Given that a coupe version of the 650 horsepower supercharged, 200 mph capable monster was revealed at the 2011 LA Auto Show, plus the fact that archrival Chevrolet chose that venue to introduce a convertible version of it’s 580 hp Camaro ZL1, there’s every indication that a drop top version of the Shelby could make it’s debut at NAIAS 2012 in Detroit next month.

If that proves to be the case, then it will be interesting to see what specifications it will sport. One thing’s for certain, it’ll weigh slightly more than the coupe and likely have it’s top speed limited, possibly to around 180 mph, since going that fast in a four-seat production convertible, especially a Mustang convertible is a rather unnerving proposition to begin with. Stay tuned for more details.

[Source: Top Speed]

Considering that many rumors have been circulating about the future of the Chevrolet Camaro, ranging from the fact that it might be axed, to it being based on a version of the same platform that will underpin the Cadillac ATS (which would essentially mean no V8 option, due to lack of space under the hood),  it now appears that through the end of the decade at least, the Camaro won’t likely change too much.

Yet, aside from information apparently gleaned from inside sources at the General that the next iteration of the Camaro will debut as a 2016 model and it will retain the 6.2-liter V8, not much else is currently being revealed.

However, given that tough Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards are looming and the fact that the current Camaro is rather heavy (more than 300 lbs heavier than the Mustang, which itself is  no bantam), don’t be surprised if the 2016 model goes on a diet; GM has stated previously that the next Camaro will be dimensionally smaller, which likely also means it will be significantly lighter too. Stay tuned for further developments.

[Source: GM Inside News]

We were teased with some pictures of it prior to the car’s official debut at the LA Auto Show, yet with the emphasis on the 650 hp Shelby GT500, it was perhaps understandable that the Boss 302, which has been hogging the limelight as of late, took a step back.

Nonetheless, it remains a serious piece of kit for 2013. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with its unique induction setup and calibration, cranking out a credible 444 horsepower 380 lb-ft of torque, while power is transmitted through a close-ratio six-speed to a solid axle with 3.73 gears.

Like other Ford Mustangs, the 2013 Boss adopts more of a Shelby esque front fascia for 2013, with HID headlights, plus a more aggressive front splitter and removable covers where the foglights are found on standard GTs. They are designed to provide extra cooling during track days and can be quickly removed and reinstalled with a screwdriver.

Other distinguishing features include a move to a reflective stripe package, with hockey stick graphics on the flanks (the spitting image of those found on the 1970 Boss 302), a new exterior color in the shape of shocking School Bus Yellow (chosen due to partnership with Bluebird), a gloss back panel between the LED taillight lenses.

Laguna Seca Boss models feature an even more aggressive front splitter, and new gray accents on the exterior mirrors, grille and rear deck spoiler. There’s also a Laguna Seca logo on the fake rear “gas cap”  as well as two-tone gray and silver 19-inch wheels. Laguna Seca models for 2013 will be offered in either School Bus Yellow or Black exterior colors and dispense with the roof stripes found on the 2012 version.

Another feature standard on all Boss 302s for ’13 is Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system, though one has to wonder if there’s a command that says “More Horsepower.”

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

We’ve been hearing rumors about improvements to Ford‘s current Mustang for the 2013 model year, now the Blue Oval has officially given us the scoop.

Perhaps the most obvious update is a revised front fascia which adopts a more Shelby G500 appearance, largely due to a different style of lower valance and intakes. There’s also an LED headlight option and on GT models a new hood with functional air extractors.

The previous black lower rocker panel extensions are now body colored, while the triple tailights out back are now LED units, in keeping with current industry trends, plus a high gloss rear panel in between them,  inspired by the Boss 302. Other exterior features include side mirrors with LED  ”pony” logos that illuminate when you open the doors, new exterior colors (in the shape of Gotta Have It Green and Deep Impact Blue), plus newly styled 17, 18 and 19 inch wheel options.

Other changes on the 2013 Mustang include the availability of genuine Recaro seats on V6 and GT models, plus a SelectShift feature on cars equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission. A Track Pack option is offered on manual gearbox equipped GTs, which includes Brembo brakes, a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio and Torsen diff, along with a Track Apps display in the instrument panel which provides performance data and statistics.

For some time, rumors claimed that the 2013 model would boast a slight increase in horsepower and on the GT, the 5.0-liter quad cam  ”Coyote” V8 is rated at 420 horsepower, though still falls a bit short of the Camaro SS with 426 horsepower ( when equipped with a manual gearbox).

In addition the limited production Boss 302 returns for ’13 offered in a new exterior color (School Bus Yellow), along with a set of reflective “hockey stick” side stripes, a dead ringer for those found on the ’70 Mustang of the same name. Removable front foglamps should prove a boon for track enthusiasts, aiding brake cooling during extended hot lap sessions.

The 2013 Mustang will make it’s official debut at the LA Auto Show this week; stay tuned for further information.

Although a major re-design of Ford‘s pony car is scheduled for 2014, possibly as a ’15 model, the Blue Oval isn’t letting weeds grow beneath the current car. For 2013, it’s promising a few changes, including styling updates and a bump in power on GT models.

Most rumors seem to agree that regular Mustangs, both base and GT will adopt some cues from the Shelby GT500, including a more aggressive front fascia with a larger upper grille and revised below bumper inlet. In addition, the trapezoidal taillight treatment will give way to something less angular, with lenses that run straight across the back panel instead of being angled.

As for mechanical improvements, although both the 3.7-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8s will remain, the latter is rumored to be receiving a boost in power, to around 425 hp, in order to help put it on equal footing with the Camaro SS.

Some sources also say that the supercharged Shelby will crank out as much as 620 horsepower. The 2013 Mustangs are slated to make their debut at this year’s LA Auto Show in November.

