A Retro-styled Mustang Available in 2010

Author: Jay Stevens
Ford intends to produce a retro-styled Mustang to captivate the fetishes of auto aficionados.

The planned version of Mustang will start with a Bullitt edition and it will be introduced next year. The automaker also plans to add a high-output version of Lincoln MKS.

Jeff Wood, Ford Motor Co. Vehicle Program Director said, "A different Mustang package will be unveiled each year until 2010. We're not just going to put it out there and let the thing die. We're not just going to put it out there and let the thing die a slow death. We're going to continue freshening this Mustang every single year. In 2007 we've got the new Bullitt version of the Mustang coming out, and I just wish I could talk about the '08s, '09s and '10s." Wood also announced that Lincoln Town Car and MKS will be boosted by a high-performance package.

The Bullitt edition combines quality

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Mustangs and Fast Fords - Popular Sport Cars

Author: IC
When we talk about 'Ford' several car models come to mind and many times people think of Jaguar, Mustang and Aston Martin

as separate companies but the fact is that they're not. These 3 car models or lines are owned by 'Ford' and all 3 lines produce fast cars. Jaguar is more of a luxury car but certain models break this stereotype and show sport features, the same thing can be said of Aston Martin.

Mustang is a car model which needs little introduction. It has been one of the favorite cars for many drivers all across the world, its highly customizable exterior as well as its power attracts car enthusiasts of all ages. The first generation of Mustangs created a great buzz in the automotive industry and car lovers. Up to this date, the first generation of Mustang keeps drawing attention because of their unique design, power and recent modifications which add more character to a very attractive driving machine.

Mustang is also planning to use eco-friendly materials to produce their car parts. Soy (as in soy beans) will be the base product used to manufacture Mustang's paint, molded parts and even seat foams.

Jaguar on the other hand is all about style and luxury but in 1991 the Jaguar XJR-15 was released to the market. This particular model shattered the stereotype which classified Jaguars as luxury cars only, this sports model resembles a Corvette but it has its unique features. The XJR types were in fact used in World Sport-car Championships, so seen from any angle this is a fast Ford model.

Aston Martin is a car on a league of its own. While Ford owns 20% of the company which started as part of the Premier Automotive Group (division of Ford) it recently was purchased (march 2007) by a British consortium for only GBP 479 million. This car model started as a luxury car but later on evolved into a luxury-sports car which was featured in the most recent '007 James Bond' movie 'Casino Royale'.

The actual model of the car is a DBS V12, this car's power comes from a hand made 6.0 V12 engine originally from the DBR9 racing car delivering 510 bhp and accelerating from 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds which places it among the world's fastest cars.

Whether it is on a subdivision or on an official branch of Ford, luxury and sport cars are made to leave car enthusiasts breathless. As time goes by technology evolves and new designs and power is fused in top-notch driving machines, it is very exciting to think what the future holds for this industry.

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Ford Thunderbird: Luxury and Safety Rolled in One

By Jay Stevens

As far back as the year 1955, the classic convertible has already been around. And some have believed that that the golden age of the American automobile was beginning to come to light. And among the world-renowned convertibles is the Ford Thunderbird. And each year, this Ford vehicle has certainly made its way through the streets of life, along with various innovations and improvements meant to be called its own.

The Ford Thunderbird is offered in new colors, along with a new interior package made available for all its patrons. Round the list of improvements include new wheels, seats and equipment. Also, this vehicle is offered in two models: Deluxe and Premium. It has been designed to fill in two people inside. It has air-conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, a power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel mounted with radio controls, a newly styled leather upholstery, and also an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Heated seats had also been added in. The two-door Ford Thunderbird is m

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Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Pe

By Jenny McLane

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously.

It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking.

"The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but the gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges the batteries and powers the air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Programs

Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges the Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help refill the battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system powered by the gas engine.

Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can be found under the Escape's cargo floor, the battery pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly the size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe on cargo space.

