Autoblog

With Ford readying one or more special-edition Mustangs to slot in between the GT and the Shelby GT500, there is a need for an engine that will bridge the gap between the SOHC 4.6L's 300 HP, and the supercharged DOHC 5.4L's 500 HP. And it's impossible to ignore the fact that the Mustang GT will soon be bringing a knife to the gunfight, with both the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger threatening to hit the streets with over 400 HP.

We've done some speculating in the past, as have others, about what this mid-level V8 Ford might be, and it appeared as if the direction was towards a naturally-aspirated 5.0L or 5.4L DOHC engine. Stangs Unleashed is reporting that it will indeed be a N/A DOHC engine, but with an aluminum-block bottom end providing only 4.6L of displacement. Such an engine would be similar to that which powered the '99 and '01 Mustang Cobras (pictured above), but possibly with the more potent FR500 heads and a new intake manifold. It's reasonable to wonder if this would be enough to take on the competition, as the proposed modifications may not be sufficient to bump the 320 HP of prior DOHC 4.6L engines up to competitive levels.

Apparently, there is also a bit of speculation around what name (or names) will be used on these special pony cars. We've been saying that the Boss name will return, while it sounds as if the Bullitt or Mach1 badges may also be used. And a bit of daydreaming leads one to think that maybe a Shelby GT350 will join the GT500 in Ford showrooms. Whatever it's called, we look forward to turning over the odometer a quarter-mile at a time.

[Source: Stangs Unleashed]

Ford has reportedly added a few numbers to its 2007 Shelby GT500. In addition to the '500' (horsepower) and '480' (pound-feet of twist) already reported, there's a new figure that stands out: $42,975. That's the top Stang's base price tag, including charges for destination ($745) and binge drinking tariff (gas guzzler: $1,300).

Units are expected to begin to ship to dealers no later than July, and the Blue Oval hopes to move between 8,000 and 10,000 examples per year.

[Sources: Edmunds Inside Line; Ford Motor Company]

The Ford Mustang Stampede Edition is another regional special edition Mustang along the lines of the California Special (though that V8 model will be available nationwide) that will be available at 300 Ford dealerships in Texas and Oklahoma. Ironically this Mustang's stampede is provided by the base model's 4.0L V6 producing 210 horsepower. Building on the premium Pony Package the Stampede Edition adds 17-inch, painted aluminum wheels and grille-mounted fog lamps. Racing stripes, special badging and an engraved numbered plaque ensure all 500 Stampede Edition Mustangs will be corralled by collectors in no time. Check out a more detailed list of equipment at the Read link.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Click pic for higher rez version

Mustangs were all the rage at the New York Auto Show this year and the frenzy of Ford stallions continues with Roush’s announcement of its Stage 3 Mustang. Called “the best Mustang we have ever built,” by Jack Roush himself, the Stage 3 Stang features the GT’s 4.6L V8 with an intercooled ROUSHcharger system that includes a specially calibrated ECM. The ROUSH treatment nets an additional 115 horsepower over stock bumping the total number of ponies to 415 and torque now stands at 395 ft-lbs. The suspension and brakes have also been upgraded to handle the additional power and ROUSH has modified the exterior with a seven-piece body kit. The racing stripes are one of the car’s few options.

Follow the jump for ROUSH’s official press release that includes more details on its best attempt at a perfect pony car to date.

[Source: ROUSH]

Saleen announced yesterday that it intends to unveil a special Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang at the New York Auto Show next week. While no images of the vehicle were made available (the snap above is of Saleen's 2005 NY Auto Show display), the Mustang tuning house did reveal the collector’s coupe would be packing a 370-hp V8 and that the styling would harken back to the 1970s. We’ll have more info on this Mustang dedicated to International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Parnelli Jones when we arrive in the Big Apple next week.

[Source: Saleen]