• Ford F-150 SVT Raptor again is raising the bar for high-speed off-road performance trucks by adding a SuperCrew option and more standard power and towing capability for 2011

• The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, now comes standard for 2011, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market

• Upgraded technology content, including a standard 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen and SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, keeps customers more in tune with their trucks, while
a new graphic and color choice gives them more options

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3, 2010 – A new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 411 horsepower, new technologies and a newly available SuperCrew option that gives Raptor customers more choices in cab size all ensure the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will remain the off-road performance truck champion in the new model year.

“When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”

The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150′s Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or the new SuperCrew.

The new available 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew offering with a 5.5-foot box adds to the extensive list of F-150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew delivers performance as well.

Applying lessons learned from the SuperCab F-150 SVT Raptor, engineers were able to tune the truck to handle off-road events with ease. The 12-inch-longer wheelbase on SuperCrew also delivers the benefit of a more comfortable ride, especially in rough off-road situations.

“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”

A larger 36-gallon fuel tank and increased towing capability – rated at 8,000 pounds – keep F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as a chase or tow truck.

Revved up and ready

The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, will now be the standard engine for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The Ford powertrain team performed extensive testing to ensure the engine would live up to the Built Ford Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the desert that simulates the Baja 1000, validated the performance of the engine for reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.

New color and graphic options

Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color – Ingot Silver Metallic – that will be available with the standard black interior, or the optional Molten Orange Interior Accent Package.

A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics – including the F-150 SVT Raptor logo – run along the hood, also helping to reduce glare. The Raptor logo in the graphic is done in body-color bleed-through, similar to “SVT” on the side vent. “F-150″ and “SVT” are written in dark gray. The graphic is available with or without the box side graphics.

More capability, more technology

Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the F-150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.

The screen includes a unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control™, electronic locking differential settings and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™).

An off-road screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

“The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,” said Hameedi. “With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled on their truck and what the driveline
is doing.”

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System with integrated key fob added to the list.

New standard technology features for 2011 include:
• Perimeter alarm
• Integrated spotter mirror
• Express up/down driver and passenger front windows
• 110 V power inverter in the center console
• Head restraint for second-row middle seat
• Telescoping steering wheel

2010 Raptor equals hot seller

Sales of the truck are off to an impressive start, selling four times quicker than the average F-150, with the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor equipped with the 6.2-liter engine selling within 11 days of arriving at dealerships. In fact, 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor sales are set to exceed the highest model year sales of the F-150 SVT Lightning.

Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year.

MORE POWER COMES STANDARD ON 6.2-LITER V8 ENGINE ON TAP FOR MORE CAPABLE 2011 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR

• New for 2011, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor delivers a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with
class-leading 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, powering customers through almost any off-road terrain they encounter

• The engine and truck were tested in the Baja 1000 and on a unique desert loop designed
to prove out the durability that high-performance, off-road enthusiasts demand

• Core features of the new 6.2-liter engine include cast-iron engine block and four-bolt main bearing caps, aluminum cylinder heads, a single overhead camshaft with roller-rocker shaft drivetrain and dual-equal variable cam timing

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3, 2010 – The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, already known for its unrivaled capability, is ensuring customers have even more power on demand for their off-road adventures by making the previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine standard for 2011.

With 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine makes the F-150 SVT Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market, giving customers new levels of capability. Low-speed maneuvers, such as rock crawling, driving up a grade or accelerating through deep sand, require much less throttle input because of the engine’s increased torque.

The exhaust for the 6.2-liter engine was uniquely tuned to deliver the performance-oriented, high-horsepower sound customers want. Additionally, a unique firing order gives the 6.2-liter a distinctive roar.
The 6.2-liter V8 is similar to the engine used in the all-new 2011 Super Duty, but features unique tuning and a special cam profile to produce more horsepower and torque. It’s similar to the race-prepped engine that powered Raptor R to a podium finish at the 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in 2008 and completed every mile of the grueling 2009 Best in the Desert series.

Testing in the heat

The engine was put to the test in its element – the desert of Borrego Springs, Calif. Important factors such as engine cooling were tested on the 62-mile loop designed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team.

“We spent a lot of time developing our desert durability test so that it’s very close to replicating the Baja 1000,” said Kerry Baldori, global performance chief functional engineer. “Desert testing proved to be a very quick way to learn about the reliability of the truck, and it put another level of extreme loads on the engine that our normal durability testing doesn’t need to cover.”

Engine cooling is key on Raptor – when the truck is in a desert environment, the hot weather and deep sand put a heavy load on the vehicle, and the engine has to exert maximum power to keep the truck powering on.

There also is more airflow through the radiator at low speeds, and a large and effective cooling system is required for this extreme environment. To improve airflow to the engine, grille openings were increased by 20 percent.

Features of the new 6.2-liter V8 engine include:

• Cast-iron engine block with bay-to-bay breathing and four-bolt main bearing caps with additional cross bolts for durability

• Aluminum cylinder heads, with two valves per cylinder and two spark plugs per cylinder to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion

• Single overhead camshaft with roller-rocker shaft drivetrain, which creates a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in better low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better engine breathing

• Dual-equal variable cam timing means intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions

Core to the improvements is using a larger bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines from the past. The large bore (102 millimeters) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the shorter stroke (95 millimeters) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower. Still, peak horsepower is generated at a relatively modest 5,500 rpm. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

Crankcase breathing also is improved to reduce windage losses and oil aeration levels at very high speeds. “That really helps get a robust lubrication system for the engine,” Baldori said. “It allows us to endure a lot of time at extreme high speeds – and that’s a must-have for customers.”

Mario and Catriona Colalillo, creators of the Wild Cad, hope for their one-off 1955 Coupe De Ville to grab the D-elegance category.

The Caddy boasts a 7.4-litre 454 big block Chevy engine powering a Turbo 400 transmission and 9-inch rear end, a ‘55 Desoto grille, and fully exposed chassis rails. Inside, the Wild Cad features Thunderbird seats and a center-mounted ‘59 Chevy instrument cluster. The special exterior paint is estimated at AU$200,000, bornrich.org reports.

