Mustang & Shelby

All of the staff at AutomotiveAddicts.com would like to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2010!

The Discovery Channel has a new series called Motor City Motors that follows internationally renowned fabricators and custom bike builders Dave and James Kaye to assemble a team of local Detroit builders and specialists. Together they will push the boundaries of automotive engineering to create custom one-of-a-kind vehicles within the realm of their physical abilities and broad imagination. Each build will be contained within a 5-day time limit. Check out this new series that will redefine ingenuity under pressure that premieres (Monday’s at 10pm) Monday, January 4^th at 10PM ET/PT on the Discovery Network.

In case you missed it, find videos below for a peek at the premiere of the new series, Motor City Motors.

On next week’s episode, Dave and Jamie attempt to mend the broken streets of Detroit by turning a Chevy Suburban into an all-in-one Pot Hole Filler. A trio of father-and-son builders tackle the task with them, but family feuds threaten to derail the build.

As Americans fight through the most stressful time of the year, Ford Motor Company and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are embarking on a plan to study driver workload and identify new opportunities to use in-vehicle technologies to improve driver safety by lowering stress.

Jay Leno is known for late night and his test driving excursions. In a new video called “The Fast and the Famous”, Jay creates his first car mini-film where he starts off by saying “Every major city must have a great race track hidden in it somewhere”. That somewhere is the streets of Los Angeles in a homage to Claud Lelouch’s 1970’s C’etait un Rendez-Vous (Rendezvous).

Jay takes the new Mercedes Benz SLS AMG (Gullwing) for a spin on his “homemade” 13-mile long Nurburgring which is made up of streets from Mulholland east to Laurel Canyon south to Sunset Boulevard west to Coldwater Canyon north and then back to Mulholland.

Check out the video below and listen to the rumble of the Benz SLS AMG while Jay lightly puts it through its paces on the homemade American Nurburgring.

[sources: YouTube, Autoblog]

iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio technology are the latest features on Ford’s growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be newly available in 2010.

iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio technology are the latest features on Ford’s growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be newly available in 2010.

Jay Leno gets all of the toys to drive, even the ones that he can’t buy right now including the new Chevy Volt. Due out in 2010 as a 2011 model, the new Chevrolet Volt looks to be a promising break-through vehicle.

In pre-production form, the Chevy Volt gets a run-down by Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah and test drive by Jay Leno in the latest Jay Leno’s Garage episode. I have to say, this is a pretty good episode and an excellent car.

The video pretty much speaks for itself so I will not bore you with the same stats that have been circulated over the internet since the first introduction of the Chevy Volt prototypes. I just hope they do not tag the new Chevy Volt for the rumored sticker price of $40K or more.

Enjoy the Video below and be sure to post your thoughts below.

[source: Jay Leno's Garage]

“Rollin’, in my 5.0 with my rag-top down so my hair can blow” Yes, that was one of many favorite songs in the 1990’s. For those who just adored the Ford Mustang 5.0, they were even more thrilled to have the honorable mention in Queen’s “Under Pressure” oops, I mean Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice baby”. Now the Ford Mustang 5.0 is officially back and all it needs is a new catchy song made by someone who samples someone else’s music without permission.

Enough about Vanilla Ice, lets heat things up with a couple new videos of Ford’s new monstrous Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8 that lays down 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.

As shown in the videos, it’s one of Ford’s latest creations, the 5.0. With over 100 more horses under the hood than the Mustang V6, the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 is able to get 25mpg on the highway. That’s just 5mpg shy of the 305hp V6. This is only more proof that Ford is not messing around when it comes to pleasing the American Muscle-Car-Gear-Head and Pres. Obama at the same time.

Official 2011 Ford Mustang GT Press Release

The 5.0-liter is back: 2011 Ford Mustang GT leads class with 412 hp, fuel efficiency, chassis dynamics

• The new Mustang GT continues Ford’s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg

• For 2011, Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings

• For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500^® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 28, 2009 – The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”

Coyote in the lobby
Many of the engineers on the development team have worked in the Engine and Electrical Engineering Building on the Dearborn, Mich., product development center campus. For years they walked past the original 5.0-liter V-8 Coyote Indy racing engine on display in the lobby, continually inspired by its mix of heritage, high technology and horsepower.

The powertrain development community had long wanted to develop a new 5.0-liter powertrain, with strategic discussions beginning in 2000. By 2007, the Mustang competitive landscape was beginning to change, a sign that the time was right for advancing the Mustang GT powertrain to world-class levels.

The team began 5.0-liter engine development with the objective of delivering 400-plus horsepower, on a timetable accelerated by 12 months without compromises in reliability, durability, fuel economy, or noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control.

