Archive for April, 2006
Lightning Force Performance has come out with a new Performance Race Radiator for 2005-06 Mustang GT. This radiator is the first on the market to feature an 18 fin per-inch cooling surface with more cooling tubes per core along with being twice the size of the stock unit. The LFP Race Radiator is a direct replacement for the stock radiator which produces maximum efficiency and performance.
The radiator is 100% Aluminum with no epoxy, no plastic and no steel. The cost of the radiator is $374.95 and can be ordered through their website at www.LightningForcePerformance.com.
LFP Race Radiator Features
- Polished Tig welded tanks, and furnace brazed cores for durability
- Wider water passages and a thicker core
- Twice the size and much more efficient in its ability to cool over stock
- Holds at least a Gallon more Fluid keeping temps in check
- Largest fin count and the most efficient Radiator on the Market
- No Modifications Necessary
On the heals of the history making webcast event of the recently completed Fun Ford Weekend at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce Georgia, the cameras of Your Way Network have set their sites on the National Street Car Associations season opener at the historic Atco Raceway April 22-23 in Atco, New Jersey.
“Our success in Atlanta was unbelievable,” stated Biggs. “We couldn’t have asked for anymore from the racers, crews, fans and staff at that pristine facility. Our hats are off to all the folks that made this event possible. Especially my crew, I can’t thank them enough!” (Mark Walter, Dick MacKenzie, Ray Jermyn and Matt Walter rounded out the YWN line-up in Atlanta.)
Biggs told us they saw a 130% increase in viewership from the first “test” event at the Pacific Street Car Association race in February. Plus they added 4 more cameras to the mix for a unprecedented 5 camera shoot. “We where told our stuff looked as good as anything folks have seen on TV,” reported Biggs. “I’m just happy it all came together. We’ve learned so much on the first 2 events and will add even more to the mix from those lesson when we hit the track next weekend in Atco.”
This is literally the beginning for the live action of YWN. When asked what’s after Atco Biggs told us this, “The phones and emails have been non stop since we returned home. We already have 7 more events schedule with 4 or 5 more in the wings. Look for us at more Fun Ford Weekend, National Street Car Association, Ontario Street Car Association, Ram Racing Naturally Aspirated Shootout and the Canadian Fastest Street Car Shootout events. We’ve also been approached by a major player in the motorsports entertainment business to stream an event that’s been around for nearlly 100 years, look for a press release on this breaking news in the near future.”
With 48 states and 40 countries tuning in for the webcast, this has turned into an international phenomena. There will be crowd shots and interviews and maybe even a Saturday night live show to recap and talk about the days events. Want to be in the webcast? You just never know where the cameras might show up. This much we do know, you can’t be in the show if you don’t come to the race. Be you a racer, crew member, manufacturer or fan don’t miss all of the excitement when the fastest door slammers on the planet hit the track next weekend in NJ. And if you can’t attend, just click by clicking WWW.YourWayNetwork.COM it’s the next best thing to being there live!
Saleen is teaming up with race car legend Parnelli Jones for a limited edition Grabber Orange Mustang for the 2007 model year. If you find yourself asking who is Parnelli Jones well I can tell you he was a very accomplished american race car driver and he won the 1963 Indy 500 along with several other races in many types of vehicles including sports cars, Indycars, sprint cars, midget cars, off-road vehicles, and stock cars.
Ok, now that your history lesson is over, back to the good stuff. The car will feature a 302 V8 that produces 370 horses and 370 ft-lbs. of torque at a staggeringly low 4000 RPM. Additional engine modifications will allow this Mustang to rev higher than most Mustangs ever have.
Other features include:
- 302 valve covers
- Black striped “shaker” hood
- 1970 replica rear wing and rear window quarter panels
- Removable and Reusable static cling decals
- Suspension Upgrades
- Interior Enhancements
Nothing has been made public about price but expect it to be above $50K. Enjoy the photos below.