The software and computerized controllers that make everything work effectively is the key to a hybrid. Small badges identify the Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little different because it contains a gauge that shows when the electric motor is the source of power and when the gasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in the center stack gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial representation of how the power is flowing at any instant.

The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to conserve fuel. When driving resumes, the SUV's 70-kilowatt traction motor generator can launch the vehicle on electric power. When it's needed, the generator starts the gas engine without the increased emissions produced when a conventional engine is started.

The Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a conventional gas engine. It produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today’s required emission standards. That qualifies it for the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards designation.

Being the leader in the development of low emission vehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will someday result in practical hydrogen-powered vehicles with no greenhouse gas emissions.
As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its products to suit every client needs, Partstrain is always looking for superior and quality workmanship for its product lines. Only the finest Ford auto body parts comprise its stock.

Find, compare and buy Ford Automotive Parts, Accessories, and other Car products at its online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD We supply discount ford parts for the Ford Courier, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Ford Econoline Van, Ford Expedition, Ford Taurus, Ford Maverick, Ford Falcon, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Fairlane, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-series pickup and many other Ford models.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_McLane

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Ford Bronco II: Shining Through Despite Criticisms

By Jason Moore Platinum Quality Author

Sold between the years 1984 to 1990, the Ford Bronco II was built and manufactured to be a compact sport utility vehicle. It was actually built to be a compact complement of the full sized Ford Bronco. It was also targeted so as to be the direct competitor to the Chevrolet S 10 Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee.

This vehicle held a 94 inch wheelbase that was very similar to the Volkswagen Beetle. The mechanical parts were very much similar to the Ford Ranger pickup’s mechanical components. The first models came out equipped with a 2.8 liter V6 engine which was very much similar to the 2.8 liter engine that was used in the Ford vehicles marketed and sold in Europe. Come the year 1986, the Ford Bronco II came introduced with a 2.9 liter EFI V6. It has been said that this engine was doomed from the beginning with design flaws. This engine often suffered from premature cylinder head failure and loss of valve train lubrication as well. This happened when the valve train lubrication was not rigorously maintained. However, Ford was able to see this flaw immediately and it acted upon changing or correcting this flaw in the soonest time possible. Come 1989, this mistake was already corrected. However, the Ford Bronco II had already accumulated unattractive comments and a not so good reputation to potential buyers. These buyers were concerned about the safety of this vehicle.

This vehicle has also been reputed to tip over during some situations because of the high center of gravity. Later on in 1991, the Ford Bronco II platform underwent a major redesign and was released to be wider and longer. However, despite the bad kind of reputation that this vehicle received, the Ford Bronco II still continued to be actively sought by customers and patrons who are looking for a cheap, solid and compact sports utility vehicle. Of course, these buyers would have to do some work on it but the replacement parts and engine could be found easily for the Ford Bronco II could have an engine swap with the Ford Ranger.

Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts

Ford Bronco parts

Ford accessories

Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Moore

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Escort Cosworth - The Greatest Used Ford Ever?

By Kevin Creese


My email inbox has been inundated recently. Whether it's been American pharmaceutical companies offering out-of-the-blue, to increase the size of certain areas of my body (how'd they know?) or one man pretending to be a large banking corporation so he can steal all my money to buy a new anorak, invariably my mail is useless drivel.

There was a highlight this week however with the announcement of the new Ford Focus RS. I was treated to some exclusive pictures of the eagerly anticipated model and can confirm my jaw had to be prised off the floor after half an hour. Once again, Ford has gone with a garish colour scheme like the orange-clad ST, this time breaking out a pot of lime green paint. Despite this slight eye-jerker, you can expect the used Ford market to be inundated with the Focus ST, as the RS promises to be exceptional.

In-keeping with Renault's F1 inspired Clio, the RS features a rear diffuser, bonnet air vents and more bulges than a queue outside a donut sale. From every angle the RS looks menacing yet functional, a point confirmed by the car's interior. Hardcore Recaro racing seats adorn the cabin, going hand in hand with the usual Ford refinements such as air-conditioning and satellite navigation - a perfect microcosm of the RS as a whole. Ford racing purists are getting sweatier palms by the second.

