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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Evolutionary

  • This year’s first SEMA Ford Mustang previewed by CGS Motorsports

    This year’s first SEMA Ford Mustang previewed by CGS Motorsports August 6th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 6th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    This year’s first SEMA Ford Mustang previewed by CGS Motorsports CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance ‘cat-back’ exhaust systems and air intakes for latest model cars, trucks and SUVs. In the more recent past the company has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA show vehicles, specializing in custom creations for the Detroit 3.

    Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle, this time for Ford, and it will be showcased at the 2009 SEMA Show. CGS will be customizing a new 2010 Ford Mustang, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs and named the "FlatBack"

    This modern day street machine will feature custom matte paint by BASF Refinishes with... CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance ‘cat-back’ exhaust systems and air intakes for latest model cars, trucks and SUVs. In the more recent past the company has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA show vehicles, specializing in custom creations for the Detroit 3. Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle, this time for Ford, and it will be showcased at the 2009 SEMA Show. CGS will be customizing a new 2010 Ford Mustang, designed by Sean Smith of SS Designs and named the "FlatBack" This modern day street machine will feature custom matte paint by BASF Refinishes with paint preparation by 3M, 22-inch custom alloy wheels, Pirelli tires, sporty Recaro seats, a coil-over suspension kit by KW, a full bodykit by Roush, Baer racing brakes, and a supercharger by Whipple Superchargers. As illustrated in the rendering, the FlatBack will feature a matte grey metallic paint finish, with gloss black graphics. Read More

  • Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible

    Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible June 17th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 17th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country.

    The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out.

    The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass... Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country. The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out. The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. Finally, to help improve acoustics and Mustang’s interior quietness the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Since its introduction in 2008, the glass roof option – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10% of all Mustang sales. The convertible, on the other hand, accounts for 25% of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia. Other Blue Oval vehicles that feature the glass roof option include the 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. As for the GT Convertible, the car is based on the standard Mustang GT Coupe powered by a 4.6L V8 engine with 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque and matched to a five-speed automatic. For full details on the 2010 Mustang range, click here.2010 Ford Mustang Read More

  • Mitsubishi unleashes Evolution X FQ-330 SST

    Mitsubishi unleashes Evolution X FQ-330 SST May 20th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 20th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Mitsubishi unleashes Evolution X FQ-330 SST There are many things not to like about the motoring climate in Europe, not the least of which are emissions taxes, omnipresent speed cameras and a dearth of open roads. But there is much to like as well, including the truly inspiring factory custom rally cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ-330 SST.

    Mitsubishi's FQ line of hotted-up rally cars has long been a fan favorite, and for good reason. The latest iteration pumps power to 329hp (242kW) at 6,500rpm and churns torque up to 322lb-ft (437Nm) at a comfortably mid-range 3,500rpm. That's enough to shoot the beastie to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.4 seconds, thanks in part to the super-slick SST... There are many things not to like about the motoring climate in Europe, not the least of which are emissions taxes, omnipresent speed cameras and a dearth of open roads. But there is much to like as well, including the truly inspiring factory custom rally cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ-330 SST. Mitsubishi's FQ line of hotted-up rally cars has long been a fan favorite, and for good reason. The latest iteration pumps power to 329hp (242kW) at 6,500rpm and churns torque up to 322lb-ft (437Nm) at a comfortably mid-range 3,500rpm. That's enough to shoot the beastie to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.4 seconds, thanks in part to the super-slick SST twin-clutch transmission. The FQ-330 SST joins the FQ-300 SST, rated at 295hp (217kW) and 300lb-ft (407Nm) and good for 4.7 seconds to 62mph. Both are electronically capped at 155mph (250km/h) max speed. The FQ-300 starts at £32,999, while bigger brother FQ-330 takes off from £35,999. For FQ-300 SST owners, the car can be upgraded to FQ-330 stats for a fee via a 'power upgrade pack.' All the extra power in the FQ-330 comes from an improved intake and exhaust and an ECU remap. The intake includes not just the filter element and housing, but a new intercooler piping kit and a racing suction pipe. The exhaust is enhanced from the downpipe through the tailpipe, including new high-flow catalytic converters. Neither the FQ-330 or FQ-300 rival the rumored FQ-400, however. Other key features of the FQ-330 SST include Mitsubishi's special S-AWC AWD system, 18in Enkei alloys, Brembo brakes, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, Recaro seats and an ample array of comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth, iPod/MP3 support and satellite navigation. The car is available for order in the UK now. Read More

  • Ford Mustang scores 5-star NHTSA safety rating

    Ford Mustang scores 5-star NHTSA safety rating May 18th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, May 18th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Ford Mustang scores 5-star NHTSA safety rating The 2010 Ford Mustang (Coupe only) has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 5-star rating in the agency's latest round of testing, cementing the Blue Oval's position as industry leader when it comes to safety. The latest results include top scores for both the driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance.

