Andretti AutoSport Sign Danica Patrick to Multi-Year Deal

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/30/andretti-autosport-sign-danica-patrick-to-multiyear-deal.aspx

VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES SIGNS REIGNING WORLD CHAMPION JENSON BUTTON TO MULTI-YEAR DEAL

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/19/vodafone-mclaren-mercedes-signs-reigning-world-champion-jenson-button-to-multiyear-deal.aspx

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Production Dates Confirmed

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/27/chevrolet-camaro-convertible-production-dates-confirmed.aspx

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/27/2011-jeep-grand-cherokee.aspx

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/27/2011-cadillac-cts-coupe.aspx

Subaru Introduces 2010 Impreza WRX STi Special Edition

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/27/subaru-introduces-2010-impreza-wrx-sti-special-edition.aspx

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to Debut at L.A. Auto Show

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/27/mercedesbenz-sls-amg-to-debut-at-la-auto-show.aspx

2011 Chevrolet Cruze: Unveiled at LA Auto Show

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/29/2011-chevrolet-cruze-unveiled-at-la-auto-show.aspx

2011 Ford Mustang 7000 RPM Redline 305 HP and 30 MPG

http://blog.schoolofhotrod.com/2009/11/29/2011-ford-mustang-7000-rpm-redline-305-hp-and-30-mpg.aspx

SOHR Camping World Truck Series Dreams

Special thanks to Andrew Olsen for this inspiring art.

If you remember the '80's ....sorry.

Ford Announces All-New Police Interceptor

FORD ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF ALL-NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR













Ford confirms development plans of an all-new Ford Police Interceptor and affirms continued commitment to the police and municipal vehicle businesses

New Police Interceptor's durability, safety and performance will exceed the existing Crown Victoria's law enforcement vehicle lineup

Ford is the market leader in the law enforcement vehicle segment, selling 45,000 of the 60,000 police vehicles sold in each year in the U.S.

Ford Motor Company announced today it will produce an all-new purpose-built Police Interceptor specially designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria law enforcement vehicle lineup in 2011.

The new Ford Police Interceptor is being developed in conjunction with Ford's Police Advisory Board, which provided input during the past 14 months on key vehicle attributes, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort. The new Police Interceptor will be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria ends in late 2011.

"We have heard the repeated requests from the law enforcement community to continue uninterrupted support of the law enforcement community," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Ford is answering the call with the new Police Interceptor – engineered and built in America."

Ford which currently controls approximately 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the U.S. has invested significantly in designing the purpose-built new police and municipal vehicles to meet the needs of these crucial customers. The new Police Interceptor is designed to provide municipalities with reduced ownership costs through improved fuel efficiency, quality and the kind of durability police departments nationwide have come to expect from Ford.

"Ford's commitment to the law enforcement community produced the Crown Victoria, the benchmark police vehicle," said Lt. Brian Moran, fleet manager, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and a member of Ford's Police Advisory Board. "This commitment has continued, and Ford has been working closely with the Police Advisory Board on developing the new Police Interceptor. I am confident that the next-generation Ford police vehicle will meet the future needs of the law enforcement community and will set the new standard."Ford plans to reveal the new model and provide full vehicle specifications in the first quarter of 2010 – in time for law enforcement agencies, police equipment manufacturers and upfitters to develop a transition plan from the Crown Victoria to the new product.

Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, making the Blue Oval the nation's largest provider of police and municipal vehicles."Ford long has supported our public servants with vehicles that work as hard as they do," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. "We intend to build on this legacy with a new generation of municipal and police vehicles that set even higher standards."

Audi looks to Facebook for Inspiration

Audi turns to social media for inspiration at 2009 LA Design Challenge
Ideas derived from Facebook community of nearly 400,000 fans

Online videos showcased decisions that led to final designs
End result: Audi eSpira and Audi eOra which perform as extensions of the driver’s body

Audi today released the final social media video installment documenting behind-the-scenes considerations that shaped its entries in this year’s Los Angeles Design Challenge, a competition associated with the upcoming L.A. Auto Show involving Southern California automotive studios.

