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Official Job 1 on First Production Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R

Official Job 1 on First Production Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R

By Evan J. Smith

Since 1965, Shelby Mustangs have played a key role in the history of the Ford Mustang. And today, Ford produced the very first production 2015 Ford Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs, marking a return of the storied GT350. Our cameras were on hand as Chassis F0001 was driven off the Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line by Bill Ford Jr. This very Mustang, finished in white with blue stripes, will go to the high bidder from the Barrett-Jackson winter auction. Amazingly, the gavel fell at $1,000,000! More importantly, proceeds from the sale of the charity GT350R will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This marks the Ford Official Job 1 on First Production Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R

“This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts,” said Mr. Ford. “We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style and performance. Today the legend continues.”

Brothers Performance is excited about this landmark Mustang, and we can’t wait for enthusiasts to dig into the 5.2 liter Voodoo V8. Of course, at 526 horsepower, Ford has pushed the limits of engine development with high compression, big cams and rpm, as this baby spins past 8,000! But the aftermarket always packs surprises and we’re anxious to see how far this animal can be pushed. It's only a matter of time before someone slaps turbos on there.

While a slew of prototype Shelby GT350s have been built in the last few months, today marks Job 1 and the actual start of the production models. This is a big day for an automaker, and it’s clearly a special one for Ford, as this is an icon in the making. The GT350 is slathered with so many features that are sure keep the Mustang ahead of the pack, including the flat-plane crankshaft, Magneride suspension, carbon-fiber wheels and the detail such as the amazing seats, sick sounding exhaust and all the electronic wizardry.

Along with 526 ground-pounding ponies, the GT350 has a sinister look, world-class handling, and we hear it’s already pounded the Z/28 into the ground with much quicker track numbers. As for quarter-mile times, we’re expecting to powershift our way to quick E.T’s once we get our hands on one. We’ve even heard the GT350R is as quick as a much more expensive Porsche GT3 around a road course.

The hype has certainly been built for Ford’s latest Mustang, and with the prestige and success of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, this model has big shoes to fill. Ford hit a home run with the 2005-2015 Shelby GT500, and we’re banking that the GT350 will share the same success. Check back next week as we share our first drive report and more details about the 2015/2016 Shelby GT350 and the GT350R.

This entry was posted in News, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News and tagged Shelby, ford, ford motor company, mustang, 2015 Mustang, evan smith, flat rock, gt350, evan j smith, Michigan, gt350r, revan media, bill ford jr, job 1, first production on August 20, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Ford Shoots for the Moon with Apollo Edition 2015 Mustang

Ford Shoots for the Moon with Apollo Edition 2015 Mustang

Ford is known for building amazingly cool Mustangs like the 5.0 GT and the Shelby GT350, and for the eighth year in a row, the Detroit automaker has created a truly amazing aviation-themed Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association youth education programs, including the Young Eagles. Today, Ford Shoots for the Moon with the Apollo Edition 2015 Ford Mustang. Best of all, you can own the Apollo Edition Mustang, as it will go up for auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event, July 23, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.

“The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology and achieved a national goal of landing the first human on the moon,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors. “The entire program was extraordinary – one of our nation’s greatest technological achievements. With this year’s stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile – Ford Mustang.”

Aviation has long been important to Ford, remember the Ford Tri-Motor airplane produced by Henry Ford from 1925 - 1933? According to Ford, all proceeds from the sale of the Apollo Mustang will benefit EAA youth education programs, including the Young Eagles, a program that has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.9 million young people since 1992. The EAA AirVentur event takes place July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Apollo Mustang began as a 2015 fastback Ford Mustang GT, that was modified by Ford design and engineering teams. The group was captained by Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt. The body features a unique glossy pure white and pure black non-production paint scheme that “delivers a creative connection with the NASA Apollo program,” stated Ford. It also features a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, rocker moldings and accent treatments, what looks like the Shelby GT350R wing, along with unique LED underbody lighting to symbolize atmospheric re-entry.

