Back in 1965, Ford Motor Company and Carroll Shelby got together for the start of what would become a long-running—and often contentious—partnership to build high-performance Mustang-based muscle cars.

That first Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 packed a 289-cubic-inch V8 that was good for about 305 hp, which was a ton of power back in the day—the 1966 Porsche 911, by contrast, made due with about half that number: 158 hp. The Ford was essentially a street-legal racer; in fact, what drove Ford and Shelby to create the GT350 was a desire to build buzz for the Mustang by entering it in Sports Car Club of America competitions. However, the standard Mustang had four seats, while the SCCA only fielded true two-door coupes.

Shelby worked his magic, and thus was born the GT350. Needless to say, the car has long been acknowledged as the car that gave Mustang its performance bona fides.

But by 1967, even “standard” Mustangs could be had with an optional 320-hp V8—rocking twin four-barrel carburetors, by the way—and Mr. Shelby countered by adding an even bigger V8, usually reserved for Ford’s police interceptors, to what became the ‘67 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. More importantly, at least for some customers, the GT500 also went through Ford’s etiquette school, becoming much more civilized. Power steering and air conditioning were added along with the big-block engine, although the car’s padded roll bar still came standard.

The car was also very different visually from the run-of-the-mill Mustang, as it was fitted with a Shelby body kit that included a new nose, a hood with functional air scoops and a quartet of air intakes integrated into the side body work.

However, the on-again, off-again partnership between Ford and Shelby was off again in 1970, and the original Shelby GTs became a part of muscle-car history—and the classic-car auction circuit. Today, an original GT500 can easily crack six figures when it goes under the hammer, with a 1967 model selling for $151,200 just last year in San Antonio.

And while it’s increasingly difficult to get ahold of vintage Mustangs like that—whatever the price—enthusiasts now have two other options for curing their Shelby fever. First, the latest chapter in the relationship between the Blue Oval and Shelby opened up in 2006, with the introduction of the current generation Ford Shelby GT500. With its retro looks and supercharged 550-hp V8, the 2011 model is an almost perfect updating of the original.

Of course, to take the next step and actually achieve perfection, Shelby also has teamed with Classic Restorations to build “new” 1967 models. The G.T.500CR puts modern-day mechanicals beneath the classic fastback body, and offers a choice of two new V8s for under the hood. The standard powerplant makes 545 hp, but you can also supersize (and supercharge) that engine to see a pulse-pounding 780 hp.

What’s also notable about the car is that it’s a “continuation” vehicle. That is, it isn’t just some kit car thrown together on a lark; each G.T.500CR is considered a new Shelby and gets its own VIN and serial number.

All of which means that, in the muscle-car universe, the G.T.500CR can truly be considered the best of both worlds.

But of course, if you prefer the styling of the most recent Mustang, you’re in luck there too. Ford raised the performance bar a little higher by adding new engines to the 2011 Mustang and thankfully they also made performance tweaks on the 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 as well.

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The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid continue to be bright spots within he Ford lineup. Already, Ford has entered 2010 with strong sales and continuing success. But the Fusion in particular has also helped fuel sales from customers that are new to the brand.

When it was launched, Ford had high hopes for the Fusion as it competes with segment leaders like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. However, in a very short time, the Fusion has clearly proven itself in many areas such as performance, efficiency, and even luxury, and the sales figures speak volumes. Its share of the midsize car segment in 2010 has increased 12.2 percent.

Redesigned just last year, the new Ford Fusion has increased steadily in sales and has been responsible for many “conquest sales,” or sales to customers new to Ford. In fact, the percentage of customers new to Ford purchasing the Fusion Hybrid reached 82 percent in February.

“There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with a six-speed transmission,” said Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards.

Not only do the sales figures say plenty about the Fusion and Fusion hybrid, but so do the accolades which have included:

• 2010 North American Car of the Year
• MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award
• One of CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010
• One of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars
• 2009 “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway
  Safety
• 2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best
• Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument
  cluster
• Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• One of America’s Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
• Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent
  comparison test by the magazine
• 2009 and 2010 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER
  Magazine
• Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
• One of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Value”
• 2010 Consumers Digest Best Buy
• Detroit Free Press 2010 Car of the Year
• 2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind &
  Power
• 10 Best Engine by Ward’s Auto World

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When Ford announced the engine updates for the 2011 Ford Mustang, the automaker touted the pony car’s all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine for being able to produce 305 horsepower and still garner 30 miles per gallon on the highway – beating the 2010 Chevy Camaro‘s already impressive 304 horsepower, 29 mpg engine. Now official ratings from the EPA are in and they further solidify Ford’s leading edge.

