2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: The race-ready 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca (foreground) and the street-legal Mustang Boss 302 (background). (Image: Ford)

They reengineered an entire dynamometer cell to handle the engine’s projected 7,500 rpm redline; put the first engines into Boss 302R race cars and sent them straight onto the track; and they designed a torture test equivalent to running the Daytona 250 race flat-out more than 175 times – in a row.

Only when the 440-hp V8 passed these tests, ensuring maximum power output without sacrificing durability, reliability and drivability, was it worthy of being called a Boss.

Bulletproof and blower-free

Planning began with a small group of engineers within the 5.0-liter V8 team. Starting with open minds and enlisting the help of two members of the original 1969 Boss 302 design team, the group began working its way toward the ultimate evolution of the new 5.0-liter: 440 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a broad, flat output curve all the way through its projected 7,500 rpm redline.

The Mustang team knew a supercharger would be the simplest way to extract significant power improvements from the new 5.0-liter V8, but they elected not to pursue forced induction for the 2012 Boss to stay true to the original Boss 302 engine.

“The core group of engineers on the Boss 302 engine understands and respect the heritage of the name and the history behind the original engine,” explains Mike Harrison, Ford V8 engine program manager. “The first Boss 302 was a specially built, free-breathing, high-revving small V8 that gave it certain desirable characteristics on a race course – and we capture that essence in the new engine.”

The team also realized the additional hardware meant more weight, the bane of any racing program and the opposite of what the Boss design team was attempting to achieve. Instead, the same technology that has made the new Mustang GT engine such a formidable force was applied to the Boss 302.

“In keeping with the spirit of the original, the new Boss 302 engine achieves its maximum power output at speeds at or above 7,500 rpm,” says Harrison. “Unlike the original engine, however, low-speed torque and driveability are uncompromised thanks to twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology and computer-aided engineering design tools.”

Harrison and his team began exploring Boss 302 concepts starting with the engine’s ability to breathe – essential to the production of horsepower. Because credible track performance requires high power production between 5,000 rpm and 7,000 rpm, the team needed a new approach to intake manifold design.

Borrowing from the Ford Daytona Prototype engines, the resulting short-runners-in-the-box design virtually eliminates lag when the throttle is snapped open while producing peak power output at high rpm.

“The effect of the new intake design is dramatic,” says Harrison. “When I took the prototype car to Mustang Chief Engineer Dave Pericak, he took a short drive, tossed me the keys and said ‘Book it…it’s in the program.’ He knew what we were onto, and that’s really the point where the Boss 302 was born.”

To take advantage of the racing intake manifold, cylinder head airflow was fully optimized by CNC porting the entire intake and exhaust port and combustion chamber. The painstaking machining process takes 2.5 hours per head to complete.

To accompany the higher peak-power engine speed, the team had to engineer a lightweight, high-speed valvetrain and bulletproof reciprocating assembly that would not only hold together for 150,000-plus miles but also produce power at peak rpm.

“What most people don’t realize is that engine stresses increase exponentially as engine speeds rise,” explains Harrison. “So moving up from GT’s 7,000 rpm redline required significant re-engineering of many different parts. Sacrificing reliability and usability over the GT engine was never an option.”

Some of the Boss-specific parts contributing to the Boss 302 V8’s output and durability include:

• Revised composite intake system with shorter runners, inspired by Daytona Prototype racing engines, for high-rpm breathing
• Forged aluminum pistons and upgraded sinter-forged connecting rods for improved strength, needed for the higher combustion pressures and engine speeds
• New high-strength aluminum-alloy cylinder heads with fully CNC-machined ports and chambers for exceptional high-rpm airflow without sacrificing low-speed torque
• Lightened valvetrain components to provide excellent dynamic performance up to speeds well above the engine redline
• Sodium-filled exhaust valves for improved heat dissipation
• Race-specification crankshaft main and rod bearings for higher load capability and improved high-speed durability
• 5W50 full-synthetic oil with engine oil cooler for improved oil pressure and longer-lasting lubrication during extreme racing conditions
• Revised oil pan baffling for improved oil control under racing conditions and during cornering loads greater than 1.0 g

Close connection with race teams

Contrary to normal engine development protocol, the first batch of durability test engines weren’t installed in an engine dyno. Instead, thanks to a request from Ford Racing, they went straight to the track.

