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New Mustang added to the MY2022 lineup

The Coastal Limited Edition

There will be a new special edition in 2022 based on the 310-turbocharged-horsepower Mustang EcoBoost Premium fastback and convertible model, called the Coastal Limited Edition, embodying freedom while keeping the traditional style alive.

The optional ‘Coastal package’ comes with 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with dark-painted contrast, bespoke vinyl stripes along the side, and the engine hood. But also a signature Mustang rear fender side scoop, while a black grille makes her look more intimidating, a rear spoiler. When you open the doors a special ‘Coastal’ lighted sill plate is shown, while a special ‘Coastal’ badge is fitted on the dashboard in front of the passenger.

While the 2022 Mustang EcoBoost Premium comes with a U.S. MSRP of $32,225 before destination charges, the Coastal Limited Edition option adds $1,995 to the order sheet, but this option will limit the number of available exterior paints to Brittany Blue, Cyber Orange, and Rapid Red, with first deliveries intended for the Spring of 2022.

Code Orange now available exclusively on Shelby GT500

This very bright color, called Code Orange is an exclusive Ford Performance paint color that was previously available on the Ford F-150 Raptor, the Bronco Raptor, and the impressive Ford GT Le Mans-winning supercar, and it now comes to the Shelby GT500.

With the addition of Code Orange, the color palette for the 2022 Ford Mustang grows to nine shades: Atlas Blue Metallic, Brittany Blue Metallic (available on GT500 Heritage and Coastal Editions only), Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat, Dark Matter Gray Metallic, Eruption Green Metallic, Grabber Blue Metallic, and Mischievous Purple Metallic.

The Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition

There has been a Shelby GT500 back in 1967 already, and these are widely regarded as the top of the line when it comes to performance in the Ford Mustang range, building on the impressive legacy of Carroll Shelby, the GT500 is all about transforming a Ford Mustang into a street-legal racecar.

Back in 1967 Carroll Shelby, the famous American racer upgraded his legendary Mustang GT350 into the first-generation Shelby GT500 with a modified 428-cubic-inch V8 inspired by his team’s 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans, he called the Shelby GT500 “the first real car I’m really proud of.” And that feeling is still alive today, the Shelby GT500 is just as iconic today, being the most powerful and most advanced Mustang ever, just as it was 55 years ago when the first iteration was made.

The 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition is an homage to the 1967 model, only available as a fastback body style, and made in limited numbers, all of them finished in the exclusive Brittany Blue combined with two different Wimbledon White exterior stripe options, either painted or vinyl, whichever you prefer.

This 2022 evolution is Ford Performance most powerful street-legal Ford ever, with world-class muscle and powertrain technology that brings the Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition into the roam of supercar performance, the impressive 7-speed DCT is backed up by race-derived control strategies and multiple driving modes to offer an unforgettable experience to the driver.

A standard 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 comes with a U.S. MSRP of $72,900, but that does not include the $1,195 destination fee, nor the $2,600 Gas Guzzler Tax, but you really want to add the Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition package for just $2,140 more. However, if you insist on having the hand-painted stripes on the GT500 Heritage Edition package the additional cost rises to $12,140 on top of the Shelby GT500’s base U.S. MSRP.

November 16, 2021 / Comments Off

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World’s Most Affordable V8 Sports Car Adds More Editions, We Can’t Complain!

More special trims for the 2022 Ford Mustang. We now have the first-ever Stealth Edition Appearance Package for the EcoBoost and a new California Special for the V8 powered GT that features GT Performance Package option.

The Stealth Edition Appearance Package features 19-inch aluminum wheels finished in Ebony Black, black pony badges, a performance rear wing, black mirror caps and new clear LED tail light covers.

Additionally, the interior also features a unique instrument panel badge and lighted sill plates available in matte and gloss black. The Stealth Edition is readily available in Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Dark Matter and Shadow Black.

The new California Special Appearance Package pays homage to the original version’s blacked-out grille, rear fender scoop and side racing stripes. The package is available for the 2022 Mustang GT Premium fastback and convertible models.