The excitement of the new Focus RS has evoked many nostalgic Ford fans to reminisce about the last truly earth-shattering hot Ford - the Escort Cosworth - arguably the greatest used Ford of them all. As with the latest Focus RS, Ford on occasion feel the need to break free from their production line of commuter mobiles and build a mad car.

Many see the Escort Cosworth as Ford's crowning glory and an example of sheer brutality that has never been bettered. The standard Escort at that time was an prime exhibit of the Ford motor company of old, as it was quite simply a bit rubbish. The idea of buying a used Ford in the early nineties meant a heap of reliability trouble, a bucket-load of rust and a particularly clinical drive once you got it working.

Despite this uninspiring platform, Ford had faith that it could rescue the Escort brand. Having already manufactured the Sierra Cosworth, the 500 and Sapphire 4x4 to great acclaim from petrol heads and with the Sierra making way for the new Mondeo, the Escort was the only model yet to be fitted with rockets under the bonnet. On paper the prospect didn't look too tantalising: the old Sierra undersides mated to a modified Escort body spelled disaster. Yet it proved to be a match made in heaven and despite its rough foundations, the Escort Cosworth was a hit.

Stylistically it was instantly recognisable, not because of the familiar Escort shape - the identical headlights or rear end, but for the gigantic rear wing that seemingly defied gravity as it protruded horizontally for ten miles from the rear windscreen. Clearly this was a boy's car for grown men to fall in love with. The rear wing actually increased drag so much it took 12mph off the car's top speed, which was not an inconsiderable 138mph. The upside of this, in addition to making the car an instant icon, was that the Escort Cosworth was the first production car to produce negative lift, as the car was being constantly pressed to the road as if by a giant hand from above.

It gave the car's owners a big dilemma - the faster you went the better the car handled as it was pushed into the ground, yet the slower you went the more people could stop and stare at the car. Large wheels and huge wheel arches gave the whole car the air of a rallying stallion, with the air vents on the bonnet giving the engine a much needed source of oxygen. All this pomp and circumstance did have one drawback - everyone wanted one. Therefore keeping your Cossie safe required your insurance company to place it into their top insurance bracket of 20 - the same as a Ferrari no less.

In many ways, despite the performance, styling and hefty insurance costs, it retained its identity of being an Escort, whilst shedding the many poor aspects of the base model it was built on. Because the heart of the Cosworth was just a working class Escort, it became an everyday car with an everyman price tag - it just happened to have 227bhp and the ability to out-manoeuvre a Porsche.

Kevin Creese is an automotive author currently working to promote a Leicester based Ford dealer http://www.sandicliffe.co.uk/ In particular Kevin is working to promote their range of used Ford cars. Used Fords are becoming ever more popular due to Fords increased reliability and the brands reputation for making good quality cars.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Creese

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North America's Ford Contour

By Jason Moore Platinum Quality Author



The Ford Mondeo sedan was for the European market. Travel to the lands of the United States and North American and you would find the Ford Contour. The Ford Contour would be the Ford Mondeo’s American counterpart. This sedan was actually sold by the Ford Motor Company starting from 1995 up until 2000. Fact is, this vehicle actually was the basis for building a version of this under the Mercury brand. And the result came to be the Mercury Mystique and later on became the Mercury Cougar. The Ford Contour was found in the Ford Motor Company’s line up filling the niche between the Ford Escort and the Ford Taurus.

The Ford Contour has a DOHC V6 engine with 24 valves. It has an aluminum block and aluminum heads. This has a displacement of 155 cubic inches. It can produce some 170 units of bhp at 6250 rpm, and 165 pound feet at 4250 rpm. It has also been equipped with a five speed manual transmission system. The wheelbase of the Ford Contour measures 106.5 inches, 183.9 inches in length and has a curb weight of 2910 pounds.