The 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H commemorates the 40-year anniversary of famed Shelby/Hertz GT350H “Rent-A-Racer” program. Shelby and Ford Racing give the Mustang GT V8/automatics extra “show,” and added “go” to make the Shelby GT-H a special run of about 500 units that will be available for rent exclusively through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations. The GT-H packs Ford Racing performance and handling in hot Shelby looks along with the classic Black & Gold Hertz livery.
The GT-H will have added exterior features along with power pack modifications under the hood to give it an extra 25 horsepower.
Exterior Features:
- Black exterior paint set off with Gold racing stripes
- Set of Rocker Stripes that include “GT-H”
- Special Hertz Edition emblem on front fenders
- Custom Shelby Performance hood with pins
- Brushed aluminum grille with running horse emblem
- Unique front fascia with integrated lower grille
- Body side scoops
- Painted Brake Calipers
- 17-inch aluminum wheels wearing P235/55ZR17 performance rubber
Engine & Drivetrain Modifications:
- Power Pack (FR1) to add a genuine 25-horsepower
- Five-speed automatic transmission powertrain
- Performance Calibration and a Cat-Back Performance Exhaust
Suspension Modifications:
- Ford Racing Handling Pack (FR3) installed
- Including special-tuned dampers inspired from the FR500C
- Lowering springs
- Sway bars and a Strut Tower Brace
- Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly
Interior Features:
- Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates
- Numbered Dash Badge w/Carroll Shelby Signature
The cars will be available through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
For more information check out ShelbyAutos.com
Finally I will have an excuse when I get caught speeding in excess of 150 mph by a Texas State Trooper. As the Trooper yanks me from my 2003 Cobra and slams me against the hood saying boy do you know how fast you were going. I yell back ; Trooper Trooper, Sir ( because I am polite ) my accelerator was stuck, ask Ford they will tell you. Somehow I don’t think it will fly ,but it’s worth a shot.
Now you are asking what the heck is he talking about, well Ford has issued a recall for 19,140 SVT Cobras from 2003-04 because the back of the accelerator pedal could become caught in the floor carpeting. Ford has received about 100 complaints and a handful have ended in crashes.
Being a 2003 Cobra owner I took it upon myself to give you a picture of what the underside of the accelerator looks like. From what I see it seems possible the back of the accelerator could get stuck on the carpet as there are a few sharp edges. I have owned my car for more then 1 1/2 years and I can tell you I have pushed the pedal to the floor with no problems.
Offcial Press Release:
Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday that it was recalling nearly 20,000 Mustang Cobra sports cars after receiving complaints that the back of the accelerator pedal could become caught in the floor carpeting and lead to a crash.Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in late January that it had received about 100 complaints and allegations of two crashes and one injury. The recall affects 19,140 Mustang Cobras from the 2003 and 2004 model years.
Ford said in a letter to NHTSA that the rear surface of the pedal could interfere with the carpeting during heavy throttling and make it difficult for the pedal to return to an idle position. The problem could be found in vehicles where the floor carpeting does not fit flush with the sheet metal.
Dealers are expected to install a bracket over the cutout in the carpet behind the pedal. Owners are expected to be notified of the recall in late April and will not be charged for the repair.
Last July, NHTSA opened an investigation into accelerator pedal interference in the 2003 and 2004 Mustang, and the 2003 model year of the Mustang convertible and Mustang GT.
Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said the automaker’s investigation only found the issue in the Cobras because the high-performance model has a different pedal configuration than the other Mustang versions.
Ford has released a few photos and information ahead of the New York auto show introduction which is later this week. The 2007 Mustang GT “California Special” is the first of a few planned Mustang V-8 “Feature Cars”. The new GT/CS pays homage to the original California Special model produced in 1968. The Mustang features a restyled front and rear fascias along with classic side scoops and GT/CS stripes. The option package is $1,895 and is available this summer nationwide on coupe or convertible in 5 colors.
Below are some photos along with the full press release from Ford.