    The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the car’s driving performance but this also has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the new Coupe structure is approximately 31% stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the... The 2010 Ford Mustang (Coupe only) has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 5-star rating in the agency's latest round of testing, cementing the Blue Oval's position as industry leader when it comes to safety. The latest results include top scores for both the driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance. The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the car’s driving performance but this also has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the new Coupe structure is approximately 31% stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact. The key is the use of high strength steel in the body structure and ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection. Other important features include special octagonal shape front rails to help spread crash forces evenly, Ford’s SYNC 911 Assist, standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, dual-stage airbags, and safety belt pretensioners. Incidentally, when it comes to safety, Ford (and its Lincoln and Mercury subsidiaries) is one of the leaders in the industry. Last year Ford topped the list of carmakers with the highest number of Top Safety Pick awards from rival safety board, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the carmaker has announced that it also has more NHSTA rated 5-star vehicles than any other brand.2010 Ford Mustang Read More

  • Ford exec confirms development of 5.0L ‘Coyote’ V8

    Ford exec confirms development of 5.0L ‘Coyote’ V8 May 18th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 18th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 12 Comments

    Ford exec confirms development of 5.0L ‘Coyote’ V8 Ford’s iconic Mustang was given an update for the 2010 model year to keep it fresh alongside strong new competitors such as the Dodge Challenger, upcoming Chevrolet Camaro, and even Nissan’s all-new 370Z, but unfortunately the update didn’t entail any serious changes to the car’s powertrain lineup. Despite reports claiming that Ford’s EcoBoost V6 and a new 5.0L V8 were destined for the 2010 update, Ford decided to stick with the previous 4.6L V8 engine for its range-topping GT.

    Compared to its top-end rivals, Ford’s 315hp (235kW) GT looks anaemic against the 372hp (277kW) Dodge Challenger R/T and even... Ford’s iconic Mustang was given an update for the 2010 model year to keep it fresh alongside strong new competitors such as the Dodge Challenger, upcoming Chevrolet Camaro, and even Nissan’s all-new 370Z, but unfortunately the update didn’t entail any serious changes to the car’s powertrain lineup. Despite reports claiming that Ford’s EcoBoost V6 and a new 5.0L V8 were destined for the 2010 update, Ford decided to stick with the previous 4.6L V8 engine for its range-topping GT. Compared to its top-end rivals, Ford’s 315hp (235kW) GT looks anaemic against the 372hp (277kW) Dodge Challenger R/T and even worse against the 422hp (315kW) of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Even the V6 engine in Nissan’s 370Z drums up 332hp (248kW). The tables are set to turn, however, as a Ford executive has revealed to Drive that Ford’s current 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines will be replaced by a new 5.0L V8 codenamed ‘Coyote’ that’s currently in development in North America. Ford's Australian product development chief, Russel Christophers, wasn’t willing to reveal any other details but said he had "seen the performance curves" and described them as “pretty good”. The new Coyote engine is first expected to appear in the F-150 pickup in 2010 and then in the Mustang by 2011. The specs include a four-valve SOHC design, with power up around the 400hp (300kW) region and torque upwards of 400lb-ft (540Nm). An exact date for release of the engine is not known but it has been suggested that it could appear in the Mustang within the next two years, and in certain Australian models as early as 2010. Meanwhile, the base Mustang is expected to stick with the current 4.0L V6, but a new mid-level model is expected to be launched later this year with Ford’s 355hp (265kW) and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque EcoBoost mill. As for the high-performance Shelby models, previous reports claimed the GT500 will eventually adopt a supercharged version of the new 5.0L V8 in place of the current 5.4L mill.2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Read More

  • Mitsubishi shuts doors on U.S. design studio

    Mitsubishi shuts doors on U.S. design studio March 6th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 6th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    Mitsubishi shuts doors on U.S. design studio American carmakers have caught the brunt of the public's outrage against the car industry, thanks mostly to their highly public pleas for cash. But the whole industry is hurting, even niche Japanese carmakers like Mitsubishi. As part of their cost-cutting measures, the Triple Diamond brand will be closing the doors on their U.S. design studio in Cypress, CA, leaving 60 employees out of work.

    The move echoes a similar step taken by Nissan in January when it closed its Michigan studios. Chrysler closed its California design studio last May, though the facility was later purchased by - of all companies - Mercedes-Benz.

    “It’s a... American carmakers have caught the brunt of the public's outrage against the car industry, thanks mostly to their highly public pleas for cash. But the whole industry is hurting, even niche Japanese carmakers like Mitsubishi. As part of their cost-cutting measures, the Triple Diamond brand will be closing the doors on their U.S. design studio in Cypress, CA, leaving 60 employees out of work. The move echoes a similar step taken by Nissan in January when it closed its Michigan studios. Chrysler closed its California design studio last May, though the facility was later purchased by - of all companies - Mercedes-Benz. “It’s a reflection of what is going on in the auto industry right now and the economy as a whole. Design functions will now revert fully to our headquarter’s facilities in Japan," Mitsubishi PR spokesman Moe Durand told The New York Times. Fortunately for fans of the brand's hottest car - the Lancer Evolution - the U.S. design studio was responsible for more uniquely American vehicles, including the Eclipse, Galant and Endeavor. The lack of success of the Project America, or PS platform cars as they are called internally, also contributed to the decision to shut the studio down.2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse2009 Mitsubishi Galant facelift Read More

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