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Shelby GT350R-C Hits The Track At Watkins Glen

Shelby GT350R-C Hit The Track At Watkins Glen

Ford announced today the all-new Shelby GT350R-C hits the track At Watkins Glen International this weekend in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. There will be no mistaking the wicked sound of the 5.2L V8 as it screams around the famed North American road course with its flat-plane crankshaft and tuned exhaust. With the help of Multimatic Motorsports, Ford will leap forward with its production-car road racing program, competing against world-class sports cars including the Chevrolet Z/28, BMW M3, Porsche 911, Nissan 370 Z and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Building race-winning Mustangs is something Ford has done for decades, and it still does so today. Mustang have been winning championships dating back to the 1965 Shelby GT350s, the Trans Am boss 302s, and the more recent winners like the Ford Racing Cobra Jet, the Championship-winning FR500C, as well as the FR500S and Boss 302S models.

Billy Johnson

"Like so many Mustangs before it, the Shelby GT350R is a car born to race,” said Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance. “We’re taking it to the track as the GT350R-C and we’re ready to see what it can do against the best competition in the world.”

And like many Mustangs to come before this one, both the production GT350s and race versions feature similar powerplants. In this case the 526 hp dual-overhead cam V8 from Ford, featuring the unique flat-plane crankshaft gets the call. Ford touts the all-new engine as the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 it has ever produced in a production car. Features include high-flow heads, a robust rotating assembly capable of sustaining 8,000-plus rpm, and high-flow exhaust. In this case, the production model will have more output, as IMSA has handicapped the Shelby GT350R-C with a 58mm restrictor plate.

Underneath, the GT350R-C is enhanced with tweaked version of the fully independent suspension that’s based on the GT350R. It’s fitted with revised spring rates and antiroll bars, lower ride height, track-tuned alignment settings, revised (stiffened) bushings and cross-axis ball joints in the front. Interestingly, the race version does not use the electronic Magneride dampers, as they are deemed illegal by the series. In place, conventional race shocks and struts control the ride.

To gain the winning edge, Ford is utilizing the talents of Multimatic Motorsports, a long-time partner of Ford, to handle race operation. Multimatic was a key element in returning the Mustang to IMSA Grand Sport competition in 2014 and it has worked on many development projects as well. Another edge will come from the experienced Billy Johnson, Scott Maxwell, Austin Cindric and Jade Buford, who will share driving duties when the GT350R-C debuts at Watkins Glen this weekend.

“Ford is committed to the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and we’re very happy to be campaigning its product here,” said Larry Holt, team principal, Multimatic Motorsports. “We like the endurance format, and the racing is always intense. Strategy plays a big role; the cars must be fast and reliable, and there are always at least 10 contenders running door-to-door for two and a half hours. It is the perfect home for the GT350R-C.”

Production car endurance racing is important to Ford, as the trickle-down technology has helped improve the breed. In fact, many components developed for track use, or versions of those parts, can be found on our shelves (or on line) here at Brothers Performance. As the relatively new S550 Mustang is developed and raced, we’ll unlock performance advantages that will keep you ahead of the competition.

“The biggest change over the outgoing Boss 302R is the IRS,” said co-driver of the No. 15 Shelby, Billy Johnson. “It gives the GT350R-C better handling and a high level of feel and control. The GT350 rolls through the corners better—the platform control is so stable and refined and it remains flatter and more controlled [during cornering],” added Johnson, who with 11 wins, has scored more victories in a Mustang than any other GS driver.

“American muscle cars have a storied history in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, and we eagerly anticipate the start of a new chapter with introduction of the Shelby GT350R-C,” said Scott Atherton, president of IMSA. “Mustang has earned icon status through its racing heritage going back to the competition Mustangs of the 1960s, and this new race car will undoubtedly add to the legend.”

