Monday, June 29, 2009

RM auctioning off two Ford GTs for juvenile diabetes research


If you're like me, wishing you would have had the means to buy a Ford GT while they were in production, now you have a second chance. Ford and RM auctions are teaming up to auction off two of them.

The first one is an early example (number six produced), and is red with white stripes. It will be auctioned off in Meadow Brook in August. Number seven is the second car to be sold, and is white with blue stripes. It will go on the block in Monterey.

Both cars are expected to bring in between $150,000 and $200,000. The money is going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and will be used to fund a medical research endowment.

PRESS RELEASE

JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION TO BENEFIT FROM SALE OF FORD GT SUPERCARS AT RM AUCTIONS' MEADOW BROOK AND MONTEREY EVENTS

Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook

Two original 2005 Ford GT supercars from the Ford Motor Company collection to be offered at RM Auctions' Meadow Brook and Monterey events this August with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

BLENHEIM, Ontario (June 18, 2009) – RM Auctions is honored to provide the stage and auction services for the sale of two factory-original 2005 Ford GT supercars. On behalf of the Ford Motor Company's Global Walk Team, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these cars will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and its mission to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.

"The Ford GT represents the pinnacle of performance from Ford Motor Company and is a great opportunity for the savvy collector. Ford is proud to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation efforts by including these early VIN Ford GTs at the RM auction in Meadow Brook and Monterey", said Edsel B. Ford II, Board Director, Ford Motor Company.

"RM is truly honored to provide support to JDRF's ongoing initiatives and we welcome the opportunity to further the awareness of juvenile diabetes through these events," added Ian Kelleher, President and COO of RM Auctions.

First introduced at the 2002 New York Auto Show, the Ford GT is a true American supercar, built to commemorate Ford's Centennial and its GT40 predecessor's victories at Le Mans 24-Hour races in the 1960s. With its mid-mounted, 550-horsepower supercharged V8, the GT is one of an elite group of 200 mph, hand-crafted supercars that are prized by investment-minded collectors and driving enthusiasts.

The first car offered is the sixth vehicle from the initial production (YF400006) and is finished in vintage Mark IV red and white. This particular car will cross the auction block at RM's 15th annual Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event, held on the estate's Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion in Rochester, Michigan on August 1, 2009. This single-day auction of 100 important collector cars is held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.

Following in sequence, the second car offered (YF400007) is the seventh built and is presented in its nostalgic Centennial white and blue livery. This GT will join over 200 notable collector cars offered during RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey event in Monterey, California August 13-15, 2009.

In 1998, Ford Motor Company established the Ford Global Walk Team, an employee-driven JDRF fundraising team with Edsel B. Ford II as the Corporate Team Chair. Since its inception, over $27 million has been raised through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford's partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.

About RM Auctions:

Celebrating three decades in the collector car industry, RM Auctions and its sister companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world's rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles including Best of Show winning cars at the prestigious Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook Concours events. For additional information on the Michigan sale and other RM Auction events, please call (800) 211-4371 or visit: www.rmauctions.com

About Ford Motor Company:

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 224,000 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

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leader in setting the agenda for type 1 diabetes research worldwide, and is the world's largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children and adults suddenly, but lasts a lifetime. JDRF provided more than $156 million to diabetes research in 2008, and is responsible for more than $1.3 billion in direct funding since it was founded in 1970. JDRF funds research with the greatest impact throughout the world, leading to results as soon as possible. www.jdrf.org

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Sunday tidbits: Chevy can't keep up with Camaro demand, Mustang could have had independent suspension for $100?


File this one under not surprising: Bloomberg is saying that the demand for GM's reborn Camaro is far exceeding supply, resulting in cars selling for over their sticker price. While this is great news for an automaker wallowing in bankruptcy, it's tough news for fans of the car that have been clamoring at the bit to get one.

Dealers have already taken 25,000 orders for the new Camaro, and have delivered around half of them. Analysts told Bloomberg that the cars are going for around $500 over sticker on average, and at least one dealer is saying that he won't have one on his lot for sale in at least a year.

In other irritating news coming out of Detroit, Motor Trend's Angus MacKenzie is saying that the S197 Mustang almost got an independent suspension, and at a lower cost than you would possibly imagine.

