the grip, the handling and it has the ‘go.’ And it absolutely can be used as a daily driver. Track Pack offers the best of both worlds – great performance on the track or if you’re cruising down the road.”

Ford Racing’s FR3 Handling Pack features components proven out on the racetrack. Included in the pack are dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace.

“The FR3 Handling Pack is derived from our extensive experience with the Ford Mustang FR500C competing in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge and FIA GT4,” said Andy Slankard, Engineering Supervisor, Ford Racing.

Enhancements from the FR3 Handling Pack include:

* Ride height lowered by more than 1 inch
* Increased spring rate by about 75 pounds to improve turn in and mid-corner performance
* Front and rear sway bars stiffened to eliminate roll
* Re-tuned dampers, increasing the compression and rebound

The Track Pack retails for $1,495 while the FR3 Handling Pack retails for $1,335.

- By: Mo Eladawy

Chris Foose, automobile designer and co-host of Overhaulin’ (a show that ran for five seasons on TLC), recently got his hands dirty on a 2010 Ford Mustang which was modified on Spike TV’s MuscleCar.

Foose and Magnaflow teamed up to build the one-off custom 2010 Mustang GT, which features a Magnaflow performance exhaust, Edelbrock supercharger, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, FOOSE wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires and a ROUSH body kit.

Like it? Want It? Well, you’re lucky because MuscleCar is giving away the 2010 Ford FOOSE Mustang GT in a sweepstakes. Simply head over to powerblocktv.com to fill in an entry from for your chance to win.

Oh, and be kind enough to let us know you won.

Make the leap for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Ford FOOSE Mustang GT:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Mustang Source (via AutoBlog)

The Ford Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with nearly a 40 percent share of the segment in April. With May sales already ahead of projections, there is just one more reason for consumer shopping in this segment to pick the 2010 Ford Mustang.

Ford has announced that the 2010 Mustang coupe has earned the U.S. government’s top 5-star safety ratings, which includes 5-stars for driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance.

“We’ve made many upgrades to the new Mustang that contributes not only to the car’s safety, but also to its driving enjoyment thanks to a stiffer structure,” said Steve Kozak, Ford Chief Engineer for Safety Systems.

Ford has more U.S. government 5-star ratings than any other automotive brand. That’s good news for some of us who will be driving around the 2010 Ford Mustang GT for a full review starting May 27 (look out for that during the first week of June).

Click through for details on how the Ford Mustang coupe received the U.S. government’s 5-star safety rating.

2010 Ford Mustang:

2010 Ford Mustang Safety Details:

The new Mustang uses high strength steel in its body structure and uses ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to help protect occupants.

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist^TM and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System^TM – a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.

- By: Omar Rana

Exactly a month ago, FoMoCo launched the new ‘10 Unleashed campaign as a part of the 2010 Ford Mustang launch. The campaign gave Mustang lovers the opportunity to live out their ultimate dream experience with the brand-new 2010 Ford Mustang. Ford said that it will select winners ever few weeks; today, we have our first winner by the name of Roger Keeney.

Keeney has been blind since 1990 and hasn’t driven a vehicle in nearly two decades. Despite living without his eyes, Keeney decided to enter Ford’s ‘10 Unleashed contest. He eventually received a phone call from Ford asking him to come down to their proving ground in Phoenix, AZ to live his dream of driving the brand new 2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.

If you think you have the ultimate 2010 Ford Mustang fantasy, head over www.the2010mustang.com and submit your 250 word essay to enter the contest.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Roger Keeney Test Drive the 2010 Ford Mustang:

- By: Omar Rana

Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are celebrating 45 years of the Mustang with the first sketches of the new 2010 SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs that are under development at the company’s Orange County, California headquarters.

Both models will receive a number of exterior and interior upgrades with a new body-kit and Alcantara and leather SMS performance seats.

Power for the SMS 460 Mustang comes from a 4.6L V8 that pumps out 470-hp and 427 lb-ft of torque. That allows it to go from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range. The SMS 460X Mustang features a 5.0L V8 with a new SMS 296 Supercharger that helps it produce 655-hp and a maximum torque of 600 lb-ft. The SMS 460X goes from 0 to 60 mph in the low 4-second range.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed SMST manual.