[Source: Mustangs Daily]

In stock form, the 412 hp Ford Mustang 5.0 GT is indeed a quick car, but now thanks to the efforts of NASCAR driver Dave Ragan and Ford Racing Performance Parts, it has now set the world record for production cars.

During an instrumented test at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, as part of the World’s Fastest Half Mile Speed Trials; Ragan was able to coax his Mustang GT (modified only with a Ford Racing/Whipple Supercharger and FR3 performance handling pack) around 1 lap of the track in just 19.5 seconds. By contrast, a fully prepped NASCAR racer will do the same circuit in 15.5 seconds!

But the most interesting part about all this? Well, for about $45,000 the average guy or gal can basically replicate the car which Raglan drove – a 2011 Mustang GT starts around $30,000, give or take, while the supercharger package, which adds around 212 more hp, costs $7500.

The suspension upgrades, which include lowering springs, adjustable shocks, anti-roll bars, jounce stoppers and a strut tower brace, retails for $1800. So, even adding in labor charges, you’re still going to be in the low 40k range by the time all’s said and done.

Of course, driver skill also plays a part too. Nevertheless, it’s nice to know that good ol’ American muscle is still alive, well and setting records like this. The World’s Fastest Half Mile Speed Trials, in which you can see Ragan drive the Mustang to it’s record setting finish, will air on Speed Channel April 2 (check local listings for start times).

[Source: MustangsDaily]

Motor Trend has all but confirmed one of the car world’s worst kept secrets; the Chevrolet Camaro will return in Z28 trim for 2012, likely packing the 556-horsepower LSA supercharged V8 used in the Cadillac CTS-V. The LSA engine makes just a touch more horsepower than a comparable Shelby GT500 (which has to make do with only 540 horsepower), and will be backed by a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Z28s return was confirmed by Karl Stracke, GM’s Vice President of Global Vehicle Engineering, in an interview with Motor Trend magazine. Strecke, who likes motorcycles and drives a Corvette Grand Sport, is the kind of guy you want heading up the Z28 program. With the Shelby GT500 as the current king of the muscle car wars and the 5.0 going toe to toe with the Camaro SS, the Z28 needs to be substantially better than both cars to recapture the glory for Chevrolet. Now if they just bring back an IROC trim, the 80′s nostalgia will be complete.

[Source: Motor Trend]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

It’s official: after several broken embargoes, Ford has officially released all the details on the new 2011 Mustang GT. The return of the 5.0-liter brings with it 412-hp at 6500 rpm and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm, a far cry from the 175-hp 302 cubic inch motor found in the 1983 model.

The new engine is an all aluminum unit with four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams and gets Ti-VCT variable independent timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. Along with all that power, the 2011 GT model also (finally) gets a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. Not only does this allow for improved performance, but also fuel economy with Ford claiming a four to five percent increase in that department for an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, up from 23/17 on the current GT automatic model. Manual transmission models will get 24/16 mpg (highway/city)

Other engine highlights include a forged steel crankshaft and high-flow headers that Ford claims are what enthusiasts have always wanted.

Additional vehicle highlights include electric power steering, 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear brakes, as well as a grade-assist feature that will hold the car momentarily when accelerating away from a stop on a hill. Added improvements were made to the rear lower control arms for improved stiffness and more direct handling, a stiffer rear sway bar delivers better on-center steering, while the spring and shock rates have been adjusted for optimal performance.

A Performance Package will include 14-inch Brembo front brake disks from the Shelby GT500 as well as special 19-inch wheels and high performance summer tires.

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang GT

Full technical specs and official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

***UPDATE*** For full details and photos of the 2011 Mustang GT see here ***UPDATE***

Along with two previous broken embargoes on details surrounding the details of the 2011 Mustang GT, we now have the first broken embargo of photos related to the car. As you can see, the 5.0-liter engine is for real and it looks pretty schnazzy too, with a nice engine cover that still shows plenty of V8 metal.

As has already been leaked out, the 2011 Mustang GT’s new 5.0-liter motor makes 412-hp at 6500 rpm and an impressive 390 ft-lbs of torque. Owners will be able to choose from either a 6-speed manual of a 6-speed automatic transmission, helping the 5.0-liter motor to get 25 mpg on the highway.

The new 5.0-liter engine is an all aluminum unit with four valves per cylinder and independent variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust ports. There are also specially tuned headers and a forged steel crankshaft.

Along with what’s new under the hood, the exterior of the 5.0 is mostly unchanged except for some nice retro “5.0″ badges on the fenders. The wheels also appear to be a new design.

The official embargo date is still set for the 28th at 12:01 a.m.and unless more info is (yet again) spilled prematurely, we’ll have even more to tell you then.

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang GT

[Source: Burlapcars]

With the new Mustang V6 now boasting an impressive 305-hp thanks to an all-new 3.7-liter engine, Ford has decided to launch a new Performance Package for the car aimed at improving handling, braking and acceleration.

In the acceleration department, with the more powerful engine already giving the 2011 model a big boost, the Performance Package comes with a new 3.31 rear axle to help down low. As for the brakes, they are upgraded with GT-spec calipers and Performance Friction pads.

The more significant modifications, however, have been made in the handling department. The long list of mods include Mustang GT front struts, rear shocks and springs, as well as front and rear stabilizer bars. There’s also a new strut tower brace. A set of 19-inch wheels with Pirelli performance tires will help get the power down and Ford even went so far as to donate the rear lower control arms from the Shelby GT500.

Another highlight is a new electronic stability control program with a Sport mode, that will allow for more slip in the corners. And of course, the Performance Package comes with a unique set of badges.

AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Starts Here December 2nd

Official release after the jump:

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