This entry was posted in News, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News, 2016 Mustang News and tagged Shelby, ford, mustang, evan smith, cobra jet, shelby gt350, evan j smith, 2016 mustang; ford; flat-plane crank, ford performance, revan media, watkins glen, the glen, multimatic, imsa, road racing on June 24, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Ford Announces the 2016 Mustang GT/CS—GT, EcoBoost and Convertible Get New Features

Ford Announces the 2016 Mustang GT/CS—GT, EcoBoost and Convertible Get New Features

Ford’s iconic Mustang is forever evolving. And for 2016 Ford announces the 2016 Mustang GT/CS—GT, EcoBoost and Convertible Get New Features. Enthusiasts can now select between the fastback and convertible body styles, but the big news is the return of the California Special Package and the hot, new Pony Package for the EcoBoost Mustang. These trim packages were first available in the 1960s, and again forty years later on the S197 models. But the 2016 feature and option list runs so much deeper.

All 2016 Mustang will get hood vent-integrated turn signals, which was first offered on the 1967 Mustang. “Secondary indicators in the hood vents represent an iconic piece of pony car DNA,” said Melanie Banker, Mustang marketing manager. Now, this segment-exclusive feature will serve as an additional “heads-up” for Mustang GT drivers.
“Mustang enthusiasts are not shy about telling us what they want,” added Banker, “and we’re constantly exploring ideas together with our engineering team to develop new features we know our customers will love. These new hood vent indicators for the GT model are a perfect example of us communicating customer feedback to Mustang engineers and the team responding with an exclusive new feature for owners of the 2016 Mustang GT.”

2016 Mustang GT Equipped with the Black Accent Package

Wheels, Stripes and Trim
Ford knows Mustang owners love personalization, so for 2016 it is offering packages that fit the times. We’ve all seen the blacked out, or “murdered” look and Ford will make it easy for Mustang GT owners to capture it with the new Black Accent Package, available this fall. According to Ford, “Fastback and convertible Mustang GT models with this package will showcase special 19-inch black-painted alloy wheels, black decklid spoiler, dark taillamp trim, and 5.0 and pony logos in black.” And the Brothersperformance.com team expects this to be a hot one.
Those looking to mix up the colors might want to select the painted black roof option that’s now available for the EcoBoost-equipped Mustang and the Mustang GT. This will give your 2016 Mustang a look similar to that of the 2012 Boss 302.
Ford is also offering an exclusive to the Mustang EcoBoost Premium, which is fresh take on the Pony Package. The new Pony Package will include special 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, tri-bar pony logo on the grille, side stripe and chrome window surround. The fastback Mustang with Pony Package is sure to stand out from the crowd when it arrives in late 2015.
The Ford Mustang is all about racing and so the sixth-generation Mustang will be made available with over-the-top racing stripes direct from the factory. Stripes will be offered in black or silver, and will be available on most color and trim packages.

And while more subtle-looking than in previous years, Ford will bring back the California Special package. Ford unveiled the 2008 Mustang GT/CS, or California Special to match the style of the 1968 GT/CS. Ford originally built approximately 4,118 units in 1968. The original California Special Mustangs were sold on the West coast and developed by Carroll Shelby. They featured fog lamps, twist-type hood pins, a race-style gas fill cap, 1965 T-Bird taillights, GT/CS side striping, and deck-lid spoiler. For 2016, Mustang GT Premium owners can order the California Special Package with a host of features including:
• 19-inch ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels
• Ebony leather/Miko suede seat inserts with red contrast stitching and embossed logo
• Unique door panel inserts and premium carpet featuring red contrast stitching
• Unique aluminum dashboard finish with California Special badge
• Hood and side stripes
• Black pedestal spoiler
• Unique faux gas cap
• Strut tower brace with unique California Special badging
• Dark taillamp accents
• Black-painted mirrors, hood vents
• Performance front splitter
• Unique grille with tri-bar pony logo

Convertible Stang A Real Performer
Ford’s go-fast option, the Performance Pack will now be offered on the 2016 Mustang GT convertible, when equipped with manual transmission. To maintain the highest level of handling and ride quality, Ford increased structural bracing, plus it revised critical suspension components, along with the brakes, wheels and tires.
Of course, it will feature improved acceleration, thanks to the 3.73 gears and braking is hopped up with the excellent six-piston Brembos. Performance Pack features include:
• Unique chassis tuning, with strut tower brace and K-brace
• Larger radiator
• Revised suspension with upsized rear sway bar, heavy-duty front springs
• Six-piston Brembo front brake calipers
• 19x9-inch front, 19x9.5-inch rear ebony-painted aluminum wheels with summer tires
• Unique tuning for stability control, ABS and electric power-assisted steering
• Torsen® limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio
• Engine-turned aluminum instrument panel with auxiliary gauges
• More aggressive front splitter; rear spoiler delete

“Ford Mustang GT fastback with Performance Package has been very popular,” said Banker. “Customer feedback indicated a strong desire for the package on the convertible model as well, and the 2016 Mustang GT delivers.”