Official results from the EPA certify that the 2011 Ford Mustang earns 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city when equipped with the 3.7-liter engine mated to the available six speed automatic transmission. The standard six speed manual gearbox will help the Mustang achieve 30 mpg highway/19 mpg city.

With more than 11,000 orders for the 2011 Mustang already in, it seems that the model’s new engines were just what enthusiasts have been waiting for. As the most fuel efficient Mustang ever produced, Mustang buyers can now have stellar performance without having to pay a fortune for it at the pump.

“At no other time in Mustang’s history – for that matter, in automotive history – have we been able to talk about 305 horsepower and 31 miles per gallon. The Mustang truly is a no-compromises sports car,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

The new 2011 Ford Mustang reaches showrooms this spring. With high demand for this new model, potential buyers should get in line now.

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Ford has just announced that February sales were up an incredible 43 percent compared to last year. Not only does February mark the fifth straight month that Ford has achieved a sales increase in the U.S., but the surge also topped GM’s sales – a feat that hasn’t been done since 1998.

Ford’s climb has been a steady one, and the automaker’s momentum appears to be unstoppable. In December the automaker reported a 33 percent increase, followed by a 25 percent increase in January.

Auto industry analysts have predicted that sales should be increasing steadily compared with last year. Only Toyota and Chrysler were expected to report sales declines for the month of February. Although sales growth for most automakers has been impressive, some analysts warn that the growth may soon encounter a speed bump.

“The pace of the recovery has hit a speed bump,” Jeff Schuster, forecasting director at J.D.Power and Associates, said prior to the released of today’s results. “This hiccup appears to be the result of consumers waiting out the Toyota recalls and winter storms impacting showroom traffic.”

Although the full impact of Toyota’s sweeping recalls as well as adverse winter weather conditions continue to play large roles in auto sales as a new month begins, one thing is certain – Ford will be working hard to stay number one.

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The First Chapter of the Fiesta Movement (before we knew there were chapters) was often heralded as a tremendous success both in automotive marketing as well as the use of social media by an automaker. It’s focus: build awareness.

Chapter 2 will take the awareness to the next level and focus on increasing reservations and eventual sales once it’s launched.

“Now we want people to consider buying one.” ~ Connie Fonaine, Ford Brand Content Manager

“The first time, the objective was to create awareness,” Fontaine said. “Now we have a nameplate that is already top of mind, so the objective is more specific.”

In the beginning, the 100 “agents” chronicled their adventures in their own Fiestas, culminating in Los Angeles with a grand gala last year. Chapter 2 will have 40 agents, or 20 teams of two, who live in large metro area. The teams will first drive a European version of the Ford Fiesta before being given an American version.

Ford’s dedication to innovative forms of conversational marketing through social media has arguably contributed to their recent successes having been the only major domestic automaker to not receive bailout money and still posting a profit in 2009. While there have been setbacks, that they are moving forward in social media as a major element in their marketing speaks volumes to their direction.

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Don’t get us wrong, the 2010 Ford Mustang was an incredible improvement over its successor both inside and out. But the aging engines under the hood left much more to be desired. Luckily, that’s precisely why Ford has made amends for the 2011 Mustang which boasts more power and improved fuel efficiency.

Although the 2011 Ford Mustang has yet to hit showrooms, the improvement in powertrains seems to already be paying off. The automaker announced that it has already received an impressive 11,000 orders for the 2011 model, which proves to be significantly more orders than the redesigned 2010 model received ahead of its launch.

“With the 2011 Mustang lineup, we’ve found a way to offer even better fuel efficiency for V-6, GT and even Shelby GT500 performance drivers – while improving performance. And consumers are responding,” said Steve Ling, North America Car Marketing manager.

Powering the base 2011 Mustang is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces a staggering 305 horsepower and still garners a class-leading 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The GT model will receive a 5.0-liter four-valve, Ti-VCT V-8 engine delivering 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. Even this brawny V8 delivers 25 mpg on the highway. The top of the line Shelby GT500 will get a all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque.

