The 2003-2006 Ford GT is one of America’s proudest super cars. Its sleek, low profile design gives it a sense of being exotic while there’s no mistaking the American muscle that powers it. From the factory it came equipped with a 5.4L V8 with a Lysholm twin screw-type supercharger producing 550-hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque. With an MSRP in the mid-$100,000’s, it’s hard to imagine there would be many of these prowling on the streets, never mind modified ones. But modified ones there are, and Performance Power Racing is taking top honors with its 1,400-hp Ford GT that recently set a production car world record.

You see, the Ford GT has a top speed of 200 MPH off the assembly line. Performance Power Racing in South Florida  wanted to take that above and beyond. They claim that their Ford GT went from the previous top speed of 200 mph to 252.97 mph in merely 7.3 seconds with the aid of a pair of turbochargers forcing 26 psi into the V8.

And just like that a record is set and for those not fortunate enough have witnessed it (we definitely weren’t!) there’s a video after the break.

Not only does Ford’s new 5.0-liter V8 for the 2011 Mustang GT make incredible amounts of horsepower, but it also achieves best-in-class fuel economy. Thanks in part to a new six-speed transmission and Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), it gets 17/26 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic and 18/25 mpg with the manual.  This is an improvement over the 15/22 mpg (auto) and 15/23 (manual) rating for the old 4.6-liter V8, while delivering almost 100 more horsepower. The V6 Mustang also gets a class-best rating of 19/31 mpg (automatic)

In comparison, the new 2011 Mustang GT edges out the Camaro SS which has a rating of 16/25 mpg with the auto and 16/24 mpg with the automatic.

We’re sure most Mustang GT shoppers won’t be too concerned with fuel economy numbers, but less money spent at the pumps is always a good thing – especially if you’re looking to throw on a few aftermarket parts.

Official release after the jump:

Ahead of its official reveal later today, Ford has released several images of the Taurus-based Police Interceptor. Ford will offer a Taurus cruiser to take over for the Crown Vic, which is set to finally be eliminated for the Ford fleet in September of 2011.

Ford still hasn’t released any info on the new car, but we’re excited about the potential of an SHO version, using Ford’s powerful and efficient EcoBoost twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Interestingly, unlike the Crown Vic and pretty much most police cruisers, the Taurus isn’t rear-wheel drive. Standard Taurus models are front-drive, while the SHO comes exclusively in AWD.

This new Taurus Interceptor is just the latest domestic model to join the competition for police fleet sales, with Dodge’s Charger Interceptor and Chevy recently announcing an all-new cruiser, based on the Australian Zeta rear-drive platform.

GALLERY: Ford Taurus Police Interceptor

Ford has just released the latest model to be based on its global C architecture, the Focus Wagon. Looking quite a bit like the Focus hatch, it’s a bit larger with more cargo room. It also represents the European launch of the MyFord Touch system.

A range of gasoline and diesel engines are available, but it doesn’t matter much as Ford has no plans to bring the wagon to North America and if itthat decision ever changes it will get the 2.0-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder set for the Focus sedan and hatch. With the new focus sedan and hatch as well as the C-Max and Grand C-Max MPVs, the wagon now represents the fifth of 10 Focus-based models. We expect a coupe to add to that list as well as a crossover to replace the Escape.

While not all 10 models will be available in all international markets, Ford says the Focus Wagon is a great example of how its cost-saving One Ford strategy can be adapted to meet regional needs.

GALLERY: Ford Focus Wagon

Official release after the jump:

At the launch of the new Focus wagon for Europe at the Geneva Auto Show, Ford confirmed plans to bring a performance Focus model to market throughout the world. Ford’s global product boss Derrick Kuzak made the announcement and while short on details did say that it would use EcoBoost technology and be “exciting to drive and to look at.”

A word of caution to North Americans, however, as we’re not likely to get a mean Focus RS model, as such a hot hatch would just be too pricey in the U.S. What we do expect is either the EcoBoost 1.6 with around 180-hp or (we hope) the EcoBoost 2.0 with over 200-hp.

Importantly, Kuzak did mention that this model would be tied in to marketing the Focus and help promote the brand’s motorsports activities. Perhaps we’ll even see EcoBoost Focus models racing in the U.S. in the near future? (Grand Am? World Challenge?) We can only hope and await more details from Ford.

Ford has just released the full stats on its new 2011 F-Series Super Duty, powered by an all-new 6.7-liter Powerstroke V8. The engine makes 390-hp at 2800 rpm and a tremendous 735 ft-lbs of torque at just 1600 rpm. A standard 6.2-liter gasoline, which replaces the old 5.4-liter V8, makes 385-hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque, an improvement of 85-hp and 40 ft-lbs of torque. Both engines are mated to an all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission

Ford rates this new engine in the F350 to tow a max of 21,600 lbs and a payload rating of 6,520 lbs. As for the F450 model, it is rated to tow 24,400 lbs.

Chevy has yet to release engine output figures for its Silverado HD model, but at this point that’s pretty much irrelevant as the F350 outshines it in towing and payload by 1,600 lbs and almost 200 lbs respectively.

See the full release after the jump and browse through our new gallery of almost 100 F-Series Super Duty photos:

GALLERY: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Official release after the jump:

Ford has just unveiled the significantly revised 2011 Edge crossover at the Chicago Auto Show with fuel economy and performance engine options. On the fuel economy side the 2011 Edge will be the first North American Ford to feature the company’s turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Ford hasn’t released any power numbers for the new engine but says it will deliver the same level of performance as a 3.0-liter V6, whit 30 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent better fuel economy over the current 3.5-liter V6 from Ford.

