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

The Hagerty Fantasy Bid contest is a yearly event where classic car fans get a change to take part in the Barrett-Jackson auction by guessing on sales prices for cars to win prizes.

This year, Speed will be giving away a ‘one-of-a-kind’ Ford Racing Champions Shelby GT500 Special Edition Mustang as the sweepstakes prize. Entry is gained simply by bidding during the Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game.

What more could you ask than winning a ‘one-of-one’ Shelby GT500 Special Edition Mustang,” said Rick Miner, SPEED Senior VP of Production, Network Operations & Executive Producer. “What is Barrett-Jackson all about if not one of one? Not only is this a dominating street machine, but like any rare vehicle – especially a one-of-a-kind offering – it’s the pinnacle of what people seek out in car collecting.”

This Special Edition Mustang was built in part by Trevor Bayne, Daytona 500 champion, and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Nascar Nationwide Series Champion. The team added a Ford Racing Supercharger kit and a high performance handling pack, among other modifications and upgrades, to the 5.4-liter V8 to kick out 750hp, sure to make any winner happy.

Bidding opens up January 19th at http://www.speedtv.com/programs/barett-jackson-automobile-auction, and the Hagarty Fantasy Bid Game can be entered at http://www.speedfantasybid.com/.

By: Alexandra Koken

Currently available for order, restorers can purchase the shell at a starting price of $15,995.

Ford-licensed restoration parts only receive their titles by matching or improving upon the original in quality, finish and fit. This model is stronger then the original and has the ability to accommodate big-block Ford engines.

The ’67 convertible is manufactured by Dynacorn International, and features virgin steel, modern assembly techniques and reinforcements on known weak spots.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

“These days, the chances are fairly slim of finding a restorable, rust-free ’67 Mustang that has never been wrecked,” said Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager. “As the value of classic Mustangs has increased over the years, garages, barns and scrapyards have been picked clean. Some minor panel adjustment and alignment still has to be done, but the body comes rustproofed and primed and is otherwise ready for painting and assembly.”

When the 1967 Mustang was released, it set a record for its time with over 1 million units sold, and was redesigned after 18 months. The 1967 boasted a longer hood and wider body then the prior model, and was powered by any one of 6 engines that put out all the way up to a very impressive 390hp, which came with the Shelby GT500, sparking the wild popularity of the big-block.

The design included new taillights, grille and a turn signal styling option, along with an upgraded interior.

Just about all of the parts a restorer would want can be purchased Ford-licensed, providing a ton of options for a rebuild. “The ’67 convertible body is supported by thousands of high-quality Ford-licensed restoration parts,” Mondrach said. “So, though it may be possible to build a 1967 Mustang using almost all new parts, we think most customers who buy the ’67 convertible shell will use it for high-performance applications, resto-mod projects or for show cars.”

By: Alexandra Koken

Ford may be sparking a new trend soon with a design enhancement for its Mustang models. The car has its own distinct emblem apart from its Ford brand’s, and the automaker took some time to showcase it with a very small projector lamp placed in the sideview mirror that shines the shape of the Mustang logo on the ground.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

The light is activated when the car’s doors are unlocked, and will be a new feature for the 2013 Mustang.

While the concept is simple, the engineers at the Dearborn plant went through multiple designs to get it right, and they knew it once they did. The Flat Rock assembly line was shut down temporarily while the staff all gathered to admire the results.

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

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Ford (via AutoBlog)

Inside, the car has been stripped, leaving only the quick-release steering wheel, a data logger, one Recaro seat, and a roll cage. This is to keep in line with Ford’s goal of making the “ultimate track day car”.

On the outside, Ford added retro body striped over the paint, an adjustable rear wing, a new front fascia, 18-inch wheels wrapped in racing tires, and a Ford Racing exhaust.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

The 302SX gets its 500hp from the 5.0-liter V8, and performance mods such as tubular rear lower control arms and an adjustable coilover suspension have been included, also.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Mustangs Daily

Ford Racing has just released its 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at Orlando’s Performance Racing Industry show, continuing on recent tradition since the success of the 2008 40 year Anniversary limited edition.