Both 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs also feature Steve’s signature Watt’s linage suspension and SMS performance brakes.

- By: Kap Shah

Yesterday, the Ford Mustang turned 45-years old. Ford is out celebrating the iconic pony car with a huge marketing campaign such as the “10 Unleashed” campaign.

Hyundai, which sees its 2010 Genesis Coupe as a direct competitor to the Mustang, decided to create a little video wishing the muscle car a happy 45.

We’re pretty sure Hyundai created the short video as a true appreciation of the 45-years of muscle the Mustang has provided us… right?

- By: Omar Rana

Want to live out your ultimate Ford Mustang dream? Ford has just launched a new “The ‘10 Unleashed” campaign as a part of the 2010 Ford Mustang launch. The campaign will give Mustang lovers the opportunity to live out their ultimate dream experience with the 2010 Ford Mustang.

Those interested are asked to submit a 250 word (or less) essay at Ford’s “The ‘10 Unleashed” website over at www.the2010mustang.com. Ford will then judge the submissions from which a winner will be selected every few weeks. The winner will then get to turn their Mustang experience into reality.

Only 10 one-in-a-lifetime experiences will be created so make sure you come up with something really good. Video documentaries of all the Ford Mustang experiences will be available at www.the2010mustang.com.

Check out these two pictures of world drift racer Vaughn Gittin, Jr. who recently lived out his Mustang experience in Japan.

Vaugn Gittin, Jr. “The ‘10 Unleashed” 2010 Mustang Experience:

Press Release:

FORD’S INTERACTIVE LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FOR 2010 ALLOWS MUSCLE CAR FANS TO UNLEASH THEIR ‘INNER MUSTANG’

-  Ford’s “The ‘10 Unleashed” campaign will give consumers a chance to create a once-in-a-lifetime Mustang experience in the new 2010 Ford Mustang

- Nominations now being accepted at www.the2010mustang.com

DEARBORN, Mich., April 10, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is giving consumers the opportunity to get in touch with their ‘Mustang side’ through “The ‘10 Unleashed” campaign, part of its new 2010 Ford Mustang launch.

Through Aug. 15, consumers will have the opportunity of living out their ultimate experience behind the wheel of a 2010 Ford Mustang – whether drifting in Japan like world champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. or customizing a new Mustang using Ford Racing Performance Parts.

“During its 45 years, Mustang has touched people’s lives in so many different ways, and we’ve enjoyed hearing those stories leading up to the introduction of the new 2010 Mustang,” said Allison Revier, Ford Mustang brand manager.  “Now, it’s time to look forward and create new stories to fill the next chapter in the history book of America’s favorite muscle car.”

Consumers are asked to submit their own Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less via Ford’s “The ‘10 Unleashed” site at www.the2010mustang.com.  Written submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and execution of idea.  Winning submissions will be selected every few weeks, and winners will be able to turn their Mustang experience into reality.

In all, Ford will have 10 once-in-a-lifetime experiences, some created by Ford and some created by consumers.  Recently, Ford Racing and Falken Tire Mustang drift racer Vaughn Gittin, Jr. was selected to live out his ultimate experience of traveling to Japan with a new 2010 Ford Mustang and experiencing his sport amongst those that originated it on the streets and tracks all over the country.  Video documentaries of all Ford Mustang experiences will be available at www.the2010mustang.com starting today.

About the 2010 Ford Mustang

America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight, the 2010 Ford Mustang hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology including SYNC and cutting-edge navigation; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

While its Detroit rivals are on the verge of bankruptcy, FoMoCo is out flaunting the fuel-economy gains of the high-performance 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and the racing stripes which are available for the first time on the convertible model.

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) helped deliver a more powerful 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 that makes a total of 540-hp with a maximum torque of 510 lb-ft. With the help of new gearbox enhancements and a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ration, the 2010 Shelby GT500 provides improved acceleration and a fuel-economy boost of 2 mpg over the outgoing model (or a total of 22 mpg).