“Ford Racing had challenged the Boss engine team to give them the first available Boss 302 engines,” explains Harrison. “They came to us in August 2009 and told us they needed engines as soon as possible to build a limited number of Ford Racing Boss 302R cars for the January Daytona race. They got the engines 12 weeks later and the team got five Boss 302R cars prepped for the January race. This gave us a fantastic opportunity to be able to get full-on race experience with the engine so early in the program.”

The Boss engines have run reliably all season without a single mechanical failure. Boss 302R cars have also racked up the most laps led so far this season in Grand-Am racing.

Using race telemetry, the Boss team has been able to gather on-track data to help optimize engine calibrations, oil pan designs and cooling. In order to engage in virtual racing whenever they needed, the team used the telemetry data to re-create a hot lap at Daytona on the dyno back in Dearborn, allowing further fine-tuning.

“Working with Ford Racing has been invaluable,” said Harrison. “They were a wealth of information for setting up torque and power curves for road racing and for identifying areas of concern during track runs that we wouldn’t have considered if we were just building a hot street engine. Every Boss 302 owner will benefit from their contributions to the program.”

Production engine durability testing

Despite its racing heritage – and the rigors of track-day testing – the Boss 302 V8 is still a production Ford engine, built alongside the 5.0-liter GT engine at Essex Engine Plant in Ontario, Canada. That means it has to meet or exceed all the standard durability testing every Ford engine is required to complete.

The high-winding engine presented a challenge: The engine had no trouble staying together at its redline, but the Ford durability dynamometers weren’t designed to operate at the speeds the Boss engine was capable of.

“Ford had no engine test cells built to run at that kind of sustained speed,” said Harrison. “Ford Racing had one, but it wasn’t instrumented to do production durability testing. So we had to re-engineer the dyno cell with new balancers and jackshafts so the dyno wouldn’t fly apart running at redline hour after hour.”

Once an adequate test stand was configured, the Boss engine was run at its full rated output for tens of millions of cycles, eventually outperforming its specifications at every stage of testing. Engineers calculated that the test regimen was equivalent to running the Daytona 250 race flat-out more than 175 times – in a row.

Team members also devised an additional durability test specific to the Boss 302 engine – one that reflects the unique demands of Boss drivers. The engine was subjected to a regimen simulating 1,500 quarter-mile races typical of events at drag strips across the country.

“Even though the production Boss engine is designed to be very close to a full race engine, it had to achieve the same vehicle durability signoff any other production engine requires,” says Harrison. “Then it went on to get the track durability test signoff too. It’s really an engineering accomplishment that a Boss owner can thrash his car on the track and still expect the same outstanding reliability that the owner of a regular Mustang GT will enjoy.”

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 (Image: Ford)

What racing fans haven’t known is that the Boss 302R has also been serving as a very public test bed for the all-new road-going Mustang Boss 302, a car that, until recently, has been secret even to many people at the company.

“The old adage that ‘racing improves the breed’ held true as we were building the production Boss 302,” explains David Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Since the Boss 302R race cars used many of our planned production parts, we had the advantage of six months’ worth of racing telemetry to add to our standard battery of environmental tests pulled from the 2011 Mustang program. The track experience was helpful in identifying improvements we could make on the production Boss – particularly the Laguna Seca model – to provide a competitive race car right off the showroom floor.”

Identical parts, repeatable results

Collaborating with Ford Racing, the Mustang team decided if they were going to use the 302R for full-scale testing, then the race car would need to use planned production components to get valid data. As a result, engineers installed the first Boss 5.0-liter engine that came off the line directly into the 2011 302R development mule for track testing.

“The 302R engines come straight off our production line with the same short block,” explains Mike Harrison, Ford V8 engine program manager. “The forged pistons, stronger connecting rods and all the other refinements were already designed for racing, so it was straightforward to take what we learned on the track and apply it to the production car.”

The results using the initial engine design were encouraging, though the data pointed out potential concerns with both engine cooling and oil control. Specifically, the car needed more of both, so aerodynamic elements in the front of the car were revised to improve airflow efficiency.

