Tuesday, July 20, 2010

CGS Camaro in the works for SEMA debut

Photobucket

CGS Motorsports is known for being one of the leading manufacturers of high performance exhaust systems. It is also know for bringing some high grade vehicles to SEMA in the past, like the FlatBlack Mustang. This year will continue that tradition, as CGS is preparing a new Camaro to bring to this year's SEMA.

The 2011 Camaro will get new paint, a ZR1 type hood, and a body kit on the outside. Inside there will be custom leather courtesy of Pecca Leather. Performance will be enhanced with a CGS cat-back exhaust (duh), and a new twin screw Whipple Supercharger. Power should be in the 500hp range. Be sure and keep up with the build progress at www.cgsmotorsports.com and check out this year's SEMA coverage for the finished product.

Press Release

CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of High Performance Cat Back Exhaust Systems and Air Intake Systems for late model cars, trucks, & SUVs.

Besides being one of the leading manufacturers of Performance Products, CGS has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA Show vehicles over the years and CGS has built several vehicles for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for GM, which will be showcased at the 2010 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new '11 Chevy Camaro.

This new GM muscle car will feature custom paint, the Camaro will feature a ZR1 influenced hood, and body kit by ACS. The CGS team is also designing and building handmade chrome moldings. Custom leather from Pecca Leather, of course one of CGS's Cat-Back Exhaust Systems, and Whipple Ind. new Camaro twin screw supercharger producing close to 500hp.

As illustrated in the rendering, 22" wheels up front a set of 24"x15" rear wheels by Genuine Boyds, Pirelli's new 405/25/24" rear tires, the rear wheels and tires will be stuffed under the back without any type fender fairing. All the rear suspension will be replaced with Chris Alston's Fab 9 rear end with a latter bar and coil over suspension.

So be sure to check out the completed vehicle at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. www.cgsmotorsports.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

Ford, Roush, and Shelby team up to build SR-71 inspired Mustang

Photobucket

Of all the aftermarket names associated with Mustang performance and parts, Roush and Shelby are two of the biggest. Neither is a stranger to building parts or even whole turnkey performance versions of the venerable pony car. But work together to build one? That's not something you see every day.

In each of the last two years Ford has built a special edition Mustang for auction to benefit the Young Eagles association at EAA AirVenture, the AV8R Mustang and the AV-X10. This year's car will be inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, and will bring together Jack Roush and Caroll Shelby for the first time.

The reworked 2011 GT features a black and gray matte exterior, custom SVT wheels, roll cage, Ford Racing supercharger, upgraded suspension, and a custom exhaust. The Recaro seats feature both Jack Roush and Caroll Shelby's signature. The SR-71 Blackbird Mustang will go on display in the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture beginning July 26th.

Photobucket

Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., July 13, 2010 – Two automotive icons, legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush, have come together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviation-themed SR-71 "Blackbird." The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles July 29 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's greatest aviation celebration. Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and all of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be held from July 26 to Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

The "SR-71" designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, "SR-71" refers to the car's design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, "SR" represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts were also added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car. The sale of the SR-71 "Blackbird" will highlight an evening of festivities at the EAA Gathering of Eagles July 29 during AirVenture.

The group that will directly benefit from the auction proceeds is EAA's Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. "Ford Motor Company's historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company's commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world," said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president.

"Ford's generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 'Blackbird' to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages."

In 2008, Ford's inaugural vehicle specially-built in support of the Young Eagles, the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV8R, raised a record $500,000 for the charity. "The excitement around the 2008 AV8R, our first one-off Mustang ever produced, inspired us to push for another, first, the collaboration of Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush," said Edsel B Ford II, a member of Ford's Board of Directors. "This year's SR-71 Blackbird is a special tribute to Ford's lineage of performance vehicles, as well as to the promising innovators of EAA's Young Eagles." Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1 million to support the Young Eagles.

The Mustang SR-71 "Blackbird" is Build #1 of 1 and presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The vehicle is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From there, the car takes on a design personality similar to that of the original SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The Mustang's stunning design theme includes black and gray matte exterior paint with harmonious SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to reflect the car's connection with its namesake aircraft, which made its inaugural flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. The "Blackbird" nickname is reflected in the car's exterior paint treatment, complete with markings from the liquids which leaked and streaked until the plane came up to speed. A unique screen print glass roof design and exterior artwork reflect the unbridled spirit of the Ford Design team.

The interior cockpit will seat only two and includes a roll-cage, racing seats and fire extinguisher, The signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby are embroidered into the seats, and special gauges and instrument cluster graphics have been added.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang SR-71 "Blackbird" will feature an appliqué autograph area capturing Roush and Shelby's signatures and badging to further reinforce the uniqueness of the car. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 26.