2022 Mustang GT/CS

The exterior features the side stripes trademark running from the front fender to the rear fender scoop, California Special badge finished in Ebony Black, Race Red script on the trunk lid, honeycomb grille with ‘GT/CS’ badge and a large front splitter from the GT Performance Package.

The new California Special features a set of five-spoke 19-inch painted wheels and a signature strut tower brace with California Special badge on top of the engine. Additionally, a performance rear wing from the GT Performance Package is also available for the fastback model whereas spoiler delete is standard for the California Special convertible.

The interior elements include rich black Miko suede-trimmed door inserts and suede-trimmed seats with ‘GT/CS’ logo, red stitchings with custom embroidered ‘GT/CS’ floor mats and the instrument panel is finished in carbon hex aluminium with California Special signature on the passenger side.

The California Special Package is available in Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, Dark Matter, Grabber Blue Metallic, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red, Shadow Black and Oxford white.

October 8, 2021 / Comments Off

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Best V8 Engines Ever Produced

In almost all cases, manufacturers who choose to equip their cars with a V8 engine do so knowingly and deliberately. After all, such engines represent the first big step in crossing over a threshold to where performance becomes the sole focus; efficiency and economy are often not even invited as guests for a ride-along in the back seat.

With a quick glance at the back mirror, those pesky 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines begin to disappear into the horizon. Then, with the proverbial “pedal-to-the-medal”, the V8 power plant unanimously declares “all-in” with a loud roar – because this journey is all about thrill-seeking and checking things off the bucket list.

While high-performance V8 engines have normally been reserved for exotics – and muscle cars, in the more distant past – its application has been seen more in the mainstream these days. With the proliferation of automotive technologies, the V8 engine has become a gateway into the world of attainable supercar performance; each new engine is better than the one before it. But if you prefer roaring V10s, or hearty V12s, check these links out. However, if V8s are more your cup of tea, read on.

Here’s the shortlist of 10 such engines, curated for your reading pleasure:

Ferrari F106

Ferrari’s F106 V8 engine dates as far back as 1973, where it first featured in the Dino 308 GT4. Right from the get-go, it produced an impressive 250 hp from a 2.9L naturally-aspirated engine, which featured a flat-plane crank and dual-overhead cams.

Such was the longevity and capability of the F106 unit, that it continued to be used – with significant updates and revisions along the way, including electronic fuel injection and multi-valve heads – for more than 30 years. Notable models which were equipped with the engine include the F355, 360 Modena, and arguably the most famous Ferrari of them all; the Ferrari F40, which fashioned a twin-turbocharged version of the F106 producing 471 hp.

Dodge Supercharged Hemi

Dodge’s Hellcat series of cars have really taken the world by storm, offering almost unfathomable power in a non-exotic production vehicle – or any vehicle for that matter. It’s truly a revival of the “American muscle” movement, with the supercharged Hemi able to produce as much as 807 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque via the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Super Stock. Handling, agility, and all that other kind of stuff aside, this makes the Hellcat Challenger/Charger the quintessential American sports car which can be had for well under the 6-figure mark brand new.

The automaker is now offering the 6.2L ‘Redeye’ V8 as a crate engine (aptly nicknamed ‘Hellcrate’) through Mopar. It can be purchased at a starting price of US$21,807. The ‘Redeye’ version comes with a larger supercharger than the previous Hellcrate engine and has been tuned for more boost, a slightly higher redline, and a host of other improvements. These are what has allowed it to improve from 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque to its current 807 hp state. An absolute unit.

BMW S63

Like other automakers on this list, BMW is no stranger to producing some of the world’s best V8 engines. The latest incarnation would be its masterpiece ‘S63‘ – a 4.4L twin-turbocharged engine that produces at least 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the current-gen BMW M5 sedan.

Though it’s true that this grants the quintessential luxury-performance saloon some serious supercar credentials, a look back to days gone by reminds us that engines such as the ‘S62’ and ‘S65′ deserve just as much recognition for their contribution to the Bavarians’ V8 platform. Respectively, each engine displaced 4.9L and 4.0L and were both naturally aspirated.

