2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Chrysler, a company on the rebound for the second time in it's life, is planning on taking SEMA by storm with 35 vehicles going on display at the car show extravaganza. One of the gems in this huge lot is the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

Power in the SRT8 392 has been kicked up a notch from the previously "normal" SRT8 thanks to a 6.4 liter V8 producing 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The kicker is that the 6.4 not only produces more power than the previous 6.1 liter, but it also delivers it with 15-20 percent better fuel economy thanks to variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation.

Other upgrades over the outgoing model include a retuned suspension with firmer shocks and quicker steering, a unique chin spoiler, and much more. Chrysler says it will only build 1,492 inaugural edition copies of the SRT8 392, with the first ones going on sale right after Thankgiving.

Press Release

Launching Off the Line: Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Delivers New Levels of Performance With Loads More Torque, Horsepower and Maximum Handling

October 25, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. –

Dodge's ultimate modern American muscle coupe, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, receives a big boost in horsepower and torque with the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 powertrain for the street.

And the product story goes beyond the power rumbling under the hood.

Dodge performance loyalists asked for more power off the line, and the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 answers the call with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 90 lb.-ft. more torque at 2,900 rpm compared with the previous 6.1-liter V-8 engine.

Building on its original mantra of a rear-drive coupe that delivers balance between form and function, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 also brings world-class ride and handling along with high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency.

New, highly damped shocks offer a firm ride that maintains the feel for everyday commuting while being fully capable for the more challenging situations. SRT engineers recalibrated the suspension geometry to improve Challenger's balance, corning ability and steering responsiveness. Quicker steering ratios and new negative camber settings all around dramatically improve Challengers appetite for cornering.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also has been improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

The result: the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 is now more nimble and playfully "tossable" while still capable of an incredible .93g of lateral acceleration on the skid pad – the most of any production Challenger.
To kick off 2011-model year production, Dodge will build 1,492 Inaugural Edition models of the Challenger SRT8 392, all with exclusive content.

On the outside, Dodge is offering unique customization for those first 1,492 owners. Two colors and new full-body stripe combinations include Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. All Inaugural Edition models will ride on standard 20-inch SRT-exclusive wheels that feature a polished face and satin black painted pockets.

Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine. Mopar quad exhaust tips deliver the performance exhaust note while adding a serious muscle car styling cue. A larger front splitter and integrated front fender spats give this Challenger SRT8 392 better overall high-speed aerodynamics and balance.

A newly modified front fascia chin spoiler improves aerodynamics and is accent painted for a more aggressive look. The rear decklid spoiler also is completed in matching body color.

The race-inspired interior of the Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition features standard Smooth Pearl White leather-trimmed seats and dual blue stripes accented by unique blue stitching. Each of the front seats features an embroidered "392" just below the headrest. An exclusive, serialized "Inaugural Edition 392 HEMI" dash plaque, showing the sequential build number from 1 to 1,492, rounds out the exclusive interior content.

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to hit 480hp?

With the horsepower wars hitting their stride (with even Hyundai possibly joining the fray, the good looking but heavy Dodge Challenger needs a little boost in power to keep up with Ford and Chevy. And rumor has it that this is exactly what the updated 2011 Dodge Charger will receive, with the SRT8 potentially receiving a bump of 55 horses to 480.

According to Allpar, the car will also receive an 8 speed automatic transmission, the R/T will keep the same power levels, and the V6 motors will receive a 40hp bump to gain a total output of 290hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Other changes are minor cosmetically and structurally, and you can check them out at Allpar's site.

2011 Ford Mustang V6 hits 48.5 mpg in testing

The second biggest draw of the 2011 Mustang is its improved fuel economy in both the V6 and V8 models. The most impressive part of this improvement is that it comes with a large increase in power, proving that technology is certainly a good thing when it comes to engine efficiency.