Ford Motor Company Press Release:
Ever since Ford announced it was going to build a production version of the Shelby GT500 Concept, enthusiasts have been abuzz with speculation about what other specialty Mustangs were in the works. Would Ford bring back the Boss? Could they be contemplating another Mach 1? How about another Bullitt? Their wait is now over: While the competition scrambles once again to play catch-up to Ford, Mustang momentum continues to grow with the introduction of the uniquely styled, limited-edition 2007 Mustang GT/CS – or “California Special.”
The Mustang GT/California Special arrives in late summer as a full, stand-alone option package on the 2007 Mustang. Much like the 1968 GT/CS that offered Mustang buyers more aggressive styling that was “Inspired by the Shelby GT,” the new California Special also draws some cues from the 2007 Shelby. What’s more, it offers the kind of limited-production exclusivity that has made the original California Special such a big favorite with Mustang collectors over the years.
The new Mustang has been a runaway sales success ever since it bolted out of the starting gate 18 months ago. Today, Ford’s Mustang remains the hottest selling car in America. It’s no secret that the upcoming Shelby GT500 has driven performance-hungry enthusiasts to Ford dealerships across the country in search of information on purchasing the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced. And all indications are that the GT500 will be yet another Mustang sales success. But the Mustang has always been about choice and meeting the customer’s needs – and Ford Motor Company knows that there are customers who don’t require the ultimate performance Mustang, yet still desire something special beyond the Mustang GT. The 2007 California Special fits the bill.
“As a Mustang enthusiast and SVTOA Chapter Director, I’ve long known about the original California Special and the mystique that surrounds it, so when I was given the chance to work on the program, I jumped on it,” said Mark Wilson, who works in Car Project Management at Ford’s Vehicle Personalization group, and is the program manager for the California Special. Mark is a true Mustang fanatic, he races is 1993 Cobra R and 2004 Mustang in the American V-8 Super Car Series. “I believe the 2007 GT/CS is true to the original car’s heritage, while also setting itself apart from the base Mustang GT with styling cues that clearly differentiate it from any angle.”
The GT/CS was originally a limited-production 1968 Mustang coupe fitted with Shelby Mustang dress-up pieces and sold only though dealerships in California. It was available with any engine, and either with or without the GT option. The 2007 California Special can be ordered as either a coupe or convertible and will be available though Ford dealerships across the country.
The 2007 version has an aggressive front fascia with an integrated chin spoiler that sits 1.5 inches lower than the Mustang GT to provide a larger air opening for increased cooling performance. Familiar “California Special” style bodyside racing stripes run from the front fenders across the doors and fade-out at the end of the door.
Out back, a unique rear fascia styled with less “tuck-in” features a lower air-diffuser design that is similar to the rear of the 2007 Shelby GT500 – itself inspired by the rear diffuser on the Ford GT supercar. As an added touch, the dual exhaust system on the new Mustang GT/CS sports bright, rolled tips for a cleaner, more refined appearance. The car will also come standard with the Mustang GT’s optional 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires. (Those seeking further differentiation can even add a hood scoop by ordering the GT Appearance Package.)
“We’ve taken the spirit behind the original Cal Special – a regional package that personalized the Mustang for the West Coast buyer – and created a more aggressive, customized Mustang for customers everywhere,” said Joe Siler, Design Manager, Ford Vehicle Personalization. “We think the result has all of the high-style flair of the original.”
Exclusive touches carry over to the inside of the new California Special, as well. Starting with the array of bright-polished and satin-aluminum finished items in the Interior Upgrade Package (which is required to order a Mustang GT/CS), the cabin comes dressed in either Dove or Parchment environments, including black leather seats with unique Cal Special Dove or Parchment “GT Leather” inserts. Plus, matching front floormats include special Mustang badging to further distinguish the GT/CS interior.
There’s even more style under the hood of the new California Special: The Mustang GT’s 300-horsepower 3-valve 4.6-liter V-8 gets treated to a unique engine cover that gives the engine compartment the kind of dressed-up look that you’d only expect to see at custom car show. (For those who may wish their GT/CS had a little more “go” along with all the extra “show,” the Ford Racing Performance Group offers several exciting parts packages to provide some additional kick. One popular choice is the Ford Racing Power Pack, which includes a 90mm Cold Air kit, a performance Muffler Kit and the special Ford Racing engine calibration – good for about 20 additional horsepower at the rear wheels. Visit www.fordracingparts.com for details.)