Lexus 2UR-GSE

The 2UR-GSE is the latest iteration of Lexus‘ increasingly iconic naturally-aspirated V8 power plant. Currently reserved for the marque’s high-performance models – such as the IS F, RC F, GS F, LC 500, and brand-new IS 500 – the 5.0L engine blends typical Lexus reliability with a high-revving Japanese character. In its most powerful configuration, the 2UR-GSE produces 475 hp in the Lexus LC 500. Amidst an ever-changing landscape shifting towards hybridization and electrification, we hope that Lexus’ legendary naturally-aspirated V8 lives on for as long as possible

Much like our other selections, the 2UR-GSE owes much of its distinctions to predecessors such as the 1UZ-FE which debuted in 1989. This 4.0L V8 engine has proven to be bulletproof over the test of time, in addition to the universal recognition it has received for being smooth, refined, and sufficiently powerful for its intended application. It has served as the platform upon which the formidable GSE would eventually be conceived.

Ferrari F136

The F136 succeeded the legendary F106, first appearing as a 4.3L naturally-aspirated engine in the 2004 Ferrari F430, producing 483 hp. Like the F106, the F136 would see widespread application throughout the Ferrari lineup; however, it was also featured on a number of Maserati models in concert with the relationship between the two marques.

Most notably, a 454 hp, 4.7L version of the F136 featured on the Maserati GranTurismo and is widely regarded as having one of the best engine/exhaust notes to come out of the V8. The F136 would reach its zenith in the Ferrari 458 Italia Speciale, where it cranked out a massive 597 hp from its 4.5L naturally-aspirated power plant.

Perhaps the most significant (and regretful) fact about the F136, is that it is the last naturally-aspirated V8 engine Ferrari would ever produce. It was replaced by the twin-turbocharged F154 V8 engine in 2015, where it debuted on the Ferrari 488 GTB.

McLaren M830T / M840T

Despite only producing V8-powered automobiles since as recently as 2011 (via the MP4-12C), you could argue that McLaren‘s engineers are truly the world’s V8 engine artisans, and few would dispute that. After all, it’s virtually all they know these days, with every single McLaren model – bar the V6-hybrid McLaren Artura – fitted with some adaptation of their M838T or M840T twin-turbocharged V8 motors.

The 3.8L M838T is found in its Sports Series range of cars, which includes the entry-level McLaren 540C and goes all the way up to the indomitable 666 hp McLaren 675 LT. The 4.0L M840T features on all of the Super Series cars, which covers the ‘700 range’ of models, plus the addition of the McLaren GT. In its Ultimate form, the 4.0L unit – dubbed the M840TR – produces 814 hp in the McLaren Senna GTR. The McLaren Speedtail hybrid ‘hyper GT produces some 1,035 hp through the combination of an M840T and electric motor.

GM Small Block LT1/LT2

Introduced in 2014 for the C7 Corvette, the 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 LT1 engine is part of GM’s 5th-generation small block engine family. It continues to be used on the present-day Camaro, with a new version of the engine – known as the LT2 – carrying on the bloodline via the brand new mid-engine C8 Corvette. The LT2 retains the 6.2L capacity but is more powerful than the LT1, producing at least 495 hp and 470 lb-ft in its latest configuration.

This was achieved by designing more efficient air-intakes sand exhaust manifolds, while also featuring a better lubrication system and more resilient camshaft. While it’s not a monster-out-of-the-box like say, Dodge’s Hellcat engine, the lightweight naturally-aspirated powerplant remains perfectly suited for what the Corvette is the best at delivering – brilliant all-around performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable options. The still-relevant LT1 is now being offered as a crate engine via GM’s performance division, with its 460 hp on tap for under US$10,000. Project car, anyone?

Audi 4.2L FSI

When Audi’s 4.2L FSI V8 engine was introduced, it was a bit of a departure from what Audi enthusiasts had grown accustomed to over the years. As one of the marques which helped to proliferate the use of turbochargers on production cars, the aforementioned engine first appeared in the 2006 Audi RS4 as a high-revving naturally-aspirated power plant.