On June 23rd, Ford Engineers took to Bristol Motor Speedway to see just what kind of mileage they could squeeze out of a V6 powered '11 Mustang. 12 1/2 hours later, the team covered 1,457 laps at an average speed of 43.9 miles per hour. The 16 gallon tank provided an amazing 48.5 mpg, and a total of 776.5 miles. Check out the video to see the hyper-miling in action.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. RTR package now available for 2011 Mustang

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is the ace drifter known for driving and loving Ford Mustangs, which makes his name a prime candidate for being turned into a special edition Mustang.

The new RTR package boasts new shocks and springs that lower the car around 1.5 inches. Wheels are 19 inch and are wrapped in Falken FK452 tires. The suspension also sports a larger rear sway bar, and brakes include slotted rotors.

Performance upgrades include a K&N filter, Ford Racing ECU tune, and mufflers, which are good for 9 extra horsepower over the base model.

On the outside, the RTR features a front splitter, rear aluminum spoiler, and a nice graphics package. The interior has the normal various array of badges all over the place. Price? The whole package will set you back $7895.



Press Release

NEW VAUGHN GITTIN JR.-INSPIRED MUSTANG RTR PACKAGE DELIVERS PERFORMANCE, APPEARANCE

SUMMARY
Mustang RTR, a new dealer-installed package for the 2011 Ford Mustang, delivers performance and appearance upgrades for spirited driving. The package was introduced by Vaughn Gittin Jr., driver of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in the Formula Drift series
The RTR package comes complete with Ford Racing M Falken FK-452 tires, unique 19-inch wheels, and RTR-exclusive interior details and striping scheme, and is available at select dealerships
The introduction of Mustang RTR also plays off the success Gittin is enjoying on the Formula Drift circuit. Winner of the season-opening Long Beach event and runner-up in Atlanta, he has a significant points lead in this year's Formula Drift championship

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND
Professional driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. knows what Mustangs can do – and he wanted to share that knowledge with Mustang enthusiasts who appreciate the car's power and capability. Mustang RTR is Gittin Jr.'s vision for introducing a new generation of owners to Mustang, while catering to traditional Mustang enthusiasts. He helped develop the RTR package, which provides performance and appearance upgrades, to allow pony car lovers to make the most of their driving experience.

DETAILS

The 2011 Ford Mustang is known for its incredible performance and impressive looks, and now there's a new package that takes those qualities one step further – Mustang RTR. The dealer-installed package from Vaughn Gittin Jr., driver of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in Formula Drift, and Ford Racing Performance Parts, is aimed toward a new generation of Mustang owners.


The performance upgrade comes with Ford Racing calibration with a high-flow filter and high-performance Falken FK-452 tires, which offer precise handling from five linear ribs and three-dimensional rounded blocks. Stiffer, wide steel belts offer greater tread rigidity, superior grip and high-speed stability, and high-tension carcass and high turn-up construction increase handling response and high-speed stability.

Other performance upgrades include:
Unique Mustang RTR 19x9.5-inch wheels
Ford Racing mufflers
Ford Racing handling pack (performance-tuned dampers, bars and springs)

Mustang RTR commands attention with unique styling that is highlighted by a chin spoiler with splitter and supports, rocker splitters, a rear diffuser and aluminum rear spoiler. A distinctive Mustang RTR stripe scheme adds more distinction. The interior showcases RTR-exclusive floor mats, shifter knob and emblems.

The package was designed and manufactured in partnership with Michigan-based Classic Design Concepts, which has a reputation for quality and style. The Mustang RTR package is available at select dealerships for the 2011 Mustang GT. A Mustang V-6 package will be available in late 2010. For more information on the Mustang RTR package, visit www.mustangrtr.com.

Taking the lead
The introduction of Mustang RTR also plays off the success Gittin is enjoying in Formula Drift, with a significant lead in the championship point standings. Driving the Monster Energy/ Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang GT, Gittin took first place at the opening competition in Long Beach, Calif., and most recently placed second at Road Atlanta.

