“Nelly is a true car guy, there’s no denying that. When Nelly expressed interest in wanting to partner with Ford on the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang GT, we knew it was a perfect fit. The Mustang has such appeal within the urban market. Since it was launched, the vehicle has made appearances in several of the most popular urban films. This was just a great opportunity for Ford, and we’re excited that the Mustang GT is going to be a part of one of the most anticipated albums of 2010.”  – Crystal Worthem, Ford’s Multicultural Marketing Communications Manager.

Learn more about this awesome partnership between Nelly and Ford by reading on!

Nelly’s Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Ford’s design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex.

"They’re really going in the direction of the people, so to speak. And it’s beautiful," Nelly said. "The youth nowadays -- they want everything so aggressive and so alive. So I think the 5.0 is all that. It’s aggressive, it’s alive, and it’s definitely youthful."

Nelly has since then collaborated with Ford’s design team and DUB’s customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.

“I’m itching to get behind the wheel of my Mustang and really take it out on the streets. This vehicle being a part of my album artwork is just a reflection of the direction and feel that the album has. To be able to partner with Ford again on another vehicle that is going to change the automotive game is exciting.”

The 35-year-old rapper, actor and mogul, who was most recently ranked third on Billboard Magazine’s “Artist of the Decade List,” says the Mustang is one of the hottest muscle cars ever to hit the streets.

Nelly said he got his love of cars from his family, including his grandfather and his father. “I probably shouldn’t say this but my father used to street race with me in the back seat. And at the time it sounded beautiful,” he said. “It’s probably a little dangerous now. But at the time I loved it.”

Nelly says he can’t wait to hit the streets in his 2011 Mustang GT.

The exterior of the vehicle features a custom gloss black paint job with flat black racing stripes and a Street Scenes body kit complete with custom 22- and 24-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle also includes a billet grille, hood scoop, tinted taillights, angel eyes headlights and a Borla exhaust. In addition, the interior is a complete suede and leather design with a custom JL Audio system that includes two 12-inch subwoofers, amps and speakers. Nelly says he can’t wait to hit the streets in his 2011 Mustang GT.

Want to learn more about the Ford Mustang? Come on down to Capital Ford Lincoln today and talk with one of our product specialist. We definitely have some Mustang lovers here!

And when it comes to personalizing your new Ford, there is no need to look elsewhere. Check out what our Ford’s Custom Accessories line up has to offer.

Powered by a new 412-hp, 5-0 liter V8 engine, the 2011 Ford Mustang has one of the best fuel economies in its class at 23 kilometers per litre in the city and 37 on the highway for a manual transmission with an automatic going at 24 and 36. If dealing with a 3.7 liter, V6 engine, you are looking at 25 and 41 with manual transmission and 26 and 42 with an automatic.

The new changes are much more than just engines and powertrains. This news comes just days after the Mustang V-6 cracked the record books as the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, and the first production car in history to produce 305 horsepower and 42 mpg on the highway.

Some of the features that contribute to the performance include new EPAS that eliminates the drag of an engine operated hydraulic power steering pump; real axle ratios that combine for a relaxed cruising rpm and all out acceleration, and aerodynamic improvements like a taller air dam, tire spats on the rear wheels and modified underbody shields.

A pair of new transmissions, both with six forward ratios, also play a large part in making the 2011 Mustang a breakthrough car. Whether or not you want to shift for yourself or let the car shift for you, you will be  treated to carefully chosen gear ratios to maximize fuel economy while still delivering high-horsepower performance.

Dennis Kuzak is the Ford’s Group Vice-President for Global product development. He says the 2011 Mustang exceeds expectations in every category, and that it is unprecedented for anyone to offer this kind of horsepower and fuel economy in a comfortable, beautiful and more importantly, affordable package.

The 2011 Ford Mustang will start going on sale this spring. I think its safe to say many will be coming to Capital Ford Lincoln looking to buy shortly after they arrive.

Wait a second… Run that past me again… How does that work? No wonder everybody wants one.

The new 2011 Ford Mustang with 3 all-new powertrains has three times more orders than the 2010 model in its first month, and half of all nationwide orders are for the new, class-leading 3.7-liter V-6 engine.

Nearly 11,000 Mustangs have been ordered since order banks opened in late January.

Fifty percent of the 2011 Mustang orders are for V-6 models, which feature a new, high-performance, all-aluminum Duratec 3.7-liter dual overhead-cam (DOHC) Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) engine. This new engine delivers 305 horsepower and an expected best-in-class EPA fuel efficiency of 30 mpg on the highway – a 25 percent improvement versus the 2010 model.

