Ford bet big on the combination of light duty pickup trucks and boosted V6 power, and it appears the gamble has paid off. The Detroit News reports that Ford has reached 100,000 F-150 sales in 2011, just as the automaker promised it would. Overall, EcoBoost models accounted for 40 percent of all F-150 sales, which is impressive considering that the boosted mill comes with a $895 price premium compared to the very capable 5.0-liter V8. Still more impressive is the fact that Ford also sold plenty of 3.7-liter V6 models as well, and the overall take rate of V6 engines is over 50 percent on the year. Ford hasn’t sold this many V6-powered F-150 models since Doc Brown turned a DeLorean into a time machine (1985). With V6-powered F-150 models selling this well, we’re wondering if General Motors and Chrysler will follow suit with their own six-pot offerings. It seems truck buyers would be more than okay with the decision.
Yes, it’ll cost nearly $99,000. And yes, it is a Ford Focus. But it’s just not any Focus five-door hatch; we’re talking about the ST-R.According to Ford Racing Parts, the 2013 Focus ST-R follows in the footsteps of such names like the Mustang Cobra Jet and the Boss 302R. The bottom line is that it’s a track-ready version of the upcoming Focus ST. And according to Ford, the ST-R has been FIA-approved regarding the necessary safety equipment, such as its roll cage. At this point, customers will only need to add their own communications equipment and exterior decals. And in this new video released by Ford Racing, driver Andy Vrenko gives us a walk around of the car.
Showing off its 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, race-ready interior with a Recaro race seat, a sport-tuned suspension, and high-performance brake package, he explains that the car is all set to take on Grand-Am racing this coming season.The engine is mated to a six-speed manual complete with a Ford Racing clutch. Official performance specs still haven’t been released, but we also know the engine has a revised ECU and custom exhaust system.
RK Motors Charlotte has a Frame Up Built Superformance GT40 MK II up for sale online.
RK Motors of Charlotte has just listed a 1966 Ford Superformance GT40 for sale on their website. The classic American sports car looks just as good as the day it came out almost 50 years ago. This particular GT40 isn’t an original, but it is the closest thing you can get to the real deal.The MK II was built by North Carolinian firm Ed Wayland Company and has roughly 90 percent interchangeable parts with the original Ford sports car.
According to RK, the owner put in his own engine as the company which built it was restricted by law to sell it with a complete powertrain. He chose a powerful Roush Performance 427IR engine and coupled it with a RBT ZF six-speed manual gearbox. The rear-mounted engine is capable of putting out 560hp and 540 lb-ft of torque.RK Motors said “This GT40s interior is every bit as nice and authentic as its fiberglass body.” It includes bucket seats that resemble the original car, plenty of leather, 200mph speedometer and black carpet. The classic ford has a black interior which contrasts sweetly with its Sunset Red exterior finish.It shows a scant 1,326 miles on the odometer and it sits on a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires.The previous owner spent $26,000 for the engine and a further $10,000 for the transmission. The car includes all the paperwork and documentation including receipts and an original owner’s manual and warranty book. Pricing for the 1966 Ford Superformance GT40 MK II is set at $129,900.
Want to destroy a Ford Mustang V6? Watch this and you’ll learn how.
So someone has just bought themselves a new 2011 Ford Mustang V6. With a respectable output of 305hp, it also has a factory set maximum speed. If you want more power and speed, then you’ll need to upgrade to the 5.0-liter V8 with a 145 mph limit (which would be our choice). And in a decision that the owner will certainly regret, he decided to remove the factory speed limiter and take his V6 Mustang up to 135 mph. The result? Well, a few things – none of which are good. To start with, it lost the driveshaft when it ripped into the floor pan, in addition to some major damage to the exhaust system and muffler, and a broken transmission shifter and parking brake. Oh yeah, the interior was also a victim when bits of plastic trim broke apart.
And to top this all off, the guy was filming the entire thing by hand when going over 100 mph.So congratulations to this now former Mustang V6 owner; his idiotic deeds are inspiration for us all on what not to do with our spare time.
The 175 horsepower engine will be suitable for a variety of motorsport activities.
The trend for smaller and more powerful engines has finally caught up with Ford, as the American automaker has just announced that a new series of l-4 2.0-liter crate engines for B and C segment cars will be going on sale next spring. Based on a Focus engine, the four-pot has up to 175hp and its performance has been enhanced by Ford Racing Performance Parts. FRPP promises the engine will be available in a few guises and is suitable for racing, hot-rodding and even daily trips to the supermarket. The concept that’ll kick off the I-4 lineup is a direct-injection, 2.0-liter Ti-VCT engine that features independent variable valve timing. Other versions will mirror the new line of powerful and technologically advanced engines now in production, including those with EcoBoost turbocharging.This new 2.0-liter joins Ford’s already highly praised 5.0-liter V8 from the Mustang GT in the crate engine lineup. Official pricing hasn’t been announced.