From 1995 to 1996, the Ford Contour came to be body colored. The front seats were recessed to the back so as to improve rear seat leg room. This is compared to the first wave of Ford Contours that entered the American automobile market. After a year, changes were still done. Traction control no longer was given as an option. The remote fuel door release feature was deleted and the fuel door that this batch held had a flanged opening. Made available were an interior trunk light, a tilt steering wheel, and a power antenna. In 1997 to 1998, the Ford Contours that entered the streets sported front and rear end designs that were new. There were new alloy wheel designs. The sail panels on the rear door windows were now smooth and held the word “Contour” emblazoned on it.

As per the last years of the Ford Contour, it still continually received changes. In 1998 to 1999, the Ford Contour deleted one of its trim levels. There was a clock in radio available. There were also some color revisions. The rear window and the brake light designs had changed. For Canada, this was the last year of the Ford Contour. In the United States, 2000 was the last year for the vehicle.

All genuine and quality Ford Contour parts and auto parts are available for interested parties and Ford aficionados at Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts.

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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Moore

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Tales From the Ford Super Duty Tailpipe Fires

Author: RyanThomas

37,000 units of the 2008 model year Ford Super Duty F-Series pickup trucks are going to be recalled. And this is according to a press release sent out by the Ford Motor Company last Wednesday. The reason for the recall was that there have been reports of these pickups experiencing fires in their tailpipes.

As on the end of the company, a spokesperson did also mention that they really did receive reports about these. However, they only received three. Upon further inspection, the company has found out that the tailpipe fires have started because of leaking fuel or oil had started the fire upon being trapped in the diesel particulate filter found near the tailpipe of the vehicles.

Also, the spokesperson from the company did further mention that they had they had looked into one particular case wherein the tailpipe fire also became the cause for another fire - this time, the blaze was set on grass. This happened when the driver pulled off the road and the fire crept to the nearby grass.

Dan Jarvis, the spokesperson of the company, did say though that despite hearing reports like this, they are also quite happy to note that there were no injuries or accidents of any sort that has happened as a result of the tailpipe fires from the Ford Super Duty F-Series pickups.

Jarvis did continue to say, “This is an important product for us and an important customer base, and we want to move swiftly to make sure this does not become a safety issue for our customers.”

As part of the move of the company to straighten out this fiery mess, the company has already sent word to their official dealers last Wednesday to immediately put a stop to selling the vehicles. The vehicles would be back on the stands and would be for sale as soon as the problem is rectified. But owners of the vehicles should need not worry for the repair and the work to be done on the vehicles would not take long. In fact, the company is estimating that it should only about 10 minutes for the repair.

This particular situation just goes to show that a simple thing like a tailpipe could still be cause for recall. So, as car owners, we should always be on the lookout for anything wrong with the vehicle, especially if it is still fairly new. Who knows? Perhaps those Nissan multi rib belt that you just purchased have defects that would entail a recall.

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The New Shelby Mustang GT500

Author: David Anthony

Mustang enthusiasts are in heaven with the recent collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Ford once again. As a legendary race car driver turned designer, Shelby infused the classic Mustang with the kind of power and style that hadn't yet been seen before in any vehicle of its day. To completely understand the fascination and borderline obsession some people have with Shelby Mustangs, you have to know its history and background. Ford Shelby Mustangs were the 1960's. They epitomized the era and captured the look and feel of the people of that time. New, exciting and on the cutting edge of technology- Mustangs mirrored the world as it was in the 1960's and helped to secure a preoccupation with life in the fast lane. Today, Mustangs live on as one the greatest sports cars ever made.

Now you can understand why there had been so much acclaim and anticipation for the 2006 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 to be unveiled, even before it hit the dealerships. It has been hailed as the "most powerful Mustang to ever come out of the factory" and it's easy to see why. With a 450 horsepower, 5.4 V engine, it's no wonder Shelby fans are scrambling to dealerships to be one of the first to take it for a test drive.