“I had people ringing up saying: We can’t get him (Winfield) – how did you get him to come to Australia?” stated Colalillo for the local media. “There’s a lot of features on the car that are out of the ordinary. I’m still getting used to having free weekends. You have got to throw everything at it in the end. It’s like building five cars at once.”

He also estimated he had spent thousands of hours on building the car over the six years period. “The last two years got to be a bit of an obsession,” he said.

The Colalillos hope to sell the Wild Cad while traveling the custom car circuit, as ZZ Top lead singer Billy Gibbons, basketballer Shaquille O’Neal, and Metallica’s James Hetfield have already expressed their interest in the car.

The answer to those questions is finally available. ROUSH has engineered a 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit that can boost the horsepower on the 2011 Mustang upwards of 550 horsepower on stock pump gasoline with more than 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit (part number 421140) has a suggested retail price of $5,999.00 and is available for shipment now.

Many people got their first look at the 5.0L ROUSHcharger in the ROUSH display at Mustang Alley during the Woodward Dream Cruise. The display car got many double takes as people walked by, looked, and then realized that car was, in fact, a 2011 Mustang with a ROUSHcharger installed.

Based on the popular TVS2300 ROUSHcharger, the 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit comes with a 90mm pulley and generates an estimated seven pounds of boost. Included in the kit are 47 lb. fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails, a high-flow ROUSH air lid, and a twin 60mm throttle body. The heavy-duty ROUSH tensioner is included for the first FEAD belt.

This Tuner Kit includes a 90-day parts warranty, but does not come with a calibration or maintain the Ford factory engine warranty. Professional tuning and installation is recommended.

“While the new Ford five-liter engine offers amazing performance right from the factory, and the new ROUSHcharger will kick it up a level,” said Jack Roush, motorsports legend and chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. “Our engineering team has worked hard to deliver a product that will satisfy the demands of the ROUSH customer on an extremely tight deadline, and they have come up with another great solution for a powertrain upgrade.“

Orders for the 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit are now being accepted by calling 1-800-59-ROUSH. Information can be found online at www.ROUSHperformance.com.

There will be a 5.0L ROUSHcharger Kit available this fall that will come complete with a ROUSH calibration and full warranty. Pricing and details to come.

The new supercharger is Ford Racing’s first power upgrade component for the new 5.0 engine. It was developed by Ford Racing engineers, in close collaboration with Ford Motor Company’s powertrain engineers, Team Mustang, and key partners in Roush and Whipple. The supercharger is being seen for the first time Saturday at the annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Ford’s Mustang Alley display.

“Superchargers are the ultimate in power upgrades for Mustang enthusiasts,” says George Goddu, Ford Racing Performance Group Manager. “Calibration for a modern V8 engine, especially one with twin-independent variable cam timing, is incredibly complex. Production calibration for the 5.0 engine took 19 months. Having that knowledge base to work from is a huge advantage.

“In fact we had the whole engineering background of the engine right from initial concept,” Goddu added. “With that knowledge base, and extensive collaboration across the team, we are able to offer a top-notch supercharger, induction kit and the optimum calibration. This results in great power, drivability and durability.”

“After more than 100 hours of accelerated durability testing, the entire Ford Racing package performed flawlessly,” reports Dev Saberwal, Ford Racing’s lead calibration engineer. “Ford Racing performance parts are subjected to extensive testing to ensure optimum performance across a broad range of conditions.”

This supercharger comes as a complete package, and it’s available in three levels: a 525 hp kit with a 12/12 warranty; a 624 hp kit and a tuner kit for racing and extreme enthusiasts. Each of these impressive kits gives 2011 Mustang owners the opportunity to boost the performance of their cars to new levels.

Ford Racing Performance Parts offers a large selection of performance products from complete race cars to injectors. For Mustang enthusiasts Ford Racing’s catalog of performance upgrades offers a range of enhancements for the 2011 Mustang as well as a wide range of power, chassis-system and appearance upgrades for 2010, 2005-2009 and earlier Mustangs.

The Ford Racing Supercharger 525hp Kit (M-6066-MGT525D) includes:

* 2.3L twin-screw supercharger assembly
* Intake manifold
* Complete air-to-liquid intercooler system
* Drive belt
* 47 lb./hr., high-impedance fuel injectors (M-9593-LU47)
* Ford Racing ProCal tool with performance calibration
* 12 month /12,000 mile warranty (when installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer)
* Produces 525 SAE hp @ 6400 rpm and 470 SAE lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm, at approximately 7 psi of boost with 93 octane fuel
* MSRP $7,199.00 (black) and $7,799.00 (polished chrome)

The Ford Racing Supercharger 624hp Kit (M-6066-MGT624D) includes:

* 2.3L twin-screw supercharger assembly
* Intake manifold
* Complete air-to-liquid intercooler system
* Drive belt
* 47 lb./hr., high-impedance fuel injectors (M-9593-LU47)
* Ford Racing ProCal tool with performance calibration
* Produces 624 SAE hp @ 6900 rpm and 536 SAE lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm, at approximately 9 psi of boost with 93 octane fuel
* MSRP $7,499.00 (black) and $8,099.00 (polished chrome)

The Ford Racing Supercharger Tuner Kit (M-6066-MGT23TD) includes:

* 2.3L twin-screw supercharger assembly
* Intake manifold
* Complete air-to-liquid intercooler system
* Drive belt
* 47 lb./hr., high-impedance fuel injectors (M-9593-LU47)
* MSRP $6,499.00 (black) and $7,099.00 (polished chrome)

Musclevehicles.com – The Ultimate Blog for American Muscle Cars and Muscle Vehicles

2012 Mustang Boss 302 B-Roll

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 13, 2010

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.

To celebrate the racing heritage of the new Mustang Boss 302, Ford will also offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models, named for the track where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am season opener in a Boss 302. Aimed at racers more interested in on-track performance than creature comforts, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Philosophy and powertrain

“The new Boss 302 completely redefines Mustang capability,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “That the Mustang team was able to take the current Mustang GT – already a world-class performance car – and refine it further for peak track performance shows the commitment Ford has to this car and its legions of fans.”