To launch harder, the Apollo Mustang needed boost, so the team installed a Ford Performance intercooled supercharger along with an X-pipe with both side and rear exhaust to raise output to 627 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque. And to give the pilots more control, they added a sport-tuned suspension, six-piston Brembo brakes, and custom Forgiato 21-inch performance wheels. Interested in making your Mustang look like this? You're in luck as Brothers Performance stocks many of the hot parts such as Superchargers, wheels and performance exhaust systems.

The winning bidder will command the Apollo Mustang from an interior that’s been upgraded with exclusive interior details. This includes performance gauges and stitching on the steering wheel, modified instrument cluster, unique sill plates and embroidered elements in seats, trim panels and floor mats and rear-seat delete with Apollo mission badges.

“Ford has been a committed sponsor of EAA and AirVenture for more than 15 years – bringing incredible value to those who make Oshkosh the highlight of their aviation year,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. “With its eighth Mustang donation, Ford continues to excite with its specialty vehicles, which reflect the depth of the company’s commitment and which allow EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members in helping us grow the next generation of aviators.”

Ford stated its donated vehicles at EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised nearly $3 million. And the vehicles that support EAA youth education programs including Young Eagles, are:

2008 – Mustang AV8R, with cues from F-22 Raptor, which helped introduce the glass- roof canopy and delivered an auction contribution of $500,000

2009 – AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang, crafted in honor of the World War II aircraft

2010 – Two automotive icons – the late Carroll Shelby, former U.S. Air Force flight

instructor, and Jack Roush, longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create

the SR-71 Blackbird Mustang inspired by legendary reconnaissance jet

2011 – Blue Angels Mustang, created to celebrate 100 years of U.S. naval aviation

2012 – Red Tails Mustang, to pay homage to Tuskegee Airmen – courageous squadron

of P-51 Mustang pilots who were the United States’ first African American military airmen

2013 – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang, built to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team

2014 – F-35 Lightning Edition II Mustang, which featured design cues from the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jet – the F-35 Lightning

You can see the Apollo Edition Mustang on display all week in the Ford hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office, (800) 236-1025 or donor@eaa.org.

“The Apollo Edition Mustang was modified by MAD Industries, led by Chris Mangum. Interior enhancements were designed by Ford’s Betancourt and Nicole Rush, and created in-house by Ford’s design fabrication team. Additional contributors to the project include Ford Performance, Eibach Springs, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF automotive refinish, Gibson performance exhaust, Pirelli tires, Forgiato wheels, Rigid Industries LED lighting, SourceSE by sPod, 3M window film, PIAA Corporation, Brembo, APR performance, FOCAL/The Source AV and Odyssey battery,” Ford added.

This entry was posted in News, Car Shows, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News and tagged ford, ford motor company, mustang, evan smith, 2015 Ford Mustang, evan j smith, supercharger, ford performance, revan media, apollo mission, apollo mustang, moon, Ford Mustang on July 15, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Ford Cleveland Engine Plant Begins Production of the New Twin-Scroll 2.0- liter EcoBoost and 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engines

Ford Cleveland Engine Plant Begins Production of New EcoBoost Engines

Ford recently announced it will begin production of the all-new twin-scroll 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines for North America at its Cleveland Engine Plant in Ohio. The announcement marks the first time these engines are being produced in the U.S. The twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is available in the all- new Ford Edge, launching in first quarter of 2015. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is available in the all-new Ford Mustang, Explorer and Lincoln MKC. It all kicks off when the Ford Cleveland Engine Plant Begins Production of New EcoBoost Engines.

“With more than 4 million Eco Boost-powered vehicles on the road today, Cleveland Engine has been at the forefront of our plan to provide our customers with fuel-efficient, affordable engines,” said Bruce Hettle, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “The hardworking team at Cleveland Engine is proud to build two of the most technologically advanced engines on the market today.”

According to Ford, in 2013, it made an investment of nearly $200 million and added 450 new jobs to support production and rising consumer demand for the EcoBoost engine. Ford also made the move to assemble engines regionally to help optimize production capabilities around the world.

