I Legacy, the company responsible for the Lee Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang has just announced pricing o the completely custom pony car and it’s not easy to swallow. The coachbuilt creation, named after the man who first introduced the world to the Mustang 45 years ago, will start at $89,950 – more than even the Mustang GT500KR. And for the record, that price does not include the Ford Racing supercharger, which pums up the power to 400hp.

What the Iacocca Mustang offers is exclusivity, not just through its design but due to its rarity, with just 45 of the cars being built.

“The Iacocca Mustang embodies all the elements of a car that will be a future collectible,” said Keith Martin, publisher of Sports Car Market magazine. “It is stunning in appearance, will be built in limited numbers and has top-flight performance. Further, given its true custom-built nature, it is being offered at a very reasonable price.”

The car sits lower than stock and has a completely redesigned front end with a slanted grille and recessed headlights. The wheels are 20-inch Iacocca Design models with center caps that feature a bold “I” in the middle. Other markings, including an Iacocca Design hood badge and Iacocca lettering on the rear, will help distinguish this car as a rarity – as will the special Iacocca silver paint.

Inside the choachwork continues with special leather seats, a new leather wrapped steering wheel with an “I” badge, Iacocca-lettering on the door sills and a numbered dash plaque.

As for performance, the 45 cars will be outfitted with a Ford Racing handling package and optional 14-inch Ford Racing brakes.

The Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is offered exclusively through Galpin Ford.

GALLERY: Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang

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Chevy’s on-again, off-again plans to build an ultra high-performance Z28 version of the all-new Camaro are back on again. Ed Welburn, GMs VP of global design, told the folks at Inside Line, that it will see production and that the new body design has already been completed.

The new Z28 would get a version of the Cadillac CTS-V’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which makes 556-hp in that application. The V also comes with both a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, so we should expect both versions to be offered on the high-powered Camaro.

Plans for a Z28 model were canned when the economy took a nose dive and General Motors declared bankruptcy. But during that entire process the Camaro was a bright light, as sales soared. Now GM is hoing to capitalize on the new Camaro and ride its wave of success for as long as possible.

This new Z28 would in many ways be a direct competitor for Ford’s 540-hp Shelby GT500. That being said, expect more than just aesthetic modifications, with bigger brakes and some suspension tuning.

At the earliest the Camaro Z28 would be a 2011 model, with the possibility of sales some time later in 2010.

[Source: Edmunds]

Roush has just released its new top-level “Stage 3″ tuning package for the 2010 Mustang. With an R2300 ROUSHcharger blower and a modified 4.6-liter Ford V8 (with new pistons, con rods and a forged steel crankshaft) the motor now makes 540hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque.

Outside, the car gets a full aero kit as well as a new billet upper grille, which deletes he fog lights and gives the car a meaner look, while improving cooling. A set of 18-inch chrome wheels is included with 20-inchers optional. The suspension includes new shocks and struts, as well as tighter and lower springs and stiffer sway bars.

Numerous interior upgrades are also included.

“The ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang has traditionally been among the halo vehicles of our lineup and I’m really proud that it sits atop the pecking order once again,” said Jack Roush. “This new iteration of the Stage 3 represents our highest horsepower and most sophisticated Roush Mustang yet, and is sure to resonate among our fans.”

In addition to this model, Roush has also released a new 540HR package. Designed as a sleeper, it comes with all the power and performance upgrades but with a mostly stock exterior. In testing the HR model ran an 11.8 at 121 mph.

“The new ROUSH 540RH is really intended to be a ‘sleeper’ car,” Roush explained. “It will be purposely built with minimal content as it was designed for the buyer who wanted the ROUSH horsepower but with a blank canvas that can be customized into their own personal one-of-a-kind ride.”

Roush is pricing the 2010 Stage 3 car from $59,945 and the HR model from $46,145. Only 103 Stage 3 models will be produced.

GALLERY: 2010 Roush Stage 3 and 540HR Mustangs

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According to a self-proclaimed insider posting on TheMustangsource.com, news of Ford’s power increases for the 2011 Mustang are true… but there’s more. Calling himself “TheInsider” this individual has revealed that the 2011 Mustang V6 will boast an output of 315hp and displace 3.7-liters. This would put it just slightly ahead of the 300-ish horsepower V6 in the Camaro.

As for the big V8, it will in fact see the return of the 5.0, with the new motor making 400hp. And possibly even better than that news is word of a six-speed manual transmission to replace the current five-speed unit.

All this almost sounds too good to be true, were it not for the fact that these aren’t exactly the first rumors we’re heard on the matter and that Ford is desperate keep the Mustang at the top of its game. While Ford’s other products are performing exceptionally in the marketplace, the Mustang has suffered as of late with, having been out-sold by the Camaro for three straight months.

Other bits of info that will be of interest to the Mustang faithful include news of a new track pack for 2011, an aluminum block for the 2011 Shelby GT500 and a special edition Boss model for 2012.

[Source: The Mustang Source]

With the debut of its Series 4 Supercharged Challenger at the Woodward Dream Cruise, Hurst Performance decided to bring back the company’s classic silver and black color combo. The limited edition silver and black cars come with a metallic red Hard-Drive pistol grip Hurst shifter, 20-inch one-piece Hurst wheels and a custom Hurst/Katzkin interior with red inserts, red stitching and red logos. In addition each car will get Hurst red and black logos on the dash and grille with badging on the wheel center caps and embroidered logos on the floor mats.

