Shelby GT500 – World’s Most Powerful V8, Leader in MPG

Posted on May 16, 2012 by MattFordSales

Shelby GT500 - from flickr user Thomas Hawk

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 just continues to become more legendary.

We told you about its unmatched output of 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque. Now its supercharged 5.8-liter engine has been officially SAE-certified as the most powerful production V8 in the world.

Not only that, but the 2013 GT500 is also rated the most fuel-efficient car with over 550 horsepower in any segment available in America.

Even with the most powerful production V8 in the world, the 2013 Shelby GT500 boasts fuel efficiency of an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. That’s 5 mpg better on the highway than the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, even with the extra 82 horsepower and 75 lb.-ft. of torque in the GT500, and enough to keep it exempt from the gas-guzzler tax.

This was achieved not only through insane engine performance, but also through tuning changes to the chassis, and a revised front end to direct the flow of air around and under the GT500. Those changes result in a 2013 model that is more aerodynamic and 33 percent more efficient at 160 mph than the previous model.

Check back for updates as this monster gets closer to hitting the streets, or follow us on Facebook for the latest news.

Mustang Shelby GT500 vs. Camaro ZL1

Posted on May 10, 2012 by MattFordSales

Paper or plastic. Boxers or briefs. Coffee or tea.

This election year, maybe only Rebuplican or Democrat is as hotly debated as Mustang or Camaro.

After the debut of the 2013 Shelby GT500 at the L.A. Auto Show, chief Camaro engineer Al Oppenheiser proclaimed, “2013 GT500 will still not match the technology and sophistication of the 2012 Camaro ZL1… for Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us.”

Ford disagreed, saying that the GT500 was not inspired by the Camaro, but developed to stay a step ahead of their own Boss 302. Acording to Ford, development of the GT500 began during the downturn of the auto industry, when industry reports were that the Camaro ZL1 program was canceled and therefore would provide no competition. The Boss 302 was, well, boss, and the GT500 needed to raise the bar.

Now that you’ve heard both sides of the story, let’s look at the facts.

The 2013 Mustang GT500 sports a 5.8-liter supercharged V-8 that was originally rated at 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, but was officially upgraded to 662 hp and 631 lb.-ft. The ZL1 has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 556 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Camaro ZL1 recently reported a quarter mile drag time of 11.93 seconds. The Shelby GT500 has yet to release an official quarter mile time. However, according to several sources, including Zero to 60 Times and Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, times as fast as 11.5-11.7 are in the realm of possibility.

Video has surfaced of the GT500 on the Nürburgring, but speculation is that the run was more to test handling and control than speed, given the wet track conditions. No times were released, but seeing and hearing the car in action gets the heart racing in a way even the most beautiful photos can’t. The cars have yet to run in head-to-head testing, but we’re pretty confident that we’ll be excited to share those results with you when they do! Until then, follow us on Facebook to get all the updates.

2013 Ford Fusion and REPREVE Gives Back Program

Posted on May 4, 2012 by MattFordSales

2012 Ford Fusion

Through a new partnership between Ford and Unifi, supplier of the recycled fiber used in 2013 Ford Fusion and Focus Electric models, Fusion buyers can now have an even bigger positive impact on the environment.

Just by buying the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, or Focus Electric, customers will already save 2 million plastic water bottles from landfills, because they will be recycled and used in the REPREVE, the seat fiber of those models. In addition to recycling waste, REPREVE reduces energy consumption by offsetting the need to use newly refined crude oil.

However, in an effort to generate awareness of the importance of recycling, Unifi pledges a portion of the profits from REPREVE to four environmental nonprofit organizations. Through the REPREVE Gives Back program, voters can help determine how the funds will be distributed among the four nonprofits. To vote, customers must “like” REPREVE on Facebook and click the “Gives Back” tab to get a passcode. At www.repreve.com, customers can vote for their favorite environmental cause.

Organizations that customers can designate are Keep America Beautiful, Conservation Alliance, American Rivers, and the Rocky Mountain Institute.

REPREVE is made from a blend of post-industrial and post-consumer waste. Each 2013 Focus Electric seating interior contains the equivalent of about 22 recycled plastic bottles while 2013 Ford Fusion hybrids contain nearly 42. Unifi and Ford also are collaborating on collection points within Ford facilities in Michigan and California to collect bottles that could be part of the more than 2 million to be recycled into REPREVE for Fusion and Focus Electric in their first model years.

Visit Matt Ford Sales to talk to our sales staff about the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus, or any Ford model of your choice. To make sure you don’t miss any exciting updates, follow Matt Ford Sales on Facebook.

