truth about domestics

Steve Saleen’s new company, SMS Supercars, has made high performance versions of the 2010 Mustang and Challenger, and has now decided to turn its attention to the 2010 Camaro.  The performance upgrades are pretty similar, starting with the SMS supercharger that is added to boost the engine to 575 horsepower for the 620 version, of 715 hp for the 620X version.  Visual mods include 5-spoke wheels and induction hood.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: SMS Supercars via Autoblog)

According to the year end sales figures from both Ford and General Motors, the Mustang has beaten the Camaro for overall pony car champion in 2009.  The redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang sold 66,623 units while the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sold nearly as many copies, coming in second with 61,618 units sold in 2009.

While this might appear to be a clear win for the “Stang, you have to remember, the Camaro wasn’t on sale the full year, but then again, the 2010 Mustang only came on the scene in February.  The 2010 calendar year should paint a better picture of the true pony car wars, especially with the new 5.0L Mustang GT coming…for more details, head on over to Autoblog.

Details have begun to surface on the 2011 Mustang GT, or more specifically the new powertrain that will be available.  The 3.7L V6 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December, and now it appears that an updated V8 is in the cards too.  The new engine will displace 5.0L and is expected to produce 412 horsepower!  For more details head on over to Inside Line.

UPDATE!  Autoweek has apparently decided to release more details on the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0L V8.  The peak torque of 390 lb-ft arrives at 6,500 rpm, and the engine features twin independent cam timing, 4 valves per cylinder, and your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic.  This combination will reportedly offer up 25 mpg on the highway.  For more, head on over to Autoweek.

Car and Driver gets to have all the fun!  In the video above they take the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport out on the track to see which is the superior sports car.  The results?  You’ll just have to watch and see!  Or you can head on over to Car and Driver if you feel like reading about the comparison instead.

The illusion you see above in the final episode of the 2010 Mustang Unleashed is pretty amazing!  Set in Las Vegas, the trick involves Vaughn Gittin Jr. and magician Steve Wyrick and…well, just watch the video to find out for yourself!

2010 saw an overall update of the Ford Mustang.  It received new exterior sheetmetal, as well as an upgraded interior, that brought the car really up to world class standards.  However, the powertrains were mostly carry-over from the 2009 model.  That changes come this spring, when the 2011 Mustang V6 rolls into showrooms.  It features Ford’s 3.7L V6, good for 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.  This engine isn’t just about power though, it was designed with fuel efficiency in mind as well.  Ford estimates that the engine will be good for 30 mpg, making it the most fuel efficient car in its class.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

Jalopnik has had the opportunity to test the 2010 Shelby GT500 and their overall impression is a pretty good one.  I do have one gripe, and that is how they bashed the cars’ interior.  They said it had cheap plastics, a cheesy cue ball shifter and the aluminum on the instrument panel was tacky.  Really?  When the new Mustang was revealed for 2010 everyone loved how much the interior had improved, but apparently it’s not good enough anymore.  I happen to find the GT500 interior to be very sharp and it’s good to see Ford putting higher quality materials in their cars and not being afraid to try new things.

(Image source: Ford)

So it appears that more news on the 2011 Ford Mustang has leaked via the interwebs (shocker!) and the news is pretty good.  Mention of 6 speed transmissions, 19-inch wheels along with Brembo brakes and several other goodies brings tears of joy to my eyes.  It’s good to see Ford updating their beloved pony car yet again even though the stunning new body and interior were just released for the 2010 model year.  The official details on the 2011 Mustang will be revealed at the LA Auto Show in December.  For more information, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

If given the choice between a 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustang and the do-it-all-for-you Nissan GT-R, which would you chose?  The choice is simple for me.  The Shelby.  Duh.  I would rather have the driver’s car, the car where you actually have to know how to drive in order to go really fast.  Sure the GT-R can be fun, but eventually Nissan will just make super cars with CVT’s because they give better gas mileage, it just doesn’t make sense.  For more, and to cast your vote, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)

Think about the possibility of an EcoBoost powered Mustang!  The 3.5L V6 already puts out an impressive 360ish horsepower in front/all-wheel drive applications, can you imagine what a V8 of around 5.0L is capable of?  According to a report on Autoblog, Ford is considering just such a motor for a future GT500 Mustang.  The reasoning is fairly sound; a motor of this spec will produce huge amounts of power, all while using a lower displacement and higher technology to help improve fuel economy.  Lets just hope this thing is for real!  For more, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford)