Jalopnik: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

2010 Ford Mustang Leads Pony Parade At Road America

Ray Wert — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:30:47 EDT

A heavily camouflaged 2010 Ford Mustang took to the track on "Ford Mustang Day" during the Road America festivities this weekend in the land of cheese and onions called Wisconsin. Ford's calling it a special public "debut" of the 2010 Mustang, which served as the pace car for the vintage racing field during the weekend's races. We're told the leather and fishnets it's sporting are its "special 'camo' package." Special? Package? Here we thought it was just to keep Ford design secrets safe. Now Ford's got us hoping this "special package" will become an actual for-purchase package for the new muscular pony car. But we doubt that dream will ever become a reality. What is a reality is Ford's trying desperately to blunt the huge wave of press for the 2010 Chevy Camaro accidentally revealed on Friday. Oh yes, and also to blunt the somewhat smaller wave of press generated by our review of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. We hope. OK, probably not.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Ford's going the same route as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at Monterey, 2010 Jaguar XF-R and the 2009 Nissan GT-R at Goodwood with this "special" preview at the track. The only difference between the new Mustang and the rest of those "early preview" cars is the Mustang is a volume production car for Ford. That means, dropping it out at an event like this takes some measure of balls. We like balls on an automaker. However, we don't like over-processed "smooth" hip-hop when we're trying to hear engine noise. Just an FYI.

We've got the full press release below:

NEW 2010 FORD MUSTANG HITS TRACK DURING HISTORIC RACING WEEKEND AT ROAD AMERICA
* The new 2010 Ford Mustang, in camouflage, will pace the Wis. Ford is the sponsor of the Kohler International Challenge vintage race.
* Saturday is "Ford Mustang Day," meaning Mustang drivers and passengers can enjoy the festivities for free. This includes a dedicated "Mustang Corral" inside the front straightaway.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 17, 2008 - A sneak peek at the future Ford Mustang will help kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America, the largest vintage car event in North America.

Enthusiasts will be part of a special public "debut" of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which will serve as the pace car for the vintage racing field throughout the weekend. The next-generation Mustang will be outfitted in a special "camo" package, keeping some key design cues secret until its reveal later this year.

The camouflaged future version of America's favorite muscle car will look right at home in Elkhart Lake, Wis., along with a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt and a 2009 Ford Fusion with a limited-edition "Blue Suede Package."

Saturday marks Ford Mustang Day at Road America featuring a "Mustang Corral" along the straightaway. Every Ford Mustang and its occupants will be admitted free on Saturday to the Kohler International Challenge presented by Ford.

"One of the key components of our program is to meet our customers face-to-face, and the Kohler International Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for Ford to interact with a group of dedicated, knowledgeable enthusiasts," said Robert Parker, Car Marketing manager, Ford Division. "Road America and the vintage weekend provides an opportunity for customers to get behind the wheel and for Ford to show off our new product line, while still highlighting the fact Ford has been involved in racing since the inception of our company more than a century ago."

While historic race cars will be gracing the famous race track, enthusiasts on hand also will be able to get behind the wheel of some of Ford's latest products at the Briggs & Stratton track located inside the Road America circuit. Ford will have the 2009 Flex, Escape, Edge, Fusion, Focus coupe and other vehicles available for consumers to test drive all weekend.

The 25th anniversary of the then-highly anticipated 1983 Mustang GTP debut and its rain-soaked maiden victory is the foundation forthe on-and off-track events.

The Mustang GTP car that won that day will be on display for the thousands of fans attending the event. The legendary car, an innovative racer that was the creation of Ford's then newly-formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), will be just a part of a significant Ford presence at the annual vintage event.

Also on hand during the weekend will be several Ford GTs, which will give hot laps on the legendary 4.048-mile Road America course. Fans can enter to win a Ford GT hot lap, which will be given away every hour, or laps can be purchased by making a $50 charitable donation to the Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Vince Lombardi Titletown Champions foundation, which is raising money for youth sports programs.

The final component to the Ford Mustang celebration is on-track. Four Shelby Cobras will enter the Historic Grand Prix, and the Shelby drivers will wear vintage late 1960's racing attire. These Shelby entries mark the first time Shelby Automobiles has joined forces with Ford to race since 1968.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

(Hat tip to Mustang Evolution!)

Speed:Sport:Life Pits GT500 Against F430 Against Elise Against... Caliber SRT-4?

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EDT

In what they're dubbing the "Imaginary Internet Millionaire Track Test," the assemblage of miscreants that traffic in words under the banner of Speed:Sport:Life have assembled a Ferrari F430, Mustang GT500, Lotus Elise and a Caliber SRT-4 for a head-to-head showdown at MSR Houston. We're guessing the equally arbitrary Sentra SE-R Spec V wasn't available? Their observations of the Caliber come close to our views, but the results didn't come anywhere close to our expectations. You'll never believe who won. [Speed:Sport:Life]

What Is The One "Delete Option" Check Box You Most Want?

Ray Wert — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:40:00 EDT

Those 2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible spy photos showing off the rear decklid spoiler earlier today got us thinking about "delete options" in general — and not just because we really want to rip that little lid-lip right off the back of the new 'stang.

We got to talking 'round here in the Detroit office about what kind of other "delete options" automakers should be offering. Ben wants a stripper model available of like every car imaginable. Andy has a penchant for family-hauling death traps — you know, like a short-wheelbase Town & Country without ABS brakes. And me? I wished that I'd had the option of deleting the trunk CD changer from every Jeep product I ever spent time behind the wheel of. But what about you? What's your one check box you wish you could have dropped a mark on? Fair warning — we may take the best responses and put them together in one of our "award-winning" top-whatever lists.

2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Shows Off Why We Want A GT Spoiler Delete Option

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The rear end of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT has just been spotted (both literally and well, literally) by the intrepid spy photographers of KGP. This time, the shots reveal the pony car's badging, the new rear lights and and a revised lip spoiler. While we know Ford thinks the new 2010 Ford Mustang GT will have a lot of giddy up and go, we're thinking it probably won't be so fast it'll need that spoiler. We're just glad the 2009 model gives us the spoiler delete option, and we're hoping Ford provides a similar check box on the 2010 model. Nevertheless, we're glad the KGP photographers were quick enough to grab the new convertible in all of it's drunk Arizona State cheerleader-level of ass cleavage. And what do you think about those white retro-futuristic white reverse lights? Full spy report below the jump.

Spy Report
We caught a prototype for the 2010 Mustang Convertible with a large chunk of its rear camouflage removed, giving us our first uncovered look at the new 'Stang's tail-lights, rear spoiler, and it's revised rear badging.

The new Mustang's rear lamps have two vertical white bars breaking up the expanse of red found on the current models tail-lights. The new treatment does away with the segmented look of the current lights, for a slightly cleaner look. The internal bezels on the red lenses will also provide more dynamic, eye-catching lighting elements.

While current Mustang convertibles have a raised rear wing supported by two posts, the new 'Stang will get a smoother lip spoiler that extends directly from the top of the rear deck. The center-mounted brake light is also wider and slimmer than on the current car. The overall result appears be a cleaner, smoother, more refined look.

The final update we can see involves the large circular rear badge. The current badge has some notchy, retro detailing, while the prototype's badge displays smoother, more modern surface development.

Forum Fan-Boys At Corral.net Wonder What Happened At Milan Dragway

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EDT

LTDScott caught it first, but now the notice has spread. Even though Chris Ihara, the founder of late model Mustang site Corral.net, was equipped with the seriously high horsepower Shelby GT500KR, we still managed to eek out a win by way of our hind ends. Now the Corral boys want, if not answers, then at least the opportunity to do a little good-natured ribbing of Mr. Ihara. But, for the record, we think they may be confusing our vehicular preferences with those of Top Gear USA co-co-host Eric Strommer. [Corral.net]

2010 Shelby GT500

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:51:00 EDT

We've shown you every other version of the 2010 Ford Mustang, from the base model to the 2010 Mustang GT, in spy photos and in sketches — even the interior's gotten a good look. But until today we haven't seen the highest-of-high-powered new Mustangs in camo-covered glory. Until today. The spy shooters at KGP have gotten us the first spy photos of the 2010 Shelby GT500 hitting the streets of Dearborn and sporting the slithering snake signifying the shaking hand of Shelby. Although the outside's still got the glad-bag anti-spy camouflage, the snake ain't the only thing we can see as it appears the up-powered 'stang'll get a bigger hood bulge and a deeper air dam. At the rear, thanks to the spoiler, the camouflage slipped free from the bottom of the rear bumper, pulling up a bit to reveal some very distinctive detailing. The revamped Shelby sports an aggressive lower valance more reminiscent of a Falcon than a Mustang. But it's the undisguised interior that's the real "get" — as it shows off features we'll be seeing in the upcoming new Mustang in general and on the Shelby GT500 in specific — including a slithering snake on the steering wheel. Check out all the details in the full report from KGP below the jump.

We caught this prototype for Ford's redesigned 2010 Shelby GT500 running the streets of Detroit. Though its exterior was still heavily camouflaged, a few key styling elements that will separate the GT500 from lesser Mustangs were visible. The prototype's undisguised interior also revealed some more features destined for the 'revamped 'Stang in general, and on the Shelby GT in particular.
A close look at this Shelby GT prototype reveals that the Cobra grille badge will once again replace the galloping Mustang, and will sit offset to the right. Although it's not always easy to distinguish between false padding and the real sheet metal beneath the camouflage, it appears that this Shelby will get a more aggressively bulged hood, and deeper front air dam.

At the rear, the camouflage slipped free from the bottom of the rear bumper, and pulled up a bit to reveal some very distinctive detailing. The revamped Shelby sports an aggressive lower valance that emphasizes flares and sharp sculpting over the current model's clean, understated treatment.

This interior on this prototype was the first one we have seen free from the heavy fabric covers, providing our first unobscured look at the new Mustang's dashboard design. We can finally confirm that the current Mustang's dual-cowl dash top will be carried over in the redesign. We've also gotten our first look at a portion of the new 'Stangs center console, and we can make out a much more graceful transition from the dash face to the center stack—a small detail, but one that will certainly help to give the Mustang's interior a more refined look. Finally, we can clearly see that the steering wheel will once again be adorned with a large Cobra badge, this time finished completely in bright brushed metal.

It's now clear that the next Shelby GT500 will receive a thorough visual overhaul, but whether the car will also see a commensurate mechanical transformation is currently unknown. New engines will bow throughout the Mustang line, with an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 to replacing the current cars 4.6-liter unit, while six-banger 'Stangs will also be offered with Ford's promising 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 reportedly exceeding 300 horsepower. Engine tweaks to the next Shelby GT could be in the works as well, especially with the serious influx of muscle car competition thanks to the arrival of the Challenger and Camaro to U.S. showrooms.

2010 Ford Mustang GT Interior

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:23:00 EDT

If you've been enjoying the never-ending strip tease that is the 2010 Ford Mustang we've now got interior pictures of a black-on-black 2010 Ford Mustang GT prototype. Finally, thanks to the friendly neighborhood spy shooters at KGP who were quick enough to catch one parked, as opposed to driving full speed in the opposite direction. A quick comparison shows a revised steering wheel with new controls and white-faced gauges. And will wonders never cease — are those actually new air vents? Also, the tach and speedo appear to have swapped places on the latest iteration. Lastly, if you look at the car through the taut camo providing further proof that our 2010 Mustang sketch is spot on to what's actually there. Pictures and full spy report below the jump.

KGP's Spy Report
We managed to get our closest look yet inside Ford's reworked 2010 Mustang with these latest interior shots. It appears that the next Mustang's interior is a mix of carryover bits and some new elements. A new steering wheel maintains the current car's three "open-spoke" design, but the new wheel gets a double-stack of controls, with cruise control buttons on the left, and multimedia buttons on the right to operate the 'Stang's updated Sync interface.

It appears that the revised Mustang will maintain the current car's instrument pod, but this prototype shows new white-faced gages, and the speedometer and tachometer have switched places (the speedo's on the left, tach's on the right). The updated interior also gets new air vents, with slightly more upscale actuation. The current 'Stang's four round air vents have been changed on this prototype: a round vent remains to the left of the steering wheel, but two rectangular vents now reside at the top of the center stack.

Speaking of the center stack, we can't comment on the changes in store, due to the covering still in place over the controls. We'll keep peering inside of Mustang prototypes until we can see what lies behind. The rest of the interior appears to be very similar to the current car, but there are differences to the switchgear and design of the transmission tunnel.

This prototype also gave us a solid look at the new Mustang's headlight and tail-light designs.

The Cars Of Death Race

Ray Wert — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EDT

UPDATE:We've now got the first Death Race trailer! Almost a year ago, I had the opportunity to head out to Montreal and go behind the scenes of the new re-visioned movie "Death Race" starring Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane and yes, Joan Allen. Whereas the names of the characters they play may be the same, the storyline's anything but — this time the "Death Race" is set in what we'd been told was an "economic" prison sometime in the not-so-distant dystopian future. But we'll throw down more of that later. The really cool part was getting a first-hand look at some of the metal made into prison inmates very own PCH cars — and there's some really cool stuff to be seen. So without further ado, below the jump are the ten vehicles at the center of the new Paul W.S. Anderson-directed flick coming to a theater near you August 22nd, 2008 — along with all the details on the add-ons that make them "special" plus, because you're so good, a whole mess-load of screenshots. Enjoy and remember, small children are only worth more points because they're harder to hit.

1.) Frankenstein's Monster- 2006 Ford Mustang GT

Engine: Supercharged 4.6L V8
Ford Racing Exhaust System
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Progress Technology adjustable coil over front struts and rear shocks
Progress Technology adjustable rear lower control arms
Progress Technology adjustable panhard bar
Wheels: 18" 2007 Ford Mustang Cobra wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes T1R 255/45 ZR 18
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 285/45 ZR 18
Brakes: Brembo Disc Brake System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
CNC Hand Brake
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

2.) Machine Gun Joe's Ram- 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd

Engine: 5.7L V8 Hemi
Transmission: 5 speed automatic
Suspension: Rancho 9000 Shocks for front and rear
Firestone Air Bags for front and rear
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Drivetrain: Removed front axles and front differential
Replaced rear axle with 1 ton dually axle
Wheels: Front- Stock 20" Dodge Ram wheels
Rear- Stock 16" dually wheels
Tires: Front- Stock tires
Rear- Toyo Open Country 265/75R 16
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Sparrco Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon secondary hydraulic brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

3.) Pachenko's Chop Top- 1966 Buick Riviera

Engine: Stock 430c.i. V8 "Nail Head"
Crane Ignition System
Transmission: 3 speed automatic
Suspension: Big block springs
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Wheels: 17" Eagle Alloy Wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes T1R 255/45R 17
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 285/60R 17
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon secondary hydraulic brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

4.) 14K's 1980 Porsche 911

Engine: Stock 2.7L 6cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Front and rear Bilstein adjustable coil shocks
Eibach racing springs
Wheels: 15" NASCAR style steel wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes TPT 225/60R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 295/50R 15
Brakes: Stock Braking System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
CNC hand brake
Jazz Aluminum fuel cell
Custom fabricated battery box

5.) Colt's Jag - 1989 Jaguar XJS

Engine: V12
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Suspension: KYB Gas Adjust Shocks
Eibach Racing Springs
Custom fabricated front and rear sway bars
Wheels: 15" Aero Beadlock wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes TPT 225/60R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 295/50R 15
Brakes: Stock Braking System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
CNC hand brake
RCI fuel cell
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

6.) Grimm's 300: 2006 Chrysler 300C

Engine: 345c.i. V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Air Ride Technologies air suspension kit
Wheels: 20" American Racing Wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes 4 245/45ZR 20
Rear- Toyo Proxes 4 255/45ZR 20
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
Tildon hydraulic secondary brake system
Custom fabricated fuel cell
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

7.) 1972 Buick Riviera "Boat tail"

Engine: 350c.i. V8
Crane Ignition System
Transmission: Turbo 350 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Big block springs front and rear
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Wheels: Stock 1971 Buick Riviera wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Spectrum 225/70R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 275/60R 15
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon hydraulic secondary brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

8.) 1979 Pontiac Trans Am

Engine: 350HO V8 Crate motor
Transmission: Turbo 350 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Big block coil springs
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Wheels: 17" American Racing wheels
Tires: Front/ Rear Goodyear 215/65R 17
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
CNC hand brake
Wilwood secondary rear brake calipers
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

9.) 1989 BMW 735i

Engine: 6cyl.
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Suspension: KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Eibach Racing coil springs
Wheels: 18" American Racing wheels
Tires: Front/Rear Toyo Proxes T1R 255/40ZR 18
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
Custom fabricated aluminum fuel cell
CNC hand brake
Wilwood secondary rear brake calipers

10.) The Dreadnaught

There are no words to describe this onslaught of mechanical strength called "The Dreadnaught." Check out the video to get a taste. Come on back later this week when we do a sit-down with Jason Statham and ask him what car he's got in his driveway.

2010 Ford Mustang GT, Sketched With Sketchy Speculation

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Oh do we have a treat for any of you lovers of 'merican muscle cars today. We were talking with a Ford insider recently about the 2010 Ford Mustang. Specifically, discussion focused on the partially speculative rendering of the 2010 Mustang GT on the front of Car und Driver this month. More than one person had already told us a number of differences between the production model and the one featured on the cover of the big buff book, and our new source claimed the same thing. The difference between our other sources and this one was this one was willing to show us the money as it were. The shot below the jump is a sketch based on the final design of the next Mustang. We've mapped the differences out as well.

To begin with we're told the design of the side on the C&D sketch is incorrect. The door handle is too high. The official CAD renderings we've seen (don't even ask how we got those — all we can say is many Bothans died to bring us that information) — which verify the sketch provided by our source — indicate the door handle is actually part of the heavy crease running along the side of the new 'stang — and not above it.

The front fascia on the actual 2010 Mustang is also quite different. Our source's sketch — and again, the CAD models —indicates another piece of moulding between the black grille and the front bumper. Additionally, the C&D rendering is missing the turn signals which should be a flush addition to each side of the front bumper. The other minor issue is the double-gilled air vent on the bottom of the 'stang. The sketch — as well as other sources indicates they don't exist. Unfortunately, the area below the front bumper is where we're missing CAD modeling — so C&D very well may be correct on this.

And then there's the rear end — something untouched by the speculative renderers of Car und Driver — which from what we can see is a dramatic departure from the last model. If it turns out looking like this, we like it.

Yes, we could be wrong, and C&D could be too — but our money's on our sources coming through for us on this one. Time will tell wethinks. We're told we'll find out for certain at either the LA Auto Show or the Detroit Auto Show — we guess we'll have to wait until then. For now, answer us this question:

Bullitt Mustang Or Le Mans Porsche?

Mark Arnold — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Each week we'll let two silver screen automotive icons face off and let you decide which stays and which one goes home, tailpipe between their legs. That's right, it's like an online Thunderdome — except without the death thing. We call it the "Star Car Shootout." Let's get ready to rumble.

Last week we had the inaugural match of Star Car Shootout, in which the James Bond's Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me went head-to-head against the Lamborghini Countach from Speed Zone in a battle to decide which big screen star was cooler. We've counted the votes, and with most of the precincts now reporting, Jalopnik projects that the Lotus has won.

This week, we've got another big-shot superstar facing off against a relative underdog. Appropriately for our whole "Which is cooler?" hook, both cars co-starred with the "King of Cool" himself, Steve McQueen. Now, while McQueen certainly surrounded himself with some impressive rides over the years, for this shootout we had to pick just two of them. The others will have to wait their turn. So for this match, we're pitting the Ford Mustang 390 GT from Bullitt against the Porsche 911S 2.2L from Le Mans. Yes, you're now probably already visualizing those scenes in your head, but just in case you aren't, we've got the clips after the jump.

Start talking about Steve McQueen's cars, and the first one that'll come to mind for most people is the Dark Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang from Bullitt. Thing is, McQueen never actually owned the car. Of course, that doesn't disqualify the 'stang for this contest, but it does raise an interesting question. Did McQueen even particularly like the Mustang? His personal garage was filled mostly with European sports cars, not American muscle. Watching the chase scene, you'll notice that neither the Charger nor the Mustang take turns all that well. It's even been said that the shot of the 'stang overcooking one of the corners wasn't planned at all. Though I suppose if I'm going to start critiquing the film too closely, I would also have to start counting green VW Beetles, and I really don't want to do that. Besides, this isn't some class for a film student; we're here for the car. And it must be said the dark Mustang fastback with a 390ci V8 looks and sounds fantastic. It's an automotive icon. But there's a problem with that. Being famous to a degree is cool, but being a tool for a marketing department is not. In recent years, Ford has made not just one "special edition" Bullitt Mustang, but two. Which means that you really don't have to be "in the know" to know about the car. It's like having your favorite rock band from the '60s all of a sudden become hugely popular again. You like the music still, but the all the teenage fans, the Broadway musicals, and the appearances on daytime television just sort of ruin the cool factor.

Unlike the Mustang, McQueen actually owned the '70 Porsche 911 S from Le Mans. He wanted a car to drive around in Europe while he was shooting the film, so he bought the Porsche, and when shooting was finished, he had it sent back to America. Now sure, there's no on-screen hoonage starring the 911, but you can only imagine that McQueen drove the snot out of the thing when he was off-camera. But that's not the point—this car was was cool not because it drove around jumping over hills and chasing baddies. The 911 is cool because it is understated and relaxed; it's what the tormented race car driver drove when, as McQueen's character famously put it in the film, he was "just waiting" between races. It has what the Mustang lacks: inconspicuousness. You really need to be obsessed with cars to appreciate the Porsche. For example, the current owner of the 911 was a Porsche collector who bought the car a few years ago without even knowing that it was in the Le Mans film; he just liked the car. Watch it cruise through France and you can't help but like it too.