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Update from Matt Ford

Posted on April 27, 2012 by MattFordSales

The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features obscene power and torque balanced by precision-engineered handling, and because of our compliance to strict Ford certification and training requirements, it can now be ordered at Matt Ford Sales in Kansas City.

If the originally released estimates of 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque weren’t impressive enough, those figures have been revised by SAE ratings to 662 hp and 631 lb-ft. This was achieved by the beastly 5.8-liter, 32 valve V8 engine, which Ford claims as the most powerful production V8 in the world. The new figures top the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG by 99 hp, the Cadillac CTS-V by 106 hp, the GT500 direct competitor, the supercharged Chevy Camaro ZL1, by 82 hp, and even the Vette ZR1 by 24 hp.

But Ford didn’t stop at the engine. More power requires better control, so they added a 6-speed manual transmission with an enhanced 3.31:1 final drive ratio, and upgraded clutch, front 14-inch Brembo vented rotors with six-piston calipers and rear 11.8-inch vented rotors with single-piston caliper.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 coupe boasts a sizzling top speed in excess of 200mph. The convertible comes with an electronic speed limiter that restrains it to 155mph. To help drivers harness that speed, Ford added an aggressive new front splitter, downforce-generating front grilles, an upgraded cooling system to handle higher heat, and a sturdier rear axle. For off-the-line performance, the GT500 is equipped with a launch-control system that allows adjustable engine rpm from 2500 to 5500 to match specific road conditions.

In addition to the stellar standard features, Ford offers option packages for the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500. The Performance Package offers TORSEN differential, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear painted forged-aluminum wheels, adjustable dampers, unique rear springs, and specialized instrument cluster and gear shift knob. The SVT Track Pack adds an external engine cooler, transmission cooler pump and differential cooler. The Electronics Package features voice-activated navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, and dual-zone temperature controls. Other options include upgraded leather seats and a glass ceiling panel.

Visit Matt Ford Sales to talk to our trained and certified sales staff about the amazing specs of the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 or any Ford model of your choice. To make sure you don’t miss any exciting updates, follow Matt Ford Sales on Facebook.

Matt Ford Sales to Receive Coveted Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Allocation

Posted on April 20, 2012 by MattFordSales

Matt Ford Sales is proud to announce that according to strict Ford certification and training requirements we are now eligible for the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 allocation and distribution plan. This means we will be thoroughly prepared to answer any questions and to help excited buyers through the purchase process. We are anxious to share the amazing specifications and features of the newest model and will have further instructions for interested buyers in the days to come.

Ford Driving Skills for Life Educating Teen Drivers

Posted on April 13, 2012 by MattFordSales

A time of year associated with celebrations like graduation and prom also brings grim statistics for teen drivers. With all the excitement come elevated risks attributed to reckless, distracted, or impaired driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 20 is traffic accidents. On a mile-for-mile analysis, teen drivers are victims of three times more fatal crashes each year than other age groups, killing nearly 5,000 kids a year, according to the latest statistics.

Ford wants to change that.

During April, Ford Driving Skills for Life will help more than 1,000 teens learn advanced safe-driving skills from some of the top professional driving instructors in the country. Ford DSFL will also award $100,000 in grants to Governor’s Highway Safety Association members to conduct their own programs using the award-winning Ford DSFL model.

Ford Driving Skills for Life educates teens, parents and communities on ways to keep young drivers safe. With advice on discussing limiting the number of passengers, night driving limitations, and phone usage while driving, Ford helps parents counsel teens to safely use driving privileges.

Through real and simulated driving, drivers develop advanced skills in four areas that factor into more than 60 percent of vehicle crashes. Hazard Recognition helps them anticipate and avoid dangerous situations. Vehicle Handling covers acceleration, deceleration, braking, and turns in varying situations and circumstances. Speed Management and Space Management discuss maintaining safe speeds, safe distances, recovering from skids, and avoiding contact.

Ford technology has developed improved ways to make every vehicle safe, with features like inflatable rear safety belts, Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, and many others. Despite increasing the available safety features on all new Ford models, Ford knows there is no better safety feature than a safe driver behind the wheel.

Ford Wins Four Kelley Blue Book 2012 Brand Image Awards

Posted on April 6, 2012 by MattFordSales

Family-Friendly Ford Explorer

With the understanding that market value of a car is heavily reliant on consumer perception, Kelley Blue Book studies the opinions and buying habits of buyers and rewards the brands inspiring the most consumer confidence. This year, Ford dominated four of the twelve categories.