The 3.5 will be the next step up with 285-hp and 253 ft-lbs of torque. It also delivers segment-best 27 mpg on the highway. Finally, Ford’s new 3.7-liter V6 will be offered in the Sport model with 305-hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque. That’s the same engine Ford offers in the Mustang!

Ford is expanding its Edge offerings as it has high hopes for the crossover and the segment in particular. Ford says that 50 percent of Edge buyers came over to Ford from another brand.

In addition to the new engines and exterior style, the Edge also gets a completely new interior. We had a peak here at the Chicago Auto Show and we are impressed, and not just because of the MyFord Touch system. Instead of a poorly executed faux-luxury, the Edge features a premium non-luxury interior. We even like the wood trim – because it’s finished matte and not high-gloss to look like plastic.

As for the MyFord Touch system, its Ford’s evolution of SYNC and features a touch screen, 5-way steering wheel controller and voice controls to operate every feature in the car.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Edge

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Edge Sport Official Images

Get more info on the new 2011 ford Edge after the jump:

Ford has just officially given the 2011 Shelby GT500 its ceremonial debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Significantly updated from last year, the 2011 model offers more power, a lower curb weight and improved handling. The new aluminum block weighs 102 lbs less than the old cast-iron unit and puts out 10-more horsepower for a total of 550-hp at 6200 rpm. Torque is rated at 510 ft-lbs, 80 percent of which is available from 1750 to 6250 rpm. Plus, a new two-row intercooler delivers 40 percent better cooling so this sports car will perform with optimum potential even on the hottest of track days.

The result of this drastic reduction in weight, especially over the front axle, will result in a much more neutral vehicle to drive, especially at the limit. The weight reduction will also work to improve acceleration and braking, and even has tangible fuel-economy benefits. While owners aren’t too likely to care that the EPA rating has gone from 14/22 mpg (city/highway) to 15/23 mpg, they will when they discover that this improvement means the 2011 GT500 is the first modern Shelby to avoid the gas guzzler tax.

Along with the weight loss, additional handling improvements come from Ford’s new EPAS electronic power steering, which the automaker says delivers a better feel and a more precise movement, while also enabling less effort during low speed maneuvers.

Also new for 2011 is an optional glass roof and standard HID headlights. Convertible models are now 12 percent stiffer. Oh, and lets not forget an all-new 2.75-inch exhaust system, with more volume when you want it and less droaning when you don’t.

Those seeking even more performance from their GT500 will want to opt for the SVT Performance Package with some aerodynamic changes, lighter wheels shod in new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G2 tires, a higher rear axle ratio, a lower ride height and stiffer springs. Ford claims that on a 2.3-mile road course, the SVT package will net a 3 second per lap improvement!

GALLERY: 2011 Shelby GT500

Ford has just announced two new versions of its Transit Connect commercial vehicle, which recently won the 2010 North American Truck of the Year award. Up first is the Transit Connect Electric, the first electric vehicle Ford will offer, using a lithium-ion battery. It can travel up to 80 miles on a charge, which takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete from either a 120-volt or 140-volt outlet. Ford claims a similar acceleration time to the gas-powered model although storage space is reduced somewhat to 135 cu.-ft. The vehicle is designed for fleets where driver’s have a pre-set route and a centralized location for recharging.

The Transit Connect Electric will go into production later this year, with a Focus Electric planned soon after.

Ford will show the TC EV at the Chicago Auto Show later this week, alongside another new Transit Connect model, the TC Taxi. Set to go on sale later this year as well, the TC Taxi features as second row seat that has been moved back by 3-inches for added legroom, while the engine has been converted to run on either natural gas or propane. Ford says the TC Taxi should deliver a 30 percent fuel economy improvement over traditional taxis. Other highlights include rear-seat climate controls, rear power windows and a touch-screen in the rear that can show things like maps, TV shows or payment info.

Both the Transit Connect Electric and Transit Connect Taxi will be officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 10th.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Ford Transit Connect Electric

GALLERY: Ford Transit Connect Taxi

Official release after the jump:

Having just announced the much-improved 2011 Shelby GT500 model, Ford is also debuting a new SVT Performance Pack for the car, which it says will deliver a 3.0-second per lap improvement on a 2.3 mile road course over the 2010 model.

So how is this possible? Well, along with the GT500’s 102-lb lighter engine, the Shelby team worked with Goodyear on a set of Eagle F1 SuperCar G2 tires, with a staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear fitment. Additional grip is also due to wider 265/40/19 tires up front. Ford claims the tires help deliver a 1.0 later g rating and a 7 percent improvement in braking.

“These tires are as close as you can get to a race car tire,” said Eric Zinkosky, SVT technical specialist. “We have a tire that’s way more capable, with better grip, is firmer and more race-oriented. From there, we tuned the chassis around it. The tires told us what we had to do.

Compared to the stock rollers, the new SVT light weight forged aluminum wheels weigh 4.7 lbs less up front and 2.8 lbs less in the rear.

Additional upgrades include stiffer springs that are 11 millimeters lower up front and 8 millimeters lower in the rear, while a longer 3.73 rear axle ratio is better suited to the car’s power on the track. Some aerodynamic improvements include a new rear spoiler Gurney Flap as well as a modified front end that delivers 25 percent better front downforce.

Pricing for the 2011 Shelby GT500 and the SVT Performance Package have not yet been released. Ford will officially debut the car and the package this Wednesday, February 10th at the Chicago Auto Show.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Official release after the jump: