Pony Wars: 2011 Ford Mustang GT gets a New 412-Horsepower 5.0-liter V8

Following a supposed leak on Facebook and twitter, several outlets and blogs such as Inside Line and Autoblog, which had already been tipped off under-the-table by FoMoCo, confirmed that the 2011 Mustang GT will get a new 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering a respectable 412 ponies. The new powerplant will replace the Neolithic 4.6-liter V8 unit with its pathetic -for an engine of this size and this era- output of 315-horsepower.


In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS gets a 426HP 6.2-liter V8 while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8, a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with 425 ponies.

Do the math, and Ford's V8 makes 82.4 HP per liter, GM's V8 churns out 68.7 HP per liter and Chrysler's Hemi, 69.7 HP per liter.

Unless Ford plans to hold back until the year 2020 and surprise our kids the next generation of Mustang owners, we assume that, unlike the current GT which gets 5-speed transmissions, the new V8 engine will be coupled to 6-speed gearboxes in both manual and automatic forms.

We remind you that at last month's LA Auto Show, FoMoCo unwrapped the 2011 Mustang V6 with a new 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine producing 305-horsepower.

2010 Ford S-MAX gets a New Snout and 203HP 2.0-Liter Turbo Gasoline Engine

Along with the revised Galaxy MPV , Ford -officially- unveiled today the minivan's 'sportier' sibling, the facelifted 2010 S-MAX that will also make its public debut at the 2010 Brussels auto show next January. Being twin-models, the two people carriers share most upgrades including the introduction of Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost STCi petrol engine and the new diesel lineup.

However, the S-MAX's makeover is a little more noticeable that that of the 2010 Galaxy. At the front, the new S-MAX gains a redesigned bonnet, bumper and upper and lower grilles, with the high series models now featuring distinctive LED daytime running lights.


Meanwhile, at the back, the seven-seater minivan gets a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a tweaked lower fascia, and reshaped LED tail lights.

Interior upgrades concern the new multifunctional overhead console, an available one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds, a new LED interior lighting system and revised upholstery colors, graphics and materials.

Like the Galaxy, the S-MAX will be offered with Ford's new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine featuring direct injection that delivers 203 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

The new powerplant is linked to Ford's dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. According to Ford, the S-MAX EcoBoost accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 221 km/h or 137 mph.

Ford says that the new gasoline motor will produce 189g/km of CO2 with a combined fuel of 8.1lt/100km or 29.0mpg US / 34.8mpg UK.

At the same time, Ford's diesel offering for the new S-MAX have has been improved with the upgraded 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine family now complying with Stage V emission regulations. The diesel unit is available in three power levels with 115, 140 and 163 horsepower.

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy will go on sale across Europe early next year.

2010 Ford Galaxy MPV Facelift gets New 2.0-Liter EcoBoost Turbo Petrol with 203HP

This is the subtly facelifted Ford Galaxy MPV that will be making its world debut at the 2010 Brussels Show on January 13. Aside from some minor cosmetic and equipment upgrades, the revised seven-seater minivan marks the debut of Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine while the company also tweaked the 2.0-liter turbo diesel units.

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost STCi petrol with turbocharging and direct injection churns out 203HP at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 300Nm or 221 lb-ft, which is delivered across a broad 1,750-4,500 rpm range.


Linked to a standard dual-clutch transmission, the 2.0-liter unit propels the Galaxy MPV to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 217 km/h or 135mph.

The 2010 Galaxy will also be available with an upgraded 2.0-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine in 115, 140 and 163HP variants that come equipped with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and optionally, with Ford's Powershift dual-clutch transmission.

On the outside, the new Galaxy features a subtly redesigned snout with a more sculpted bonnet, revised lower and upper grilles along with new silver roof rails and LED tail lights.

The refined climate control and the introduction of a Blind Spot Information System, a new Adjustable Speed Limiter Device (ASLD), a keyless system and Ford's EasyFuel capless refuelling system complete the changes.

The new Galaxy will go on sale in Europe in early 2010.

Kepler Motors to Debut 800HP Hybrid Supercar at Dubai Show, Powered by Ford's EcoBoost V6

Dubai may be going through some tough times now, but the emirate -and the U.A.E. in general- is a haven for makers of ultra luxurious and exotic sports cars. Among numerous other automakers that will make their way to the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show, which runs from December 16 to 20, is Kepler Motors. To be honest, we've never of the California-based company, but the release says Kepler Motors was founded by World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks.

Kepler Motors will use the Dubai show to stage the world debut of its new hybrid supercar, called Motion.


Said to have been developed by the ground up, the Motion's drivetrain combines a modified version of the Ford EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 550HP that drives the rear wheels, with a 250 hp electric motor driving the front wheels.

The two-engines produce a combined output of 800-horsepower propelling the all-wheel drive gasoline-electric supercar from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in a claimed 2.5 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 200mph or 320km/h+.

The 4,435mm long Motion features extensive use of carbon fiber composite materials for its monocoque chassis and body to minimize the car's weight, though the company has not released any official numbers.

Kepler also adds that the Motion is equipped with StopTech's Continuous Carbon Ceramic (C3) AeroRotors.

The company said that it will limit production of the hand-assembled Motion to just 50 units with deliveries expected to start sometime in 2011.

2010 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy MPV Facelift Photos Leaked

The first official shots of Ford's European market 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy MPV have hit the web ahead of an anticipated unveiling in January 2010. Looking at the photos it appears that the slightly shorter S-MAX gains a new lower grille design that brings it in line with Ford's latest offerings such as the Fiesta hatch along with a reshaped front bumper that houses a pair of LED lights.

The new tail lamps and alloy wheel designs round off the exterior changes on the S-MAX while there don't seem to be any visible updates to the interior.

We've only got one photo of the 2010 Galaxy MPV, but from what we can tell, changes are limited to the revised upper grille, the new alloys and the restyled front bumper.

It is reported that both minivans benefit from a new diesel engine, however, this has not been confirmed by Ford.

We'll have more on the restyled S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs as soon as Ford comes out with an official announcement.


2010 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy MPV Facelift





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2009 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy MPV