According to MacKenzie, the 2005 Mustang was all set to get the independent suspension that it would have shared with the BA-series Falcon sedan built in Australia. Even when it was decided that the two cars would use different platforms, Ford designers set about designing an independent suspension specific to the Mustang.

So why did it still end up with a solid rear axle? According to MacKenzie, product development executive Phil Martens convinced Bill Ford Jr. that they could save $100 per car if they dropped the IRS and went with the solid axle. MacKenzie's sources say that the cost of sorting out the current Mustang's suspension actually cost $98 more per car than the IRS that could have gone in the car.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

2010 Ford Mustang GT500 Super Snake unveiled along with five other models


Shelby Automotives has unveiled a barrage of new models coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, including the 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake.

The Shelby GT/SC is basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger. It also features upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash.

Next is the Shelby GT/SR, which is much like the GT/SC but is outfitted with racing equipment such as BF Goodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.

If you want to Shelby-fy your own Mustang, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.

If you have a GT500 that you want to add some more Shelby goods to, you can opt for the GT500SE, which includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more.

If you have a 2010 model GT500, Shelby is offering the Super Snake package, that offers many upgrades including the option for a 725hp supercharger upgrade.

Shelby GT/SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel Baer 6 piston extreme brake upgrade
• Shelby grille with letters
• Engine cap set
• Stripe designation
• Shelby gauge pod
• Autometer signature series gauges
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque *
• Specific 18x9 Aluminum Wheels with "Branded" center caps
• BFG "R" compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Functional Deep Draw hood
• 1" lower front ball joints
• Bump Steer kit
• Caster Camber kit
• Upgraded front lower control arm bushings
• Rear upper and lower control arms and upper control arm bracket
• One piece 3.5" aluminum drive shaft
• Watts link rear suspension
• Shelby Performance cooling package (not available for Paxton SC intercooler only)
• Front brake duct kit
• Shelby GT/SR Floor Mats
• Shelby GT/SC authenticity certificate

Pricing:
$31,499
Package price reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finish Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional. Pricing does not include tax, fluids or dispoal fees.

Available options:
• Track tuning additional $750
• Performance clutch
• Eibach Pro-2 coil over shocks, struts and sway bar kit
• Borla exhaust
• 3:73 Gear Set
• 6 point race ready roll cage
• Sequential tail lights
• Rear quarter window covers
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• BFG 275/35/18 street tire package

Notes:
Any Shelby GT or GT/SC owner choosing the Shelby GT SR option will receive an "owner appreciation" discount of 10% off of the pre-tax package price.

Shelby GT/SC:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP, finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel brake upgrade package (consisting of)
• Baer Drilled and Slotted rotors
• Baer Brake Pads
• Stainless Steel front and rear brake line kit
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation (Shelby GT/SC)
• "Factory Supercharged" engine bay plaque and authenticity certificate

Pricing:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Black: $12,725
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Polished: $12,999
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Black: $10,899
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Polished: $11,599
(Pricing does not include tax, fluids or disposal fees).

Notes:
This package is specifically targeted at the Shelby GT and Shelby GT-H owner. Current owners who place a reservation deposit prior to December 31, 2009 are eligible for an owner appreciation discount of 10% on the package price.

Shelby GT500SE:

Badged as the Shelby GT 500 SE this will be a "Special Edition" package installed at Shelby Automobile's and authorized Modification Centers. It will be limited to 500 per model year. All GT500SE's include a certificate of authenticity.
The Shelby GT500SE consists of the following:

Exterior: (vehicle retains current Factory Striping)
• Carbon fiber front fascia splitter
• Carbon fiber rocker panels
• Body colored mirror covers
• Carbon fiber hood grille inserts
• Deck lid SHELBY letter kit
• GT 500 SE designation on lower front fender
• Sequential tail lights
• Front brake duct kit
• Rear brake duct kit
• GT 500 SE faux gas cap