Driving the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was intended from the outset to be a visceral experience, packed with raw, unbridled performance across the spectrum: Acceleration, handling, braking, and top speed are all equally matched for perfect balance on a car operating within the framework of legally defined safety, noise and emissions regulations.

“The team at Ford wanted to offer their fellow Mustang enthusiasts something really special – a beautifully balanced factory-built race car that they could drive on the street,” explains Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The Boss 302 isn’t something a Mustang GT owner can buy all the parts for out of a catalog or that a tuner can get by adding a chip. This is a front-to-back re-engineered Mustang with every system designed to make a good driver great and a great driver even better.”

Led by Mike Harrison, the V8 engine team approached Boss from the top down: With 412 horsepower from 5.0 liters, the 2011 GT engine was already an incredible performer. But to achieve the high-rpm horsepower that would make the engine competitive on the track, a new intake was essential. The resulting runners-in-the-box plenum/velocity stack combination the engine team developed was impressive enough that it got the green light after one short drive.

Helping the intake build power, revised camshafts using a more aggressive grind are actuated with the same twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) mechanism used on the Mustang GT. More aggressive control calibration yields 440 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, while still offering a smooth idle and low-end torque for comfortable around-town driving.

A race-inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials transmits power, while a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission handles gear change duties.

Power is delivered to a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates in the limited-slip differential to improve torque handling and longevity. For those who want even more precise control over power delivery, a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is an available option coupled with Recaro front seats.

Sounds like the Boss

While the powertrain team defined output targets that would yield an ideal balance with the chassis, another team made sure the car made the kind of sounds owners and enthusiasts would expect from a Mustang Boss.

Up front, a Boss-specific intake system is tuned to feed the engine with minimum restrictions. A retuned induction sound tube provides concrete aural evidence of what’s occurring under the hood. And, in the Boss exhaust system engineers really had some fun.

“With an exhaust system, we have to consider three constraints: legal noise restrictions; backpressure, which can rob power; and ground clearance,” explains Shawn Carney, Mustang NVH engineer. “Since the 2011 Mustang GT exhaust is already so free-flowing – it came in way under our backpressure targets – we already had excellent performance; we were able to tune the exhaust system for a unique sound. Combined with the rush of the intake, the exhaust system really envelops the driver in V8 sound.”

Every Boss features a unique quad exhaust system: Two outlets exit in the rear similar to a standard Mustang GT. The other two outlets exit to either side of the exhaust crossover, sending exhaust through a set of metal discs that act as tuning elements before the pipes terminate just ahead of the rear wheel opening. Visually subtle, the side pipes flow very little exhaust but a lot of exhaust sound, providing a sonic experience unlike any other Mustang – and giving home tuners an additional avenue for modification.

“We added the attenuation discs to meet legal regulations, but we knew buyers might operate these cars in situations where noise regulations weren’t an issue,” Carney said. “The disc is removable and includes a spacer plate sized to match aftermarket exhaust dump valves. If an owner wants to add a set of electric valves, they just undo two bolts on either side; the disc and spacer slide out and the valve will slide right in. And the side pipes are tuned so that drivers can run wide-open and the sound levels are comfortable – very aggressive but livable for an all-day track outing.”

Carney further explains the thinking behind the unusual step of an OEM easing aftermarket component installation. “We’re Ford engineers, but we’re also enthusiasts,” he says. “We understand owner mods are part of the Mustang experience, so we try to help where we can.”

Suspension and steering

In keeping with the Boss mandate to provide the best-handling Mustang ever, the already strong Mustang GT suspension system has been further refined. Higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar all contribute to the road racing mission, and Boss models are lowered by 11 millimeters at the front and 1 millimeter at the rear versus the Mustang GT. The real key to handling, though, is in the adjustable shocks and struts, standard on all Boss Mustang models.

“We’ve given drivers five settings for their shocks,” says Brent Clark, supervisor of the Mustang vehicle dynamics team. “One is the softest, two is the factory setting and five is the firmest, and we’ve provided a wide range of adjustment. A customer can drive to the track on setting two, crank it up to five for improved response on the track, then dial down to one for a more relaxed ride home. What’s unique is that drivers will find – thanks to the way the suspension works as a complete system – the softest setting isn’t too loose and the firmest setting isn’t too controlled; each step just provides additional levels of control.”

Also unique is the method of shock adjustment. Ditching the weight and complexity of electronic wizardry, the Mustang team opted for traditional race-style hands-on adjustability – similar to the Gabriel shocks available on the original Boss 302.

“The shock adjustment is right at the top of the shock tower, built into the rod and easily accessible from under the hood or inside the trunk,” says Clark. “You just take a small flat-head screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw between one and five, and head back out onto the track.”

To complement the suspension, the speed-sensitive electronic steering system has been retuned to maximize feedback and road feel to the driver. The driver is also given the option of fine-tuning the steering feel to his liking by selecting one of three settings through the instrument cluster menu: Comfort, normal and sport modes help offer track-tuned steering when desired without sacrificing low-speed maneuverability in parking situations and everyday commuting.

Similarly, Boss receives unique traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC) settings to help drivers achieve maximum performance whether on the street or at the track. Both systems can be completely disabled in controlled track situations where maximum driver skill is utilized, or fully engaged for maximum safety during normal driving or in less-than-ideal traction conditions. Intermediate sport mode allows drivers to push their cars hard at the track without completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more aggressive driving before the TCS and ESC systems intervene.

Brakes, wheels and tires

Working in concert with the suspension upgrades, Boss 302 receives unique, lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 9.5 inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the vehicle, with the front wheels receiving 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rear stays planted thanks to 285/35ZR-19 rubber.

The combined suspension and tire package allows Boss to achieve a top speed of 155 mph and become the first non-SVT Mustang ever to achieve more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration.

Boss braking is also up to the challenge, using Brembo four-piston front calipers acting on 14-inch vented rotors up front. In the back, standard Mustang GT brakes are upgraded with a Boss-specific high-performance pad compound. Combined with vented brake shields and unique Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) tuning, Boss drivers get maximum control and rapid, repeatable fade-free stops in road and race situations alike.

