“After the event I stayed a couple days extra to film ‘Drifting in the K.S.A’. Thanks to the kindness of the entire Al Reem Circuit team, they let me get crazy throughout the entire motorsports complex. Nothing was off-limits and I had a blast linking one track to the next through the parking lots and garages and into storage areas basically doing whatever came to mind that would be fun and challenging. Aside from drifting the entire complex, one of my most memorable parts of the whole trip was after we finished shooting and we were hot, dusty, and dead-tired, we ended up putting on a impromptu drift-day with some of the locals that came to spectate the shoot. I was teaching them how to drift, change tires, different driving techniques, and they were so pumped up. While there were no pro’s to show us the ropes back in the day, it reminded me of when I first started; that smile that stays when you link your first drift and the genuine passion to get better and conquer the challenges. I had a blast hanging out and enjoying what drifting is all about!”

[Source: Motor Trend via YouTube]

Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 2011 Ford Mustang Monster Energy Drift Car

Press Release:

Lip slides, 50-50 grinds, wall rides, and board slides are tricks primarily associated with skateboarding – that is up until Formula Drift points leader and World Champion drifter, Vaughn Gittin Jr., teamed up with skateboarding legend and business mogul, Rob Dyrdek, to create the world’s first-ever skateboard car and skateboard car park for the Season 3 premiere episode of MTV’s “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory”.

Pioneers and innovators in their own disciplines, Vaughn and Rob made their fantasy into a reality when they each got their try at maneuvering the insane skateboard car. To help them on their epic quest, the team from California Skateparks created the first-ever skateboard car park with endless possibilities for the aspiring car-skaters. As their weapon of choice used to tackle the park, a 2011 Ford Mustang was outfitted with everything from a grind plate to grip tape.

Vaughn, a former skater himself, says: “Ever since I started drifting, I was constantly reminded how close it is to skateboarding in the fact that it is truly a lifestyle and an action sport that takes a ton of passion and talent. Whether you are on a board or manhandling a car, you can have the freedom to show off your personality and style. For about three years now, I have been dreaming of taking the car control I have from drifting and doing skateboard tricks with a Mustang. I didn’t even have to mention the idea twice to Rob, as he was all about it immediately. He was not scared behind the wheel either! Believe me when I tell you, he also went BIG in the skateboard car.”

Season 3 of MTV’s series “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” premieres Monday, July 12 at 9:30pm ET/PT which features Vaughn and his skateboard car.

“I am very excited for everyone to see and feel the genuine fun and excitement we had,” says Vaughn. “It was simply unbelievable for everything that was in my head for years to unfold as perfect as it did on the first outing for the Skateboard Mustang. Huge thanks to Rob, California Skateparks, MTV, Ford, Monster Energy, Falken Tire, and everyone else that believed in this project and helped to make it possible – it was simply EPIC. I look forward to taking what we learned to the next level and having some more skate Mustang fun in the future!”

Press Release:

SUMMARY

* Mustang RTR, a new dealer-installed package for the 2011 Ford Mustang, delivers performance and appearance upgrades for spirited driving. The package was introduced by Vaughn Gittin Jr., driver of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in the Formula Drift series
* The RTR package comes complete with Ford Racing M Falken FK-452 tires, unique 19-inch wheels, and RTR-exclusive interior details and striping scheme, and is available at select dealerships
* The introduction of Mustang RTR also plays off the success Gittin is enjoying on the Formula Drift circuit. Winner of the season-opening Long Beach event and runner-up in Atlanta, he has a significant points lead in this year’s Formula Drift championship

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND
Professional driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. knows what Mustangs can do – and he wanted to share that knowledge with Mustang enthusiasts who appreciate the car’s power and capability. Mustang RTR is Gittin Jr.’s vision for introducing a new generation of owners to Mustang, while catering to traditional Mustang enthusiasts. He helped develop the RTR package, which provides performance and appearance upgrades, to allow pony car lovers to make the most of their driving experience.

DETAILS

The 2011 Ford Mustang is known for its incredible performance and impressive looks, and now there’s a new package that takes those qualities one step further – Mustang RTR. The dealer-installed package from Vaughn Gittin Jr., driver of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in Formula Drift, and Ford Racing Performance Parts, is aimed toward a new generation of Mustang owners.

The performance upgrade comes with Ford Racing calibration with a high-flow filter and high-performance Falken FK-452 tires, which offer precise handling from five linear ribs and three-dimensional rounded blocks. Stiffer, wide steel belts offer greater tread rigidity, superior grip and high-speed stability, and high-tension carcass and high turn-up construction increase handling response and high-speed stability.

