2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

It wasn’t that long ago that that increasing gas prices almost killed off the SUV 

market. We traded in our Ford Explorers and Dodge Durangos for more fuel efficient cars like the Honda Civic or the Ford Focus. Just a few years later, the SUV market has rebounded with a vengeance. As the interest in SUVs continue to grow, manufacturers are starting to offer more and more variants of the SUVs in their lineups. Today, the manufacturer in the spotlight is Ford and its release of a new trim level for the Ford Explorer.

Currently, the Explorer is offered in five trims – Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. According to Ford, Explorer buyers are interesting in unique models, with the Explorer Sport and Explorer Platinum accounting for 30 percent of Explorer sales in the U.S. market. Due to that interest, Ford will now be offering the Ford Explorer Sport Appearance Package.

Ford’s Explorer brand marketing manager, Omar Odeh, says, “Our Sport Appearance philosophy is rooted in the fact that we know exterior appearance is the No. 1 consideration in SUV purchase decisions. The XLT Sport Appearance Package is a dramatic offering that gives customers another attractive option.”

The XLT Sport Appearance trim is set to join the Explorer lineup sometime this summer, with its little brother – the 2017 Ford Escape – also receiving a similar addition to its lineup. So, now that Ford has spilled the beans, let’s take a look at what the Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package brings to the lineup.

SOURCE:TOPSPEED

2015 Ford Mustang GT Petty's Garage Edition

Auctions for charities is nothing new in the auto industry; it’s happened in the past and it will continue to happen. One car that has been auctioned off numerous times for charity purposes is the Ford Mustang . For good reason, too, since the iconic muscle car remains one of the most popular vehicles in the market. Examples abound of this happening in the past few years, including the first production 2015 Ford Mustang , which was auctioned off in January 2014 for the benefit of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Another example is the Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Gathering of Eagles” event, which auctions off a special-edition Mustang every year with proceeds going to the organization’s Young Eagles program.

The latest example will take place at the Mecum Dallas Auctions when a one-off 2015 Ford Mustang GT goes under the hammer. The fully customized Mustang GT was built by Petty’s Garage and donated by Richard Petty Motorsports with the proceeds of the sale going to Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization dedicated to “veterans service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities.”

As special-edition Mustangs go, the Petty’s Garage Mustang GT ranks right up there as one of the best. It has an attractive two-tone exterior finish, a dressed-up interior, and an impressive engine upgrade. In other words, that’s the aftermarket trifecta right there.

Based on the work put in by Petty’s Garage, I expect this one-off Mustang GT to attract a lot of bids. The fact that proceeds of the auction will go to a worthy charitable organization is even more reason for interested bidders to go high with their bids.

SOURCE: TOPSPEED

1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500CS Clone by Retrobuilt

The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a 6.2 liter supercharged V-8 engine with 662 HP, making it the most powerful, factory made Mustang ever. That being said, the classic Mustang is still better and many car enthusiasts prefer it over any other model, no matter how powerful that other model may be. In a situation like this - let’s face it, there aren’t many classic models ready to be scooped up - many tuners will try to convert existing models into the legendary 1969 models. Retrobuilt is one of those tuners that has a big passion for the 1969 Shelby GT500 and is ready to make one at all costs.

Their new retro package is based on a 2005 Mustang Convertible, but customers can bring in any Mustang from 2005 up to 2012, including the GT500. If the customer has the nerve to retro-fit their new Mustang, then this conversion is for them. It includes new fiberglass body panels; retro chrome trim, door handles, and taillight covers; custom HID headlights; vinyl striping; and a Shelby wheel and tire package. For clients with a racing spirit, Retrobuilt is also offering a supercharger system, Baer brakes, and a lowered suspension.

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 by Melvin Betancourt

At the beginning of May 2012, a one-off Roush Stage 3 Ford Mustang Special Edition raised a total of $100,000 for the SAE Foundation’s STEM. Now, another one-off Mustang will be auctioned off for charity: a special 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 designed by Melvin Betancourt. The auction will be held on September 22, 2012 at the "Get Your Heart Racing" fundraiser at Ford’s Dearborn test track. All the proceeds will go to Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute at Henry Ford Health System.