“Nearly all of the team members have worked on other high-profile powertrain programs,” said V-8 Engine Programs Manager Mike Harrison. “They all had a clear vision of the work required on their particular component or subsystem. Their passion for engines, racing and delivering every last ounce of performance throughout the engine speed range really demonstrated that they put their heads and their hearts into this powertrain.”

Development test engines and benchmarks included 5.0-liter blocks, employing different bore and stroke measurements, GT500 four-valve-per-cylinder heads and cams, various intake manifold runner configurations, differing compression ratios and a deep-sump oil pan. The team also evaluated Ford Racing’s 5.0-liter “Cammer” V-8 crate engine for transferable best practices.

Extensive computer-aided engineering (CAE) modeling, development engine experimentation and evaluation in combination with intricate machine work brought this promising, all-new configuration to jaw-dropping life in an accelerated time frame.

The result of this development is an “and” solution, not an “or.” 2011 Mustang buyers will enjoy the benefits of a powerful engine as well as responsible fuel economy.

Ti-VCT
A critical element in the 5.0-liter V-8’s ability to deliver 412 horsepower, with improved drivability, tractability and fuel economy over the 2010 Mustang GT powertrain, is enhanced Ti-VCT.

For a high-performance application, the team specified cam-torque-actuated variable camshaft timing. Using existing cam torque energy, with assistance from pressurized oil, meant that minimal upgrades to the oil pump were required, resulting in less parasitic drag. Increased volumetric and thermal efficiency gives faster Ti-VCT response at all engine speeds.

During the development phase, camshaft lift profile and port optimization started with higher-lift Ford Racing aftermarket units, modified for compatibility with various four-valve-per-cylinder heads. Extensive CAE and dynamometer testing was performed to fine-tune camshaft events and port flow for performance and fuel efficiency in conjunction with the variable camshaft timing.

The resulting all-new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller finger follower valvetrain layout leaving more room for high-flow ports for free-breathing performance. Head structure was designed to support higher cylinder head pressures and cross-flow cooling for sustained high-rpm use. Head bolt size was increased from 11 to 12 millimeters to contain the higher combustion pressures.

The aluminum block was developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and high rpm, such as a track-day outing for an enthusiastic owner and driver. Increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main bearing caps with upsized bolts were also employed to accommodate the significant performance increase.

An additional element is the increased capacity and baffling of the deep-sump stamped steel oil pan to enable sustained high-rpm use and offer the convenience of 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Piston-cooling jets also were incorporated for performance-minded customers and for faster oil warm-up on cold start.

Specially designed tubular exhaust headers were developed to maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow. A team analyst actually fabricated the tubular headers in his home workshop, bringing the CAE design to life.

Performance and fuel economy
The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus the 2010 model year output levels.

The six-speed automatic transmission on the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver up to an estimated 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city. This is up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models for 2011 are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.

2011 Mustang GT fuel economy is enabled by the Ti-VCT, the six-speed transmissions in automatic or manual variations, EPAS and an additional rear decklid seal to enhance aerodynamics.

Fuel economy also is aided by engineering a lightweight powertrain. The engine, as shipped, weighs just 430 pounds. This represents a weight savings of more than 20 percent versus the previous 5.0-liter offering. Lower mass can be attributed to the aluminum block and heads, the lightweight composite intake manifold, composite cam covers and hollow camshafts.

Improved driving dynamics

EPAS has made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. EPAS allows specific tuning for the Mustang GT application.

The 2011 Mustang GT features an enhanced rear lower control arm to add stiffness, improve powertrain NVH control and sharpen handling. A stiffened rear stabilizer bar for better on-center steering is also included. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.

A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

Added convenience content
For 2011, Mustang GT offers drivers several new convenience technologies, including:

• Standard message center
• Integrated blind spot mirrors
• MyKey^™ programmable vehicle key
• Illuminated visors
• Universal garage door opener
• Sun visor storage

New look
From the 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.

Three vibrant new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver.

All of you Carbon Fiber junkies come and join me on the Nissan GT-R bandwagon as a Japanese tuner Original Runduce hints at a full carbon-fiber wide-body Nissan GT-R R35.

The final details of the wide-body carbon-fiber Nissan GT-R are a secret for now except from what we can see in the sketched image. Rumor has it that this GT-R will feature over 600hp and make a debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 in January.

What is your take on an all-carbon-fibered-out wide-body GT-R? My first thought is that it better have some better wheels than the ones in shown in the sketch. Hit up the comment section below!

[sources: bornrich via carscoop]

The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.