The Mustang team spent considerable time ensuring the brake pedal feel met the expectations of performance drivers. Boss receives unique low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30 percent less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the least amount of time, giving the driver a sensation of being connected directly to the brake pads.

“This car is wicked fast, so we put a lot of emphasis on giving it comparable stopping power,” says Clark. “We started with a race-proven brake system and tuned it specifically for the characteristics of the Boss 302 and its mission. They’re the best brakes ever installed on a Mustang, and they give consistent, repeatable braking performance on the street and the track.”

As a result 60-0 stopping distances for the Boss are improved by approximately three feet versus the Mustang GT with available brake package; combined with suspension and engine improvements, Boss is expected to show approximately a two-second lap time improvement over the GT on a typical road race course. But the numbers tell only part of the story.

“We achieved measurable improvements over GT, which was already one of the best-braking cars we’ve ever designed,” explains Clark, “but what’s harder to quantify is how good these brakes feel to a driver in a race situation. Like everything on this car, the brakes are more than the sum of their parts: They’re tuned from pad to pedal to work perfectly as a system, and the difference is dramatic.”

Exterior and interior design

Changes to the Mustang Boss exterior are subtle but unmistakable. True to its race-bred heritage, every component that could potentially aid aerodynamics or engine/brake performance was examined to make the vehicle more competitive, while chief designer Darrell Behmer refined the styling to evoke the 1969 Boss in a contemporary way.

“We approached this as curators of a legend,” explains Behmer. “We’ve taken design cues from the ’69 Boss street car and the menacing Bud Moore/Parnelli Jones race cars and carefully updated them to give the 2012 the proper bad-boy attitude that is unmistakably a Boss Mustang.”

To set Boss apart, each car will have either a black or white roof panel, coordinated to the color of the side C-stripe. Available exterior colors are Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.

Up front, a unique fascia and grille are highlighted by the blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter, a version of the design used – and proven – on the Boss 302R race car. The front splitter is designed to function at high speeds by efficiently managing the air under and around the car. It helps to reduce underbody drag and front end lift while more effectively forcing air through the Boss-specific cooling system. At the rear of the car, the spoiler was chosen to complement the front aero treatment and minimize overall drag.

“What we were after on Boss was reduced overall lift with improved balance,” says Pericak. “We needed to keep the car glued to the street or the track at high speeds without increasing drag or affecting top speed and fuel usage. The end result is an aero package that uses front, rear and underbody treatments not for show, but for effect – the balance and stability of this car all the way to its 155-mph top speed is just outstanding.”

Inside, a unique Boss steering wheel covered completely in Alcantara suede complements the standard seats, which are trimmed in cloth with a suede-like center insert to firmly hold occupants in place. Boss customers who want the ultimate seating experience can select a package that includes Recaro buckets, designed by Ford SVT in cooperation with Recaro for high performance Mustang models, and shared between the Boss and GT500.

A dark metallic instrument panel finish, gauge cluster and door panel trim also differentiate Boss from the standard Mustang, while a black pool-cue shifter ball and “Powered by Ford” door sill plates further remind customers they’re in a special car.

The Boss interior gets an aural kick thanks to what’s been removed. Eleven pounds of sound-deadening material have been eliminated to let occupants further enjoy the intake, engine and exhaust note.

“Boss is a hallowed word around here, and we couldn’t put that name on a new Mustang until we were sure everything was in place to make this car a worthy successor,” explains Pericak “We were either going to do it right or not do it at all – no one on the team was going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

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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.

The group that will directly benefit from the auction proceeds is EAA’s Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. “Ford Motor Company’s historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company’s commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president.

“Ford’s generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages.”

In 2008, Ford’s inaugural vehicle specially-built in support of the Young Eagles, the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV8R, raised a record $500,000 for the charity. “The excitement around the 2008 AV8R, our first one-off Mustang ever produced, inspired us to push for another, first, the collaboration of Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush,” said Edsel B Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “This year’s SR-71 Blackbird is a special tribute to Ford’s lineage of performance vehicles, as well as to the promising innovators of EAA’s Young Eagles.” Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1 million to support the Young Eagles.

The Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” is Build #1 of 1 and presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The vehicle is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From there, the car takes on a design personality similar to that of the original SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The Mustang’s stunning design theme includes black and gray matte exterior paint with harmonious SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to reflect the car’s connection with its namesake aircraft, which made its inaugural flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. The “Blackbird” nickname is reflected in the car’s exterior paint treatment, complete with markings from the liquids which leaked and streaked until the plane came up to speed. A unique screen print glass roof design and exterior artwork reflect the unbridled spirit of the Ford Design team.

The interior cockpit will seat only two and includes a roll-cage, racing seats and fire extinguisher, The signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby are embroidered into the seats, and special gauges and instrument cluster graphics have been added.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” will feature an appliqué autograph area capturing Roush and Shelby’s signatures and badging to further reinforce the uniqueness of the car. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 26.

Additionally, Ford and EAA will give AirVenture attendees the chance to win a 2011 Mustang GT convertible and other cash prizes in a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the EAA Young Eagles program.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular “Ford Hangar” on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford activities will include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

The annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), EAA AirVenture features more than 2,500 show aircraft, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft, and is expected to attract nearly 600,000 aviation enthusiasts. During the week, more than 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others. EAA AirVenture is a 24-hour event. For more information, please visit www.AirVenture.org.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird

“We’re looking forward to bringing Mopar Nation to Thunder Mountain,” Pietro Gorlier, MoparCEO said in a statement. “This is a premier stop on the NHRA circuit and a great place to showcase the Mopar brand and reveal our new Mopar ’10 Challenger.”

The Mopar ’10 hides a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 powerplant under its hood and comes with several unique features to set it apart from other Dodges, like black chrome finish for the grille surround and Brilliant Black paint.

As for the technical tweaks which will make the 500 units of the ’10 stand out from the crowd, they comprise hood-venting system and a cold air intake, front strut brace with shock caps and a rear strut tower brace and twenty inch forged rims.