“The 2008 Cobra Jet is a great car. It does everything we wanted it to do,” said George Goddu, business manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “We’re really proud of that car, but we improve with each new Cobra Jet offering and 2013 is no exception.”

Improvements have been made using the past 3 season’s customer feedback and actual road and track testing, resulting in better consistency, speed, and technology. Since the past 3 seasons have brought on awards, titles, and made it the late model with the most wins for NHRA’s national events, this season should certainly not be a let-down.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

“The 5.0L has all the attributes to make a world class drag racing engine and is ideal for the Cobra Jet,” said Goddu. “Both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines will be competitive as delivered.”

The naturally aspirated option is a 5.0-liter TiVCT with CNC ported heads, low-drag accessory drive, and a Cobra Jet induction system. The alternative is a 2.9-liter with CNC port matched manifold and heads that comes with a Whipple 10-rib supercharger drive system.

Both models get improvements with electric power steering, lightweight body mods, an updated roll cage, revised break pedal ratio, and better rear suspension.

Pricing for the 2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang is expected to start at $86,000 for the n/a version, and $93,000 for the supercharged motor.

The turnkey race cars will be built in Flat Rock, Michigan by Auto Alliance International and United Auto Workers, with production scheduled to begin in June of 2012, and delivery following shortly after. The limited production model will have 50 available, and Ford has color options up for vote at FordRacing.com.

- By: Alexandra Koken

The changes are also more than just skin deep. The GT’s 5.0L gets slightly reworked to punch out 420hp, up from 412. Additionally, the optional automatic transmission is now equipped with Ford’s SelectShift, which allows drivers to shift their own gears.

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

Along with the base 2013 Ford Mustang came some new special editions as well. The 2013 Ford Mustang also got a special Boss 302 package that pays homage to the original 1970 model Powered by the GT’s same 5.0L V8, the Boss 302 gets reworked to produce 444hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. To add to the package, the Boss 302 Mustang gets a unique yellow paint scheme with Boss 302 vinyl badges.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Ford Mustang BOSS 302.

Lastly, the new 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 was also fully revealed today at the show. Weighing in at just 3,850lbs, the new Shelby Mustang GT500 gets a revised 5.8L supercharged V8, which is good for a whopping 650hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. No performance figures were released for the GT500, but we could expect it to post some serious numbers, further proving the car’s performance value per dollar.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

“SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “We encapsulated every aspect of performance in this car – whether it’s 0-60, top speed, racetrack or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this car perfectly fits his or her needs.”

Ready for the specs? We don’t think you are but here we go. Power for the 3,850 pound 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. That makes the engine the most powerful production V8 in the world.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

While no 0 to 60 mph times have been released, Ford says that the 2013 Shelby GT500 will hit a top speed of more than 200 mph. That’s supercar territory. To keep things stable, Ford engineers optimized nearly every part of the powertrain for producing additional horses. The model also gets an upgraded cooling system with a larger cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger with volume increased 36 percent.

For the 6-speed manual transmission, nearly every gear was revised to manage the torque. Engineers went through 35 gearing combinations until deciding on one that delivers less torque all the way through the wheels.

“It might just seem like we’re putting a bigger engine into the car. But it’s been a balanced approach through and through,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve completely redone the car to be even more sophisticated in terms of handling and control than the prior model.”

Sales of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will start early next year.

- By: Omar Rana

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

“Everything we did for 2013 is consistent with and links directly back to our 1970 heritage. The reflective stripes and hockey stick graphic in particular mean something to Mustang enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Last year, we proved the car had what it takes to perform, and this year we focused on enhancing its eye-catching looks and celebrating its history.”

Also for 2013, the Ford SYNC system becomes standard for the Boss 302.

Power for the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 has been upgraded to 444-hp with a maximum torque of 380 lb-ft of torque. A race-inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials transmits power, with a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual.

- By: Omar Rana

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“The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes the refinement to the next level,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience.”