This one-off Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will feature a very cool exterior white paint finish combined with white graphics and a new set of 20" wheels. The interior will continue the white theme with white-leather Recaro seats contrasted by black stitching. Under the hood, everything remains unchanged, but with a 662 HP V8 engine, who needs more?

At the same event last year, a Mustang Boss 302 was sold for an impressive $300,000, so let’s hope this year will reach or surpass those results.

2013 Ford Mustang by SEMA Businesswomen’s Network

The 2012 SEMA Auto Show is still months away, but there’s already plenty of details about a certain model to be displayed at the show. Ford will be donating a 2013 Mustang GT designed and built by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). The car will be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

SBN will develop three design renderings for the build, but only one will be chosen for the final model. Fans will have the duty of choosing this final design between May 23 - June 3, 2012, with the winning design being announced on June 5. The car will be built in July and August at the SIM Headquarters in El Segundo, CA, with several of SIM’s female employees participating on the build. Important modifications will be made to the engine, undercarriage, drive train, interior, sound system, exterior, and paint.

"When JoAnn approached me with the idea of a project vehicle built by women, I immediately thought it was a great way to underscore how passionate and involved women are in the automotive industry," said Marla Moore, SBN Chairperson. "Others (Ford, Source Interlink Media and the SEMA Scholarship Committee) immediately agreed and quickly joined forces to launch the first-ever SEMA project vehicle build powered by women."

"Ford Motor Co. is enthusiastic about sponsoring the SEMA Mustang Build," said Sherry Kollien, SBN Project Vehicle Coordinator for Ford. "The Mustang is the ideal vehicle for the project given its broad demographic appeal and its ability to be customized to fit the unique needs of all consumers, enthusiasts and women across multiple life stages. We have long known that women have more than 50 percent decision-making power in vehicle purchase decisions, but increasingly they are customizing to match their own unique personalities."

2012 Kentucky Speedway Ford Mustang Pace Car

Every racetrack these days seem to be in the spirit of one-upping the other with their own set of pace cars. The 2011 Quaker State 400 NASCAR event at the Kentucky Speedway, though, will have something a little different in mind. In collaboration with Ford, the Kentucky Speedway is set to unveil a special edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT Convertible called “the Kentucky Speedway Mustang Pace Cars”.

Limited to only 43 units to signify the number of entrants that will compete in the inaugural Quaker State 400, the special edition Mustang will come with a number of unique features, including a special exterior package that comes with an all-white paint finish, an “Official Pace Car” badging, a pedestal spoiler, side scoops, a decklid panel, and NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway logos. Each of the 43 Mustangs will be numbered individually for collection purposes, making each of them a true collector’s piece.

Talking about the partnership with Ford, Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said: "It’s natural for us to work together to spotlight the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visit to this region. Ford Racing and our regional Ford dealers are coming through once again with great programs that showcase our ’Quaker State 400’ and the outstanding Ford lineup,"

Those interested in buying one of the 43 limited edition models will also receive free tickets to the Quaker State 400 race on July 9, 2011, as well as an opportunity to drive their Mustang around the track during the parade lap with a Sprint Cup driver.

A special edition Ford Mustang and a chance to drive around an actual NASCAR event during the parade lap? That’s a pretty good deal, if you ask us.

2012 Ford Mustang V6 Mayhem

At the end of 2010, Ford ran an interesting poll to find a name for their 2012 Mustang V6 Performance Package. After 1.4 million fans took the opportunity to make their suggestions known on the company’s Mustang Facebook page, Ford has decided to call the package Mayhem.

"We saw great enthusiasm from fans, with tons of creative, unique names coming in," said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. "The contest was twofold – it let us engage with fans by letting them have a say, and it helped build awareness for the package."

The man behind the name came from Charlotte, N.C. and as his prize, Ford has provided him with a three year lease on a 2012 Mustang equipped with the Mayhem Mustang Package.