The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 goes on sale this spring with prices starting at $46,325 for the coupe and $51,225 for the convertible.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

2010 FORD SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE POWERFUL PUNCH, INCREASES HIGHWAY FUEL MILEAGE BY 2 MPG

2010 Ford Shelby GT500: Racing stripes are available for the first time on the convertible model of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

    – Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 with horsepower increased 540, torque increased to 510 ft.-lb., downforce increased and drag reduced

    – New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency – up 2 mpg compared with the outgoing model

    – Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet

    – 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms this spring

SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too.

“The new Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford’s continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, it’s also two miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway.”

“We’re proud of the many enhancements jointly developed by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team that we’ve incorporated into the new model,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.

“Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang,” stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang’s leadership position and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable.”

“The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. “We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. This is the car that will do all of that.”

More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality

The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. It delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car’s aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby’s appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.

The Shelby’s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine’s efficiency. A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust. A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, moving from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.

The Shelby’s distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.

“You still hear the supercharger but not so that it’s intrusive,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “It’s the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you’re driving something special, but you don’t want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

“We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It’s a nice balance; one isn’t overpowering the other,” said Baldori.

Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT’s signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.

Springs and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control. The team also stiffened the steering shaft.

“All our changes were about making the car respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” Hameedi said. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.”

The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a “recipe” for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear’s team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.

The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates “blade” spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system, with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System®.

Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

The team worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible, said Baldori. They worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go under the car. A lot of time also was spent sealing components such as the radiator and intercooler to get rid of all leak paths. The result is an increased downforce, reduced drag and improved overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Directing the air so it’s used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car’s “flush” hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler.

SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500’s distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.

A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new Mustang lineup. “The design we chose was a ‘flush’ hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle,” said Hameedi. “That’s very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very different from the base Mustang.”

“This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang,” added George Saridakis, exterior design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. “It’s all about power and expressing power.”

Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.

Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. “Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles,” Hameedi noted. “That’s something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition.”

Rounding out the Shelby’s exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features. The spoiler is raked back aggressively to minimize drag, while an integrated Gurney Flap provides the downforce.

What’s inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500

The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.

Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara® suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. Customers can select racing stripes on the seats that match the exterior stripes.

The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors.

The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the “GT500” logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.

This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang’s powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word “SHELBY” engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.

All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red “SVT” logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.

“When customers drive this car, they’re not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they’re going to see all these carefully designed details and know they’ve bought a well-crafted car,” Saridakis said.

Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.

Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500

The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including:

    – SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.

    – 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.

    – Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.

    – Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.

Available options:

    – Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that provides users a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring. The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

- By: Kap Shah

It took Roush just 11 months to complete its latest creation based on the 2010 Ford Mustang and after 11 months of impatient waiting, Roush has taken the wraps off of its 427RT Mustang. Under the hood is a Ford 4.3L V8 that has been supercharged to produce a total of 435-hp.

That gives the Roush 427RT Mustang the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in the low 4-second range with a quarter mile run in the 12 seconds range. Going from 60 mph to 0 takes less than 115 feet.

In addition to the car, ROUSH now has more than 150 different parts which fit the 2010 Ford Mustang and allow buyers to personalize their vehicle according to their preferences.

Roush said that it will offer three versions at launch with prices ranging from $34,847 for the Stage 1T model and $43,051 for the 427RT.

2010 Roush 427RT Mustang:

- By: Omar Rana

Vaughn Gittin Jr., a drifting driver from Maryland who competes in the Formula D and D1 Grand Prix series, set out in a stock 2010 Ford Mustang along with 0 to 60 Magazine on a road trip across the United States.

While passing through Las Vegas, Gittin and 0 to 60 decided to stop at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to take a shot at the Guinness drifting world record. Gittin, who feels the current world record is not even a record (he explains it in the video after the jump), ends up breaking the record with a run of 6,285 feet.

The Guinness team still has to verify Gittin’s results but this video should be more than enough proof.

Follow the jump to see the video.

Ford’s Romeo Engine Plant reached a historic milestone yesterday finishing the production of its 10 million engine. The 10 millionth engine was a 4.6L V8 which will be shipped to Flat Rock, Mich., and will find its way under the hood of a new 2010 Ford Mustang GT.

