MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 13, 2010 – Ford gave the green light only once before: In 1968, management approved a special Mustang – a car that sacrificed nothing in its quest to be the best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company. That car became the 1969 Mustang Boss 302, and it remains one of the world’s most sought-after examples of American performance.

Forty-two years later, Ford has given the green light again.

The team of Ford engineers, designers and stylists – all Mustang enthusiasts to the core – that created the groundbreaking 2011 Mustang GT has distilled a new model to its purest form, strengthening, lightening and refining each system to create a race car with a license plate. Its name: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

“The decision to build a modern Boss was not entered into lightly,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The entire team at Ford felt the time was right and with the right ingredients, the world-class 2011 Mustang could support a successful, race-bred, worthy successor to the original Boss 302. For us that meant a production Mustang that could top one of the world’s best – the 2010 BMW M3 – in lap times at Laguna Seca. We met our expectations.” Hit Read More for the full press release.

Two automotive icons, legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush, have come together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviation-themed SR-71 “Blackbird.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles July 29 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and all of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be held from July 26 to Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

The “SR-71″ designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71″ refers to the car’s design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, “SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts were also added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car. The sale of the SR-71 “Blackbird” will highlight an evening of festivities at the EAA Gathering of Eagles July 29 during AirVenture.

After all, Bigfoot has left its Ford pickup body for a new Chevrolet Silverado one. For more than 35 years Bigfoot was associated with Ford, but no more. We all know, that for many people this news would hurt so much, but there it is – Bigfoot changes the team. There are so much news that we all would take easily, but not and this one.

Bigfoot is said to lead the monster truck public relationships, but Ford dropped its sponsorship of the team in 2007. That left Firestone tires as the main sponsor, and since the company also throws plenty of cash at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, it’s aching for some cross-promotion. Since Chevrolet also sponsors the event, Big Foot will be wearing new skin and a heart transplant. We’ll see what is going to happen now.

Ford Racing has presented the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Mustang, creating a moment that will enter the company’s history. The company is determined to take this year’s trophy home, with Jamie Allison, director of Ford North America Motorsports announcing that if a Ford Driver wins Friday night’s event, he will get a 412 hp 2011 5.0 liter Mustang GT production car.

The Subway Jalapeno 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series event is set to take place at Daytona International Speedway.

“Normally, when we go to a NASCAR race, the drivers are the recognized stars as far as fans are concerned. That’s not the case this week.” said Allison. “Mustang and its debut in NASCAR is undoubtedly a huge story for fans and enthusiasts, and we want to make its debut a little more special for our drivers competing in the race. With a win, they have a chance to put their name down next to some of the Mustang racing legends.”