Aside for the ’10, Mopar will display at the event the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty, a “Moparized” Dodge Challenger, Mopar Ram Runner and the Mopar Direct Connection Test Lab Vehicle.

“Bandimere Speedway is proud and honored to have Mopar call our track home,” added John Bandimere Jr., Bandimere Speedway CEO.

“Our unique venue and the forward-thinking people at Mopar make this one of the top fan experiences on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. We are eager to have our friends return to Denver for this long-running partnership.”

Besides being one of the leading manufacturers of Performance Products, CGS has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA Show vehicles over the years and CGS has built several vehicles for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for GM, which will be showcased at the 2010 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new ’11 Chevy Camaro.

This new GM muscle car will feature custom paint, the Camaro will feature a ZR1 influenced hood, and body kit by ACS. The CGS team is also designing and building handmade chrome moldings. Custom leather from Pecca Leather, of course one of CGS’s Cat-Back Exhaust Systems, and Whipple Ind. new Camaro twin screw supercharger producing close to 500hp.

As illustrated in the rendering, 22″ wheels up front a set of 24″x15″ rear wheels by Genuine Boyds, Pirelli’s new 405/25/24″ rear tires, the rear wheels and tires will be stuffed under the back without any type fender fairing. All the rear suspension will be replaced with Chris Alston’s Fab 9 rear end with a latter bar and coil over suspension.

So be sure to check out the completed vehicle at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. www.cgsmotorsports.com

Dodge Viper Cup Series Kicks Off Inaugural Season on VERSUS

Virginia International Raceway Hosts First Two Viper Cup Races

* Ten-race spec series features new Dodge Viper ACR-X – “the” ultimate special-edition model of America’s ultimate sports car
* VERSUS to televise all 10 events in 30-minute show format
* MICHELIN signs on as official tire sponsor
* First two races of Viper Cup series celebrity driver program will feature Shaun Bailey of Road and Track magazine and Army National Guard Sergeant Mike Kohn of U.S. Olympic bobsledding fame
* Growing interest in the new series leads Dodge to produce 25 additional 2010 Viper ACR-X models

July 9, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

The next chapter in the racing legacy of the Dodge Viper is about to be written when 12 Dodge Viper ACR-X race cars take to the track to begin the 2010 Dodge Viper Cup series season at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, Va., July 10-11, 2010.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X is designed and built specifically for the race track,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “Now with VERSUS on board, race fans will have the opportunity to see our untamed and unmatched road-racing machine along with some of our talented Viper owner/drivers compete on five of the best road courses in the county as part of the Dodge Viper Cup series.”

Event Coverage on VERSUS

VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the U.S. will televise each of the 10 series races in 30-minute shows approximately two to three weeks after each race. Viewers should check local listings for the 2010 Dodge Viper Cup series schedule on VERSUS. If fans miss a certain race, each 30-minute show also will re-air on VERSUS at various times throughout the season.
Click Read more for the full release
“We look forward to delivering coverage of the new Dodge Viper Cup series to a national audience,” said Michael Perman, Senior Director of Program Planning and Acquisitions for VERSUS. “This is a great addition to our motorsports offerings, which includes the IZOD IndyCar Series as well as NASCAR events, and we are excited for the opportunity to provide viewers with even more racing action.”

The 2010 Dodge Viper Cup series on VERSUS (subject to change) consists of two races per weekend for five weekends, including:

Race Date
Venue
Air Date / Time (Eastern)
July 10
VIR
Sat., July 24, 2 p.m.
July 11
VIR
Sat., July 31, 2:30 p.m.
Aug. 14
Hallett Raceway, Jennings, Okla.
Sun., Sept. 5, 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 15
Hallett Raceway, Jennings, Okla.
Sun., Sept. 12, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 11
Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
Sun., Oct. 10, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 12
Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
Sun., Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 2
Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
Sun., Oct. 24, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 3
Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
Sun., Oct. 31, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 23
Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, Pahrump, Nev.
Sun., Nov. 7, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 24
Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, Pahrump, Nev.
Sun., Nov. 14, 3:30 p.m.

Celebrity Driver Program

As part of the 2010 Dodge Viper Cup series season, various celebrity drivers will be invited to drive in the on-track completion, and if they win, their purse will be donated to the charity of their choice. Each celebrity driver is specifically chosen by Dodge Motorsports and specially trained for all on-track competition in the series by professional racer Cindi Lux of Lux Performance Group. Lux competed successfully in a Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and brings extensive experience in management of Dodge Viper SRT10 Clubs along with various celebrity driver programs.

Shaun Bailey – competing in the No. 52 Viper ACR-X at VIR – joined Road & Track magazine in 2000 and became Associate Engineering Editor in July 2010.

Bailey, from Newport Beach, Calif., is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. As a Manufacturing Engineer intern at Parker and Hannifin, he gained experience with robotics and motion control products. At CSU Pomona he joined the Formula SAE team, and the team’s success lead to his position at Road & Track. Bailey has competed in numerous Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association races, in addition to his interests in motorcycle and kart racing.

Army National Guard Sergeant Michael Kohn – competing in the No. 53 Viper ACR-X at VIR – became a competitive athlete at an early age. In high school, he excelled at football and in track and field. He was first introduced to the bobsled in 1990 and, at age 18, he was the youngest competitor in the 1991 Olympic Trials.

After graduating from George Mason University, Kohn entered World Cup racing in 1998 and finished fifth in the 1999 World Championships. In 2002, he won the Bronze medal at the Salt Lake City Olympics in the four-man event-the first U.S. Olympic medal in men’s bobsled since 1956.

Following the 2002 Olympics, Kohn switched from push athlete to driver. Since that time, he has won multiple National Championships and a World Cup Silver medal and has had many Top-10 finishes.
Kohn grew up in northern Virginia and currently resides in Potomac Falls, Va. He received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. He joined the Army National Guard in 1999 as an Infantry Soldier, completing his Basic and Infantry AIT training at Fort Benning, Ga.