Over time, it proved to be a fan-favorite in spite of its lack of forced induction and featured on such models as the RS5 and mid-engined R8. As a naturally aspirated unit, the FSI V8 was able to rev up to 8,250 rpm and had a distinctively exotic exhaust note, regardless of the model it was mounted in.

The engine remained naturally-aspirated up until its use in the 444 hp Audi RS5; since then, recent iterations of the engine are now turbocharged and produce up to 600 hp.

Mercedes-AMG M178

The modern-day Mercedes-AMG line-up is blessed with their omnipotent ‘M178’ 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, which itself deserves all the plaudits and is a shoo-in for selection. While it’s the most advanced iteration of the automaker’s V8, our personal favorite would have to be the ‘M156’ 6.2L V8 first powered the 467 hp naturally-aspirated C63 AMG. Like its successor, the M156 would feature in almost every Mercedes-AMG model of that era, including the SL63.

The ultimate version of this V8 motor would be the ‘M159’, which was equipped in the automaker’s flagship SLS supercar, producing 622 hp. The SLS has since been succeeded by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which produces 720 hp from its twin-turbocharged ‘M178’, and recently set the new production car lap record at the Nürburgring.

Ford ‘Voodoo’ Flat-Plane

The ‘Voodoo’ engine produced by Ford is a 5.2L naturally-aspirated V8 which was made especially for cars such as the 526 hp Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R. Suffice to say, the Voodoo was a match made in heaven for the line-up’s most balanced and track-focused Mustang models. By utilizing a flat-plane crankshaft, the engine weighs less and revs faster and higher (to 8,250 rpm) than the otherwise standard engines in other models. Its configuration also gives it an almost-exotic exhaust note, border-lining on ‘un-American’ – but owners won’t mind, as their domestic car hangs just fine with the exotics and other high-end sports cars on the race-track.

Following the template of past flat-plane V8 engines, the Voodoo applies similar principles as engines that once powered hot-rods and muscle cars back in the 20th century – with impressive bang-for-buck, the engines produced big horsepower at a fraction of the cost of what was used in European sports cars and even domestic rivals. This provided owners with a rightfully potent automobile, and extra money left in the bank. It’s hard to argue with that!

July 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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Carbon Fiber options for the Shelby GT500

I’m a big fan of clear carbon fiber on a car, and while I’m a Lamborghini guy, I don’t really like their Forged Composite lightweight material, it looks add, I’m old-fashioned, just give me a nice, old school carbon fiber weave with a satin or high gloss topcoat and I’m happy.

So when Ford Performance Parts released some amazing clear carbon fiber parts for the already impressive Mustang Shelby^® GT500^®, they got my attention, I rather like a GT500, I think it really is an impressive Ford Mustang, these amazing looking carbon fiber parts were shown at the GT500 track tour event at Texas International Speedway outside Dallas.

In total there are four carbon fiber parts being available now, a front hood vent and rain tray kit ($1,185), front lower spoiler replacement complete with undertray ($1,820), complemented by a stunning front bumper insert ($1,150) and a very nice rear decklid trim panel that fits between the taillights ($575).

“Authenticity and personalization are what our Mustang Shelby GT500 customers want, and our new carbon fiber performance accessories provide an elevated track-proven look from every angle,” said Mark Wilson, Ford North America vehicle personalization, planning, and operations manager. “Beyond leveraging this high-performance material to reduce weight, we track-tested and validated its durability at Ford Performance Racing School in North Carolina.”

Most of the carbon fiber parts achieve a reduction of almost 50% on the standard parts they replace, in total 9 pounds gets taken from the original weight of the GT500, these new parts provide additional authentic carbon fiber options for Shelby GT500 buyers to supplement the existing Shelby GT500 Carbon Fiber Track Package, which includes 20-inch carbon fiber wheels, an exposed carbon-fiber instrument panel and GT4 track wing, splitter wickers and more.

GT500 and Shelby are registered trademarks of Carroll Hall Shelby Trust.