2016 Mustang GT Equipped with the Black Accent Package

2016 Mustang GT Equipped with the Black Accent Package

SYNC 3 Connects Drivers With Their Mustang
SYNC® 3, Ford’s next-generation communications and entertainment system, is coming for Mustang equipped with Premium Package for 2016. With a faster, more intuitive, easier than ever to use interface, improved voice command and AppLinkTM functionality, SYNC 3 now features the ability to update system software via any unlocked Wi-Fi network – bringing Mustang owners closer to their car than ever before.

With the 2015 owning the performance market both on the street and on the track, the 2016 will up the ante, making it harder for the competition. The Shelby GT350 is right around the corner, and will provide a new level of handling and acceleration from a naturally aspirated 500-plus horsepower package. And if you’re craving more, click through our website and check out the latest bolt-ons for the S550 Mustang. Our BrothersPerformance shelves are stocked with cold-air kits, tuners, exhaust kits, blowers and much more.

Also, be sure to check out our YouTube Channel for the latest videos.

This entry was posted in News, Ford Mustang, 2016 Mustang News and tagged Shelby, Ecoboost, ford, mustang, evan smith, shelby gt350, evan j smith, convertible mustang, youtube, 2016 mustang, california special, 2016 mustang gt, pony package, performance pack, racing stripes, black accent package, 19-inch wheels, sync 3, wi-fi, Ford Mustang on May 11, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Cars & Coffee at Brothers Performance

Cars & Coffee at Brothers Performance

Car and Truck enthusiasts looking for a fun time should head to Brothers Performance the second Saturday of every month in 2015 for a morning of Cars & Coffee, plus we’re offering free dyno runs on our Dynojet chassis dynamometer on a first-come basis (there is a limited number of spots so get there early). Cars & Coffee at Brothers Performance offers you a fun time to get together with other enthusiasts.

In addition to the free dyno and free coffee, Brothers Performance, located in Deland, Florida (between Orlando and Daytona), will open its showroom so you can check out the latest in high-performance parts. We carry and endless line up of your favorite brands and manufacturers for your specific make and model vehicle. This includes BBK Performance cold-air kits, throttle bodies, headers, mufflers and so much more.

At Brothers Performance, we also have a modern installation center so we can get you hooked up, which lets you can drive away with improved appearance, more power or both. It doesn't matter if you have a Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Chevy Camaro or some other machine, all are welcome.

Our Cars & Coffee events are open to all makes and models, in fact we’ve had so really neat vehicles including hot rod vans, and all forms of classic and modern muscle cars on the dyno. (We do limit the dyon runs to two-wheel-drive vehicles and we do require street tires.)

Be sure to browse our website and check back often for great deals, plus information on our East Coast Car Shows that also feature free dyno runs, exhaust sound-off contests, music, and amazing discounts on hundreds of items. BrothersPerformance.com Car Shows provide a great time for the entire family.

As performance enthusiasts, we understand your needs. We appreciate your business and look forward to showing you what the Brothers Performance team can do for you and your favorite project car. Our goal is to offer unrivaled personal customer service and complete satisfaction.

Event Dates for 2015 are:

1/10/15 | 2/14/15 | 3/14/15 | 4/11/15 | 5/9/15 | 6/13/15 | 7/11/15 | 8/8/15 | 9/12/15 | 10/10/15 | 11/14/15 | 12/12/15

This entry was posted in Car Shows, Cars & Coffee Events and tagged Brothers Performance, mustang, chevy camaro, free, cars and coffee, dyno, dodge challenger, event, dynojet, Ford Mustang on March 10, 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.