Ford’s Romeo Engine Plant is responsible for producing V8 engines for the F150, Mustang, Shelby GT500, Explorer, E-Series van, Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis.

The plant produces about 140 engines in an hour.

Check out the press release after the jump.

2010 Ford Mustang:

Press Release:

FORD’S ROMEO ENGINE PLANT PRODUCES 10 MILLIONTH ENGINE, CONTINUES TO POWER FORD ICONS

    -  Romeo Engine Plant, produces V-8 engines for Ford F-150, Mustang, Shelby GT500, Explorer, E-Series van, Crown Victoria, and the Mercury Grand Marquis
    – Plant produces 140 engines an hour on its high-volume line, with hourly and salaried teams focusing on continuous improvement and quality basics.
    – In 2008, engines built at Romeo output 88.9 million horsepower, 2,750 times the combined horsepower of this year’s starting field at Daytona.

ROMEO, Mich., Feb. 19, 2009 – After years of delivering power to two of Ford Motor Company’s iconic products, the Ford F-150 and Mustang, Romeo Engine Plant has reached a historic milestone – the production of its 10 millionth engine.

The 10 millionth engine, a 4.6 liter 3-valve V-8, will be shipped to AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Mich., to be installed in a new 2010 Mustang GT.

The V-8 engines manufactured at the plant build on two of Ford’s strengths – capability for the Ford F-150, the best-selling truck in America, and performance for Mustang, America’s favorite muscle car. In 2008 alone, the engines produced at the plant generated a combined 90 million horsepower, about 2,750 times the combined horsepower of this year’s starting field for the Daytona 500.

“Romeo Engine’s products are powering two of Ford’s iconic vehicles and we focus on quality every minute of every day,” said Plant Manager Shaun Whitehead. “We deal with a great deal of complexity on our lines, and we’ve had very strong quality performance over a very long period of time.”

The Romeo plant, converted from a tractor manufacturing facility, produced its first engine in 1990 – a 4.6-liter, two-valve V-8. Today the plant, with a thousand employees, manufactures V-8 engines along with many of their major components including cast iron blocks, crankshafts, cylinder heads, connecting rods, camshafts and aluminum blocks.

The plant operates two lines – a high-volume Line, or HVL, and a niche line, where employees meticulously hand build 5.4 liter, 4-valve supercharged engines for the Shelby GT500. The HVL builds 4.6 liter two-valve and three-valve V-8 engines and 4.6 liter 2-valve Flex Fuel V-8 engines, delivering 140 engines an hour.

“We have more than 600 purchase parts from more than 150 suppliers so we deal with a large amount of intricate processes and parts on our line,” Whitehead said. “We have 11 different models on the line that we handle for seven different assembly plant customers – as well as the Ford Customer Service Division.”

The engines are shipped to plants in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Canada where they are placed in the F-150, Mustang, Econoline, Explorer, Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis models.

The HVL line stretches more than 4,000 feet, with quality monitored every step of the way to deliver continuous improvement. From 2007 to 2008, combined engine warranty data on the 4.6 liter engines showed a 9 percent improvement rate year over year, based on the first three months of use.

“Quality really is our number one priority,” said Quality Manager Phil Kloss. “Our Quality Operating System focuses on continuous improvement and an adherence to quality basics.”

In-line testing is consistently refined and error-proofed to detect and drive prevention of variations. Periodic job observations ensure operators follow instruction sheets 100 percent of the time, and detailed management reviews of all aspects of the system are designed to monitor any changes and ensure seamless launches.

“We have hundreds of eyes throughout our machining and assembly processes,” Kloss said. “Employees on the line constantly bring attention to changes in feel, appearance or test performance – even when unrelated to the task at hand.”

That teamwork obviously is paying off – both in quantity and quality.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our plant,” said Randy Newsom, UAW Local 400 Chairman at Romeo Engine. “We started this plant with a team concept that was really new for Ford when they converted from the tractor plant. Over the years, we’ve stayed consistent in our team approach, with both hourly and salaried employees working together. We strive to be the best engine builders in the world, and we’d like to build another 10 million.”