April 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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Roush Performance option almost doubles the price on a 2021 Mustang

The most powerful ROUSH Performance Mustang has just been revealed, the 2021 Stage 3 option brings the total power output of the Mustang to 750 hp with 670 lb-ft torque, but still comes with a 5 year, or 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

It has been 25 years since the first ROUSH Mustang was made to bring track performance to the streets, this new 2021 ROUSH Stage 3 package comes with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic transmission … and just in case 750 hp with 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds isn’t enough, ROUSH has an optional upgrade to 775 hp available too.

The ROUSH Stage 3 package isn’t only about power, it also comes with aerodynamic add-ons for the Mustang, like a new front splitter complete with wheel shrouds, while the front hood gets extra air vents to keep that 5.0L Coyote V8 engine cool, but Stage 3 also comes with the ROUSH Powertrain Cooling Package with additional coolers behind each of the high flow corner pockets.

The ROUSH Stage 3 comes in multiple packages, the base ‘Signature Package’ at $24,995, comes with the 750 hp Phase 2 Supercharger, the R9 aero kit, special MagneRide(r) suspension, the aforementioned Powertrain Cooling Package. At the rear you’ll get four, black tips on the performance exhaust while the interior gets a Sport Package upgrade, wheels are Jet black 20-inch Flowform with Continental Sport tires.

With the ‘Competition Package’ comes the active exhaust, some engine bay styling, a premium car cover, and special lug nuts … but things get more interesting with the ‘Podium Package’ that includes both preview packs and adds a stunning, Active Aero carbon fiber rear wing and Brembo GT brakes for the front.

And these packs don’t even list the optional power upgrade to 775 hp Power Upgrade, or an X pipe exhaust, Agata grey 20-inch Forged wheels are an option too … and just in case you prefer a convertible, ROUSH has a Convertible Style bar on the options list for you.

As standard, the interior in the Stage 3 kit comes with black leather sport seats and multiple ROUSH dials and badges, but you can opt for Black or Amaretto tinted premium-design leather and Billet pedals to complement that billet aluminum paddle shifters.

So if you really want to have a special Mustang, the ROUSH Stage 3 package will add at least $24,995 on top of the base price for a regular Ford Mustang GT Fastback that starts at $36,120 before options, but somehow I doubt many ROUSH customer will start with a base model Mustang to add this Stage 3 kit onto. If you want to create a ROUSH Stage 3 Convertible you’ll have to start with the Mustang GT Premium Convertible at $45,620.

February 12, 2021 / Comments Off

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Special Report: One Last Drive – Bullitt Mustang

The word ‘icon’ is banded about a lot in the auto industry. In my mind, there are a few categories that are defined by the cars which have been sold for generations. Think SUV and Defender or G Wagon will, more likely than not, be projected in your mind. Supermini? Mini. Hot Hatch? Golf GTi. This is quickly morphing to a scenario not too dissimilar to laying flat on a red sofa in a psychiatrists office and being probed for the first word a blot of ink conjures. One more: Muscle Car? Ford Mustang.

Unlike the other aforementioned icons, I have never driven a Mustang. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it took 52 years for the Mustang to be sold in the UK, 2016 was a big year for the ‘Stang. Secondly, I didn’t fancy a Mustang for one of my fly-and-drive visits to the States as I feared losing my Mustang v plates to a 4-cylinder which, like my first time losing other v plates, would have been all to brief and underwhelming. I needed to wait for the right time, place and specification to captivate me enough to take the dive. The final drive of the year is always a special one for me. Most sane human beings would rather curl up next to the fire with their loved ones watching mushy Christmas movies than ever consider going for a drive for anything more than another bag of sprouts. I, on the other hand, can think of nothing worse that sitting on a sofa for days on end eating my weight in mince pies. Instead, I packed the, self made, mince pies into a plastic box and jumped into a car, one that I have been waiting decades to drive.