Every vehicle that competes in the Dodge Viper Cup series must be a new 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X. A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar – Chrysler Group LLC’s source for all original equipment and performance parts for Dodge, Ram, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles – will pay out more than $200,000 in cash and parts. Top 5 finishers of each race will receive both a cash payout and a Parts Voucher, as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Additional cash awards will be made to the top-three finishers in the final Dodge Viper Cup series standings. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.

MICHELIN North America Inc.

Tires are an important component of racing and one of the most studied components during a race. The 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X was developed using the MICHELIN Racing Slick for the traction needed to hold the ACR-X through the turns and utilize the torque of the V-10 engine.

MICHELIN will provide contingency awards along with trackside and technical support at each race.

“The” Ultimate Special-Edition Viper

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper American Club Racer (ACR) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V-10 engine, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than the production model) and 605 lb.-ft. of torque (45 more than the production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage with unique springs, two-way adjustable shocks and adjustable sway bar links.

Curb weight is a full 160 pounds lighter (compared with the standard-production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades, including quad-dive planes and underbody ducts, improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Following the initial production run of 25 units of the turn-key, non-street legal race car that were quickly purchased by racing enthusiasts and collectors, Dodge has built an additional 25 units, bringing the total of 2010 Viper ACR-X models to 50.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fire suppression system, fuel cell and race seat.

Additional racing components, including a transmission cooler, rear differential cooling system, unique front rotors with larger surface area and improved brake cooling via scoops in the front fascia, are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

The Viper ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

“We’re continuing to work hard to make this final year of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper in 2010 the most exciting year for Viper and Viper Nation alike,” added Gilles. “The production of the Viper ACR-X and the launch of the Dodge Viper Cup series will continue the momentum for years to come.”

Chrysler Group LLC to Introduce Mopar® ’10 Challenger

Company Continues to Leverage, Grow Mopar Brand

- Mopar ’10 will be available in August
- Pricing starts at $38,000, which includes destination
- Five hundred special-edition cars to be built, customers may pre-order now

For the first time in its history, Chrysler Group LLC will launch a special-edition Mopar® version of one of its vehicles. The Mopar ’10, a Mopar 2010 Dodge Challenger, arrives in Dodge dealerships next month.

“Our Mopar ’10 Challenger is a collaboration of two iconic brands with tremendous heritage,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC. “Dodge put the heart into this Challenger and Mopar added the soul. The result is a unique, special-edition car that only we can offer.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Mopar ’10 is $38,000 for an automatic transmission and $39,000 for a manual transmission. Both prices include $750 for destination. Customers may pre-order now.

“Mopar ’10 has a wicked, sinister appearance that will turn heads.” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of Dodge, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Mopar brand resonates with hard-core enthusiasts, and this car will too.”

Dodge and Mopar collaborated to create Mopar ’10, a “Mopar modified” 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T. Under-the-hood features include the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, a hood-venting system, a cold-air intake, a front strut-tower brace with shock caps, and a unique engine cover. Under the decklid is a rear strut-tower brace that stiffens the chassis and improves handling characteristics of the car.

Mopar ’10 will be available in Brilliant Black with a choice of three accent colors: Mopar Blue, Red or Silver. Accent colors will appear on side stripes as well as in the stitching on the steering wheel and seats. Exterior features include 20-inch forged heritage gloss-black wheels, black-chromed grille surround, and a functional, vented T/A-style hood with vintage hood pins. Mopar logos and graphics are prominent on the front fascia, hood, hood-pin caps, body-side stripes, windows and on the chromed fuel door. A special Mopar ’10 car cover also comes with the vehicle.

Interior features include Katzkin leather seating, custom leather-wrapped steering wheel with baseball-style stitching, Mopar shift handles (T-handle for automatics, Pistol Grip for manuals), a serialized dash plaque with Mopar ’10 logo and Mopar branding throughout.

Every customer who purchases a Mopar ’10 will receive a special owner kit that includes a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), date of build completion, and build number. The kit also includes a limited-edition sketch of the vehicle signed by Chrysler Group design chief Mark Trostle, a book that highlights the special vehicle build, and Mopar ’10 merchandise.

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.

The muscle car war is a fact. At Cars.com are celebrating the recent success of America’s reborn muscle cars with an interactive map which show the places, color coded according to the specific car model. The bigger the circle, the larger the search disparity. However, there’s something you should know – the percentages are highest in small towns, so if you live in a big city, a substantial spike in pony car searches is unlikely. Cars.com says that the Mustang has the highest search total of the three vehicles. You should really see the map and enjoy it - http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2010/07/muscle-car-hot-spots.html

Dodge Celebrates the Ultimate Factory Customized Viper
July 1, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

A member of the Mid-South Viper Club of America, D’Ann Rauh worked exclusively with the Dodge Design team to select the personal touches she wanted on her car. The custom bronzed gold exterior paint was supplied by House of Kolor. The custom interior features various leather appointments, which were crafted by Tony Spampinito from Venzano, who has worked with the Rauhs on previous Viper projects.

Bob Soroka, from Chrysler Group LLC’s Street and Racing Technology team, airbrushed layouts of Viper-significant race tracks into the custom-painted copper stripes applied by Prefix. The five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels are custom painted in dark graphite.

Members from both the Motor City Viper Club and the Viper Club of America participated in the celebration.

Rauh’s Viper is the last of the current-generation Vipers built at the plant. Dodge has created more special-edition Viper models for the 2010 model year than all other model years combined. Production on the Dodge Viper started in 1992.

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.”

Friday’s event will mark the second incarnation of the 5.0 Mustang GT as a NASCAR pacecar, after the car led the pack at February’s Daytona 500.

“This week is all about celebrating Mustang in NASCAR,” said Allison. “Fans will get to see the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter pacing both races, and they’ll also see the start of a new era in Mustang Racing on track,”

“Nothing would make me happier than to present one of our drivers the keys to their own 5.0 Mustang GT in Victory Lane on Friday night,” the executive concluded.