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

Design wise, the new 2013 Ford Mustang gets a bunch of changes that you may not notice at a first glance. On the list of changes are:

• Functional heat extractors on the hood of the GT that help move hot air out of the engine compartment and cool the engine.
• Rocker panels running along the car are now body-color.
• The rear has been updated with a high-gloss black panel that connects the tail lamps.
• Standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps on both V6 and GT models.
• A revamped wheels lineup with standard 17-inch wheels for V6 all the way up to 19-inch optional wheels on the GT and V6 Performance Package. Two different finishes on the 17-inch wheel – machined-aluminum and painted. Three optional V6 wheels – an 18-inch polished aluminum set, an updated 18-inch painted aluminum and a 19-inch painted wheel design and a new theme for the V6 Performance Package. Standard 18-inch painted aluminum wheel on both GT and premium GT. 19-inch optional GT wheel with a gloss-black finish.
• Mirrors with pony projection light, which show the image of Mustang’s famous pony emblem on the ground.
• New colors – Deep Impact Blue and Gotta Have It Green (really?).
• V6 and GT  get optional leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro seats that are available on the Shelby GT500 and Boss 302.
• Inside you get an optional Ford Track Apps, which delivers performance metrics through a 4.2-inch LCD. The system measures g forces, acceleration times in quarter-mile and 0-60 increments, and displays braking times complete with automatic and countdown starts.

The 2013 Ford Mustang GT’s 5.0 liter engine will now develop 420-hp – up from 412-hp. Those that select an automatic-equipped Mustang (don’t know why you would) will be able to shift own gears with new SelectShift Automatic transmission, which is now standard.

The 2013 Ford Mustang GT also gets the new GT Track Package, which is only available on the manual GT Mustangs with a 3.73 axle. It gives buyers an engine cooler, upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads and the same Torsen differential that’s on Mustang Boss 302. The package also adds the current Brembo Brake Package, with 14-inch vented front discs, 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

What else? The V6 Performance Package is now available for automatic models for the first time.

The 2013 Ford Mustang will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. and will go on sale early next year.

- By: Omar Rana

Over the weekend, FoMoCo launched a new Facebook campaign for the 2013 Ford Mustang prior to its debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show later this week. The campaign consisted of Mustang fans sharing the ‘Ford Mustang’ badge on Facebook. Every time 5,000 fans shared the badge Ford would reveal a teaser images of the 2013 Mustang.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

Well, it seems like the Internet couldn’t wait for Ford to release the teasers and now all images have been leaked.

“It looks like the passion our Ford Mustang fans have for 2013 has lead to an early reveal of all four Mustang images,” Ford said in a Facebook status update. “But we’re not done yet! Come back on 11/15/2011 for the FULL reveal of our entire 2013 Mustang lineup!”

Stay tuned for full high-res photos and details later this week from the 2011 LA Auto Show.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: MustangEvolution

Want to start seeing the 2013 Ford Mustang? Ford has launched a new badge sharing service on Facebook that will allow us to see pieces of the new Mustang before its world debut.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

For every 5,000 fan that shares the Ford Mustang badge, the company will release an image of the new 2013 Mustang.

So far, 6,236 fans have shared that badge and Ford has released one image of the grille. Of course, the full car won’t be seen until its world debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Facebook

If you’re going to be taking a WiFi enabled flight between October 21 and November 18, 2011 you can received free In-Air Facebook access if you take out a couple minutes to customize a new Ford Mustang.

Definitely a slick marketing move by FoMoCo here to get Facebook fans to get interactive with the new Ford Mustang.

Of course, I think that WiFi should be free in a flight no matter what seeing as how much a plane ticket costs these days.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GoGo

“No customer wants their Mustang to be the same as their neighbor down the street,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford SEMA design manager. “Mustang comes equipped with a solid foundation of great design and performance, but people want to express themselves through accessories and upgrades. They can go as far as making it a track car, or using it as a style standout that’s for touring.”

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

Ford has also catered to the customization market with the recently launched the 2012 Mustang Customizer at www.ford.com/cars/mustang, a site offering an online experience that allows people to create their own virtual Mustangs.

Hit the jump to see the list of project Mustangs at this year’s SEMA show.

Project vehicles to be showcased at the 2011 SEMA show include:

2012 Ford Mustang by Forgiato Wheels

This Mustang GT offers a staggered wheel setup, with three-piece 21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rear wheels. A TS Designs wide body fabrication kit, 3dCarbon Boy Racer body kit and matte pearl silver PPG paint help set it apart from the rest. In addition, a Vortech supercharger ensures the performance matches up to the aggressive appearance.