The new Mayhem package will be offered with the same all-aluminum Ti-VCT V6 engine producing 305 HP as found in the standard model, but will benefit from a few extras. A unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving has been added to boost the driving experience and Mustang GT front and rear brake calipers with performance friction pads do their job by providing greater stopping force. The upgraded Mustang will also receive Mustang GT coupe front and rear stabilizer bars, Mustang GT front struts and rear shocks/springs, a Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm, and a strut tower brace for increased body rigidity. There will also be unique 19-inch wheels wrapped around Pirelli performance tires, some unique badging, and a 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration.

Cars: Ford Racing introduces new Boss 302 crate engines

Cars are the most exciting luxurious.

Following the success of the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 engine that became available as a crate engine last year, Ford Racing is looking into adding another stand-alone choice for its muscle car-loving fanbase. This time it is a crate engine option featuring the Boss 302’s 444-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Sign us up, Ford!

Performance improvements notwithstanding, the Boss 302 5.0-liter V8 engine comes with plenty of improvements compared to the standard version, including a new high-flowing intake manifold, forged aluminum pistons, and upgraded sinter-forged connecting rods. There is also a more aggressive camshaft, high-strength aluminum-alloy cylinder heads with fully CNC-machined ports and chambers for exceptional high-rpm airflow without compromising the engine’s low-speed torque, and sodium-filled exhaust valves for improved heat dissipation, among other things.

While all the improvements over the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 engine are really to die for, the Boss 302 variant does come with a steep price. Literally. Whereas the former will cost you $6,999 for the crate engine, the latter will set you back further, to the tune of $11,999.

Failed Brakes + Runaway Boss 302 Mustang = Soiled Pants

Test driving cars may seem like a lot of fun, but it serves a purpose as well. Driving supercars to their limit on a runway or taking a Land Rover through the world’s worst terrain can showcase a vehicle’s abilities, but what happens when standard systems fail?

Most automotive magazines run new cars through a gauntlet of tests in order to determine where they stack up against the competition. These include 0-60mph times, ¼ mile times, slalom, vibration & harshness, and braking. Most of these tests occur with little to no problem and the data is compiled to determine winners and losers. Most of the vehicles being tested are also essentially brand new. The manufacturer sends several models out to a proving site straight from the factory so that the media may drive them, take photographs, and compare them to the competition. Rarely does such a vital system like the brakes completely fail during one of these controlled test drives, but that is exactly what happened to Motor Trend’s crew while testing a Mustang Boss 302.

The brake failure was immediately taking under investigation by Ford and the vehicle was sent back to the factory to be taken apart and inspected. Ford has found no other discrepancies in their manufacturing line and no recall has been issued to the general public.

2011 Ford Focus ST

Ford has unveiled today the first details on the Focus ST model that will make its world debut at the Paris Auto Show later this month. While the model to be revealed in Paris is just a preview version, production model is expected to be unveiled in 2012.

Under the hood of the future Focus ST, Ford will place an unique 250 HP version of the new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine. The car displayed in Paris will come with a highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in ’Tangerine Scream’, a dramatic new body color that reflects the new ST’s exciting and energetic character.

Next to the ST version, Ford will also be unveiling the new generation Focus that comes with more affordable technologies and features than customers have ever experienced in this critical vehicle segment. Next-generation Focus also offers customers the highest standards of quality and detailed craftsmanship, plus outstanding fuel economy, and will take the legendary Focus driving dynamics to a new level.

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Baja Edition

Ford will enter the world-famous Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 with an F-150 EcoBoost. The Baja 1000 race is part of an extensive torture test program by Ford for customers to see for themselves the extreme durability testing and development of the class-leading EcoBoost truck engine.

The Ford F-150 EcoBoost is powered by 3.5-liter engine with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection and an output of 365 HP at 5,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm, all this on regular fuel.

"The desert racing environment has been a tremendous laboratory for Ford over the years," said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 F-150. "We’re eager to watch the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine prove its durability, reliability, performance and fuel economy in this tough setting. In addition to durability, reliability and top performance, we expect the EcoBoost to get outstanding fuel mileage to the point of saving one or two fuel stops during the race."

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Shelby American is bringing pure, unadulterated power to the already exquisite 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 (2010 model year pictured) with their new Super Snake package, but before you get all excited you better wait and hear a little about the price you’ll have to pay for this sort of Shelby power and exclusivity. The Super Snake package will only be available to 1,000 customers, and at a price of $30,245. Don; think the price is all that bad? Then you probably think it also includes the car; you’d be wrong.

We aren’t going to lie. If we had the kind of money it would take to add dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars, and front strut tower brace, as well as some crazy horsepower, we would spend it in a second. Unfortunately we don’t, so we’ll have to leave the three different stages of engine upgrades to the folks who will be driving one of our dream cars. In stage one the engine will get a Shelby/Ford Racing supercharger that will allow the engine to produce a total of 660 HP. Opt for stage two and you’ll get a Shelby/Ford Racing or Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit producing 750 HP and, stage three gets a Shelby/Kenne Bell that increases the output to 800 HP.

For the exterior the package adds a unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby design and pins, Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either matte black or matte white, and “Shelby” lettering across the rear deck lid. The interior gets a two tone leather interior and Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats, and other Shelby designed components.

2010 Ford WD-40/SEMA Cares Mustang

We love a Mustang just as much as the next guy, but there is something about a Mustang decked out in WD40 colors and tags that just leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We can’t help it; companies splattering their logos on a car seem to just belong on a racetrack and not on a beautiful Mustang. That being said, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT does serve its purpose as it will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show in order to help abused and neglected children. That alone makes the car that much more desirable, even with the logos.

The WD-40/SEMA Cares customized Ford Mustang will make its debut in November at the SEMA Auto Show. It will feature a WD-40 paint scheme, a custom body kit from Street Scene Equipment, a Stillen AP racing six-piston brake kit, Forgeline wheels, and a Paxton supercharger system. The highlight of the Mustang is its engine that has been tuned to deliver 600 HP.

"The WD-40/SEMA Cares Mustang pays tribute to the mechanics, aftermarket professionals and auto enthusiasts who have used WD-40 for more than 50 years to get the job done," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company. "This is such a fun and meaningful project for us. We’re proud that all proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will continue to support two great charities, but we know it would not be possible without the time, energy, dedication and resources of our build partners."

2011 Ford Ranger

With the economy coming out of the crapper, Ford dug down deep to produce a pick-up truck that could do battle with the negativity being thrown at it. That pick-up is the new generation Ford Ranger that is said to be more tough and more capable that ever before. It will include three body styles: 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, high- and low-ride models, and a broad series array. It will be sold in 180 markets on five continents.

This new model features a longer wheelbase and wider track than the previous models, and carries a short overhang with a tri-plane plan view. There are new larger headlamps, bigger mirrors, stamped-in wheel lips, a slight rear spoiler, and increased side mirrors.

The tough look of the exterior is carried in to the interior with borrowed elements from ergonomically-designed power tools like DEWALT 1. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Ranger is said to offer comfort levels found in passenger cars.with its contemporary look and feel. The pick-up’s interior design is easily adapted to any of the interior trims available with the cluster, heating and air conditioning controls, sound system, console, and door panels switching to match the trim levels.

2011 Ford Mustang Compressor by GeigerCars

The 5.0-Liter-V8 engine found in the 2011 Ford Mustang is nothing to shake your head at, especially with its 412hp and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. However, GeigerCars have taken that excellent starting point and sent it on its way to a bigger and better finish. The German tuner has prepared a supercharged package for the 2011 Mustang that will increase the car’s output to a total of 497 HP.

This 85hp boost was accomplished by adding a screw condenser with a volume of 2.3 liters that offers a boost pressure of 0.5 bar. Other technical improvements were also made that lead the Mustang to 497 HP available at 6,400 rpm and 634 NM of torque at 4,200 rpm. The factory installed electronic top speed limiter has also been removed so this muscle car can now hit a top speed of 170mph.

The 2011 Ford Mustang’s handling has also been improved with the addition of a modified suspension, a set of OZ Ultraleggera lightweight alloy rims (8.5x20 inch size for the front axle and 10x20 inch size for the rear), and a sport chassis.

2011 Stealth Ford Police Interceptor concept

Security coverage at SEMA? Check! Ford has taken its Interceptor to a whole new, wickedly awesome level with their new Stealth Police Interceptor, a concept car based on the Police Interceptor sedan. The Interceptor may be where this car originated, but the SR-71- the original stealth airplane - is what inspired this car to become so much more.