2011 Mustang V-6 order levels are up 19 percent versus the new 2010 model orders.

A first-ever Mustang Club of America (MCA) Special Edition package available on V-6 models generated three times more orders than expected. Plus, the California Special series – which is available on the Mustang GT and harkens back to the original 1968 feature vehicle – are triple the expected rates.

2011 Mustangs also are being equipped with record levels of technology. Navigation is specified on 18 percent of orders. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are on 26 percent of vehicles. Rear-view cameras are on 10 percent – all up from 2010.

“The new engine transforms Mustang. Everything people love about the car lives on, and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports cars in the world.” – Steve Ling, Ford North America Car Marketing Manager

For the 2011 model, 41 percent of orders are for Mustang GTs.

The Mustang GT’s modern 5.0-liter four-valve, Ti-VCT V-8 engine delivers 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, highway fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.

On a lighter note there was a great article on Onion news a while back about the Ford Mustang and in the wake of all the recall commotion in the industry right now it caused a little bit of chaos here at Capital Ford when it was rumoured that the Ford Mustang ran the risk of being recalled and possibly not even launched for 2011. Of course none of this is true. The king of satire that is Onion news crafted a well written article about the Ford Mustang, titled “Ford Mustang recalled for being too cool.” It’s our Funny Friday this week.

It’s only February and we’re already getting amped up for the 2011 Mustang here at Capital Ford. It’s great to see a classic muscle car like the Mustang, a leader in the segment, step up with some incredible refinements. It’s will no doubt continue to lead the pack.

In 2008 Funkmaster Flex Rolled Out A Limited Edition Expedition.

A fan asks “What is unique about the Ford that other cars manufacturers don’t have? How many Fords do you have?” Funkmaster Flex replies with, “I love how ford has changed up the sheet metal over the last 5 years. I own an Expedition, 2010 mustang, 1970 mustang. 1971 Torino and 1968 Fastback Mustang.”

Funkmaster Flex is an avid car enthusiast, customizing new vehicles and building vintage cars with special attention to style and performance. Most recently, Flex customized the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and what does he love most? “My favorites are the SYNC technology and Eco Boost. There are others such as BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert.”

FMF says, “My favorites are the SYNC technology and Eco Boost. There are others such as BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert.”

“Here’s a vehicle that has so much history and stands on its own in terms of design and attitude,” said Funkmaster Flex. “It’s definitely different from anything that I’ve ever done before. It’s much more subdued and doesn’t scream at you in terms of its paint job and overall effect. I really took a vehicle that already had everything in terms of its styling and design and gave it a real stealth-like feel.”

Earl Lucas, designer of the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO knew exactly what Funkmaster Flex wanted to convey when he met with him in the Bronx during the initial design consultation.

“Flex wanted to put his spin on the vehicle while keeping the Taurus’s history and sophistication in mind. Flex was able to take that inspiration and customize it in a way that was both timeless and mature,” said Lucas.

The exterior of the vehicle features a two-tone black and metal grey paint job complete with custom 22-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle was also lowered with a HR spring kit and a Billet Grille and custom door handles were added.

In addition, the vehicle features a one-off front spoiler and rear window wing. All of the rims and the trim in the vehicle were finished in brushed black chrome. The interior was left the same with the exception of adding a black suede headliner and the signature FMF logos on the headrests.

“Flex really created a design that veered away from what we traditionally expect from him,” said Lucas. “He is amazing in what he does and what he ultimately did to this vehicle. When you get a chance to work with someone who has perspective on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s now, it’s great.”

Want to customize your ride? Come on down to Capital Ford Lincoln today and Meet Peter Koutsourelis our Accessories Manager. Want to know more about Peter? Check out his latest blog post, Bring in the New Year with a bang, & some bling!

Ti-VCT provides extremely precise variable – yet independent – control of timing for intake and exhaust valves. Drivers of the 2011 Mustang GT will notice abundant torque and class-leading fuel economy. An additional benefit of Ti-VCT is a reduction of emissions, especially in situations when the throttle is partially open.

Independent adjustment of intake and exhaust valve timing allows maximum fuel economy at part-throttle, while delivering optimized power in full-throttle situations. An added benefit is improved drivability and responsiveness across the torque curve. At Capital Ford we’re eagerly waiting for the 2011 Mustang GT, I for one can’t wait to get my but in the seat!

How Ti-VCT works

(WARNING – From here out gets a little techy but is seriously great news!)