QUOTE

"Vaughn's goal was to introduce an exciting new package to the Mustang world that resonates with both the younger audience and with traditional muscle car enthusiasts as well. Mustang RTR achieves that goal with ease and illustrates how universal Mustang's appeal is."
– Mickey Matus, Ford Performance Group marketing manager

Jay Leno gets a 2011 Mustang GT in his garage

It's no secret that Jay Leno is a huge car guy - and has what is arguably the nicest collection of them on the planet. So one could figure that his opinion on cars is worth its weight in gold, seeing as how the man has driven practically every car worth driving over the years.

In the latest installment of Jay Leno's garage, the late night mogul tries out a 2011Mustang GT. And not only is he impressed with the power and performance of Ford's new pony, he is very impressed with the build quality.

Video: 2011 Ford Mustang GT500 runs VIR

We already know that the 2011 Mustang V6 and GT handily beat down the previous models in pretty much every performance test, so it should come as no surprise that the new GT500 is poised to do the same thing. This video, released by Ford, shows just that.

Shot at Virginia International Speedway, the video shows a 2011 GT500 being put through its paces and obliterating the previous GT500's total time by 9 seconds to the tune of 2:58.5.

2011 Ford Mustang promos hit the web

With two all new engines pumping out more horsepower than it's rival Camaro, the 2011Mustang has lots to brag about. And brag it does in this two Ford promo videos touting both the 3.7 liter V6 and the 5.0 liter V8.

Both promos point out all the lurid details of both cars, and do a nice job of making us want one even more.

2011 Ford Mustang DUB Edition

The Ford Mustang has become synonymous with special editions, and we knew it was only a matter of time before we would see one based on the updated 2011 model. And here you have it, the 2011 Ford Mustang DUB edition.

Based on the V6 model, the DUB edition is a joint venture between DUB Magazine and Roush Industries. The DUB Edition is available in coupe, convertible or glass-roof variants, and comes equipped with a Roush front fascia and splitter, quarter window covers, windshield banner, stripe package and a black interior with the DUB logo embroidered into the headrests.

The DUB edition rolls on 20 inch wheels (hence the name) with Pirelli tires. Roush lowering springs give it a nice stance, and a 3.31 rear axle gives the stock motor a little more umph. The car will be available with manual or automatic transmission, and a choice of four colors.

Press Release

DUB EDITION 2011 FORD MUSTANG BRINGS UNIQUE STYLE TO NEW GENERATION OF BUYERS

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is teaming up with automotive lifestyle magazine DUB to roll out a specially customized version of the new 2011 Mustang, introducing the iconic sports car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

The DUB Edition Mustang is based on Ford's outstanding new 3.7-liter V-6 Mustang and will be available this fall. A collaboration between Ford, DUB and Roush Industries, the DUB Edition Mustang will be offered as a coupe, convertible or with the best-of-both-worlds Glass Roof option. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

"The Ford Mustang is the most customized vehicle in the world, and this collaboration pushes the boundaries even further," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. "We're proud of our relationship with DUB and Roush and how they worked together to bring a new look to Mustang, helping the 2011 DUB Edition Mustang V-6 appeal to a whole new audience."

• 2011 DUB Edition Mustang introduces Ford Mustang to a whole new generation of buyers
• Based on the new 305-hp Mustang V-6, the DUB Edition will sport 20-inch TIS wheels and Pirelli tires and be available in coupe, convertible and Glass Roof body styles
• The 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe uses advanced technologies and improved aerodynamics to become the first production vehicle to make 300-plus hp and return 30-plus mpg highway


Available only with Ford's new high-tech, 305-horsepower DOHC 3.7-liter V-6, the DUB Edition Mustang will offer:

• 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli performance tires
• Roush front fascia and splitter
• Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner
• Roush lowering springs
• Coupe, convertible or Glass Roof body style
• Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• 3.31 rear axle ratio for spirited acceleration
• DUB logo embroidered in front headrest and DUB stripe package
• Black interior
• Choice of four exterior colors: Black, Grabber Blue, Race Red or Ingot Silver


"Working with Ford and Roush is an honor and has been a dream come true for DUB," said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of DUB magazine. "The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer's favorite. The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we've successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle."

About the 2011 Mustang V-6
For 2011, Mustang is available with a lightweight, all-new high-performance powerplant. Displacing 3.7 liters, the double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 uses Ford's Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to produce remarkable power output – 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – while still achieving up to 31 mpg highway.

Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine using either an all-new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either choice comes the flexibility and fuel economy benefit of six forward ratios.

The 2011 Mustang has also received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Combined with state-of-the-art safety and technology features, the 2011 Mustang sets a new standard in the sports coupe class.

Ford to attempt 1,000 lap challenge at Bristol Motor Speedway

With all of the hoopla surrounding the new V6 and 5.0L Ford Mustangs, here's another PR stunt aimed at proving a point and selling some more metal. On June 23rd, Ford will be taking a V6 Mustang to Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee to try and run 1,000 laps on a single tank of gas.

That works out to about 500 miles on a tank of gas. Interested parties can check out www.Mustang1000LapChallenge.com and guess how many laps the car will run before it runs out of gas. Of those who guess correctly, Ford will draw the name of one lucky person who will win a 2011 Mustang V6.

FORD SET TO TAKE 1,000-LAP CHALLENGE AROUND BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY ON ONE TANK OF GAS IN 2011 V6 MUSTANG

DEARBORN, Mich., March 21, 2010 – Since first coming off the assembly line 45 years ago, Mustang has always been known for its sheer power and speed. Now you can add another element to that reputation – best-in-class fuel economy.

One year after the Ford Fusion Hybrid, America's most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan, successfully eclipsed 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, Ford will put its new 2011 Mustang V-6 on a similar quest as it attempts to run 1,000 laps on a single tank of gas at Bristol Motor Speedway on June 23, and they're inviting consumers to be involved.

A team of Ford engineers and celebrities will attempt to prove Mustang's ranking as the most fuel-efficient pony car to date by circling the half-mile NASCAR bullring at least 1,000 times – more than 500 miles – and highlight the 3.7L V-6 model's best-in-class 31 mpg.

Fans can be involved in the Mustang 1,000-Lap Challenge by entering a national sweepstakes in which they will guess the total number of complete laps that Mustang will complete during the Challenge. Ford has designed a specific website for fans, who can register their guess at www.Mustang1000LapChallenge.com between March 21 and June 23, 2010.

The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from all those who correctly guess the number of laps completed during the Challenge and will take home a 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe.

"We all know how much fun it is to drive Mustang, but in today's market it's also about fuel economy," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "By going 1,000 laps or more on one of NASCAR's most popular tracks, we expect to show that when it comes to Mustang, you can be mean and green."

The Mustang 1,000-Lap Challenge will begin the morning of Wednesday, June 23 with a team of Ford test drivers continuously circling the track billed as "the world's fastest half-mile" until the vehicle runs out of fuel with a goal of surpassing 1,000-lap mark.

"To go at least 1,000 laps at Bristol means we'll be going twice as far as the NASCAR drivers do during their races, and we'll be doing it without a pit stop," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager.

The V-6 Mustang will be no stranger to Bristol by then, having been selected to serve as pace car for this weekend's Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

This event is a follow-up to last year's challenge in which Ford NASCAR driver Carl Edwards participated in driving the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid a total of 1,445 miles (an average of 81.5 mpg) on a single tank of gas around Washington, D.C.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro now has 312hp V6, ends Mustang's one day reign

Yesterday, we reported that the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 toppled the Camaro V6 in a head to head comparison. But one aspect of that victory was short lived, as today Chevrolet announced that it's V6 in the 2011 Camaro will be rated at 312hp, which is 7hp more than the Mustang.

The kicker here is that nothing has been done to extract this extra power. Turns out, the V6 was underrated all along, and only the rating has been altered. This of course means that although the Camaro will have horsepower bragging rights, the Mustang will still smoke it in the real world.

Other changes for 2011 are the availability of Synergy Green in any trim level, and the heads up display is will be standard equipment on 2LT and 2SS models.

Press Release

Chevrolet supports Camaro's consumer momentum with exciting updates for 2011

312 horsepower for V6, expanded availability of Synergy color and heads-up display new for 2011

The 2010 model year proved to be a very successful and exciting year for the segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet looks to expand the car's popularity among consumers with the introduction of additional features.

"We are pleased with Camaro's success in the market during its first year of production," said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. "The 2010 model year has been a banner year for us, and we plan to build on this momentum."

Horsepower increase for V6 engine

The 2011 Camaro V-6 engine completed SAE certification testing and is now officially rated at 312 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 5100 rpm. This rating is eight horsepower higher than the previous year and also marks an increase in torque from the 2010 rating of 273 lb-ft.

"The 304 horsepower in the 2010 Camaro was actually a conservative rating on our end," said Tom Sutter, GM V-6 chief engineer. "But we knew already that this award-winning engine produced at least the amount of power we stated, but now we've gone the extra step in certifying the engine for this application and have verified an additional 8 horsepower."

The 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct injection employs four independent cam phasers to change the timing of valve operation as operating conditions such as rpm and engine load vary. The result is linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (maximum horsepower per liter of displacement) supporting overall engine response and drivability. When combined, direct-injection and VVT enable an unmatched combination of power, efficiency and low-emissions in gasoline V-6 engines.

SAE certification is a voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. Chevrolet was the vehicle brand to begin using the procedure.

Synergy color to be made available across the lineup

Earlier this year, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Synergy Special Edition which is based off the concept displayed at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Synergy Special Edition is limited to a 1LT model, but the Synergy Green exterior color will be made available on all trim levels for a limited run during the 2011 model year.

"When we looked at the overwhelmingly positive reaction we received from SEMA attendees and consumers on Synergy Green, making the color available across the board was pretty much a no-brainer," said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro Marketing Manager.

Customers will be able to order this color for a manufacturer suggested retail price of $325.

Head-Up Display

Already available on the Chevrolet Corvette, the 2011 Camaro will become the second Chevrolet vehicle to offer the popular Head-Up Display.

Camaro's Head-Up Display will include:

* Vehicle speed
* Tachometer
* Compass
* Outside air temperature
* Manual Paddle Shift Gear Indicator (if equipped)
* OnStar Turn-by-Turn
* Audio functions
* Phone information
* Selected gear
* Turn signal indicators
* High-beam indicator signal
* Vehicle messages

"Head-Up Display has been a very frequent customer request" said Cheryl Pilcher, Camaro Product Manager. "People familiar with the HUD system simply love it. It truly enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road."

Production of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro begins on June 7, 2010.

Video: 2011 Ford Mustang GT on the dyno

The 2011 Ford Mustang not only brings back the legendary 5.0 moniker, it brings the Mustang back into the heated pony car power race. Rated at 412 hp, there is not doubt the new motor is stout. But that won't and did not stop Inside Line from putting one on the dyno to see how accurate that number is.

After a few pulls, the car managed 395 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. This translates to a better than advertised 446 hp at the crank! Producing that kind of number makes one wonder why Ford would rate the car at 412 hp, slotting it below the Camaro SS. Regardless of the reason, check out the video to witness the new 5.0 in action.

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 order guide leaked?

For whatever reason, all the latest Mustang news has been leaked on internet forums before anybody else gets it. It makes sense, as the best discussions and sources for info (real or fake) can be found on these social gateways of the interwebs.

The latest tidbit comes to us courtesy of ModularFords.com. One of the members there has posted an order guide for the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang. Most interestingly, the document (if it is real) confirms that an aluminum block replaces the old iron block in the new Shelby.

There are many other nice revelations, such as standard HID lights, 19 inch wheels for the convertible, and an SVT Performance Package. The package adds 3:73 gears, stiffer shocks and springs, staggered 19 inch in front and 20 inch in back wheels, and a Gurney flapped rear spoiler.

Head over to the thread at ModularFords to see the document in it's entirety.