As part of the design process, the Audi design team leveraged social media as an interactive forum through which to solicit consumer insights. Using the Audi Facebook page as a central hub, the team was able to engage Audi fans – and regular Facebook users alike - in a variety of ways, including discussion threads, polls and feedback on photos and videos. This resulted in an active conversation between the Audi designers and the consumers they were targeting.

With its nearly 400,000 fans, the Audi Facebook audience is composed of passionate brand enthusiasts who have a mutual affinity for automobiles. They yielded feedback for the design team that proved uniquely thoughtful. Additionally, the broader Facebook community was welcome to participate as well, increasing the potential input. Collectively, Facebook participants played a key role in shaping the design and functionality of the Audi models submitted for the competition.

Case in point: the prevalence of communications tools in the final Audi designs. When engaging with Facebook users for input on the topic of connectivity, the Audi Design Team received overwhelming demand to stay in touch with users’ digital worlds – even behind the wheel. Taking this insight to heart, the design team developed a driving experience that, while solitary, enabled seamless communication through a host of channels including messaging and social networking integration via mobile broadband.

In fact, a large number of design elements in the final products can be credited to Facebook users.

“Often, we’d encounter decisions in which both options had merit from a design perspective,” said Jae Min, Chief Designer, Design Center, California. “In those instances, it was especially useful to field input from the Facebook users. After reviewing the feedback, we would eventually notice a consensus formed among the community which shaped our final designs.”

The theme of this year’s competition, titled “YouthMobile 2030,” asked design teams to envision automobiles appealing to young people of the future. Many major automakers participate in this annual competition that challenges their respective California design studios to push the limits of their expertise and imagination.

The Audi Design Team developed two complementary models meeting these criteria: the accessible Audi eOra and the aspirational Audi eSpira. Both cars function as extensions of one’s body and its senses. Using next generation vehicle control logic, they take even the smallest body movements and gestures of the driver into consideration to provide an unsurpassed command of the drive. The sportier era has a smaller footprint has unmatched agility.

Participating Facebook fans said having a stake in the design of these groundbreaking vehicles was empowering and rewarding. While engagement through social media is nothing new, transcending the virtual world to create something tangible is more novel for brands.

“It was really nice to see that Audi cared enough to listen, “ said Joe Zamani an active member of the Audi community on Facebook who participated in the regular Design Challenge queries on the page. “The fact that they felt our opinions were worth taking to heart was encouraging. It shows what a valuable resource social media can be when ideas are turned into something real.”

The Los Angeles Design Challenge results will be revealed on December 3, 2009 during the L.A. Auto Show.

The latest Audi web video captures the final stretch of the Los Angeles Design Challenge and the Audi design team’s creation process. Audi partnered with entertainment and marketing production agency Trailer Park to create the video.

Camaro Z/28 Program Green Lighted

Supercharged 556hp Camaro to take on Shelby GT500











GM design chief Ed Welburn has confirmed that the Camaro Z28 program is back on track. The Z28 was basically completed, with the design signed off, but the final engineering and certification work was put on hold as GM's financial situation spun out of control.

With GM now out of bankruptcy, the Z28 program has been restarted. Why? Insiders say the Z28 business case now makes sense because the new UAW contracts have reduced the labor costs on the car to the point where GM feels it can price it competitively and far enough away from Corvette.

That's the good news. The bad news is EPA certification and GM durability requirements mean the Z28 is unlikely to go on sale until late 2011. Images are very close to the final signed-off design, based on photos of a scale clay model. Key details to note are the deeper front bumper fascia, with larger front aperture under the grille and the spotlights mounted in deep vents on either side. The Z28 also gets a different grille mesh compared with that of a standard Camaro.At the rear is a taller lip spoiler that runs the full width of the car. A new rear-bumper fascia features a deeper section with integrated exhaust outlets. The wheels are 20-inchers with an aggressive "tuning-fork" five-spoke pattern. A new hood features a large, forward-facing scoop.

Underneath is the 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 that also powers the Cadillac CTS-V. As we have already confirmed, this is quite a powerplant, delivering 556 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3800 rpm.The near-4300-pound CTS-V thunders from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and nails the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds with the automatic or 12.4 seconds in the 6 speed. Top speed with the manual will storm to an autobahn melting 193 mph. As the Z/28 will weigh 200 to 300 pounds less than the CTS-V, it may nail 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and run the quarter in the very low 12s.