Engine design and aesthetics were important to the development team. Delivering over 400HP was even more important!

The new 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2011 Mustang GT is a double-overhead-camshaft configuration that employs two camshafts per cylinder bank – one camshaft to operate the intake valves and one camshaft to operate the exhaust valves. Ti-VCT rotates the camshafts to advance or retard the cam timing, based on several measures including throttle opening.

An element unique to the Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 application is that Ti-VCT is actuated by camshaft torque, with assistance from pressurized oil. Using camshaft torque energy provides faster throttle response and maximizes use of existing energy, to aid fuel economy. Camshaft torque energy Ti-VCT actuation is a Ford innovation, introduced first on the 3.0-liter V-6.

Working like a ratchet, the one-way valves allow precise timing of camshaft events, continually optimizing timing to provide maximum thrust or fuel economy, based on driver input.

We’ve been hearing the rumblings of a 6 cylinder monster mustang package for next year. Finally we’ve found some concrete info to lay some of the rumors to rest. The launch of the 2010 Mustang at Capital Ford was a sensational hit and as you’ll read, the 2011 is going to make another splash! The 2011 Ford Mustang will put out 305 high-performance horses in the hands of V-6 coupe buyers with a new all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that delivers a projected 30 mpg on the highway with a six-speed automatic transmission and fun for drivers on nearly every road.

For 2011, Mustang’s new 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 uses advanced engineering to deliver its power and economy: Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds. Aluminum construction means light weight. It’s an engine designed to crank out torque down low, rev to 7,000 rpm and deliver the mechanical music sports coupe lovers crave everywhere in between.

“Mustang is completely transformed with this new engine,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Everything people love about the car is still there and now under the hood is a V-6 engine that uses premium technology to deliver the power, the feel, the fuel efficiency, even the sound of the best sports coupes in the world.”

New 3.7-liter V-6 engine
With Ti-VCT operating its four valves per cylinder, the new Mustang V-6 powerplant sends significantly more horsepower and torque (305 hp and 280 ft.-lb.) to the rear wheels than its predecessor – despite its smaller displacement. The behind-the-wheel feel is unlike any Mustang ever produced.

“This new V-6 engine really speaks to what Mustang is all about,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of global powertrain engineering. “It produces power everywhere in the rev range and loves to be pushed hard. The Duratec 3.7-liter builds on our promise to use advanced technology to deliver both power and fuel economy.”

The high output is due largely to Ti-VCT which allows variable control of valve operation across the rev range. The variable cams operate on a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain using polished buckets and roller finger followers to reduce friction. The end result is as much as a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in power output versus traditional engines without these advanced features.

Ti-VCT is complemented by special-tuned composite upper and lower intake manifolds for efficient air delivery and lighter weight. Ignition power is delivered by a high-energy coil-on-plug design, while piston-cooling jets and a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block improve the durability and efficiency of the 3.7-liter V-6 design.

Performance was the mantra for every aspect of engine design. A cold air induction system and dual exhaust give the 3.7 its free-breathing style with a 7,000 rpm redline and near-instantaneous response to throttle inputs.

A die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan provides 10,000-mile oil change intervals, saving drivers money on maintenance and resulting in less waste in oil disposal.

Engineers also worked to ensure aggressive, high-performance sounds come from the new engine, from intake to exhaust. Not only does the retuned air intake system minimize losses, it also provides the driver with a satisfying intake rush on hard acceleration. The all-new dual exhaust system is mellow at idle but opens up with a howl at full-tilt, letting Mustang drivers know they’re behind the wheel of a world-class sports coupe.

“This car marks a new type of Mustang,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “We’re using a high-performance quad-cam V-6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that’s become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it’s really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever.”

When you combine all the new engine upgrades with a 6 speed transmission, both auto and manual will be fitted with the 6 gear tranny’s, the efficiency and bottom end torque output is expected to be more exciting then ever and the top end fuel efficiency promises to be much better.

Enthusiasts who want a premium performance-oriented Mustang V-6 can opt for the new Performance Package, which will be available August 2010. Designed for driving enthusiasts, the Mustang V-6 Performance Package comprises:

• A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
• Firmer Mustang GT suspension
• 19-inch wheels
• Summer performance tires for improved grip
• A strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity
• Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving

The 2011 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7-liter V-6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1. Although it isnt clear to Capital Ford right now which trim levels and other engine options will be available , we’re looking forward to ordering some of these V6 monsters as soon as the snow begins to melt away.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORD MUSTANG V6 FACT SHEET NOW.