2012 Ford Mustang by Creations n’ Chrome

With Spectra Chrome Boy Racer Red spray-on paint and Autosport Dynamics carbon fiber hood, roof and trunk, this Mustang makes the ultimate style statement. It proves it can’t be beat on the track with a Creations n’ Chrome chromoly roll cage, HRE Performance 18-inch forged wheels and Vortech supercharger. A race-inspired custom interior rounds out the upgrades.

2012 Ford Mustang by MRT Performance

With performance and style in mind, the TKO Mustang by MRT Performance offers a complete package. A ProCharger supercharger, MRT stainless steel MaxFlow h-pipe and half-back exhaust system, and H&R coilover performance suspension deliver on performance. An MRT custom hood, MRT custom paint accents and Sparco race seats bring the race-ready style to life.

2012 Ford Mustang by H&R Springs

This Mustang GT offers superior performance with a Flowmaster stainless steel exhaust, Edelbrock E-Force supercharger and Pirelli P Zero front and rear tires. The chassis also receives an upgrade with an H&R Springs Coil RSS sport suspension, front and rear sway bars and Triple C camber adjustment bolts. The exterior features a Street Scene Equipment body kit and custom paint by Tri-Star Enterprise.

- By: Omar Rana

Are you a fan of classic restoration? Now it is possible to build a 1964½, 1965 or a 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible from the wheels up using the new Ford-approved and officially licensed body shell. Ford says that the new Mustang body shells are made with stronger steel and use modern welding techniques, making them better than the original.

“The 1964-66 Mustang is the most restored vintage vehicle. But the number of original 1964-66 vintage bodies is shrinking every year,” said Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager. “Most of the original Mustangs left in scrapyards are rusted or wrecked beyond repair. The new body shell is made of virgin metal and uses modern welding techniques. It comes rustproofed, and after final adjustment and finish preparation of the body panels, it is ready for painting and final assembly.”

A builder can restore the Mustang by using a completely new shell, powertrain, suspension, brakes, electric systems, interior and trim or have it transferred from an existing car to the new body. Original parts that can’t be reused from an old Mustang can be replaced with Ford-approved restoration parts.

Ford-approved Mustang restoration parts can be found at www.fordrestorationparts.com.

Ford will display a new 1965 Mustang body shell Tuesday at the 2011 SEMA Show in Vegas.

- By: Omar Rana

After recovering from a serious heart condition, Gord Designer Melvin Betancourt wanted to use his craft to give back to those who helped him.

Doctors at the Henry Ford Hospital saved Betancourt’s life by catching a tear in a major blood vessel eleven years ago, and performing an immediate open-heart surgery. Beatancourt now says “There are gifted people out there who have been given the ability to do what they do. I’m here because of them… We’re all here for a purpose, and maybe my purpose is to help people through my skills.”

This is just what he set out to do by creating a custom 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca to auction off for donation money to go towards heart research.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

He used Parnelli Jones and is 1970 Trans-Am Championship victory as inspiration to create the School Bus Yellow Mustang. All the details included, such as the striping along the sides and Jone’s number 15, were meant to attract the attention of collectors, in order to raise the most money possible.

An event was held for the “Get Your Heart Racing” benefit held in Dearborn, with all proceeds going to the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and the Cancer Center for Cardiac Care at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

- By: Alexandra Koken

FoMoCo and the UAW yesterday agree to a new 4-year contract that will add an investment of $6.2 billion to U.S. factories. Now we’re not really interested in that type of news but details of the agreement reveal some interesting news about the upcoming 2013 Ford Shelby GT500.

According to documents, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be powered by a new 5.8 liter supercharged V8. The contract between FoMoCo and the UAW shows that the Romeo Engine Assembly Plant will receive a $50 million investment to start production of a 5.8 liter supercharged V8.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will go into production the following year.

Click here for more news on the Ford Mustang.

Now we’re not sure how much horsepower the 5.8 liter supercharged V8 will make but it will have to be somewhere around 580-hp to compete with the upcoming 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Mustang Daily