truth about domestics

American Muscle just announced some cool new performance upgrades for the 2011 Mustang. These include a C&L Performance prototype cold air intake and Bama custom tuning profiles. The modifications look very promising, by gaining 22 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque with both the cold air intake and special tune:

• Stock – no modifications: 363RWHP / 331RWTQ
• Factory tune, Prototype C&L cold air intake: 374RWHP / 338RWTQ
• Bama Custom Tune, stock Airbox: 379RWHP / 357RWTQ
• Bama Custom Tune, Prototype C&L cold air intake: 385RWHP / 362RWTQ

Take a look at the video and visit American Muscle for more details.

Check out this cool little review (and listen to the awesome sounds) of the new 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 as it tears up some curves.

One word; “Awesome!”

Check out these sweet videos from Ford that are basically advertisements for the new powertrain offerings in the 2011 Mustangs.  They detail the legendary 5.0 V8 and the 3.7L V6.  Enjoy!

The first-look press drives of the new 2011 Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT with their new 3.7L and 5.0L engines respectively has just taken place.  Autoblog had some of the better coverage so that’s where I went to for the first review.  What I can say from my experiences and from those found online, the 2011 Mustang is going to own the muscle car segment for years to come.  The 3.7L V6 produces 305 horsepower and achieves 31 mpg on the EPA highway run (as Ford is quick to point out, it’s the first car in history to produce over 300 horsepower and make over 30  mpg.)  The car even features improved NVH and a reduction in aerodynamic drag too.

The 2011 Mustang GT features the return of the beloved 5.0 badges on the fenders and more importantly, produces more power than the outgoing 4.6L powered 2010 model.  The 5.0 produces 412 horsepower and 390 pound feet of torque while still hitting 26 mpg!  Both the V6 and V8 cars feature 6-speed automatic or manual gearboxes for improved performance and fuel economy.  For the full story, head on over here for the V6 or over to this page for the V8.

(Image source: Ford)

More good news for the Dearborn, Michigan based Ford Motor Company.  According to a Bloomberg survey 36% of Americans have a negative view of Toyota, and only 49% have a favorable view of them.  While this news wouldn’t normally be that big of a deal, companies go through good times and bad no matter who they are, the big story here is Ford.  A staggering 77% of Americans have a favorable opinion of FoMoCo, which is 7% better than Honda!

As Autoblog points out, there are several reasons why the survey results most likely came out in this way.  First, Ford did not take government assistance, nor did they file for bankruptcy like General Motors or Chrysler.  Second, Ford is making some amazing products; probably the best products they have ever made in their 100+ year history.  Cars like the 2011 Mustang and 2010 Fusion that are not only more powerful than the previous model year, but are also more fuel efficient.  The F-150 has been a best seller for over 30 years and new products like the Transit Connect and Fiesta are already huge hits with consumers.

For the full report, head on over to Bloomberg.

(Image source: Ford)

Ford Motor Company currently has no plans to introduce an EcoBoost equipped version of the Mustang and frankly, why would they?  Sure the immediate surge in torque provided by the direct-injected and twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 is exciting but is it really what a Mustang customer wants?  The recently introduced 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 engines for the 2011 Mustang make impressive amounts of power while still returning very respectable fuel economy figures.  So for now, you will just have to enjoy “only” 305 V6 horses or 412* V8 horsepower.  For more, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

One of the biggest complaints about the Shelby Mustang GT500 is the weight: the car packs too much and a large portion of that is over the nose.  Well to rectify this issue, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team switched from an iron block to an aluminum one for 2011 and the result is a loss of over 120 pounds!  There are some other goodies added in like a Performance Package.  For all of the details and some great photos, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

Another member of the Big 3 stepping up to help another charity.  This time the car being auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson is a 2010 Mustang GT convertible.  This is no ordinary convertible though, it’s the Hurst Mustang Pace Car from the Mustang Challenge race series.  The car features a Roush supercharger, special paint and wheels, plus it can flash its headlights alternately.  The car sold for $120,000 with the proceeds going to the Victory Junction children’s charity.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Hurst)

Motor Trend magazine has decided to take some bits and pieces of information from Ford sources and try to figure out what the next Mustang will feature.  They have made three guesses and all but one are directions Ford could logically take.  Some feature the same live axel but more modern I4 and V6 EcoBoost powertrains, others an independent rear suspension and still others feature AWD.  For more details on this story, head on over to Jalopnik.

(Image source: Ford)