This Z28 could be the fastest Chevy ponycar since the legendary ZL-1-powered COPO 9560 Camaros built 40 years ago.

Real cars, real rivalries, real racing?

It has been reported that the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang will possibly be entering the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series. This is to stir up interest in the series again to get the attendance back up. The interesting part of the news is a redesign of the NASCAR racecars designed to bring back the Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and now Toyota rivalries to the track both on and off.

But will it?

NASCAR Weekend Preview

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup heads to Phoenix International Raceway this week, for Sunday’s Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Presented By Pennzoil the ninth event in the Chase. That will be the capper of a national series tripleheader weekend at the 1-mile track.

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will roll on to Phoenix International Raceway for the Lucas Oil 150 this Friday night. Phoenix is the site of the series’ first race in 1995. Mike Skinner won the inaugural event and again the following year. Other former winners expected to compete include Ron Hornaday Jr., Kevin Harvick, David Starr, Todd Bodine, and Kyle Busch. Hornaday’s Clinch Scenarios Become Clearer. Hornaday is on the verge of history, as he attempts to become the first ever four-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion.

Here’s his clinch scenario: To clinch at Phoenix, Ron Hornaday needs to lead by 195 points after the race. If Hornaday wins at Phoenix, he'll clinch no matter what any other driver does. To clinch at Homestead, Hornaday needs to average a 22nd place finish over the final two races, or 23rd and lead at least one lap in each of the final two races, or 25th and lead the most laps in each of the final two races. If he does that, he'll clinch no matter what any other driver does.

Busch And Ballew Continue To Close In On Owner’s Title
With Kyle Busch’s win at Texas, his fifth in as many starts, Billy Ballew and the No. 51 team cut even further into the lead of DeLana Harvick and the No. 33 team of Ron Horanday Jr. in the battle for the owner’s title. Ballew is 75 points behind Harvick as they head into the penultimate race of the season. Should Ballew win the title, it would mark the first time in the series’ 15-year history that the owner’s championship did not belong to the driver champion team.

NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES
Kyle’s Party Could Start Early. He’s been waiting for this moment since he made his first NASCAR national series start on Aug. 3, 2001 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Saturday at Phoenix, Kyle Busch could lay claim to his first national series title. To clinch the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship at Phoenix, Busch needs to lead by 195 points after the race. To guarantee that, he needs to place at least 15th, or 16th with at least one lap led, or 18th and the most laps led. His lead entering Phoenix is 272 over second-place Carl Edwards. However, these scenarios could change due to an infraction on the No. 18 Toyota discovered Friday during pre-race inspection at Texas (weight issues). The penalty won’t be released until Tuesday at the earliest. Check back for updated information. If he’s not able to clinch at Phoenix, again prior to any penalty announcement, his clinch at Homestead-Miami would entail an average finish of 34th over the final two races, or a 36th place finish and a lap led in each of the final two races, or a 38th place finish and the most laps led in each of the final two races. If he does that, he'll clinch no matter what any other driver does.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
The Chase, Week 9. Jimmie Johnson’s chances of a record fourth-straight championship absorbed a body blow at Texas – but by no means was it a knockout. An early-race crash led to a 38th-place finish for Johnson and a seemingly safe lead in the points is down to 73 over second-place Mark Martin, with two races remaining on the schedule. The largest deficit ever overcome with two races remaining is 85 points. In 1992, Alan Kulwicki leapfrogged two drivers – Bill Elliott and Davey Allison – with two races to go to win the championship.

As the season comes to a close, the championship picture starts to come into focus. To clinch at Homestead, two races away, Johnson needs to average a fourth-place finish over the final two races, or fifth and a lap led in each of the final two races, or sixth and the most laps led in each of the final two races. If he does that, he'll clinch no matter what any other driver does. He can mathematically clinch at Phoenix, though the task is a tough one. To clinch Sunday, Johnson needs to leave Phoenix with a 195-point lead over second place. Currently up 73 points, he’ll need to gain 122 points in Sunday’s race.