The exterior of the vehicle says it all with its solid black paint job, mesh grille from the original Interceptor, and its aggressive spoiler with matching black bead lights. Even the area around the lights get blacked out to add to the flow of the vehicle, only becoming apparent when illuminated.

Under the hood, Ford kept the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as found in the original Interceptor, so no boost in power for this airplane inspired ride. The Stealth Interceptor will produce the same 280 hp and will still have E85 compatibility.

"The headliner is black, we wrapped the B-pillars in black, and then we started looking at, ‘Where can I hide this? How can I conceal this?’ We repackaged the console – it looks like a production console with the waterfall of the instrument panel. But when you start opening doors and panels, that’s when you see everything."

We hate to be the ones to burst anyone’s bubble, but this vehicle will be just about anything but stealth. With all of the tricked out rides out there, and the fact that a lot of tuned up super machines also feature a matte black paint job, this vehicle will be the first thing people notice. Good luck featuring this vehicle in a stakeout.

1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X by Vaughn Gittin Jr.

It took a few months of prep work and development, but now – finally – Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X is ready for its full close-up at SEMA.

The car, which was born out of a collaboration between Gittin Jr., Mustang RTR, and Need for Speed, is the perfect case of an iconic car being given a state-of-the-art refresher. Powered by a 5.0-liter Ford V8 engine, the ’69 Mustang was given a dose of modern technology, including a Kinsler Individual Throttle Body Injection System, a MoTeC M800 ECU, a Ford Racing Boss 301 R1 six-speed transmission, and a set of Falken RT615-K racing tires. Add all these new parts to an iconic Mustang body and you have a car that transcends both time and taste buds.

2011 Ford F-150

In the United States, trucks are a part of our culture. The same can’t be said in the rest of the world, but here, these vehicles are symbols of freedom and hard work. The big three have dominated this segment, but nobody has done it better than Ford with the F-150.

With the new Dodge Ram being as good as it is, Ford had to step up their game with their newest version for 2011. In order to maintain their impressive bit of marketing gold for a 34th straight year, the Dearborn-based automaker is putting four brand-new engines into their best selling truck.

Reworking an icon isn’t easy, just ask the designers of the new Corvette. When it came out, those headlights were either loved or hated. With the new F-150, if something were to be too radical then you might lose buyers. So, did Ford keep things simple with this newest version, yet at the same time upgrade the winning formula?

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Seriously, the name of this vehicle alone begins to send chills up and down our spines. You simply can’t go wrong when you throw together words such as Mustang, Cobra, and Jet, and this special edition created by Ford Racing does just that. The 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet hasn’t exactly broken yet, but an order guide along with its specifications for the 2012 model year have surfaced on the internet. Big surprise, we know.

The limited special edition model is always an off-road model only and is legal for NHRA stock car racing, and IHRA and NMRA classes, but what makes this Cobra Jet different is that it is said to be even better than the 2008 (pictured above) and the 2010 models. The 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet gets a revised engine, improved suspensions, new design elements, and a revised interior. Customers will also have the option to choose between two different packages: a Graphics Package and a 4.0L Supercharger upgrade.

Coming back from a tremendous performance in the 2010 racing year - the Jet won more class run-offs at the 2010 Indy U.S. Nationals than any other vehicle model - this high performance muscle seems set to do even better when it hits the pavement in 2012.

2012 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Until now, we have only had details on the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 and the 2012 Mustang Shelby GT500. We think it’s high time we find out what the 2012 model year will bring for the Mustang GT 5.0.

A leaked ordering guide suggests that the 2012 GT 5.0 will carry over mostly unchanged, with just a few tricks made in order to keep the car fresh. The list of new options include a new exterior color Lava Red Metallic that replaces the current Sterling Gray Metallic. The list of new options include selectable effort electric power assist steering (EPAS), sun visors with a multi purpose storage system, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Everything under the hood remains unchanged. Customers will get the same 302 cubic inch 32 valve V8 that puts out 412 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque while returning a very economical 25 MPG on the highway.