2010 Ford Shelby GT500

The new GT500 is the most powerful factory production Mustang ever.
By SAM ABUELSAMID

When Ford introduced the new 2010 Mustang at the LA Auto Show in November, marketing boss Jim Farley promised the next chapter in the Mustang story would be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Well that time has arrived and to anyone who has been following the Mustang pattern over the last several years, it should come as no surprise that it's the Shelby GT500. Just like the last iteration, the new GT500 is the most powerful factory production Mustang ever.Like the more prosaic Mustangs, the GT500 is mechanically an evolution of the older model. Just as Ford used the current-gen Bullitt model as the starting point for the 2010 Mustang GT, the lessons learned from developing the limited edition GT500 KR fed directly into the latest Shelby-badged variant. Output of the supercharged 5.4L V8 has now been cranked up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, and the handling is claimed to be better than before.

Like the last GT500, this one gets more aggressive styling, particularly in the nose, and reprises many of the same detail elements. The horizontally mirrored trapezoidal shape of the grille in the upper and lower front fascia is meant to echo the oval shape of the Shelby Cobras of the '60s. The upper grille is tilted forward at a steeper angle than the GT and the grille surround is separated entirely from the hood. The leading edge of the hood on other Mustangs forms the upper frame of the grille, while the new GT500 has an extra bit of bodywork there.The hood of the GT500 still has a functional air extractor allowing some of the massive heat generated by the blown V8 to escape. The power dome of the V6 and GT is supplanted by a smoother bulge that now encompasses most of the hood. The driving lamps stay in the lower fascia reprising the last edition and leaving the grille area open for air flow.Careful observers will note that the snake badge has moved from the right to the left side of the grille (when viewed from the front). This has nothing to do with the blowing of political winds, but is actually functional. Like the GT, the GT500 now has a cold air intake that sits directly behind the snake's former residence.

60 Seconds of Fun

You have to love a movie that combines a custom Shelby GT500 named Eleanor with Angelina Jolie. Ok, so no one is going to confuse "Gone in 60 Seconds" with Masterpiece Theater, but there are times when want a break from Whole Roasted Squab Breast with Birch, Black Trumpet Mushrooms & Devil’s Club, and just want pizza and a beer.

From it's "staring role" in Bullet, to it's cameo in Bond, the Mustang has had a long history on the Silver Screen. Shelby's Mustang not only saved Ford back in 64, but he created an Icon that became a part of the American culture and a symbol of Detroit's magic in the 60s.Since the first one rolled out on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair the Mustang has been the great American sports car. True the corvette held the title as the "Top of the line" sports car; but the Mustang offered something the Corvette could not- affordability. The basic model price was $2,368. Within a year, Ford had sold 417,000 models.

The car was so successful that it created a subset of autos called "Pony Cars and helped lead the way to the Muscle Car era.

Help for the Big 3 Auto makers?

Knight Ridder/Tribune
11/18/2008 9:28 AM ET
House and Senate Democrats unveiled competing versions Monday of a plan to start funneling $25 billion to U.S. automakers before the end of the year, but lawmakers from both parties and the Bush administration withheld support, demanding tough conditions as part of any rescue.

While some of us are directly effected by the auto industry, others may only feel it as things trickle down. Regardless, we all have an interest in seeing the domestic auto industry rebound from current economic crisis.
The potential collapse of the BIG 3 Manufacturers is real and NOW. Next week Congress and the current Administration will determine whether to provide immediate support to the domestic auto industry to help it through one of the most difficult economic times in our nation's history. Our elected officials must hear from all of us on why this support is critical to millions of people who will be impacted by their decisions
Please go to the link below and get involved, it will only take a few minutes. Please confirm that the e-mail has been sent. http://gmfactsandfiction.com/

Auto industry facts: *3 million jobs lost in the first year
*U.S. personal income reduced by 150.7 billion
*Goverment tax loss over 3 years 156 billion
*The level of economic devastation far exceeds the 25 billion of government support the US Auto industry is asking from Congress.

Bentley Arnage

With the stock market in free-fall Banks around the world poised for collapse, and our elected officials talking about a trying to avoid a worldwide depression: I just received an email from Bentley telling me about their new, more deluxe version of the Arnage. I'm not sure what is wrong with their marketing team that they believe that I might be a possible customer, but it is fun to pretend.

They begin by telling me how the auto is very exclusive. and that they will limit the edition to just 150 cars worldwide. This is truly good to know, otherwise I would expect to see one of these $275,000 cars parked in every driveway.

"Through a combination of commitment and timeless tradition, the Arnage Final Series is destined to become a true British classic".

Click to Read The rich get richer!

Larry Lubell

Tesla... Zero Emissions, 100% Fun

If someone asked me to close my eyes and picture an electric car, my brain would present a vehicle half-way between a prius and a golf cart. I would also expect the acceleration to be on par with a Segway or a motorized wheelchair.


Well, open you eyes and watch the Tesla Roadster go from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour faster than a lamborghini. The Tesla is completely powered by electricity stored in the car's battery pack - "fuel tank" which is largest and most advanced lithium ion battery systems ever designed. Its light, durable, recyclable, and capable powering the Tesla Roadster from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, while storing enough energy for the vehicle to travel about 220 miles on a single charge.


"The first time you drive the Tesla Roadster, prepare to be surprised. You're at freeway speed in seconds without even thinking about it. There is no clutch pedal to contend with and no race-car driving techniques to perform. Just the touch of your foot and you're off, without any of the sluggishness of an automatic".


" A favorite trick here at Tesla Motors is to invite a passenger along and ask him to turn on the radio. At the precise moment we ask, we accelerate. Our passenger simply can't sit forward enough to reach the dials."


The Tesla Roadster delivers full availability of performance every moment you are in the car, even while at a stoplight. Its peak torque begins at 0 rpm and stays powerful at 14,000 rpm.


Specs:
375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive.
Output 248 peak horsepower (185kW) and 276 ft/lbs (375 nm) of torque.
Redline 14,000 rpm.
0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds
Zero emissions


Truth is this car is about as far from a golf cart; as The Pussycat Dolls are from Andrews Sisters.



Larry Lubell

Bentley launch of the Azure T

New for 2009, Bentley has released their new Azure Turbo. This auto combines the style and elegance of the Azure, with an engine which delivers 500bhp.


The Azure T exudes style and sophistication; from the sleek, sculptured contours of its body through to the refined luxury and detail of its handcrafted cabin. Powered by a 6¾ litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine it delivers an exhilarating driving experience matched by assured handling.The Azure T is the most exclusive 4-seat convertible and a luxurious British masterpiece.

Click here to read more.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 2009

The Chrysler Group took several months to build up to its Challenger introduction. Recently, at a Jan.2008 Barrett-Jackson event in Arizona, a Challenger prototype and the "First Production Purchase Rights were auctioned off to the highest bidder. In honor of Richard Petty, the number 43 production vehicle will be auctioned on Ebay. It will include some special "Petty" items and the proceeds going to charity.
Chrysler said that the 2009 Challenger SRT8 would be built in three colors. The retro design takes you back to the 1970 Challenger, but with an updated power train and amenities of the 21st Century. The Challenger also recently appeared at the 100th assembly of the Chicago Auto Show of 2008, where it took two of the Shows five categories voted on by Consumers to proclaim their favorites. Among those categories Challenger took the Best All-New Production Vehicle and The Best Chicago Auto Show World Introduction awards. The Shelby GT500KR followed up with 18 per cent of the vote in Best Production Vehicle. The GMC Denali came in second place to the Best Chicago World Auto Show with its concept hybird pickup truck.