With both old and new characteristics, the 2006 GT500 has come full circle. Ford has remained true to the allure of the classic Mustang...all that power and speed packed into an easy to handle and lightweight automobile and they didn't sacrifice the design. The similarities between the Mustang of the past and the present model lay in the exterior mostly. You'll find those tell tale white Shelby stripes running from the front to the back of the car and the rear fascia will bring back memories of the GT500's of yesterday.

The interior is ebony black and luxurious, while the six speed manual transmission makes for superior handling and a smooth ride. This is the most capable Mustang yet and one that will take your breath away when you take it for a spin. Even if you weren't yet born when Shelby first began modifying Mustangs, you'll get an idea of what it was like to own this car when it was still so new and exciting.

If you're a car collector, a Shelby fan or just love a good Mustang, Ford has created the ultimate. Fans have been chomping at the bit since they heard that this vehicle was in the making and the chatter about it hasn't ceased since. It's the dream car of many and why wouldn't it be? It has the classic Shelby look coupled with modern day technology and a reasonable price tag.

Shelby enthusiasts will find themselves reminiscing about the GT500 from the 60's upon inspecting the 2006 model, but they'll be too swept away by its agility, amazing power and enhanced engine to become overly nostalgic. This car is suped up to the maximum... one that the people in the 1960's couldn't have even begun to fathom and it's waiting at a dealership near you.

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Prepares Another Mustang With a Cause

Author: Glady Reign

The Ford Motor Co. is preparing another version of its famous Mustang pony car to appear more feminine than before. The Mustang is now painted pink to attract more women and at the same time so as to also serve a much worthy cause – help the campaign in fighting breast cancer.

This summer, Ford intends to offer a "Warriors in Pink" trim package for the sports car to attract new buyers to the Mustang nameplate and help raise money for breast cancer research. Ford Mustang sales have slipped in the recent months. This is why the automaker is improving its campaign to increase the sales of its pony car.

"One of the reasons for this strategy is to keep the buzz up as high as possible," said Ford spokesman Jim Cain, who noted that the Mustang continues to dominate its segment in the domestic market. In fact, he said Mustang's share of the U.S. sporty coupe market has climbed to more than 50 percent even as its sales have slipped.

The automaker said that details are still being ironed out however the new version is expected to feature pink stripes on the outside and pink contrast stitching inside. The pony car package is expected to offer a V-6 engine but the purchasers can choose either a hardtop or a convertible. A couple of colors will be offered by the automaker but pink is not one of them.

Ford will be manufacturing the Mustangs to order. Some of the profits will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation is the world’s biggest and most progressive network of breast cancer survivors and activists. It has local affiliates in 125 cities and communities. The foundation also has a great number of advocates at the local, state, and federal level.

Breast cancer is a serious threat in today’s time. In the United States, the rate of new cases of breast cancer has increased by a little over one percent annually starting from the 1940s. During 1990s, the rate of new cases of the malady has leveled off. The recent statistics shows a steep rate of decline in new cases in 2003. However, in 2007 alone, an estimated 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US. The figures are now getting more serious that there is already a need to double the efforts and initiate rigorous campaigns to educate the people and to prevent breast cancer at the earliest time. This is the reason why Ford is offering a helping hand.

The dilemma now of the automaker is the fact that not everyone is amenable to the idea of a Ford Mustang being marketed at women. Analyst Erich Merkle of IRN Inc. which is based in Grand Rapids said that the Ford Mustang is an iconic brand that is based on a special mix of speed and testosterone. He said Ford should not mess with success. "Is Mustang going to be a stallion or a gelding?" Merkle quipped. "The cause is admirable, but the Mustang isn't the right choice." Merkle suggested Ford use another vehicle for the cause-oriented program.

Nevertheless, other enthusiasts are showing their support and are now welcoming the move of the automaker. "I think it's a great idea. It's going to add a little class to the car and a little feminine touch," said Audrey Zavodsky of New Boston, who races Mustangs professionally in the Grand Am Coni Series and teaches high-performance driving at the Bondurant Racing School. "A lot of women are buying Mustangs, and I think this is going to appeal to even more women."