Other performance upgrades include:

* Unique Mustang RTR 19×9.5-inch wheels
* Ford Racing mufflers
* Ford Racing handling pack (performance-tuned dampers, bars and springs)

Mustang RTR commands attention with unique styling that is highlighted by a chin spoiler with splitter and supports, rocker splitters, a rear diffuser and aluminum rear spoiler. A distinctive Mustang RTR stripe scheme adds more distinction. The interior showcases RTR-exclusive floor mats, shifter knob and emblems.

The package was designed and manufactured in partnership with Michigan-based Classic Design Concepts, which has a reputation for quality and style. The Mustang RTR package is available at select dealerships for the 2011 Mustang GT. A Mustang V-6 package will be available in late 2010. For more information on the Mustang RTR package, visit www.mustangrtr.com.

Taking the lead
The introduction of Mustang RTR also plays off the success Gittin is enjoying in Formula Drift, with a significant lead in the championship point standings. Driving the Monster Energy/ Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang GT, Gittin took first place at the opening competition in Long Beach, Calif., and most recently placed second at Road Atlanta.

QUOTE

“Vaughn’s goal was to introduce an exciting new package to the Mustang world that resonates with both the younger audience and with traditional muscle car enthusiasts as well. Mustang RTR achieves that goal with ease and illustrates how universal Mustang’s appeal is.”
– Mickey Matus, Ford Performance Group marketing manager

[Source: autoblog]

Press Release:

2010 Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car to DEBUT at Virginia international raceway on april 25

Highly Collectible Pace Car to Benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer

Irvine, Calif. (April 20, 2010) – Hurst Performance Vehicles, a company responsible for some of the most iconic pace cars in racing history, will once again debut a special-edition Mustang built to serve as the official pace car for the 2010 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Series.

The 2010 Hurst Mustang pace car will debut during the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge race at Virginia International Raceway on April 25, 2010.

After its run with the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge, this unique and highly-collectible Pace Car will make special appearances at the Hot Rod Power Tour, at numerous Larry H. Miller dealerships across the country and even at SEMA, before being auctioned for charity in January 2011. Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, formed to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment, as well as those who have lost children due to cancer. Through Hatch’s house of hope, the Austin Hatcher Foundation provides a landmark group of educational, emotional and social skills development programs essential to help cancer stricken children and their families succeed within their community.

Additionally, the 2010 Hurst pace car’s paint scheme and likeness will be used to create promotional items sold by the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Series at various race events and online, including a run of limited edition replica skins for their Miller Cup Pinewood Car kits. As one of several ongoing initiatives to support the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Mustang Challenge has integrated a fund-raising Miller Cup Pinewood Derby car race into the season-ending championship banquet at Miller Motorsports Park.

Larry H. Miller Dealership Group has confirmed that it will partner with Hurst Performance to donate the vehicle for this project. Other partners of the project include Whelen Engineering, Ford Racing, BFGoodrich Tires. Motorsports artist and Roger Warrick will create original art for promotional items.

“Hurst has a history of creating unique, high-quality, emotionally-charged muscle cars and the 2010 Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge pace car is no different,” said Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst Performance Vehicles. “We are so proud to have yet another opportunity to set the pace for others to follow and give something back to a deserving organization.”

The stunning Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car comes equipped with 20″ BFGoodrich g-Force™ T/A®KDW tires for maximum performance and attitude, 20″ Hurst polished, forged aluminum wheels and a Hurst Competition/Plus shifter with a black T-handle.

The engine pounds out 550-horsepower, or nearly 200-horsepower more than the FR500S race Mustangs, and 542 lb.-ft of torque, courtesy of the Ford Racing polished supercharger, Ford Racing FR500S stainless-steel cat-back exhaust and K&N filter. With its race bred Ford Racing suspension, this car is sure to keep people straining just to see it zoom by. And to stop all this power, the car is equipped with an upgraded braking system featuring 14″ rotors and 4-piston calipers, also from Ford Racing.

“The Austin Hatcher Foundation is proud to be partnering with Hurst Performance, the Larry H. Miller Dealership Group, Whelen Engineering, BFGoodrich Tires, Ford Racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Series to sponsor the 2010 Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car,” said Jim Osborn MD, Chairman of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “The Foundation’s focus is on empowering families faced with pediatric cancer to thrive, and we hope to bring excitement to these families through Hurst’s history of unique muscle cars.”