Bullitt Mustang – Zaid Hamid

Why decades? Because of a movie titled ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ that I watched as a 6-year-old at the turn of the millennium. The movie itself was nothing to write home about. There were two stand out scenes – one featured Angelina Jolie (I’m sure you can imagine why) and the other, more relevantly, focused on a 1967 Shelby Mustang called Elanor. It was the hero car of the movie and one that captivated six and 60-year-olds alike, I guess the same can be said for Angelina.

Bear with me, I’m not rambling aimlessly, movie cars really do capture the hearts and minds of viewers. For me it was Gone in 60 Seconds, for the generation of movie goers in 1968, it was Bullitt, the hero car was a Mustang. Much like Gone in 60 Seconds, the movie itself was never destined to win Oscars, but, there were a couple of scenes that have been viewed millions of times on YouTube (add to the tally by watching below).

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Enough of the old, what’s the deal with the movie talk? Well, the Mustang I’m buckling into is a tribute to the Bullitt car you see above. The link is obvious – the wheels, Highland Green paint, distinct lack of pony badges and cue ball gear shifter have all be copied and pasted onto the 2019 Mustang. It is available with a Mustang ordered with the 5.0-litre V8 (no EcoBoost silliness here) with the manual box and not as a convertible – the good stuff then. This was the perfect opportunity to drive my first Mustang. Back to the mince pies, they were secured on the lap of my copilot, an equally deranged human that suggested we compliment the mince pies with a drive to feed a reindeer herd a few hours drive out of London.

The drive involved long flowing sections of well paved ‘highway’ where the V8 could sing, and twisty country roads where the chassis balance and gearbox could be put to the test. The Bullitt package is not just cosmetic. Adding to the appeal are a plethora of parts that you cannot configure on any other Mustang. Power is up to 453bhp, part due to the intake manifold from the GT350 which has the added benefit of making the Mustang sound like a V8 NASCAR. Furthermore, ticking the Bullitt box adds the Ford’s GT Performance Package which, apparently, improves chassis control significantly courtesy of suspension springs that have been lowered and stiffened by another few degrees, beefed-up anti-roll bars, recalibrated dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Tasty. Magnetorheological adaptive dampers are fitted to the car I am driving and a noticeable difference can be felt through the modes.

How did it feel on the road to visiting Rudolph and co? Refreshing, if you’re a regular reader you’ll know I’m that guy raving about how sublime Porsches are and how the feel and feedback of a McLaren is so delightful. Jumping into a naturally aspirated, manually operated American muscle car is a far cry from the usual for me and it was an unforgettable experience. There is a raw, old school feel. There is immense character and a connection that comes with less sophisticated cars.

The Bullitt Mustang is one of the best examples of that. The traction control seems to be too busy to stop you from pulling massive angles out of every junction. The cold and salt paved streets at this time of year mean you can feel the chassis shuffling underneath you and there is so much confidence in its abilities. The gearbox is fabulous, the cue ball is gorgeous and the rev-matched downshift bring a smile to your face and the revs yelp. The digital dash is tremendous and there a host of layouts to pick from. The Recaros hug you tight and are immensely comfortable and are almost good enough to make up for the questionable build quality, poor plastics and terrible infotainment system. Then again, the Mustang is a unique offering and I am just pleased to be able to drive a manual V8 free of turbochargers – the infotainment could be running Windows ’95 and I would still be grinning from ear-to-ear. The noise from the exhaust is bewitching in race mode and eggs you on to chase the redline.

Bullitt Mustang – Zaid Hamid

The car does feel massive on tight British country lanes but the car still feels reasonably nimble. Big open motorways are where it really can be set free. The engine isn’t the most responsive below 3,000, you need to wind it up and it really is explosive in the mid-range. The gearbox, though physically great to shift, needs to be handled with patience. The engine does not like to be rushed, this is not a Cayman GT4 that relishes a lightening quick shift.

The Bullitt Mustang really is a unique proposition and like nothing I have ever driven before. It brims with character and presents endless joy. You’ll want to find any excuse to drive it down your favourite road at any time of day. It is a very special car, one that will make you feel better than cars that cost two or three times the price. It feels even better than it looks.