At least two other special edition Mustangs are scheduled for release later year, including a new, limited edition Mustang Bullitt. For the 2006 and 2007 model years, the Pony Package option is offered with the V6 model. The Mustang option includes Bullitt-style wheels, a unique grille design with fog lamps, bigger tires, upgraded suspension, distinctive door striping and emblems, rear deck spoiler and other quality parts likened to the Volvo CV joint.

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The Advantages to Having Custom Mustang Wheels From Other Styles

Author: Muna wa Wanjiru

The wheels are the first custom parts one would love to fit on to a car. Regardless of how challenging the ride is we always prefer designer of customized wheels. The focal point of most cars, is rim and tire package and can make or break the look and overall effect of your ride. All the way through time, the street-rider wheels of choice have changed and evolved. In the early years, as affiliates of a custom car faction in the fifties, started out with some red-oxides and clean hubcaps. This was during an era when aftermarket rims were not available except for as options through car dealers. In recent years, the rider's rims have made a major impact on the multi million dollar automotive markets. The Mustang Wheels have evolved as a more superior tire having specialized features that have made driving an amazing experience.

There are several unspoken rules to the game of street racing; one would bet that a sharp set of wheels will set you on blaze. This was particularly true back in an era that underwent many changes to sustain the ongoing advancements in the automobile industries. The final rule would become the ultimate code for street riders, that rule is the fact that wheels should always be smaller and remain in close touch with the ground. This principle is a fundamental in the field of Hydraulics.

The point is that our rim and rubber have evolved throughout the years, and it's not so much impact on the car driver, but the car itself, one that waited to shed its everyday appearance and spread its wings amongst the racer community, and that becomes the star. The sports sedan which doubles as a family car is now a crystal crusted emperor who glides through the streets and punishes its rivals in competitions of honor and esteem.

With customizations available only through models of their own kind, the giants seeing the reception and demand for custom parts, they entered the market with a big bang providing freelancers with the style and quality.

McLean and Roadster were two of the first straight laced custom available on the wire wheels on the market. Though they were a great alternative to the original spokes, they were no match for the Dayton hubs, which emerged as the true king of the wire wheels. The elite mustang wheels of Ford are designed to satisfy the whims of the style conscious.

There are several advantages to having these custom Mustang wheels from over many other styles. There is a larger interior clearance for larger brake calipers and rotors in Mustang custom wheels in general. This feature allows the user to install high-performance braking with the greatest of ease. The GT4 wheel molds the style and substance into one solid piece of equipment. These new Mustang wheels are offered in a chrome or hyper-coated black finish and are all set to fit any 1994-2004 Ford Mustang or 2005+ Mustangs.

Not only that we will be able to fit those new performance brake calipers and rotors inside your new wheels, but we will be turning heads with a brand new design that is absolutely stunning.

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Mustang Riders to Sit on Soy-based Foam

Author: Anthony Fontanelle

The Ford Motor Co. and Lear Corp. will mark an automotive milestone when the production of soy-based foam for seats begins in the 2008 Mustang. Ford may do the same with other models as well, eventually saving thousands of barrels of oil in the manufacturing process, the automaker said last Thursday.

America's adored pony car will not only be flaunting bright Ford headlights - it will be sporting the industry's first soy-based flexible foam in the seat backs and seat cushions starting in August at the Auto Alliance International factory in Flat Rock, Michigan.

"Our technical team had to overcome several significant hurdles to bring this environmentally responsible technology to production," said Gerhard Schmidt, the vice president of Research & Advanced Engineering at Ford. "We are pleased that our diligent efforts in developing this technology have resulted in the production of soy-foam for the Ford Mustang."

Lear, a leader in the area of environmental auto seating with industry firsts, liked the use of expanded polypropylene and polyethylene materials which are used in place of traditional polyurethane foam which offers reduced mass and are 100 percent recyclable.

"Using renewable resources is an important means to supplying automotive products that improve environmental impact," said Ray Scott, the senior vice president and president of Lear's Seating Systems Division. "This also helps in reducing the amount of pollution in the production of materials for automotive use. Ford Motor Company and Lear Corporation are able to bring this product to market ahead of our competitors due largely to our collaborative work with in the area of 'Green' technology."