Other signature Hurst details include a traditional Hurst black on gold paint scheme, a Hurst leather interior with contrast top-stitching and embroidered logos, Hurst-logoed floor mats and a Hurst AIR-SPEED rear deck spoiler.

***********

About Hurst Performance

Founded in 1958, Hurst Performance is one of the most recognized and revered names in the automotive performance arena. The Hurst brand has long been synonymous with speed, performance and quality, with an impressive track-record of pioneering high performance products and vehicles for all forms of motorsports and hot-rodding. Hurst was one of the first specialty companies to partner with the OEMs and bring enthusiasts limited edition performance vehicles like the legendary Hurst/Olds 442. For more information please visit www.hurst-performance.com.

About Ford Racing Mustang Challenge

The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge is a new professional racing series co-developed by Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park. Utilizing the new Ford Mustang FR500S and sanctioned by the Grand-Am Road Racing, Mustang Challenge is a support series to major professional road racing events across North America. Mustang Challenge is an affordable, challenging platform for racers who want to compete in a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car on a level playing field that showcases driver ability in high-profile events. A competitive point structure and generous purses make the Mustang Challenge The Place to Race!

About BFGoodrich Tires

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 35 years, BFGoodrich® Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally, and extreme rock crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.BFGoodrichTires.com. In 2009, BFGoodrich Tires developed a gathering place for auto enthusiasts to celebrate the thrill of GO through an online community. Nation of GO is an online community where people with a passion for driving can celebrate and share what they love to do best at www.NationofGo.com.

About The Larry H. Miller Dealership Group

What Larry H. Miller Founded in May of 1979 with one Toyota dealership has now grown into the nations tenth largest automotive dealership group. Located throughout seven western states from; Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Comprised of 38 locations representing 19 brands, from Toyota to Mercedes-Benz. Visit The Larry H. Miller group at www.LHM.com or www.drivenbyyou.com

About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering Inc. was founded in 1952 by George W. Whelen III with the development of a rotating aircraft “anti-collision beacon” product that quickly found use with police, fire and public safety departments across the country and around the world. Whelen is now the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of emergency visual and audible warning products. Whelen is the only United States manufacturer of emergency warning equipment that continues to design and manufacture all of its products entirely in the United States. Whelen is the entitlement sponsor of three NASCAR grass-roots racing series and is the major corporate sponsor of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, Inc., the designer and supplier of bobsleds to the USA Bobsled Team, including the “Night Train” four-man bobsled that won the Olympic Gold Medal at the Vancouver Olympics. Located in Chester, CT, Whelen Engineering is owned by George W. “Sonny” Whelen IV, son of the company’s founder. The company’s website is www.whelen.com.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer was formed in 2006 after Amy Jo and Jim Osborn lost their infant son Hatch to a rare form of pediatric cancer. The foundation’s mission is to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment, as well as those who have lost children due to cancer. The foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer stricken children and their families succeed within their community. All services provided by the Foundation are free of charge, funded solely by the generous donations of its supporters.

Hatch’s house of hope is a unique Austin Hatcher Foundation concept designed to empower children and families affected by pediatric cancer to thrive. The landmark cancer care center equips children and their family members with the educational, emotional and social skills necessary to succeed. Specifically, these services include Problem Solving Skills Training, neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help effected children overcome their cognitive and learning deficits, emotional counseling for the cancer affected child, their siblings and parents, and marital and financial counseling to ensure a safe environment to maximize the family growth as a whole. All services at Hatch’s are free to its guests, funded entirely by donations. Erlanger Medical Mall in Chattanooga, TN, is the site of the first Hatch’s house of hope, which opened September 18, 2009. This Hatch’s is the model for other Hatch’s in the planning stages nationwide. For more information, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org

[Source: Hurst Performance Vehicles]

*Twin independent Variable Cam Timing – Hier werden die Nockenwellen über hydraulische Aktuatoren verstellt. Die Position wird in Abhängigkeit von der Motorlast stufenlos mit einer elektronischen Kennfeld-Steuerung verstellt.

Press Release:

2011 FORD MUSTANG GT LEADS CLASS WITH 26 MPG HIGHWAY, 412 HORSEPOWER

DEARBORN, Mich., March 16, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, powered by a new 412-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine, adds yet another notch to its belt: an EPA rating of 26 mpg highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, giving it the best fuel economy in its class.