Who would have ever guessed that car thieves in Canada have a thing for the Toyota Venza? Yet, the 2009 model year version of Toyota’s crossover topped the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s [IBC] top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles this year. The 2009 Venza takes the crown from the 2000 Honda Civic SiR Coupe that was last year’s number one stolen vehicle but dropped to third place in 2011, just below the 1999 Honda Civic SiR Coupe. The Japanese carmaker’s models prove to be very popular among Canadian thieves as the 1998 and 1999 Acura Integra Coupe also made the list taking the 9th and 10th spot respectively.
In between, you will find the 2006 and 2007 Ford F350 trucks, the 2002 Cadillac Escalade, the 2006 Chevy Traillblazer and –wait for it- the 2001 Pontiac Aztec… IBC said that many of the stolen vehicles are showing up in the local market and are not necessarily being exported out of Canada. “Consumers need to be aware when they’re in the market for used vehicles or parts,” said Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC. “We’re doing a good job of stopping stolen vehicles at the ports. Our data indicate that we are not seeing many of these vehicles there. We have to conclude that stolen vehicles are being re-sold locally. But because the stolen vehicles are in these local markets, buyers need to be careful,” Dubin added.
The top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada are:
No, it’s not April fool’s day. You’re really looking at a Ford Focus with a $98,995 (€76,320 / £64,100) price tag. Now that you’ve had a moment to catch your breath, the Focus ST-R is a turnkey racer designed to compete in a number of events including the Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Given its racing ambitions, the car is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and a FIA-compliant roll cage. It also has a limited-slip differential, a Recaro seat and 18-inch BBS wheels with Hoosier racing tires. Power comes from a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that is connected to a six-speed manual transmission with a Ford Racing clutch. Performance specifications haven’t been released, but the engine could develop more than 250 PS (184 kW / 247 hp) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. The Focus ST-R is currently available for order and deliveries are scheduled to begin late next year.
This investment grade muscle car is one of the finest examples of the Boss 429, a Mustang legend.
Having led a 35-year accident-free existence, this NASCAR-inspired 429 Mustang Boss was bought in 2003 and subjected to a highly detailed frame off restoration completed in 2011. All of its original panels were stripped to bare metal, thoroughly worked and a correct coat of Candyapple Red was applied from tip to tail.An original and fully functional hood scoop sits above a stainless trimmed grille, flanked by ridged fenders with beautiful chrome bumpers at the front and rear. A Trans Am style spoiler, color-keyed race mirrors, rear fender scoops, and aluminized exhaust turn downs are other areas of note.The pretty stuff aside, when the glossy red hood is raised, a completely rebuilt correct 429 cubic inch V8 capable of 500hp can be found. From silver accessory brackets to the correct cast iron exhaust manifolds, this is an exceptionally detailed engine bay and everything is absolutely spotless.Expertly detailed original floors match the car’s pristine body, with the original close ration Top Loader 4-speed hooked to its original flywheel and bell housing.
At the back, a rebuilt leaf spring suspension holds correct drum brakes at the edges of a factory-equipped rear sway bar and in the middle, subframe connectors parallel an exhaust system complete with H-pipe, resonators and transversely mounted muffler. 15-inch chrome Magnum 500 wheels put the power to the pavement.Looking inside the Boss 429 and there’s a restored Clarion Knit vinyl interior with hi-back bucket seats, fully rebuilt gauges and bright re-chromed knobs. A full length center console holds a traditional chrome Hurst shifter, and the car’s original factory optioned Rim Blow deluxe steering wheel has been fully restored. Priced at $179,900, the sale of this sinister 1969 Mustang is by RK Motors Charlotte and comes with the original KK sticker, a complete Marti Report, two reproduction window stickers and pictures of the engine rebuild. Check out the video for more details and to hear the Boss 429 sounding as good as it looks.
Love the new Ford Mustang? Then this is the event for you.
Ford is serious these days about their racing division and their presence at the 2011 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show is even more icing on the cake.The American automaker unveiled their star attractions which included the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang and the 2013 Mustang Boss 302SX concept road race car.The Boss 302SX concept is powered by the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that’s in the Cobra Jet, but it also includes a six-point FIA roll cage. Other add-ons include a front and rear coilover suspension, an adjustable carbon fiber rear spoiler, four-piston Brembo brakes, and a fully functional front splitter.Painted in the always eye-catching ‘School Bus Yellow’, the 302SX simply couldn’t look better or be more tempting. Also displayed was the newly refreshed 2013 Mustang GT painted in ‘Gotta Have it Green’ that was equipped with nearly everything available from the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogue. Enjoy the photos.Photos courtesy of Mustang Heaven.
The updated 2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang has been unveiled by Ford Racing at PRI.
Ford Racing chose the Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Florida, as the venue to unveil their 2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang (M-FR500-C).The Cobra Jet Mustang, designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing, has been given a lighter body, an electric power steering system and a revised suspension geared specifically for handling the high speeds of the race track. It is available with a pair of 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engines. The entry-level naturally-aspirated engine is pretty fierce, featuring a Cobra Jet induction system. The high-performance variant features a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger complemented with a CNC port matched manifold and heads.Ford Racing will be producing only 50 copies of the 2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang, with pricing set to start at $85,490 for the standard and $93,000 for the high-performance model. In comparison, last year’s model ran about $10K more.
New Cars Buzz 