Production of the twin-scroll 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines for North America were previously based in Valencia, Spain. The investment in Cleveland shifted North American production to Ohio, leaving Ford’s Valencia Engine Plant as the exclusive production location of 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine for Ford of Europe-built vehicles. Valencia will continue to machine and ship components for both engines to North America,

The famous "Cleveland" Engine Plant also builds the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and 3.7-liter V6 rear-wheel drive application. The Ohio facility employs more than 1,300 people and has produced more than 1 million Eco Boost engines since 2009 that have been used to support Ford operations in North America, Mexico, Europe and Asia Pacific.

EcoBoost leadership

As the cornerstone of Ford’s global engine strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, EcoBoost, introduced in 2009, can deliver significantly better fuel economy than larger-displacement engines. EcoBoost uses smaller overall engine size combined with turbocharging, gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing for the power customers want and the fuel economy they need.

EcoBoost is now available on 100 percent of the 2015 light- duty Ford lineup in North America, and Ford produced more than 1.6 million EcoBoost engines globally in 2014, up more than 30 percent from 2013. More than 190,000 EcoBoost engines now are produced every month, up 90 percent from 2013. In 2014, annual global EcoBoost engine capacity reached approximately 2.3 million units.

Ford also sees growth in global utilities sales. It stated Utility vehicles are the fastest-growing segment globally – up 135 percent since 2009. This accounts for roughly 20 percent of overall market globally. By 2020, utility vehicle sales are expected to reach a whopping 23 percent of the global industry.

“With the new 2.0 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines featured in the all-new Edge and Explorer, Ford is well-positioned to benefit from the rapidly growing utility vehicle segment,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Utility sales are growing at three times the rate of the global vehicle industry.”

With vehicles like the Edge, Escape and Explorer, Ford has been the leader in utility vehicles in the U.S. for four straight years. In 2014, the company sold more than 1.4 million utility vehicles around the world, up 11 percent compared with the previous year. Edge is a technology showcase featuring including adaptive steering, enhanced active park assist, side parking sensors and a front 180-degree camera. It is offered with the 2.0-liter or a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine.

The new Explorer is a significant update to the SUV icon that defined the segment when it launched in 1990. Along with a new look and the new engine 2.3-liter I-4 EcoBoost, Explorer new features include: front and rear 180-degree wide angle cameras with washers; enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park, parking side sensors; smart-charging front-and-rear USB ports; and a hands-free kick-activated lift gate.

This entry was posted in News, New Products, Ford Mustang and tagged Ecoboost, ford, ford motor company, mustang, evan smith, evan j smith, explorer, detroit, cleveland, USB, 2.3-liter on March 9, 2015 by Evan Smith.
2015 Ford Mustang Earns Highest Vehicle Safety Rating

2015 Ford Mustang Earns Highest Vehicle Safety Rating

Good news for pony fans, the 2015 Mustang earns highest vehicle safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2015 Mustang earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing.

“The new Mustang was built from the ground up,” said Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer. “It is more refined, more powerful and it has everything people have come to love about Mustang for the past 50 years.”

According to Ford, the New Car Assessment Program is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s evaluation program for new vehicle designs. And it is designed to test for performance against safety threats. The 2015 Mustang received five stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test and five stars in the rollover crash test.

As many of you know, the 2015 Mustang is a serious performer, but it's also stacked with a plethora of standard safety features engineered to protect driver and occupants. And there’s also semi-autonomous and driver assist features that are new to the vehicle, including an all-new inflatable airbag restraint design, double the number of airbags in the vehicle, a robust package of peripheral crash sensors, and enhanced exterior lighting. Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control.

“Driver assist features include BLIS® Cross-Traffic Alert and SYNC 911 Assist, which enables a mobile phone connected to SYNC to call 911 directly when needed. The system can also provide more detail about a crash to aid in the dispatch of the appropriate resources,” said our source at Ford. In addition, the 2015 Ford Mustang has additional pretensioning safety belt technology compared to the outgoing model.

Combine these safety enhancements with the available four-, six- and eight- cylinder engines that can get you between 300 and 435 horsepower, and over 500 hp with the soon-to-be-released Shelby GT350, and you have a line up of Mustangs that provides an undeniable performance and economy.

This entry was posted in Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News and tagged Shelby, ford, ford motor company, mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang, shelby gt350, gt350, highest vehicle safety rating, five star, Ford Mustang on February 13, 2015 by Evan Smith.