His suddenly precarious lead aside, Johnson has to like the fact that he’ll be in Phoenix this week. He has won three of the last four PIR races. Johnson won the fall race at Phoenix in 2007, then swept last year’s two races. Johnson also has the top pre-race Driver Rating at Phoenix – by a wide margin. His 120.0 rating is 17.6 points ahead of second-best Kurt Busch’s 102.4.

Excuse me, 1104-hp supercar?

This supercar is powered by a mid-mounted Chevrolet Corvette Z06–sourced 7.0-liter V-8. Although it retains the Z06’s six-speed manual transmission, the ST1 engine has been twincharged turbocharged and supercharged to the tune of 1104 hp and 1055 lb-ft of torque. Fortunately, traction control is included. Weighing just over 3000 pounds, the ST1 can reportedly hit 62 mph in three seconds flat and reach an electronically limited top speed of 232 mph.

2010 COBRA JET Mustang FR500CJ

Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford's Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.

The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.

Ford Racing has unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

"The 2008 Cobra Jet was a great car, it did everything we wanted it to do," said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North American Motorsports. "We're really proud of the car, but then again we're always trying to make the next one better.

"With the 2010 Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Cobra Jet in competition."

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.

Much like Ford Racing's previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.

All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

'10 4Runner set for the SCORE Baja 1000

Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 miles in length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV's capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert's treacherous terrain. "Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we're confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course", said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan "Ironman" Stewart – 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. "I'm thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I'm sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot", said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line.

The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

Hurst Competition Plus Charger

If you know me, you know how much I like it.

2010 SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE PUNCH

2010 FORD SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE POWERFUL PUNCH

2010 Ford Shelby GT500: Racing stripes are available for the first time on the convertible model of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 with horsepower increased 540, torque increased to 510 ft.-lb., downforce increased and drag reduced. New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency – up 2 mpg compared with the outgoing model. Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet

2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms this spring

The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too.

“The new Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford’s continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, it’s also two miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway.”

“We’re proud of the many enhancements jointly developed by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team that we’ve incorporated into the new model,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.

“Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang,” stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang’s leadership position and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable.”

“The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. “We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. This is the car that will do all of that.”

More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality

The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. It delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR. The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car’s aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby’s appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.

The Shelby’s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine’s efficiency. A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possi ble directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust. A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability. The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, moving from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios. The Shelby’s distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.

“You still hear the supercharger but not so that it’s intrusive,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “It’s the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you’re driving something special, but you don’t want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

“We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It’s a nice balance; one isn’t overpowering the other,” said Baldori.

Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT’s signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible. Springs and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control. The team also stiffened the steering shaft. “All our changes were about making the car respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” Hameedi said. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.”

The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a “recipe” for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear’s team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience. The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates “blade” spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires. The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system, with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System®.

Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

The team worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible, said Baldori. They worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go under the car. A lot of time also was spent sealing components such as the radiator and intercooler to get rid of all leak paths. The result is an increased downforce, reduced drag and improved overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Directing the air so it’s used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car’s “flush” hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler.

SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500’s distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.

A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new Mustang lineup. “The design we chose was a ‘flush’ hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle,” said Hameedi. “That’s very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very different from the base Mustang.”

“This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang,” added George Saridakis, exterior design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. “It’s all about power and expressing power.”

Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.

Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. “Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles,” Hameedi noted. “That’s something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition.” Rounding out the Shelby’s exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features. The spoiler is raked back aggressively to minimize drag, while an integrated Gurney Flap provides the downforce.

What’s inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500

The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.

Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara® suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. Customers can select racing stripes on the seats that match the exterior stripes.

The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors.

The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the “GT500” logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.

This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang’s powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word “SHELBY” engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.

All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red “SVT” logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.

“When customers drive this car, they’re not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they’re going to see all these carefully designed details and know they’ve bought a well-crafted car,” Saridakis said.Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.

Bottom Line: I want one.