If the answer is “yes”, then we have to tell you that we haven’t forgotten our brains in a test drive car or anything like that, we’ve just taken a look in Cummins’ garden and found out that the world’s largest diesel engine maker (the adjective can be used for both “Cummins” and “engine”) has strapped a 11 tonnes, 3,500 hp oil-burner to a classic Mini. Now, that’s the kind of MINI diesel we’d drive.

The vehicle, which will be showcased at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, features the largest engine in the company’s offer. The QSK78 powerplant, which is also the largest oil burner in the UK, uses a V18 layout, has a 78 liter displacement and uses 12 turbochargers to deliver 3,500 hp and a maximum torque of 14,800 Nm.

The engine’s everyday job is to power mining industry dump trucks that can carry up to 360 tonnes so we’re guessing it could do a pretty good job with the MINI.

“We never like to let a challenge go by unanswered so we got to thinking maybe we could fit the QSK78 into an original Austin Mini. It proved to be a bit tricky to fit under the bonnet but our engineers came up with a more creative solution. We’re certain that the Goodwood crowd will have difficulty believing what they are seeing,” said Steve Nendick, Cummins’ Communications Director.

3500 HP Mini Cooper

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

HOUSTON, June 25 /PRNewswire/ — In late May, Pennzoil announced the start of the “Get Your Key to Clean” promotion to celebrate the launch of Pennzoil’s best cleansing portfolio of products ever. The promotional sweepstakes provides consumers the opportunity to win a VIP weekend at the Bank of America 500 in October, as well as a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, a piece of automotive history, the first vehicle produced by the newly formed RCR Street Performance Group.

The special edition 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is the first of its kind and has been up-fitted and enhanced with numerous performance upgrades that are befitting one of the most successful NASCAR teams, Richard Childress Racing, and the maker of some of the most technologically advanced motor oils available, Pennzoil®. Additions to the vehicle include a carbon fiber body kit to increase downforce and performance, a completely reupholstered interior using the iconic colors of Pennzoil® and RCR, and a completely revamped suspension and supercharged engine for NASCAR-inspired performance. Contestants can go to www.pennzoil.com to register to win it.
“The RCR Street Performance 2010 Camaro SS project is an opportunity that translates more than 40 years of RCR racing knowledge to the neighborhood garage. Only three of these high-performance street cars will ever be built, so the winner of the Pennzoil ‘Get Your Key to Clean’ sweepstakes will end up owning a piece of history,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Through the Pennzoil ‘Get Your Key to Clean’ promotion, the folks at Pennzoil have provided an exciting opportunity for one lucky race fan to win a very special street car.”

The RCR Street Performance Group was created for people with a unique appreciation for the finer – and faster – things in life. From the design and production of high-performance engines, to the precision fabrication of chassis and bodywork, to the custom design and manufacture of parts for both engines and chassis, the RCR Street Performance Group is the culmination of more than 40 years of championship racing experience at Richard Childress Racing.

Just this year, the RCR Street Performance Group has taken the years of experience and knowledge gained on some of NASCAR’s toughest tracks and begun completing performance upgrades on various Chevrolet vehicles. The 2010 Camaro SS is the first of many models to be modified by the fabled race shop and made available to consumers. Allowing the Camaro SS to be the prize for one lucky consumer is a further testament to the technological relationship that RCR and Pennzoil share.

Since the start of the Shell-Pennzoil sponsorship of the No. 29 car in 2007, Pennzoil’s technical support program with RCR has provided the race team with its most advanced motor oil technology along with the support of a team of industry leading scientists. Through excellent collaboration, Pennzoil’s team of scientists engineer motor oils that resist heat, shear and wear, while keeping the engine clean even during the most demanding race conditions. The most recent example of this collaboration is the use of the Hyper Cleansing Technology™ found in Pennzoil Ultra™ motor oil in each of the engines on the track for RCR.

“Building on the success of Pennzoil Ultra™, today marks the beginning of the next generation of Pennzoil® as we have engineered our motor oils to provide consumers with the best cleansing Pennzoil® oils ever,” said Pennzoil Global Brand Manager Debbie Van Schalkwyk. “Our new portfolio of products includes five Pennzoil® motor oils that elevate cleansing and engine protection beyond industry requirements. We are happy that RCR has worked with us to celebrate this milestone by helping make ‘Get Your Key to Clean’ an exciting promotion for our consumers.”

The “Get Your Key to Clean” promotion, which runs through July 31, 2010, will treat five finalists and a guest to an RCR VIP Experience at the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway the weekend of October 16, 2010. A ceremony will be held before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race where each of the five finalists will be presented with a key, one of which will start the engine of the RCR Street Performance Camaro SS. The finalist with the key that starts the engine will win the car and be announced the Grand Prize Winner.

The complete list of performance upgrades are as follows:

Exterior Accents:

Front Splitter: Carbon Fiber
Rear Diffuser: Carbon Fiber
Side Skirts: Carbon Fiber
Rear Spoiler: Carbon Fiber
Hood: Carbon Fiber Scoop
Custom paint and graphic
22″ Custom Wheels, Front 22×9, Rear 22×10.5
Performance Tires, Front 295/30/22, Rear 265/35/22
Black out rear light area and tail lights
Old School Grille

Interior:
Custom yellow trim piece on doors and around dash area
Custom Upholstery: Yellow and Black Hounds tooth w/Suede accents and Full Suede headliner
Customs Floor Mats

Performance:
Cold Air Intake
Performance based coil over kit with new bushings
Custom six caliper big brake kit by Wilwood
Stainless steel exhaust
Magnusson Super Charger
Stage 4+ clutch w/ billet steel flywheel
Custom ground cam shaft
Performance based dual valve springs
Hardened push rod set
ARP LS cam retainer plate
Kevlar spark plug wire booties
Custom headers
Billet aluminum valve covers

About Pennzoil®

Pennzoil® is the #1-selling motor oil and one of the most trusted brands in America. The Pennzoil line of quality products meets or exceeds industry specifications to offer exceptional engine protection, and includes Pennzoil Ultra™ motor oil with Hyper Cleansing Technology™, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil® Advanced Protection motor oil, Pennzoil Gold™ motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about Pennzoil products, please visit www.pennzoil.com

Pennzoil is produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants. The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume.(a) The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell CASSIDA®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX®, Jiffy Lube® and a portfolio of leading car care brands.