P.S. Ford, please make an Elanor edition, I’ll be ready with my deposit.

GTSPIRIT NEWSLETTER

December 28, 2019 / Comments Off

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1973 Ford Mustang Trans-Am Coupe

This beaut is now up for auction, a 1973 Ford Mustang Trans-Am Coupe that’s reminiscent of Ford’s Pony era in 1965.

Now more commonly known as Trans-Am, Trans-American Sedan Championship cars was a racing series that served as the Sports Car club of America’s first attempt at a manufacturers’ championship formula for modified sedans and coupes. This series has ran on a bevy of different courses, including streets, airport circuits, modern road courses, and race tracks.

According to RM Sotheby’s, this particular unit up for auction is one of two body-in-white cars sent to Ford after Kar Kraft shut down, which ended Ford support for factory racing. Warren Tope, of Tope Racing, assembled the other unit’s chassis and swiftly pushed it to the track. Ed Hinchliff, of Hinchliff Racing, assembled the car you see above, using factory parts and Kar Kraft blueprints. He even sought the help of Lee Dykstra and Mitch Marci, two former Kar Kraft engineers.

It features a heavily modified 351 cubic-inch V8 engine from Rousch. And it includes proper documentation, too. Gawk at its storied racing history to get a sense of the places it’s been. Unfortunately, the ride needs a proper restoration, still. A little TLC might go a long way toward reviving this golden age racer back to its classic, sophisticated roots. You likely won’t bring back its original, fresh verve. But don’t fret. With a little tuning up, this might still be eligible for vintage racing events across the country. Hit the link below to find out more.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

April 30, 2019 / Comments Off

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LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Hoonicorn

Seriously, what’s with LEGOs all of a sudden? Bugatti made a LEGO version of the Chiron a while back, and more recently, the McLaren Senna went through the same brick-enthused makeover. And now this Technic Ford Mustang Hoonicorn, which, guess what, is also yet another LEGO incarnation.

Not that we’re complaining, of course. In fact, it takes enormous craftsmanship to be able to pull that off, first and foremost, and we commend Bugatti and McLaren for doing so. But this one isn’t exactly a life-size LEGO replica. Quite the opposite, in fact.

If you follow drift racing legend Ken Block, you know the Ford Mustang Hoonicorn is one of his most iconic rides. We’ll never get to ride that, of course. But thanks to master LEGO builder Lachlan Cameron, we can have the next best thing — a drivable Technic version.

Unfortunately, it’s just the size of an RC car. Still, it’s a plastic building block project definitely worthy of your time. Cameron’s project is a spot-on recreation of Block’s ride. The best part is Cameron has detailed how to build it, so all you folks at home can cobble one up, as well. It even comes packing an electric drivetrain.

You can add buwizz batteries to make it go even faster. Cameron says it’s precisely because of buwizz that this Hoonicorn rips. There are four modes you can tinker with here, from Slow to Ludicrous. That icing on top really rounds it all out, turning it into a tiny but legitimate eight-speed machine.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of lachlan Cameron

April 10, 2019 / Comments Off

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Mustang with Lamborghini V10 Engine and Interior to be Auctioned

Auctioneers, Barrett Jackson recently listed a novelty lot for its Scottsdale 2019 auction. Originally a show car, built for the SEMA show, this Ford Mustang has a massive Lamborghini-shaped twist.

If the name doesn’t give it away (Tractorri) the twist is that this Ford Mustang sits on the running gear of a Lamborghini Gallardo! It is believed to be the only conversion of its type, taking the 5.2 litre V10 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission from the Italian supercar.

Evidently, a huge amount of work has gone into engineering this one-off supercar. Barrett Jackson mention figures in the region of $700,000 which presumably covers the cost of both Ford and Lamborghini donor cars. What’s more, it appears as though it has actually been used, although not extensively. The odometer shows 2,564 actual miles.

The name Tractorri is a supposed tribute to Ferrucio Lamborghini’s humble beginnings, building tractors for agriculture.