Also, under the hood the Boss radiator was redesigned and plumbing changes were implemented to more effectively use the additional airflow the new fascia aero treatment was able to supply – all changes that have been implemented on standard production Boss models and the race-ready Laguna Seca cars.

Using software that plotted oil pressure at specific g loads and at particular parts of the track, engineers isolated the motions causing oil starvation. Based on the track telemetry, baffles were added in specific locations, eliminating the issue without adding any more weight than necessary.

To aid the brakes, an aggressive engine braking algorithm was employed in the powertrain control module (PCM) – the engine braking allows the driver to brake later in turns, reducing wear on the friction brakes. Brake cooling ducts from Ford Racing were found to dramatically improve fade resistance – the ducts became standard on the 302R and the Boss Laguna Seca, and are available over the counter for standard Boss models.

“Racing can serve as a technical proving ground for production cars,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang Boss 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT, and many of the 302R components and much of the engineering knowledge shared between our teams will soon be available to customers in the 2012 Mustang Boss 302. The tradition and the spirit of Boss, a car born for the track, remain today and you can bet more than a few Ford Racing employees will have a Boss 302 in the garage soon.”

It's the stuff dreams are made of. One lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT that will serve as the Official Pace Car for the 52nd Daytona 500 prior to the race. (Image: Ford)

Before the new Ford Mustang takes to the track, one lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the pace car pony and help a deserving charity at the same time.

The Race Red Mustang, which carries a special Daytona 500 striped paint scheme, will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will be televised live on the SPEED channel. All proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

“Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world’s greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time.”

According to Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, while many collectors have experienced the thrill of buying pace vehicles and historic racers on the Barrett-Jackson auction block, buying a pace car before it hits the track has never happened before at the famed auction house.

“It would be a thrill to own this early VIN, one-of-one 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car and watch it lead the famous race in February,” he said. “And knowing that you helped an amazing organization like JDRF would make it even better.”

This is the first time in four decades that a Ford Motor Company vehicle will pace the Daytona 500. The last time was in 1970 when the Ford Torino GT convertible had the honors.

In addition to the special paint, the Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, summer-only tires and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates. It also carries an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8s made available for sale to the public.

2011 Ford Mustang GT: Heritage, high technology and horsepower

The all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing 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. For 2011, the new Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering, 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.

A Brembo brake package upgrade – featuring larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang – will be available for serious enthusiasts. Unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires also will be offered.

The new Mustang GT also offers drivers new convenience technologies, including:

• Standard message center
• Integrated blind spot mirrors
• MyKey™ programmable vehicle key

From the signature 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 are being added for 2011; along with Race Red, these include Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat and Ingot Silver.

2011 Lincoln MKX: New, industry-exclusive technologies and engaging design featuring world-class craftsmanship and materials further elevate the 2011 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury crossover (Image: Ford)

The split-wing grille that distinguishes Lincoln leads off the extensive MKX freshening. Its unique execution creates a layering effect to the front end, adding texture and depth as the hood’s subtle indentations create a sculpted, modern feel. Bright accents are added to the lower door moldings, executed in a tapered style to add a sense of flow and energy to the side view.

Vibrant, high-tech execution found throughout

The lamps of the 2011 Lincoln MKX are precisely executed with more brightwork. Attention to detail is apparent within the chrome bezel, which appears to float within the black housing and contains separate compartments for the headlamp and the secondary lens for turning. The available adaptive high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps rotate according to speed and steering inputs to allow greater visibility around turns. The auxiliary lamp bezel likewise is a more flowing and sculpted bright piece that integrates and complements the lower fascia opening.

Updates to the rear of the Lincoln MKX also reflect a greater emphasis on upscale style and innovation. The lamps are now two distinct pieces that employ an indirect LED (light-emitting diode) system that hides the light source while allowing the light intensity to shine through. Reverse sensors of the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) are integrated into the reflectors while the Lincoln star sits proudly on a new appliqué. Finally, the 4-inch oval exhaust tips, significantly larger on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, increase the unique luxury crossover’s presence as well.

The new 18- and 20-inch wheels are more dynamic and expressive. Instead of a familiar linear or blocky appearance, the wheels instead encompass a variety of undulating and complex shapes that help the 2011 Lincoln MKX appear always in motion. The vibrant wheel shapes again underscore the enhanced feel of craftsmanship and attention to detail found throughout.