Lingenfelter ZR1 Runs 10.03 @ 141.50 MPH

The team at Lingenfelter headed out to Muncie Dragway and produced a new fast time for their Lingenfelter 2009 ZR1 Corvette. This Lingenfelter ZR1 has the latest version of our second level of supercharger upgrades and produces an impressive 739 RWHP and 720 RWTQ.

The Lingenfelter supercharger upgrades included our pulley upgrade, air intake modifications, intercooler improvements and tuning. This was run with stock exhaust manifolds and factory cat back exhaust with Mild to Wild Switch.

Excuse me, but could I have the keys to that?

IZOD Named title sponsor of IRL

IZOD Brings IndyCar Series a Strong Brand, Bright Future, And Vision For Growth

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation announced today a multi-year agreement in principle with the Indy Racing League the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series, for its IZOD brand to become the title sponsor of the newly renamed IZOD IndyCar Series. The IZOD IndyCar Series, which will mark the League's first title sponsorship since 2001, introduced its new logo and key partnership details today, with additional activation, promotional plans and marketing initiatives to be revealed in the coming months, prior to the start of the 2010 season. Under the new arrangement, IZOD will also retain its designation as the official apparel partner of the Indy Racing League, which began in 2008. Key elements of the agreement are expected to include:

Multi-year, multi-million dollar activation plans and brand-building efforts around the IZOD IndyCar Series intended to broaden the promotion of the sport both off the track and beyond its traditional audience. These include:

Increased and enhanced national media initiatives with IRL's two television partners – ESPN on ABC and VERSUS. Access to drivers and 100 years' worth of motorsports assets and graphics from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, including current and vintage cars, for both on- and off-track events, both in and out of race markets.

Multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to participate in the IZOD IndyCar Series Team Enhancement/Allocation Matrix fund. Introduced in 2008, TEAM provides a guaranteed financial foundation for all teams committed to running the entire IZOD IndyCar Series schedule

Shared Web initiatives and online promotions

Rights to use one of the most dynamic marketing events in all of sports – two parade laps in the IZOD IndyCar Series two-seater at the start of the Indianapolis 500 and other selected races –providing a one-of-a-kind experience to an IZOD-selected VIP or fan sweepstakes winner

"The combination of young, dynamic drivers representing over 14 countries, events in key domestic and global markets and its strong American racing heritage make the IndyCar Series a perfect fit for the sport-spirited IZOD brand lifestyle," said Allen Sirkin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Phillips-Van Heusen. "Our involvement with the IRL began shortly after the unification of U.S. open-wheel racing and, despite the recession, we have seen growth and sense the potential for even greater opportunity as the sport is re-energized on the American sports landscape, as well as abroad. We're excited at the opportunity to become the title sponsor f the IZOD IndyCar Series and look forward to taking our partnership with the fastest form of motorsport in the world, along with its 'cars and stars', to a new level of marketing and activation both on and off the track."

"Our relationship with the IZOD brand has been on the fast track since the day we began our partnership in 2008, and we are thrilled they have taken a bigger and more vital role in our sport," said Terry Angstadt, president of the Commercial Division of the Indy Racing League. "Their strong marketing skills, national retail partnerships and ability to bring fresh eyes to the sport have already proven powerful in our short time together. We're confident that we have found a partner with a strong brand, a bright future and a vision for growing the IZOD IndyCar Series that will benefit fans, drivers, teams, owners and tracks."

The move by Phillips-Van Heusen follows a series of recent similar decisions to shift IZOD's marketing mix towards sports and sponsorship activation. In 2008, IZOD was awarded the naming rights for what was then Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, home of the New Jersey Nets, renaming it the IZOD Center. Phillips-Van Heusen's efforts helped lift the IZOD Center to become the fourth-ranked venue of its kind in North America. Phillips-Van Heusen also recently announced its VAN HEUSEN brand's sponsorship of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame fan vote, a first of its kind for any professional sport.

The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in the U.S., showcases some of motorsport's leading personalities, including Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan, as well as Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti and Tomas Scheckter, heirs to some of auto racing's greatest legends. The 2010 season is scheduled to feature 17 races in the United States, Canada, Japan and Brazil, with the first green flag dropping March 14 in Brazil. The races will be broadcast in high-definition on ABC and VERSUS.