The Tractorri features completely custom bodywork with a unique front end, Porsche 911 Turbo turn signals, steel fender flares and factory Lamborghini taillights. Inside, the dashboard has been custom chopped to fit something virtually identical to the Lamborghini Gallardo. Normally we are sceptical about these sorts of projects, this one actually looks well executed.

It is being sold with no reserve. No price estimate has been given but we suspect that it will fall short of recovering the $700,000 build cost. If you are looking for something unique though, you need look no further!

December 16, 2018 / Comments Off

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Aviar All-Electric R67 Mustang

Vintage American muscle cars and the term eco-friendly aren’t often mentioned in the same sentence. As someone who once owned a ’66 Ford Mustang that got a cool 7 miles to the gallon, I feel…

1968 Shelby GT500 KR On Auction

We are hyped to see another perfect example of Americana head on up to auction. Motorcar Studio just recently listed a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR and it looks jaw-dropping. Most car geeks are aware that Ford hit pay dirt in 1965 when it unveiled the Mustang. Even now, a lot of classic car collectors continue to revere the model as one of the most essential muscle cars to have in your fleet.

In its heyday and even until now, the Ford Mustang is one handsome sports car that packs a punch. However, with a splash of Carroll Hall Shelby’s magic, it practically became a coveted gem. The late American automotive designer’s workshop fine-tuned the quintessential pony car and made it into a cult classic.

Currently listed at $139,900, this 1968 Shelby-tuned brute sports a macho Highland Green Metallic coat. A peek under the hood reveals a supposedly original 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine—rated at 335 horsepower and mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The black and brown interior of the cabin adds splashes of wood accents that further enhance its classic vibe. Nowadays, it’s difficult to find models like these that are still in excellent condition.

1968 Shelby GT500 KR

Photos courtesy of Motorcar Studio

November 1, 2018 / Comments Off

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October 23, 2018 / Comments Off

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Ford GT, Mustang GT, Focus RS and more go head-to-head in Spain

Ford Performance has a pretty stellar lineup. There seems to be a vehicle for everyone, whether you want a supercar, a hot hatch or even a Baja-blasting pickup. Sometime during pre-season testing of the Ford GT race car, all eight Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team drivers decided to have a go around Motorland near Barcelona, Spain, in all eight currently available Ford Performance vehicles (that means two Fiestas and no Edge ST). Even with a staggered start, the finishing order isn’t surprising. Watch the full video above.

The eight cars are the F-150 Raptor, the outgoing Ford Fiesta ST, the new Ford Fiesta ST, the Ford Focus RS, the Ford Mustang GT, the Shelby GT350, the Ford GT and the GT LM GTE-Pro race car. The race begins with a staggered start, beginning with the Raptor and ending with the GT LM GTE-Pro. It’s funny to watch the Raptor roll its way through the corners as the first Fiesta ST starts to close in on the rear. The end of the video was likely staged, but Ford did release all eight lap times.

For clarity’s sake, the red Fiesta ST is the outgoing model that’s currently available in the U.S.. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four (Ford lists the European model’s 180 horsepower rating). The new car is powered by a 200 horsepower 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-three. That model isn’t available in the U.S. and likely won’t make it over.

Car and drivers:

Driver	Vehicle	Engine	Power	Lap Time
Ryan Briscoe	F-150 Raptor	3.5L EcoBoost V6	450HP	2:30.65
Dirk Müller	Fiesta ST	1.6L EcoBoost I4	180 HP	2:19.01
Harry Tincknell	Fiesta ST	1.5L EcoBoost I3	200 HP	2:16.58
Richard Westbrook	Focus RS	2.3L EcoBoost I4	350 HP	2:11.01
Stefan Mücke	Mustang GT	5.0L V8	460 HP	2:06.19
Joey Hand	Shelby GT350 R	5.2L V8	526 HP	1:58.14
Olivier Pla	GT	3.5L EcoBoost V6	647 HP	1:50.02
Andy Priaulx	GT LM GTE-Pro	3.5L EcoBoost V6	N/A	1:40.00

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January 29, 2018 / Comments Off

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