“The 2011 Lincoln MKX is brimming with segment-first technology and Lincoln signature design and style,” said Ha. “Technology that people need is perfectly embedded within the styling that customers want.”

Hottest Muscle Car on Earth - says Nelly about the new Ford Mustang (Image: Ford)

“I don’t care where you grew up, everyone knows the Mustang. At some point, you’ve had a conversation about a Mustang – and it was probably one about you wanting to get behind the wheel of one,” says Nelly. “I’ve always loved the Mustang; the vehicle has power to the point where you can’t help but want to hit the pedal. And the newest one? More power, hotter style.”

Nelly talking to the press at Detroits Motor-Show NAIAS (Image: Ford)

Nelly’s tricked-out Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Ford’s design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Since then, Nelly has collaborated with Ford’s design team and DUB’s customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.

Crystal Worthem, Ford’s Multicultural Marketing communications manager, says Nelly is an amazing partner for Ford: Nelly has an impressive history within the entertainment world, just as the Mustang has a strong history within the automotive world.

“Nelly is a true car guy, there’s no denying that. When Nelly expressed interest in wanting to partner with Ford on the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang GT, we knew it was a perfect fit,” said Worthem.

“The Mustang has such appeal within the urban market. Since it was launched, the vehicle has made appearances in several of the most popular urban films,” Worthem added. “This was just a great opportunity for Ford, and we’re excited that the Mustang GT is going to be a part of one of the most anticipated albums of 2010.”

The exterior of the vehicle features a custom gloss black paint job with flat black racing stripes and a Street Scenes body kit complete with custom 22- and 24-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle also includes a billet grille, hood scoop, tinted taillights, angel eyes headlights and a Borla exhaust.

In addition, the interior is a complete suede and leather design with a custom JL Audio system that includes two 12-inch subwoofers, amps and speakers.

Nelly says he can’t wait to hit the streets in his 2011 Mustang GT.

“I’m itching to get behind the wheel of my Mustang and really take it out on the streets. This vehicle being a part of my album artwork is just a reflection of the direction and feel that the album has. To be able to partner with Ford again on another vehicle that is going to change the automotive game is exciting,” said Nelly.

2011 Ford Mustang GT

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of 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.

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

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
• Rear headrests

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.

“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.

Improved NVH control and convertible rigidity

For 2011, Mustang GT benefits from across-the-board NVH improvements. These include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, an additional seal between door and rocker panel to reduce wind noise and a real wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces.

Mustang GT convertible models feature enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. A tower-to-tower front strut brace is now standard, and the V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam also has been added to increase rigidity.

“This powertrain honors Mustang’s heritage by raising the bar on performance while increasing fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Powertrain Development. “For enthusiasts, such as the passionate members of the 5.0-liter V-8 team, it’s like having your cake and eating it, too.”

Muscular fenders and wide wheel openings give the Mustang GT a taut, athletic look. (Image: Ford)

Green is the color of speed, not red as is was before (Image: geigercars)

Geiger HP 790 shoots to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, breaks the 200km/h mark 6 seconds later and reaches 300 kilometres an hour in only 22.8 seconds – all this to bloodcurdling roars from the two 110-millimetre sports exhaust tail pipes – an in house development. Thrust and air resistance don’t balance until you hit 360km/h. The supercharged V8 reaches maximum power at 6320 rpm and its maximum torque – 863 Newton metres – at just 4600 revolutions.

No question that a ride like this is not for the beginner, but experienced drivers will find the specially developed coilover suspension a great asset. Its hydraulic shock absorbers have adjustable pressure and rebound damping which can be set to suit drivers’ needs and preferences – and of course the terrain.

Low and wide: the classic Ford sports car proportions are taken even further with 60-millimetere lowering. The wheel housing can’t high superb matt black alloy wheels outlined in the car colour, mounted in 9×20 inches at the front and an impressive 11×21 at the rear. 245/35R20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres on the front axle ensure precise transmission of wheel commands whilst the drive axle 325/30R21 tyres constantly fight for grip and traction – if only so they don’t disappear in a cloud of blue smoke.