The 2007 Mustang GT/CS goes on sale later this summer. The GT Cal Special option package adds $1,895 to the price of a Mustang GT (available with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission) with the requisite Premium and Interior Upgrade packages. Exterior color choices are limited to Redfire Metallic, Performance White, Vista Blue Metallic and Black. Valencia Yellow is to be added later in the model run. Production estimates have not been finalized, but the 2007 California Special is expected to surpass the sales total of its predecessor of nearly 40 years ago, when 4,325 copies of the GT/CS were sold.
Advertisements touting the ‘68 GT/CS exclaimed that “ California made it happen.” When it comes to Mustangs, Ford Motor Company makes special editions “happen” because of America’s ongoing love affair with its favorite sporty car – Mustang. After the rebirth of the Mustang and Mustang GT for 2005, the Pony Package for 2006, plus the Shelby GT500 and now the California Special for 2007, Mustang excitement continues unbridled for yet another model year. And if Mustang’s storied past is any indication, you can expect even more special breeds in the future.
While making it’s debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month a 2007 Shelby GT350H Mustang with black paint and gold stripes was spotted at a Hertz rental car lot in Las Vegas. The Shelby GT350H seems to be at a photo shoot for who knows what. The auto show does not start until April 14 so it still has some time to make it.
The GT350H is reported to be a limited edition Shelby with a slight increase in horsepower and a few modifications on the exterior along with the interior. The limited edition model has been rumored to only be available for select Hertz dealers for use as rental cars but that is not yet confirmed.
For more info check our earlier entry about the 2007 Shelby GT350H Mustang.
No Problem Raceway and All Star Ford have teamed up to sponsor our grand prize giveaway contest to be held during our US Muscle Car Race on October 29, 2006. The Mustang GT will be “muscled-up” by Thunder Racing in Baton Rouge. This is a brand new car and the winner will be responsible for all taxes, title, antries are available at both All Star Ford dealerships.
Free entry tickets will be issued to all paid racers, crewmembers, and spectators at every event held at No Problem Raceway until the time of the contest on October 29th. A total of fifty (50) keys will be awarded to registered contest entrants. Drawings will be held during various events held at No Problem Raceway, with the names of the winning contestants posted on our website at www.noproblemraceway.com. In order to qualify for one of the 50 keys, you must first register by filling out the back of an entry form and turn in the entry at the No Problem Raceway concession stand. Entries will also be accepted at either All Star Ford locations in Prairieville and Denham Springs.
The key drawings will be held at all of our Coors Light Quick 16 events, other selected events, and fifteen (15) key drawings will be held during the day of the US Muscle Car Race. Winning tickets will be drawn at random until a winner is present to claim his/her key. Specifically, you must be present during the drawings to win one of the 50 keys. Several of the keys will also be distributed to contest winners entered at All Star Ford dealerships, Thunder Racing, and various radio and TV contests.
Up to 35 key winners will be selected prior to the October 29th contest. All remaining keys will be awarded to randomly selected winning entries on October 29th to attending entrants. In order to claim your key, you must be present at the time of the drawing. We will continue selecting entries until we have a winner present to claim his/her key. All non-winning event entries will have a second chance to win during the 15-key drawing on October 29th. Individuals have the opportunity to win more than one key. The more you enter, the better chance you will have to win a key.
During the US Muscle Car Race, the 50 key winners names will be placed into a drawing box for random selection. As the winner’s name is called, he/she will reach into a bucket containing 50 keys, with only one key that will actually start the car. The first person to start the car with the winning key will win the title to the Mustang GT.
Mustang GT giveaway official rules:
1. Entrants must be present at No Problem Raceway Park during the drawing to be held in the afternoon of October 29, 2006. If race date is postponed due to weather, drawing will take place on Sunday, November 26, 2006.
