Monday, December 30, 2013

All-New Ford Mustang Design: Colors & Materials



Susan Lampinen, Ford group chief designer, color and materials discusses the enhanced craftsmanship in the all-new Mustang

Ford Mustang Marks 50 Years with All-New Sleek Design, Innovative Technologies and World-Class Performance

• All-new sophisticated design clearly inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage evolved to attract wider array of customers and expand global market availability

• Mustang now available with three engines offering a broader power of choice -- a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a 3.7-liter V6 and an all-new fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine

• Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with world-class handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort


DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 5, 2013 -- The next chapter in the life of the iconic pony car begins today as the all-new Ford Mustang -- loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance -- is simultaneously revealed around the globe in six cities on four continents.

"Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, global product development. "The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they've never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car -- it is the heart and soul of Ford."

Mustang's impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world's most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time ever, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.

"We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang -- an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world," said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln.

All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang
The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements -- including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck -- with contemporary execution.

"You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true," said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:
• A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
• The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals
• Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

50 years of Mustang
April 17, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Ford Mustang and each 2015 model celebrates the milestone with a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words "Mustang -- Since 1964." Mustang will continue to be built in the United States at Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

"From day one, we knew if we were going to build a new Mustang, we had to do it right," said Pericak. "We built a new Mustang from the ground up that is quicker, better-looking, more refined and more efficient, without losing any of the raw appeal that people have associated with Mustang for half a century."

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Trucks, Buggies, Winches & Light Bars! - 2013 SEMA Week Ep. 3



On day three of SEMA Week, Fred Williams explores the world of Off-Road at the 2013 SEMA Show. From lifted F-150s and purpose built rock crawlers to innovative products and booth girls, Fred provides an insight into what the SEMA Show has to offer the Off-Road enthusiast.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Automated Ford Fusion Hybrid Research Vehicle



Ford unveils automated Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle to test and advance its Blueprint for Mobility, which envisions a future of autonomous functionality and advanced technologies after 2025

Developed in collaboration with the University of Michigan and State Farm®, the vehicle builds on more than a decade of Ford automated driving research

Ford is among the leaders in offering driver-assist technologies in its vehicles on the road today, including Ford Fusion, Ford Escape and Ford Explorer

Friday, December 20, 2013

Ford EcoBoost Labs: Deadlift



Can a bodybuilder deadlift an SUV? Not likely. But race car driver Tanner Foust and Syyn Labs' Adam Sadowsky demonstrate how the EcoBoost engine might just have the power to pull off the feat

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

What Stops Them (1935)



A Clear Explanation Of Hydraulic Brakes And Of Their Use On The Modern Motorcar.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

A Need for Speed: Mustang Countdown



Players of the EA's newest arcade-style racing video game, Need for Speed Rivals can now be the first to take a virtual test drive in the all-new Ford Mustang. The new Mustang is a available as a no-cost in-game update with with five custom paint jobs created using the online Mustang Customizer.

Friday, December 6, 2013

SEMA Drag Race! '70 Mustang vs Porsche 911 vs Ultra Four Buggy - 2013 SEMA



After a week of checking out the action at the 2013 SEMA Show, Greg, Finnegan and Fred meet at El Toro Marine Base to drag race a vehicle from their world. Representing the tuner side, Greg brings a 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo from bbi autosport. Not to be outdone, Finnegan enlists the 1970 Harbinger Mustang built by Agent 47, while Fred shows up with an LS3 powered Ultra Four Buggy from Bomber Fabrication.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Automotive Service (1940)



Impressions of the different jobs in automotive service and suggestions on training leading to entrance and to advancement in the trade.
Views of an ancient car, contrasted with scenes on busy streets and highways, illustrate the commentator's statement that with the growth of the automobile industry has come an increased demand for skilled automobile workmen. A mechanic replaces a camshaft, and grinds valves on an L-head and a valve-in-head engine as the commentator points out that in engine repair the tradesman must keep informed of new developments. Another mechanic works on a metal lathe as the commentator says that sometimes parts must be made in the shop. Still another mechanic welds a broken fender. An automotive electrician tests a coil. Other adjustments that the automotive serviceman is called upon to make are indicated by views of mechanics adjusting brakes, repairing an ignition switch, checking wheel alignment, and soldering a leaky radiator. Specialists in automotive service are indicated by views of an engine repair shop, fender and body shop, battery and electric shop, and brake and wheel alignment shop. The commentator says that in large garages there are opportunities for advancement for those who have technical knowledge, skill, and ability to meet the public. A salesman is shown talking to a prospective buyer as the commentator says that mechanics who become salesmen benefit from their knowledge of the operation of the motorcar.
The next sequence is on training for entrance and advancement in automotive service. Jobs open to beginners are suggested by views of a mechanic's helper and a worker in a parts department. The commentator emphasizes the importance of study for the man trying to advance in automotive service. Some training and study plans are suggested: service manuals, motion pictures, night school courses, trade schools, and correspondence courses.
The final sequence deals with opportunities for high school training for automotive service. A physics class studies the principles of the gas engine. In a mathematics class students work a problem in horsepower. The commentator emphasizes the importance of taking all the mathematics possible in high school. Views of classes in mechanical drawing and of automotive and machine shops are accompanied by brief commentary descriptions of the contributions of each to the training of the prospective automotive worker. Views of shop managers and mechanics at work and of an automobile assembly line are shown as the commentator says that with the steadily increasing output of motor vehicles there is considerable demand for automobile servicemen.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Did You Know -- Mustang



A peek at the early development of the original Ford Mustang and the intrigue behind its planning and launch.