Additionally, Ford and EAA will give AirVenture attendees the chance to win a 2011 Mustang GT convertible and other cash prizes in a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the EAA Young Eagles program.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology, as well as many of the industry's most revered classics at the popular "Ford Hangar" on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford activities will include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

The annual meeting of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), EAA AirVenture features more than 2,500 show aircraft, including homebuilts, antiques, classics, warbirds, ultralights and rotorcraft, and is expected to attract nearly 600,000 aviation enthusiasts. During the week, more than 500 forums are conducted by aviation leaders and NASA researchers, along with FAA personnel, aircraft designers and a host of others. EAA AirVenture is a 24-hour event. For more information, please visit www.AirVenture.org.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Photobucket

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Mustang GT-R Concept hightlights RM's Monterey auction

Photobucket

The RM auction in Monterey always seems to bring some interesting cars to the public, and this year's lineup looks to be no exception. Ford alone will bring eighteen concept cars built from 2000 to 2004, including 2001 Lightning Rod Concept, the 2001 Forty Nine Concept, the 2003 Supercharged Thunderbird Concept and the 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept, and the 2004 Mustang GT-R Concept. Proceeds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center.

Press Release

RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, kick starts its annual Sports & Classics of Monterey sale on August 12th with a special evening auction devoted exclusively to "the company that put the world on wheels": the Ford Motor Company.

Featuring over a century of automotive design and innovation, this special sale presents some 57 fantastic Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns, spanning from the company's earliest days of production through to a host of modern concepts.

For those with a penchant for early automotive history, the star attraction is one of the oldest surviving Fords in existence, an early 1903 Ford Model A Rear-Entry Tonneau*. Offered from a large private collection and with a known history and documentation from the Henry Ford Museum, this example is considered one of the most important cars in the commercial history of the auto industry (Estimate: $600,000 - $800,000).

Another historically significant example set for the auction podium is the 1962 Lincoln Continental "Bubbletop" Kennedy Limousine, Secret Service fleet number 297-X, used by President John F. Kennedy and even more frequently by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Considered one of the most important parade cars in America's history, over its years in the White House fleet, 297-X hosted an endless stream of visiting dignitaries, diplomats and important guests. (Estimate: $500,000 - $750,000).

The Thursday event also showcases some of Ford's latest designs and innovations with 18 Ford Motor Company concept vehicles on offer, the proceeds of which will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center, an organization based in Michigan, US, that addresses the needs of troubled children, youths and families.

"RM Auctions is honored to have been chosen to present the selection of Ford Motor Company concept vehicles as part of this year's Sports & Classics of Monterey event", says Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

"Continuing RM's long-standing relationship with Ford, this unique segment, featuring 18 concepts in total, not only provides a great opportunity for the savvy collector, but illustrates both RM and Ford's ongoing commitment to supporting today's youth," Kelleher adds.

Among the exciting series of concepts on offer are:

- 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept**, introduced at the April 2004 New York International Auto Show, this example was built as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance (Est. $250,000 - $350,000)

- 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept, combining the Thunderbird spirit with Lincoln luxury and featuring innovative easy-entry doors and a sumptuous cockpit (Est. $200,000 - $250,000); and,

- 2003 Ford Supercharged Thunderbird Concept, conceived to gauge public interest in a performance version of the new two-seat Thunderbird, this example was debuted at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show (Est. $175,000 - $250,000).

"Concept cars serve as the auto industry's vision into the future, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase these vehicles at RM's Sports & Classics of Monterey", says Edsel B. Ford II, Board Director, Ford Motor Company.

"It is our hope that the funds raised through this effort bring us closer to our vision of a day when there is a cure for diabetes, and a safer and brighter future for all of our youth."

The Ford Motor Company is a strong supporter of both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), through its Ford Global Walk Team, and The Children's Center.

The Ford Motor Company established the Ford Global Walk Team - an employee-driven fundraising team supporting JDRF- in 1998. Since its inception, over $30 million has been raised through innovative employee leadership and the generosity of Ford's partners, family and friends – including contributions from RM Auctions.

The Children's Center of Wayne County also has strong ties to the leading automotive manufacturer as it was founded by U.S. Senator James Couzens, a former general manager of Ford Motor Company. Today, the company and the Ford Family remain strong supporters and advocates for the agency and serve as models for corporate responsibility and commitment to the city and its children.

RM's Ford-themed auction is followed by an unparalleled roster of other important and historic automobiles as the company's annual Sports & Classics of Monterey event continues on August 13th and 14th. In total, the three-day Monterey sale features over 200 investment-quality motor cars as part of the most significant auction offering ever presented on the Monterey Peninsula.

For a complete list of auction offerings, visit www.rmauctions.com/montereycarlist or call +1 519 352 4575.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.