Not at all surprising, given the three-decade reign of the F-150 as the country’s best-selling vehicle, is Ford’s win for Most Rugged Truck Brand. With 87 years in perfecting the pick-up, the Ford F-Series is durable and versatile enough to appeal to any truck buyer.

The redesign of the 2012 Explorer helped Ford win the Most Family-Friendly category, thanks to its seven-passenger seating, car-like ride, and ability to haul both passengers and cargo safely and comfortably. Also contributing to success among the family-car buyers were the Taurus sedan with its new, sharper lines, and the luxurious space offered by the Flex crossover.

Ford swept the Non-Luxury Design categories, winning for both interior and exterior designs. Ford’s “Kinetic” exterior designs for the 2012 models were favored by consumers and surely contributed to its appeal to buyers across other winning categories as well. Ford also pushed the boundaries of “non-luxury” with its interior design, using upscale styling, high quality materials, and innovative technology to impress buyers.

As a proud dealer of Ford vehicles, Matt Ford Sales is excited share the success of the Ford brand in the 2012 Kelley Blue Book Image Awards.

Daytona 500 Winning Car Donated to the Henry Ford Museum

Posted on March 26, 2012 by MattFordSales

Trevor Bayne’s 2010 Daytona 500 winning Wood Brothers Racing Ford Fusion car was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in an emotional ceremony last week in Michigan.

Eddie Wood presented the historic car to the museum and commented, “Patricia (Mooradian, president, The Henry Ford Museum) is right –that car is dirty.” “In fact, it’s nasty. The odd thing about it is there’s no champagne on it like you usually have in Victory Lane because Trevor was 20 at the time, so they didn’t allow it in there, which is kind of cool. It’s a great honor to be here. It’s a great honor to have our car in here”, Eddie said.

Daytona 500 Winning Ford The red and white race car, unwashed and with confetti and pop stains still covering it, was handed over to The Henry Ford for permanent display. The No. 21 car will stand in the museum’s “Racing in America” exhibit alongside the Lotus-Ford that won the 1965 Indianapolis 500 and Henry Ford’s “Sweepstakes” car, which the Ford Motor Co. founder drove to victory in Grosse Pointe on Oct. 10, 1901.

This season Bayne is driving the No. 60 Mustang for Roush Fenway Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford part time in the Cup for Wood Brothers.

2012 Ford Fiesta Ranked Among Top Sedans

Posted on March 20, 2012 by MattFordSales

The 2012 Ford Fiesta has been ranked among the year’s best sedans under $25,000. With stylish looks, impressive fuel economy, and features uncharacteristic to its class, the Fiesta is turning heads.

2012 Ford Fiesta Critics are impressed with the 2012 Fiesta’s ability to compete with the top performers in its class. Receiving high marks for its fuel economy, an impressive 40-mpg highway, the Fiesta’s 1.6-Liter, 4-cylinder engine offers an elegant compromise between power and efficiency.

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is available in both a sedan and hatchback body style, but it is the Fiesta’s interior that has people talking. Adding to the variety of existing options, Ford has introduced two additional interior packages. These new packages allow drivers to choose from a range of customizations, such as various leather combinations, heated seats, push-button start, multi-color lighting, and Ford’s SYNC infotainment system.

Ford Brings Luxury to Trucks with the Super Duty Platinum

Posted on March 13, 2012 by MattFordSales

Ford has just unveiled their new 2013 F-Series Super Duty Platinum. This luxurious, yet heavy-duty truck is expected to have a price tag to match it, exceeding the price of the King Ranch Super Duty.

Ford Super Duty Platinum The focus seems to be on the interior, but the flashy exterior is not going unnoticed. Five exterior finishes will be paired with either a pecan or midnight black interior. The new Ford sits on 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and sports a new custom grille surrounded with chrome. The chrome doesn’t stop there as it accents the entire truck.

Super Duty Platinum Interior The new Super Duty Platinum is rocking the new MyFord Touch System. The touch screen system now allows drivers wearing gloves to operate it, perfect for the heavy-duty trucker. The luxury of this truck doesn’t stop there, aside from its soft leather seats and heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, power-adjustable pedals, remote start and navigation system are all packed into the new truck.

With the countless luxury features in the new 2013 Platinum, it’s easy to forget the most important part of any heavy-duty truck; power. The Platinum model still brings the power with its 6.2 liter gasoline V-8 and 6.7 liter power stroke engines. It will be available as a crew cab in the F-250, F-350, and F-450 models. The new Ford Super Duty will be released later this year.

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