2. The person named on the winning ticket will have five (5) minutes to claim his/her key for the Mustang GT. If after five (5) minutes, no one has come forward to claim the key, a new name ticket will be drawn every five (5) minutes until we have a winner present for the Mustang GT key.
3. Winner must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the drawing and provide NPR with positive picture identification, such as a current driver’s license, in order to establish proof of winning entry.
4. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal and state income taxes, sales taxes, vehicle registration, and other fees associated with the ownership and title transfer of the Mustang GT.
5. Employees of NPR and All Star Ford, and their immediate family members, are not eligible to win the Mustang GT.
6. The winner of the Mustang GT agrees to allow the use of winner’s photographs, name, or other materials necessary to promote advertising for NPR and/or All Star Ford.
7. Winner agrees to keep all sponsor logos on the Mustang GT for a period of one (1) year.
8. Only one entry per day, per entrant is allowed. However, an individual can win multiple keys.
9. No Problem Raceway Park reserves the rights to amend, clarify, or add to all rules governing the giveaway promotion.
For more info check out NoProblemRaceway.com
2005 was the year of the Mustang Convertible, according to sales figures from R.L. Polk, total registrations for the Mustang made it America’s best-selling convertible. This is the first year since 2001 that the Mustang convertible outsold the Chrysler Sebring convertible.
What’s even more impressive is that the Mustang managed the feat in a market that is essentially flat.
“Convertibles have been a small but stable segment for a very long time,” said George Pipas, Ford’s manager of sales analysis. “If you look at sales figures for North America, the total sales of convertibles usually hovers around 300,000 vehicles. It dipped to around 295,000 in 2003 while last year convertible sales rose to a little more than 324,000.”
Total registrations for the Mustang convertible in 2005 were 44,065, an increase of more than 11,000 from 2004. As impressive as the numbers are, 2005 sales were still short of the 2001 Mustang total of 50,256.
The Sebring managed 35,360 new registrations in 2005 while in a distant third came the Toyota Camry/Solara at 21,544. The Volkswagen Beatle was in fourth place with 19,078, while Chrysler PT Cruiser rounded out the top five at 18,232 registrations.
The convertible’s success is not that surprising, considering the popularity of Mustang in general. Internationally, there are more than 250 Mustang enthusiast clubs — more than any other vehicle. Add in the appearance of the Mustang convertible in Hollywood, films ranging from the James Bond classic Goldfinger to Sleepless in Seattle , and the convertible’s appeal becomes obvious.
As Mustang Club member Lucy Carroll puts it in the convertible’s press materials, “You have to be really ugly not to look good in a Mustang convertible.”
Convertible fanciers have even more reason to rejoice. 2006 marks the debut of the Ford Shelby GT500 convertible powered by a 450-horsepower 5.4L V-8 engine, the most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history.
Source: Ford FCN, written by Mike Thomas
The Tremec Transmission True Street competition is one of the many fun activities conducted at FFW events. It’s a perfect class for those that want to have some fun and yet, are not trying to build an all-our racecar. But at every event, there are always a few cars that are a cut above in performance. These are the True Street participants that run the really quick numbers. Even though their cars meet the True Street rules, some are almost more “race car” than “street car”. But hey, who’s keeping score?
Well, the good folks at Tremec Transmissions, along with the editors of Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, are going to keep score.
At the 16th Annual Ford Mustang World Finals, at the Texas Motorplex, September 8, 9 and 10, 2006, FFW is going to conduct the first ever TREMEC TRUE STREET CHALLENGE CUP as part of the regular T/S program. We are going to take the quickest eight T/S participants during the Saturday program, and run them in competition, in a heads-up format, on Sunday. These will be the quickest of the quick, the nastiest of the nastys, the baddest of the bad, from all around the country, and from these eight vehicles, the winner will be crowned as the Tremec True Street Champion for 2006. Tremec will be awarding special commemorative jackets to ALL eight participants and MM&FF will be providing other goodies too, as well as a feature article in the magazine.
If you have a FFW legal True Street car, and you think you have what it takes, and you want the rest of the world to know about it, you better start to make plans to be in Dallas in early September.
Source: FunFordEvents.com