2010 Mustang GT, Now With Hidden Subliminal Messages

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:45:00 EST

Brenda Priddy and her Merry Men have caught another couple shots of what appears to be the 2010 Ford Mustang GT out for a quick snowy stroll through Dearborn, MI. These new shots give us the best look yet we've had on the taillights of the new pony car from Ford and well, umm, they don't, umm, tell us all that much. Why'd we buy these shots again? Oh wait — now we remember why. It's because these shots do tell us the lengths to which Ford's willing to go to get our minds off of the latest muscle car reveal from Dodge — apparently it includes following the 'stang around with a train sporting the up-powered insignia (click on the pic to see) — just to make sure the spy photographers get it right. We kid the Dearborn-based automaker of course. We think we do anyway. Full spy report from Priddy below the jump and we'll add these spy photos of the 'stang to our collection below.

Yes .. I know what you're thinking (not more Mustang photos....), but take one look at the background. What are the odds - we caught the upcoming GT just as a train was passing by - with a huge "GT" painted on the blue (train) car. In addition - we've also caught the cleanest look at the new taillights that the 2010 Mustang will be wearing. Now if they'd only start stripping some of that camo..... Photo Credit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.

New Knight Rider Commercial: Like Us, KITT Hates Valet

Ray Wert — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:15:00 EST

We hate valet service. Nothing gives us more fear on earth than dropping off a vehicle — any vehicle — to some pimple-faced 17-year-old with a heavy ~~left~~ right foot and an inability to discern 2nd from reverse. Looks like the Mustang-derived KITT's got the same security issues we feel in this new commercial for the new Knight Rider movie/series/sequel dubbed "Valet." We just want to give the new GT500KR look-a-like a big hug and tell him everything's gonna be alright...don't cry...there, there.

[via Knight Rider Online]

New Clip From New Knight Rider, Still No Turbo Boost

Ray Wert — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:32:40 EST

No turbo boost in the first 15-second teaser of the new KITT, no turbo boost in the second, 30-second commercial for NBC's new Knight Rider, and now we're here. How sad is it there's now a third video — a minute-and-a-half clip from the new Knight Rider movie/show now up on the interwebs, yet still no turbo boost. Yes, sure, there's plenty more moments of the new Shelby-fied Ford Mustang GT500KR-powered KITT in action and there's the new shots of the new Hoff-ness, Mike Tracer. There's even some great ignition sounds of the big 550-HP 'Stang — but there's certainly no boost of a turbo nature. Although we hear Ford's working on that.

[via Knight Rider Online]

2010 Ford Mustang GT

Ray Wert — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:05:39 EST

Jalopnik was the first site to bring you a test mule of the 2010 Mustang. Then, we were the first to bring you pictures of a heavily camouflaged 2010 Ford Mustang and now we're going up-powered. Today we're the first to bring you photos of what we're told is a heavily camouflaged and very much refreshed 2010 Ford Mustang GT. In fact, not only is it a GT, but it even looks like it's got GT500 wheels on this here test vehicle caugh testing on I-94 near Dearborn, MI — the home of Ford Motor Company. In addition, it's the home of the Greenfield Inn, the only Best Western in town painted pink (we're pretty sure that's not the only reason it's the home away from home of Zerin's team during the Detroit Auto Show). You know, for the kids. Full spy report on the new '10 'Stang after the jump along with a bigger shot atop the post. Of course, feel free to check out our full gallery below for even bigger, longer and more uncut shots.
UPDATE: Today's seen a fury of skirmishes in the Muscle Car Wars — not only did we see these Mustang GT shots, we also saw the first interior shots of the 2009 Chevy Camaro and then news GM wasn't going to bother putting camo on the Camaro anymore. What a day!

Last month, one of our photographers caught a 2010 Mustang Convertible, and now - another one of our sharp-shooters photographed what appears to be the 2010 GT (coupe).
Sources are telling us to expect a mid-cycle facelift for the 2010 model year, but by the looks of this heavily camouflaged prototype - the 2010 Mustang will be sporting an all-new front and rear fascia - including grille, headlamps and taillights! In addition, the interior will also be updated - although this prototype's interior - like the last one we saw - was completely covered up to conceal any and all changes.

This cloaked prototype, with dual exhaust - appears to be the GT model. Without going into too much speculation - it appears to be sporting GT500 tires and wheels...
Look for production on the revamped Pony car to begin in early 2009 - with sales starting sometime during the first quarter of the year.

Photo Credit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company