All Performance Series cars get Hurst’s Air-Speed rear spoiler, an Eibach suspension as well as new shocks and sway bars, a Magnaflow catback exhaust, BF Goodrich KDW tires and K&N air filters. Series 3 through 5 get Vortech superchargers, with the Series 4 model shown here making 572hp and 528 ft-lbs of torque.

“We are honored to be here in Flint today to introduce the newest Hurst Executive Hot Rod,” said Hurst chairman Nate Shelton, who was joined by Hurst legend Doc Watson and Ron Flint of Hurst Performance Vheicle to unveil that car at the “Back to the Bricks” event in Flint, Michigan. “The Back to the Bricks celebration is the perfect place for us to join Doc and introduce this stunning car as a tribute to Hurst’s legacy.”

“I am proud to be part of the continuation of a great Hurst tradition.” said Watson. “These wonderful vehicles should prove to be some of the most collectible Hurst cars in the future.”

GALLERY: Series 4 Supercharged 2010 Hurst/HEMI Challenger

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With the V8′s of both the Camaro and Challenger far out-pacing the one found under the hood of the 2010 Mustang GT, it’s no surprise that rumors have begun about the return of the 5.0.

Several months ago we reported on a story that Ford’s Australian branch had confirmed a 5.0-liter V8 (code named “Coyote”) was in development.

Now the folks over at Car & Driver have evidence to support the theory that the 5.0 will return for 2011. While out at GingerMan Raceway in Michigan the C&D folks came across Ford engineers testing a more serious Track Pack than the one currently offered by Ford, which included a set of Pirelli P Zero Corsa r-compound tires – a step above the Pirellis currently offered. This led them to surmise that the added grip might be needed due to all the added horsepower.

The Coyote 5.0 V8 is rumored to make as much as 400hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque, a significant increase from the current output of 315h and 325 ft-lbs of torque.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Autobots: roll out, and now you can too with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition. The Bumblebee inspired creation was officially introduced yesterday at a fitting venue, Comic-Con in San Diego.

“When the first Transformers movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the ‘Bumblebee’ Camaro,” said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. “Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro Transformers Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time.”

The Transformers kit can be ordered on either the 304hp V6 model or the 426hp V8-powered SS at an additional cost of $995.

It includes Autobot shields on both front fenders and on the wheel center caps. The Autobot logo will also be embroidered on the center console. Additionally, the kit includes Transformers logos on the driver and passenger door sills as well as a Transformers logo on the rally stripes (included) that run up the hood.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition

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Steve Saleen’s new company SMS Supercars is just about ready to unleash its version of the 2010 Mustang and has released a complete ordering guide for both versions of the Pony Car, as well as a few images of a near-completion prototype.

The images show a significantly more aggressive design with a new front fascia, side skirts, rear end and decklid spoiler. Other highlights include an SMS grille and fog lamp design, as well as a new Red Butterfly Air Induction Hood and signature 20-inch wheels.

Earlier this year SMS announced that it would create two models, the SMS 460 and 460X. The 460X is the big power option with an SMS 296 Supercharger bolted to a completely reworked 4.6-liter engine that will boast a displacement of 5.0-liters. As well as the displacement increase, the new 5.0-liter motor will also get significantly revised heads. The result of all these modifications will be 655hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque!

A less outrageous option is also offered, the 460, which includes the SMS 296 blower but not the added engine work. Power is rated at a still-impressive 470hp and 427 ft-lbs of torque

Both models are expected to hit 60 mph in the low 4 second range.

Of course, the SMS 460 Mustangs won’t just be straight -line performers and will include a revised suspension setup and  powerful new brakes. Also look for impressive interior work with plenty of leather and Alcantara.

“The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for,” said Steve Saleen. “It reflects my unrivaled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.”

Pricing has also been released with the base 460 model starting at $64,990 and the ultra high-performance 460X at $85,961. SMS will release convertible versions of both models as well with pricing set at $5,000 more than the coupe models.

Those who can’t wait can already spec out their new SMS Mustang here:

http://www.smssupercars.com/460-mustang-order-guide.html

GALLERY: SMS 460 Mustang

[Source: MotorTrend]

Decades from now versions of the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 will sell at auctions like Barrett-Jackson for significantly more than their ’09 counterparts. The reason? Sure, they sport a revised body and even more power – 540hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque to be exact – but the real reason will be because of their exclusivity.

Ford has reportedly decided to limit production of the 2010 Shelby GT500 to just 2,000 units. In comparison the automaker built 22,989 versions of the past GT500 from 2007-09.

The news comes from TeamShelby.com member 06VistaBlueGT, who posted a pdf on the forum sent from the Ford Motor Company to dealers outlining the limited production and letting them know that if they already signed an order form that their dealership would receive one Shelby GT500.

So far 1,700 of the 2,000 are still available and so Ford is no doubt giving its dealers the opportunity to order more of the high-powered pony cars if they feel there is a demand for them in their market. We have to think a smart dealer would order as many as possible, as with the limited production the 2010 Shelby GT500 will likely sell above MSRP.

[Source: TeamShelby via Autoblog]