Auto For Speed

Ford’s vice president of design, J Mays, has released details about the company’s new styling direction.

Previewed by the Start concept, which recently debuted at the Beijing Motor Show, the design language will attempt to give cars a “warmth and charm” consumers can “bond with.” As Mays explains, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, “People purchase products because they are prepared to spend part of their life with it. It is an emotional relationship.”

While Ford’s European designs have been attractive, American products have fared much worse. As Mays bluntly stated, “Five years ago, we were a commodity.” This has started to change, thanks to the introduction of the 2010 Taurus and 2011 Fiesta, but more work needs to be done.

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“Makes a great boat anchor.” That’s how our editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, neatly summarizes the V-6 engine in the 2010 Ford Mustang. The so-called “Cologne” six, produced by Ford of Germany in varying displacements for more than FOUR DECADES (currently it’s a single-cam, 4.0-liter), is rough, noisy, and underpowered (210 horses) and probably cheats on its taxes. Single-handedly, it knocked the Mustang out of contention for our 2010 Car of the Year award (the V-8-powered Mustang GT and GT500, in contrast, earned raves). We admire this motor like we admire Balloon Boy Dad.

But now — and none too soon — it’s gone. For the 2011 model year, starting this spring, the Mustang jettisons the stinky Cologne in favor of a sophisticated new DOHC 3.7-liter V-6 that banishes the taint of its predecessor like a rainbow after a hurricane. Ford graciously provided MT with an exclusive, preproduction ride (no wheel time yet, though) at the maker’s Arizona Proving Grounds. Listen up: The news is very good indeed.

We brought along the Mustang’s… read full caption.

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The famous Cobra badge has returned on the newest generation Ford Mustang that was made public at the LA car Show last year. The new Shelby GT500 that should be available in both coupe and convertible versions will make its world debut at the Detroit show later this month with sales following in spring 2009. (more…)

ROUSH® Performance continues their homage to the legendary World War II fighter plane with the 2009 P-51B™ Mustang, the second aviation-themed pony car from the Michigan-based manufacturer.   This car, based on the 2009 Ford Mustang chassis, will be limited to just 51 numbered production vehicles in the 2009 model year. (more…)