“The 2011 Mustang continues to exceed expectations in every category, and these fuel economy numbers are another chapter in an incredible story,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development. “To offer this kind of horsepower and class-leading fuel economy in a comfortable, beautiful, tech-savvy and affordable package – it’s really unprecedented.”

With the six-speed manual transmission, Mustang GT coupe is rated at 17 mpg city and
26 highway, while models with the available six-speed automatic achieve 18 mpg city and
25 highway.

The GT’s best in class fuel numbers come on the heels of the Mustang V-6, which just last week cracked the record books as not only the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce 305 horsepower and 31 mpg highway.

Mustang GT is powered by an all-new 5.0-liter double-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) V-8 with a host of advanced features to deliver the combination of power and class-leading fuel economy.

Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds depending on driver inputs. A carefully tuned intake and exhaust system ensures free breathing at all engine speeds. And all-aluminum construction results in a lightweight yet durable powerplant.

A pair of new transmissions, both with six forward ratios, also play a large part in making the 2011 Mustang a breakthrough car. Regardless of whether drivers want to shift for themselves or let the car shift for them, they’re treated to carefully chosen gear ratios to maximize fuel economy while still delivering high-horsepower performance

“Mustang powertrain development has reached a point where customers don’t have to choose between fuel efficiency and performance,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. “Thanks to technologies like Ti-VCT and our six-speed gearboxes, a Mustang driver has the best of both worlds.”

[Source: Ford via autoblog]

Press Release:

Neben dem Ford Mustang mit V6 und seinem V8-Bruder Mustang GT gibt es als Krönung der Baureihe den wilden Mustang Shelby GT500, der ab Werk mit 540 PS, einem aggressiven Blechkleid und der traditionellen Zwei-Streifen-Lackierung ausgestattet ist. Und wer sich an die amerikanische Rennlegende Carroll Shelby erinnert, der kann sich auch sofort vorstellen wie kompromisslos und puristisch der Shelby GT500 bereits im Serienzustand ist. Jetzt gebe man diese Fahrmaschine dem US-Car-Spezialisten Karl Geiger aus München in die Hände und siehe da, die aufgerichtete Kobra verwandelt sich in ein kaum zu bändigendes Monster!

810 PS, 945 Nm Drehmoment!

Wie gewohnt nahmen die Techniker von GeigerCars.de aus München eine Operation am offenen V8-Herz des amerikanischen Muscle-Cars vor, bei der wie üblich kein Stein auf dem anderen bliebt. Für mehr Druck spendierten sie dem 5,4-Liter-Aluminium-Block einen 3,3-Liter-Kompressor, der mit seinen 1,6 bar Ladedruck für mächtig Feuer im geschmiedeten Kurbeltrieb sorgt. Größere Drosselklappen, ein modifiziertes Einspritzsystem, ein 100-Millimeter-Luftmassenmesser sowie bearbeitete Zylinderköpfe sorgen zudem für ein Feintuning der inneren Organe. Zusätzliche Kühler für die Ladeluft, das Kühlwasser und das Motoröl sorgen dafür, dass der Achtzylinder trotz massiv erhöhter Leistung stets im perfekten Temperaturbereich arbeiten kann.

Dank der doch massiven Veränderungen entwickelt der Geiger-Mustang Shelby GT nun sagenhafte 810 PS bei 6.700 U/min, wobei das maximale Drehmoment von 945 Nm bei ca. 4.300 U/min an den verstärkten Differentialen zerrt. Natürlich musste bei so viel Drehmoment auch das Getriebe verstärkt werden, welches im selben Zug auch eine Verkürzung seines 5. und 6. Gangs erhielt. Eine 3-Scheiben-Carbon-Kupplung erzeugt eine ruckfreie Kraftübertragung. Für die artgerechte Entsorgung der Abgase sorgen ein spezieller Fächerkrümmer mit Rennsportkatalysatoren sowie eine maßgefertigte Sportauspuffanlage.

High-End-Fahrwerkstechnik

Damit so viel Leistung auch in Vortrieb umgesetzt werden kann, spendierte GeigerCars.de dem Shelby ein spezielles Rennsportfahrwerk, sowie einen Panhardstab aus Chrommolybdänstahl inklusive Polybuchsen an den Enden zum Ausgleich des Achsversatzes und neue, verstärkte sowie einstellbare Längslenker, für einen verbesserten Geradeauslauf der Hinterachse. Den wichtigen Kontakt zur Asphaltoberfläche übernehmen vier klassische OZ-Felgen in 8,5 und 10×20 Zoll, die dank Michelin-Hochleistungspneus in 245/35ZR20 und 285/30ZR20 für adäquate Gripverhältnisse sorgen. Verzögert wird die aufgerichtete Kobra mittels einer 6-Kolben-Hochleistungsbremse an der Vorderachse mit 380 Millimeter großen, gelochten oder wahlweise auch geschlitzten Bremsscheiben.