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The official details regarding the new 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup were finally released. The new Super Duty will not only feature improved fuel-efficiency, but will also be more capable thanks to a pair of updated engines that will help this truck deliver best-in-class towing and payload.

The first engine choice on the 2011 Super Duty is a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 385-hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This engine produces 85 more horses and 40 pounds-foot more torque than the current 5.4-liter V8 gasoline engine. What may impress even more truck buyers is the availability of the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel, which produces an impressive 380 horsepower and an uncanny 735 lb-ft of torque. Despite the incredible amount of power lurking under its large hood, Ford says that the Super Duty offers class leading fuel economy as well.

“Developing the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine was an awesome endeavor,” said Adam Gryglak, lead 6.7-liter diesel engineering manager. “The extensive engineering and testing made us confident this engine ensures the new Super Duty’s leadership in capability, reliability and productivity.”

Ford’s updated F-Series Super Duty pickup will also provide the class-leading towing capability of 24,400 pounds and best-in-class payload capability of 6,520 pounds. But additional power isn’t the only area of improvement. Ford engineers also developed an interior that was highly functional as well as comfortable for on-road and off-road use.

With the updates that come with the 2011 Ford Super Duty, it will likely continue to be America’s premier work truck. Look for the all-new Super Duty in showrooms starting in April.

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Rumors started about a “Disney’s Cars 2″ coming out in 2011 nearly 2 years ago, but so far there is no confirmation from the studio. The old Ford pickup who went through most of the original movie without his hood seems to have found it in this “junkyard pose”.

The resemblance is striking.

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Ford will be continuing its exciting run on the auto show circuit as the Detroit automaker debuts the new production versions of the C-Max and Grand C-Max wagons at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Making its debut along side the European debut of the all-new Ford Focus, the C-Max is the latest model to be sold globally. The C-Max and Grand C-Max will seat five passengers and seven passengers, respectively, and become available to European customers later this year, with sales of the seven seat model going on starting here in the U.S. in late 2011.

The wagon segment has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly with the stylish new models from European brands. The Ford C-Max will offer a sleeker profile than a traditional wagon or minivan, with a roofline that is more coupe-like. Naturally the larger, seven-seat model features a longer and higher roofline as well sliding doors, but it will still provide a unique take on the wagon.

“The launch of the new C-Max range is highly significant, and shows customers worldwide that they can expect some truly exciting designs as we roll out our new global range of medium cars,” said Ford of Europe CEO John Fleming.

Built on the new global platform that underpins the upcoming Focus, the new Ford C-Max will become one of up to 10 new or redesigned models that will also share this new platform soon. The new Focus will become available in the US in early 2011.

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The good news at Ford just keeps coming in.

On the heels of posting their first profit in 5 years and excitement sustained over orders for the Ford Fiesta, the domestic automaker has received 5,300 orders so far for the new F-150 SVT Raptor.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the popularity of the F-150 SVT Raptor,” said Mark Grueber, F-150 marketing manager. “Orders have exceeded our expectations.”

From Ford:

Ford already has received more than 5,300 orders for the new F-150 SVT Raptor – topping the company’s initial sales expectations

Orders are coming from across the U.S., including stronger than expected demand in the Midwest and Southeast

The 2010-model F-150 Raptor with 5.4-liter V-8 engines is now on sale; production of an  all-new 411 horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 engine begins this spring

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

The F-150 Raptor is the first ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacture and highlights Ford’s 33 years of truck leadership by emphasizing Built Ford Tough innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, the comprehensive modifications to the truck focused on chassis and suspension.

Raptor is powered by F-150’s proven 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque.  This spring, customers will have the added option of an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine, producing 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque – making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The appeal of the Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor extends beyond just desert runners.  While the biggest markets for order so far are in the Southwest and Texas, demand also is high in states like Tennessee, Michigan, Colorado, Ohio and Georgia

Customers are showing an appreciation for Raptor’s unparalleled off-road performance, as well as its many features.  Options such as the luxury package, moonroof and reverse camera all have “take rates” of more than 79 percent. Popular F-150 utility options like touch-screen navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™, trailer brake controller and Ford’s tailgate step have take-rates higher than 62 percent.

Built alongside the best-selling F-150 at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed for the off-road performance market which has steadily grown in popularity over the past decade.

The overwhelming top color choice has been Tuxedo Black for more than 52 percent of all orders, followed by Molten Orange, Oxford White and Blue Flame.

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