Ford's fuel-efficient direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine (Image: Ford)

Living proof is the all-new Ford Taurus SHO, with EcoBoost as standard. The average SHO buyer is 54 years old - 10-plus years younger than the base-model Taurus customer - and second youngest in its segment. The median household income of the SHO buyer is $20,000 more than the base Taurus customer. And as for conquests, nearly 55 percent of buyers are trading in Toyota Avalons, Nissan Altimas and Chevy Monte Carlos, among other competitive products, to drive away in a Taurus SHO. That’s the second-highest conquest rate in the segment.

Moreover, added Marentic, Taurus SHO customers want more and are willing to spend more to get it. “We’re seeing transaction rate improvements as EcoBoost buyers tend to package more options in their purchase, and the vehicles are selling with less incentives,” she said.

Taurus SHO has the highest average transaction price in the segment, with customers paying $10,000 or more above base-model price to enjoy not only the fuel efficiency and performance of the EcoBoost engine, but other premium package amenities such as all-wheel drive, Ford SYNC, 19-inch wheels and a reverse sensing system.

EcoBoost spread

Other vehicles that offer EcoBoost, such as the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS, are exhibiting other demographic phenomena. Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost - along with Taurus SHO - is helping attract more 35- to 55-year-old males, a demographic the company has been working hard to bring back to the Ford fold. “Our sedans with EcoBoost are improving traffic with this demographic that has eluded Ford in recent years,” confirmed Marentic. This group of shoppers, in fact, represents nearly 35 percent of Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost buyers, which is more than 5 percentage points higher than the MKS equipped with the 3.7-liter engine. For Taurus SHO, it’s above 40 percent, more than double the 35- to 55-year-old males that purchase a base-model Taurus.

Other customers making the jump to Ford vehicles are hitting the Flex with EcoBoost equally hard; three out of four buyers are trading in a competitive product, including the Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse. “No one else offers the level of performance and versatility of Flex with EcoBoost,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager. “It’s a compelling buy in the crossover segment for customers who are looking for the power and performance of a traditional V-8 but do not want to sacrifice this for fuel economy.”

More with EcoBoost

EcoBoost technology incorporates direct injection and turbocharging, allowing for the downsizing of engines, to provide customers with up to a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and 15 percent reduction in emissions versus larger-displacement engines. With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, customers can expect V-8 performance but V-6 fuel efficiency.

Sales of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost-equipped vehicles have already exceeded company projections, with October sales twice as high as September. Ford will complement the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with the launch of new 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder variants next year, which will be offered on several global Ford products, including midsize and large vehicles.

2008 Ford Crown Victoria Flexible Fuel Police Vehicle (Image: Ford)

“We have heard the repeated requests from the law enforcement community to continue uninterrupted support of the law enforcement community,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is answering the call with the new Police Interceptor - engineered and built in America.”

Ford - which currently controls approximately 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the U.S. - has invested significantly in designing the purpose-built new police and municipal vehicles to meet the needs of these crucial customers.

The new Police Interceptor is designed to provide municipalities with reduced ownership costs through improved fuel efficiency, quality and the kind of durability police departments nationwide have come to expect from Ford.

“Ford’s commitment to the law enforcement community produced the Crown Victoria, the benchmark police vehicle,” said Lt. Brian Moran, fleet manager, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and a member of Ford’s Police Advisory Board. “This commitment has continued, and Ford has been working closely with the Police Advisory Board on developing the new Police Interceptor.  I am confident that the next-generation Ford police vehicle will meet the future needs of the law enforcement community and will set the new standard.”

Ford plans to reveal the new model and provide full vehicle specifications in the first quarter of 2010 - in time for law enforcement agencies, police equipment manufacturers and upfitters to develop a transition plan from the Crown Victoria to the new product.

Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, making the Blue Oval the nation’s largest provider of police and municipal vehicles.

“Ford long has supported our public servants with vehicles that work as hard as they do,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service.”We intend to build on this legacy with a new generation of municipal and police vehicles that set even higher standards.”

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Ford SYNC. According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, the diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand.

Sales data show that consumers are taking notice.

“Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales,” said Richards.”Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony Audio.” Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales.  Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands.

Selling well: The Ford Fusion (Image Ford)

The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge with EcoGuide -  that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency. According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever.  The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.