(a) Kline & Company, “Competitive Intelligence for the Global Lubricants Industry, 2008 – 2018.”

SOURCE Pennzoil

Beginning with a donated 1970 Chevelle, the latest design components from Detroit Speed & Engineering were used for both front and rear suspensions and were combined with Baer Brakes’ new “6P” brake system. Power from the GM Performance Parts LSA intercooled and supercharged engine with computer management power is delivered through a TCI Automotive 6x 6-speed 4L80E transmission to an Inland Empire driveshaft that connects to the Strange Engineering rear end. Additional parts needed to complete this combination were Aeromotive fuel components, a K&N air filtration system, Autorad radiator system, Lucas Oil Products synthetic lubricants, Edelbrock LS package of headers, exhaust and motor mounts. Rounding out the driveline components are Toyo Tires USA high performance tires wrapped around specially designed one-off Boze Alloy custom 6-spoke wheels that have the insignia of each branch of the military etched in place.

National Parts Depot supplied all the replacement body panels to allow Route 66 Motorsports’ artisans to paint this car with PPG Industries black. Additional exterior trim parts were supplied by National Parts Depot, along with taillight and exterior accent components from Fesser Built. Route 66 Parts also supplied additional exterior parts while the final finish was treated to the full array of Route 66 Exotic Coatings wax products for superior gloss and protection. Vos Upholstery craftsmen combined Legendary Auto Interiors and National Parts Depot products into a custom interior. Flaming River steering column and wheel along with Clayton Machine pedal assembly and TCI Automotive floor and paddle shifters round out the controls. Painless Performance supplied a complete wiring harness and classic Dash insert with Specialty Instruments custom PAH logo embossed gauge pack provide full engine data. Thermo Tech insulation and heat absorption products and Soffseal weatherstripping products work with Old Air Productions air condition system to provide superior climate control. Added driver comfort is provided with power windows from Specialty Power Windows, while an extreme sound system from Sony Xplod delivers unlimited road tunes. Proceeds from the sale of this car developed by Super Chevy Magazine will go to support veterans in need through the efforts of the Armed Forces Foundation charity. **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE ARMED FORCES FOUNDATION**

Armed Forces Foundation Chevelle

MUSTANG V-6 AVERAGES 48.5 MPG; RUNS 1,457 LAPS AT BRISTOL ON A SINGLE TANK OF GAS

* The 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 sets a new record by averaging 48.5 mpg on a track while completing 1,457 laps with an average speed of 43.9 mph
* Mustang is powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering and technology to deliver great performance and fuel economy
* More than 51,000 entries were received for the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge with 22 entries guessing the winning number of laps
* A team of five drivers, including four Ford Mustang engineers and Ford NASCAR star David Ragan, drove the Mustang during its record run

Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge

BRISTOL, TN., June 24, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Mustang, which made history when it became the first car ever to deliver more than 30 mpg and 305 horsepower, has set a new record by running 1,457 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway while averaging 48.5 mpg.

The Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was designed to demonstrate that a stock production Mustang V-6 could run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single of tank of fuel. With the aid of fuel efficient driving techniques by Ford engineers, the Mustang far surpassed its goal of 1,000 laps.

“To see a Mustang post average fuel economy of 48.5 mpg while running at Bristol is impressive,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The new V-6 engine along with the advanced six-speed transmission in the car is a key element in delivering both fuel economy and performance for Mustang.”

Ford is committed to being a fuel economy leader in every segment it competes in and Mustang’s leads in its class along with other Ford fuel economy leaders like the Ford Fiesta, Fusion Hybrid and new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, America’s most fuel efficient luxury sedan.

The Challenge team, which included NASCAR star David Ragan and four Ford Mustang engineers, completed the challenge in 17 hours and 40 minutes, showing off the 2011 Mustang V-6′s class-leading fuel economy by averaging 48.5 mpg over the course of the 776.5 miles logged during the Challenge. That distance is more than the two complete NASCAR Sprint Cup events that take place in Bristol every year.

Ragan pushed the Mustang past the 1,000-lap mark at 7:26 p.m., 12 hours and 26 minutes into the Challenge, but the car wasn’t close to being out of fuel. Mustang engineer Seong Park was behind the wheel when it finally came to a halt (on the backstretch) of the famed NASCAR track at 12:41 a.m. local time.

Other Mustang Challenge team drivers included Tom Barnes, Jonathan Mehl and Carl Ek, who along with Park, rotated through one-hour driving stints during the event, which took place at the world’s fastest half-mile track.

“When we hit 1,000 laps we still had a quarter of a tank of gas left,” said David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing, and the man who drove the 2011 V-6 Mustang past the 1,000 lap mark. “The last driving stint before I passed 1,000 laps I was averaging 43.7 miles a gallon and that is unbelievable. These guys have run the distance of more than two Sprint Cup races at Bristol and they still have fuel left. Congratulations to everyone behind the Mustang and to everyone at Ford, because this 2011 Mustang V-6 is really something special.”

A team of Ford engineers prepared for the challenge by implementing fuel efficient driving tips like minimizing the use of air conditioning, steady and consistent driving, avoiding sudden stops/starts and by keeping the RPMs low. The engine in the Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valve train in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine’s overall efficiency. The Mustang used in the challenge is a stock production vehicle that can be purchased through a Ford dealer.

“This is beyond our wildest dreams,” said Tom Barnes, the lead engineer for the Ford Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge. “There have been a lot of people who have done a lot of things in preparing this 2011 Mustang V-6 to run the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge and have the success we have had today. It was great when we went past the 1,000 lap mark with David, but nobody could ever imagine that we still had five hours ahead of us. This is a fantastic feeling and it shows again what a great car the 2011 Mustang V-6 is.”

More than 51,000 consumers registered their guesses for the event at www.mustang1000lapchallenge.com. One lucky consumer that correctly guessed 1,457 laps will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and will win their own 2011 Mustang V-6.