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Archive for February, 2012
Monday, February 27th, 2012
It’s been 20 years since Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) launched its first road rockets at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show, and the Blue Oval marked this platinum anniversary by introducing some seriously precious metal at this year’s event: The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible took the stage in Chicago showcasing the world’s most powerful production V8—and lap times at Sebring Raceway that are almost 3.5 seconds faster than SVT’s 2011 and 2012 models.
“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”
Key among those changes, of course, is the Shelby’s 5.8-liter V8, which can unleash 650 hp and 600 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to a new supercharger, a new cross-drilled block and heads, and a new carbon-fiber driveshaft, along with big-time upgrades to its camshaft profiles, clutch, and transmission. Also helping matters: Brembo stoppers, an available Performance Package that includes unique SVT-designed electronic adjustable dampers sourced from Bilstein, and an optional Track Package that adds an external engine cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler.
It’s all wrapped up in the aggressive yet aerodynamic bodywork first shown on the coupe, and to put owners in a celebratory mood, all 2013 Shelby GT500s will wear commemorative, lighted sill plates in honor of SVT’s 20th anniversary.
“In the past 20 years, SVT has engineered world-class mid-engine supercars, front-wheel-drive performance cars, rear-wheel-drive muscle cars and high-performance on-road and off-road pickup trucks,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “There is no other performance house in the world that can match that diverse résumé.”
Tags: 2013 Ford Mustang, James Hodge, Muskogee Used Cars, Shelby GT500, Tulsa New Car Dealer
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
 2013 Ford Fusion The 2013 Ford Fusion Sprint Cup car, unveiled Tuesday as part of NASCAR’s media tour, was worked on by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport. The result is undeniable with the 2013 Sprint Cup car mirroring the recently unveiled 2013 Ford Fusion production car.
Featuring a completely redesigned sleek new silhouette and fresh face, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.
“We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ’stock car’ to NASCAR,” Jamie Allison, director of Ford Racing said. “I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”
This marks the third time Ford simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino. NASCAR Hall of Fame driver David Pearson drove the Torino to back-to-back Cup Series championships in 1968 and 1969. The second time came in 2006, when the then newly introduced Ford Fusion appeared in showrooms and on the track.
Ford took a different approach with the development of the 2013 Fusion racer. Ford Design Center staff, led by Garen Nicoghosian, and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus, spent the past year doing the early design development, freeing up the Ford race teams to concentrate on weekly NASCAR competition.
“This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that,” Allison said. “The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans.”
Ford designers, led by Nicoghosian, addressed three main issues to mirror the 2013 Sprint Cup Fusion to the 2013 production Fusion found on showroom floors:
– Address the overall proportion of the race car to reflect proportions found in the production Fusion
– Brand and design cues in the side of the vehicle
– An identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford
“It looks fun to drive and very much eager to go and tear up the track. It has a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside. From all angles the vehicle exudes performance and I think it reflects our general attitude of how we go about setting up our cars very, very nicely,” Nicoghosian said. “It brings a certain level of nimbleness and lightness and agility to the NASCAR platform, much like we do in our production cars, because all of our production cars have that nimbleness and agility and eagerness about them.”
The new Sprint Cup Fusion entries will be tested throughout the 2012 season in preparation for its racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.
By: Team Release
Tags: 2013 Ford Fusion, James Hodge, Muskogee Used Dealership, Nascar, Tulsa New Cars
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Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
 2013 Cobra Jet Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph. That legacy was renewed in 2008 when Ford Racing offered a limited run of the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang which quickly sold out. Subsequent 2010 and 2012 model year offerings of the Cobra Jet have proved just as popular.
The 21st century CJ has carved its own legacy at drag strips across the country becoming the winningest late model in NHRA with national event wins in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and numerous class records this season alone.
Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, Fla.
With over three seasons of testing, racing, and customer feedback the 2013 Cobra Jet marks the continued evolution of the factory-produced turnkey race car. Designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition, the 2013 model is better than ever and features the latest drag racing technology for greater speed and consistency.
“The 2008 Cobra Jet is a great car. It does everything we wanted it to do,” said George Goddu, business manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “We’re really proud of that car, but we improve with each new Cobra Jet offering and 2013 is no exception.”
The 2013 Cobra Jet offers two 5.0L TiVCT engine options. Customers may choose a naturally aspirated engine with Cobra Jet induction system, CNC ported heads, high lift cams and low-drag accessory drive, or a 2.9L Whipple supercharged version with CNC port matched manifold and heads, and a proprietary 10-rib supercharger drive system for high rpm use without a belt.
“The 5.0L has all the attributes to make a world class drag racing engine and is ideal for the Cobra Jet,” said Goddu. “Both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines will be competitive as delivered.”
Additionally, the 2013 Cobra Jet chassis has been improved. Lightweight body modifications give better weight distribution and electric power steering provides better drivability without parasitic horsepower loss. A new roll cage design is optimized for safety and chassis rigidity while the brake pedal ratio has been revised for more modulation and stopping power. And the rear suspension geometry delivers faster and more consistent 60-foot times.
The 2013 Cobra Jet is priced to be the best value in the market with an approximate MSRP of $86,000 with the naturally aspirated engine option, and $93,000 with the supercharged engine. Additional options and pricing will be announced January 2012.
Much like many of Ford Racing’s previous turnkey race cars, the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang will be built by the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in June 2012, with delivery of all vehicles expected mid-summer of 2012.
Cobra Jet components will be available through Ford Performance Parts, allowing racers to upgrade their Mustangs to Cobra Jet specifications.
2013 Cobra Jet production is limited to only fifty (50) units and orders placed through Ford dealers will be filled on a first come first served basis. (Part number M-FR500-CJ).
Finally, all Cobra Jet fans can help choose the color of the 2013 Cobra Jet – classic white, silver or black – by voting online at Ford Racing.com. Voting ends December 31, 2011.
By: Drew Phillps
Tags: 2013 Mustang, Cobra Jet, Ford Racing, James Hodge, Muskogee Used Cars, Tulsa Ford Dealer
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Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
 EcoBoost Now that record sales of 127,683 EcoBoost™-equipped vehicles in 2011 are on the books, Ford aims to more than triple production capacity of cars, utilities and trucks using this fuel-efficient technology in 2012.
Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year withthe fuel-saving 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan nameplates, five new electrified vehicles, as well as with the introduction of auto start stop technology paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission.
“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”
The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.
The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.
Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.
Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers underscores the company’s commitment to continually improve fuel economy.
By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.
Of the 11 market segments in which Ford competes, the company leads in fuel economy customer satisfaction in six, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, a third-party measure of buyer attitudes concerning recent vehicle purchases.
These findings show Ford customers are pleased with their fuel economy, and that their new Ford vehicle delivers the EPA-rated estimates in regular use.
The power of choice
Ford’s top-selling F-150 pickup provides another example of how the company is meeting its promise to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy.
In 2010, all F-150 trucks sold featured a V8 engine. Just one year later, 56 percent of 2011 F-150 customers bought pickups with a fuel-saving V6, either the base 305-horsepower 3.7-liter or the award-winning 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost. These engines are EPA-certified at 23 mpg and 22 mpg highway, respectively, and deliver both leading fuel economy and capability.
Ford’s electrified vehicle portfolio expands this year with the introductions of the new C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and Focus Electric battery electric vehicle.
Tags: Eco-boost, James Hodge, Muskogee Used Cars, Tulsa Ford Dealer
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