Vielleicht würde diese Mustang Shelby-Version auch der US-Rennlegende Carroll Shelby das Fürchten lehren!

Technische Daten

Motor: 5,4-Liter-Achtzylinder im V mit Modular-Kompressor, Ford GT-Aluminium-Motorblock, Zylinderköpfe bearbeitet, abgeändertes Einspritzsystem, größere Drosselklappe, Sportluftfilter, 100 mm Luftmassenmesser, Cold Air Box, Aluminium-Kipphebel, geschmiedeter Kurbeltrieb, 3-Scheiben-Carbon-Kupplung, verstärktes Getriebe mit verkürztem 5. und 6. Gang, verstärktes Differential, Motorölkühler, 3,3l Kompressor mit 1.6 bar Ladedruck

Leistung: 810 PS / 541 kW bei 6.700 U/min
max. Drehmoment: 945 Nm bei 4.300 U/min
Höchstgeschwindigkeit: 354 km/h
Rad/Reifen: OZ-Felgen, vorne in 8,5×20 mit 245/35ZR20, hinten in 10×20 mit 285/30ZR20
Bremsen: VA 380 mm geschlitzte Scheiben mit 6-Kolben-Bremssattel GT V6 Geiger, Stahlflexleitungen
Fahrwerk: Rennsportfahrwerk, Geiger-Panhardstab, verstärkter und einstellbarer Geiger-Längslenker

Alle weiteren Informationen sowie Preis- und Lieferinformationen gibt es direkt bei:
Geigercars.de GmbH
Truderinger Str. 265
81825 München
Tel.: 089 / 427 164 27
www.geigercars.de

Alongside the Ford Mustang V6 and its V8 brother Mustang GT there is the crowning glory of the series the wild Mustang Shelby GT500, which is equipped ex factory with 540 PS, an aggressive body and traditional double stripe paintwork. Anyone who remembers the American racing legend Carroll Shelby will be able to instantly imagine how uncompromising and purist the Shelby GT500 factory settings already are. The US car specialist Karl Geiger from Munich has now got its hands on this vehicle and take a look at how the upright Cobra has been transformed into an almost untameable monster!

810 PS, 945 Nm engine torque

As usual the engineers at GeigerCars.de from Munich operated on the open V8 heart of the American muscle car and in the process left no stone unturned. For more pressure they donated a 3.3 litre compressor to the 5.4 litre aluminium engine block which with its 1.6 bar supercharging pressure provides real fire in the forged crank drive. Larger throttle valves, a modified injection system, a 100 millimetre air flow meter and machined cylinder heads also guarantee that the inner organs are fine tuned. Additional coolers for charge air, coolant and engine oil ensure that the eight cylinder can always work at the perfect temperature range despite massively increased power.
Thanks to the massive changes the Geiger Mustang Shelby GT now generates a legendary 810 PS at 6,700 rpm, whereas the maximum engine torque of 945 Nm at approx. 4,300 rpm pulls on the increased differentials. Of course with so much engine torque the transmission also had to be reinforced and in the same step its 5th and 6th gears were shortened. A 3 disc carbon clutch produces smooth power transmission. A special manifold with racing catalytic converters and customised sport exhaust guarantee that exhaust gases are disposed of properly according to type.

High end chassis engineering

So that so much power can also be transformed in acceleration, GeigerCars.de fitted the Shelby with a special racing chassis as well as a Panhard rod made from chrome-moly steel including polyurethane bushes on the ends to balance the axial offset and new reinforced and adjustable trailing arms for improved rear axle directional stability. For the all-important contact to the asphalt surface four classic OZ alloy wheels in 8.5 and 10×20 inch guarantee adequate grip thanks to Michelin high performance tyres in 245/35ZR20 and 285/30ZR20. The upright Cobra is slowed down using 6 piston high performance brakes on the front axle with 380 millimetre large drilled or optionally slotted brake discs.

Perhaps this Mustang Shelby version would also put the fear of God into the US racing legend Carroll Shelby!

Geigercars.de GmbH
Truderinger Str. 265
81825 München
Tel.: 089 / 427 164 27
www.geigercars.de

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

[Source: Youtube via. Chromjuwelen]