truth about domestics

News about the 2011 Mustang GT500 has begun to leak out from all corners of the internet and the news is sounding more and more sweet.  First came news that the ’11 GT500 would feature an aluminum block.  Then came word that a glass roof would be an option.  Now we have rumors spreading that the car will feature 10 more horsepower than the 2010 model, bringing the total up to 550.  There is also an SVT Performance Package available that offers up a 3.73 rear gear ratio, 19″ and 20″ front and rear wheels respectively, and special stripes.  For more details, as well as a teaser video, head on over to Autoblog.

According to Ford’s Chief Engineer for the 5.0L and 6.2L V8′s, Mike Harrison, the 2011 Shelby GT500 will not get a twin-turbo version of the 5.0L Coyote engine.  The complexity associated with mounting turbos in an already cramped engine bay were too great and far too costly for such a low volume model.  Instead, the current rumors floating on the internet say the 2011 Shelby will finally be getting an all aluminum version of the 5.4L supercharged V8 that it currently has.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog and as always, stay tuned for the latest information.

(Image source: Ford)

Motor Trenddecided to put together a group of 10 cars they called “Today’s Ultimate Performance Cars” and from them they picked America’s Best Driver’s Car.  When you look at the list, it’s quite an impressive group of cars, ranging from an Audi R8 to a Mazda Miata MX-5.  The interesting thing is that 4 of the cars are from the Domestic manufacturers, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet Camaro.  Not surprising, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia all failed to post a car in the test, simply because they don’t really produce a single car that would ever be in the same sentence as the word “performance” – well unless the word “horrible” was in front of it.

For the full 18 page test, head on over to Motor Trend.

(Image source: Motor Trend)