Interior:
• CSM consecutively numbered plaque in center of dash
• CSM consecutively numbered engine compartment plaque
• GT 500 SE door sill plate with CSM consecutive number
• Light bar with solenoid activated brake light system (convertible)
• GT 500 SE embroidered front floor and trunk mats
• Aesthetic engine cap kit with billet oil stick handle and fluid caps
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Shelby Signature gauges (Boost, Oil and fuel pressure)
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent
• Satin door lock knobs
• GT 500 SE embroidered console cover
• GT 500 SE embroidered head rest covers

Performance:
• Borla exhaust system
• Ford Racing performance suspension
• 20"x9" Carroll Shelby Wheel Company CS 56 wheels (choice of insert colors, Silver, Black, Chrome (additional cost)
• Pirelli P-zero Tires 255/35 ZR20 (front) and 275/35 ZR20 (rear)

Pricing: Coupe $14,999 Convertible $15,999
(Prices do not reflect applicable sales tax)

Options:
• Kenne Bell 725 HP Supercharger
• Ford Racing 630 HP Supercharger
• Shelby Performance Cooling package
• Two tone interior upgrade package
• Shelby/Kicker Sound System package
• Bear 6 piston Extreme front and rear brake upgrade kit

Notes:
Owners choosing to place a reservation before December 31, 2009 will receive a package discount of 10%.

Shelby SuperCharged (SC) & SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• Short throw shifter
• Shelby Pro-Plus 4 wheel brake system
• Performance Suspension
• Borla dual exhaust
• Shelby chrome bar grille (Shelby Grille with letters and driving lights, SR only)
• Engine cap set
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque
• Specific 18x9 Aluminum Wheels with "Branded" center caps
• BFG "R" compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Shelby Functional Deep Draw hood
• Hood pin kit
• Shelby rear deck lid letters
• Shelby Supercharged Floor Mats

Pricing:
Base Package Price: $19,599
Shelby SR Package Price: $31,499

(Pricing reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finished Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional)

Available options:
• Shelby GT-H Front Fascia
• Shelby Rear Fascia
• Front and Rear Brake Ducts*
• Performance clutch
• Caster Camber Plates*
• One Piece 3.5" diameter aluminum drive shaft*
• Eibach Pro-2 Coil-Over Shocks and Struts*
• Eibach Pro Sway Bar Kit*
• Baer 6-Piston Extreme Front and Rear Brake Kit*
• 1" drop Lower Ball Joints*
• Bump Steer Kit*
• Upgraded Lower Control Arm Bushings*
• 6-point Roll Cage
• 3:73 Rear Gear*
• Watts Link Rear Suspension*
• Sequential Taillights
• Rear quarter window covers*
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• Goodyear F1 Supercar 18" street tire package
* Included with SR.

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake:

In 2010 Shelby Automobiles continues to bring you the Shelby GT500 Super Snake package for your existing Shelby GT500. The upgrade will offer several performance options in excess of 700 horsepower and sleek looks only Shelby can bring you based on Ford's exciting new GT500 design. This package is limited in volume.

Package Price: $29, 495 (630 HP), $33, 495 (700+ HP)

Standard Features:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 630 HP supercharger
• Shelby/Super Snake hood with pins
• Carbon fiber body components
• SHELBY deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging (front grille and front fenders)
• Sequential tail lights
• Shelby Super Snake striping
• Front and rear brake duct kit
• Quarter window scoops or block-offs
• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque and engine plate
• Shelby Super Snake door sill plates
• Light bar with third brake light (convertible)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper front brake system and rear rotors
• Borla cat-back exhaust system
• Shelby/Ford Racing suspension w/ adjustable damper
• Short-throw shifter
• Cold air intake system
• Custom drive shaft (700+ horsepower package)
• 3.73:1 differential
• 20" Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires
• Shelby three piece floor mat set
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby signature carbon fiber faced gauges
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent and satin door lock knobs
• Shelby embroidered headrest
• Center console with Shelby logo

Options:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 700+ HP supercharger
• Shelby/Kenne Bell 725 HP supercharger (black or polished)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper rear brake system
• Shelby/Eibach adjustable coilover suspension
• Shelby/Eibach sway bars
• White ball billet short-throw shifter
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade
• Shelby performance cooling package
• Two-tone leather interior upgrade
• Two-tone leather console cover
• Perforated leather seat inserts
• Shelby Super Snake faux rear gas cap