Ford and Lear collaborated with the United Soybean Board - New Uses Committee (a group of 64 farmers and agriculture industry leaders), Urethane Soy Systems Company, Bayer Corporation and Renosol Corporation on soy-foam development.

"Soy is a very green, renewable resource," said Debbie Mielewski, the technical leader for Ford's Materials Research & Advanced Engineering Department. "Using soy-based foam gives us the opportunity to conserve natural resources and reduce our environmental footprint."

Ford said that the environmental advantages include reduced carbon dioxide emissions in manufacturing compared to petroleum-based foam, lower energy use to produce the soy foam and reduced dependence on foreign oil.

At present, most automakers today use 100 percent petroleum-based polyol foam. Each vehicle manufactured contains an average of 30 pounds of petroleum-based foam. The total annual worldwide market for the foam is nine billion pounds. Mielewski said that the auto manufacturers’ research and development of renewable, more environmentally friendly materials to produce the foam could have a significant environmental impact.

The Dearborn-based automaker has not calculated exactly how much oil it would save if it used the new foam for every application in all of the 2.9 million vehicles it produces annually. But Mielewski said that if all the foam was soy-based, Ford would use 11 million pounds of soy oil, and the petroleum savings would be a similar volume.

The foam, which is 40 percent soy and 60 percent oil-based, costs about the same as conventional foam that is fully oil-based, Mielewski said. "Currently we believe that the technology is a cost wash, but you have to remember that is because we are implementing it on one program and lower volumes," she said, predicting that the cost would drop when used in more vehicles.

The annual worldwide market for automotive foam is nine billion pounds, so a switch to a renewable material could have a significant environmental impact, Mielewski said. Ford hopes to use the new seat foam in more models in the upcoming 2008 model year, Mielewski added. It also is applying for patents on the foam technology. And no, the foams are not edible!

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Roush Drag Pack Mustang: to Conquer the Streets and the Strips

Author: Chuck Smith

One year of rigid testing is worth it because Ford has eventually set forth a high-performance Mustang that delivers comfy everyday ride as well as nerve-racking drag race drive feel. The secret of this groundbreaking vehicle is the sophisticated ROUSH Competition Line of performance parts that completes its race-ready Drag Pack Mustang appeal.

With the development of the sophisticated Ford Mustang performance parts, the vehicle is set to break away from the limitations of street driving. Moreover, it is now also designed to face the barriers of drag racing. Further, it can roll from the street to the strip.

Ford wants to show that Mustang is growing up with time. Hence, to make it more powerful than before, the automaker incorporated the Roush features to it. Roush Drag Pack Mustang is the successor of Super Jet Cobra, a drag racing vehicle from Ford that has been introduced in 1969.

Roush Drag Pack Mustang is given enhanced Ford Mustang wheels, connecting rods, oil cooler, modified crankshaft, and an option of 3.91 or 4.30 Traction-Lok gears. Several parts of said Mustang version are upgraded. These parts include clutch Ford Mustang, flywheel, pinion gear set, one-piece driveshaft with safety loop, posi rear differential, control arm brackets, high-strength axle shafts, and more.

Unique features of Roush Drag Pack Mustang include new location of battery to create better weight distribution, smaller ROUSHcharger pulley and engine calibration, new tachometer with shift light, and the inclusion of an external on/off switch.

"When we returned to having a drag racing program last season I challenged the team at ROUSH Performance to build a car that can be driven to the track, have the tires changed to slicks, and perform on the drag strip," said Jack Roush, the brains behind the new formula. "This Drag Pack Mustang is the culmination of those efforts."

Roush has a liking for drag racing that goes back to when he started his motorsports career in the late '60s. Roush personally oversaw the maturity of the new Mustang, which is based from the flagship Roush Stage 3. In the testing phase, the 2007 Mustang yielded 430 horsepower run in the 11.9-second and 113 mph range.

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