Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year with the fuel-saving 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan nameplates, five new electrified vehicles, as well as with the introduction of auto start stop technology paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”

The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.

The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.

Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.

Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers underscores the company’s commitment to continually improve fuel economy.

By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.

Of the 11 market segments in which Ford competes, the company leads in fuel economy customer satisfaction in six, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, a third-party measure of buyer attitudes concerning recent vehicle purchases.

These findings show Ford customers are pleased with their fuel economy, and that their new Ford vehicle delivers the EPA-rated estimates in regular use.

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Ford cars are renowned for their excellent durability, so it should come as no surprise that when it comes to buying a used car Ford is often an extremely popular choice among customers searching for a used car that will still offer years of use. Anybody looking for a used or new car should take a close look at Ford’s formidable range, which is available to buy from trusted used car dealer Evans Halshaw.

While Ford already had reason to celebrate over the immense popularity of their small cars and their lauded technological advancements in the field of fuel efficiency, a testament to their environmental conscience as car manufacturers, they were recently honoured with 3 used car awards from highly respected industry experts What Car? magazine.

Ford cars won awards in 3 different categories at the What Car? Awards, which are organised each year to identify, highlight and give recognition to the very best used cars currently available on the market. What Car? Editor-in-chief Chas Hall complimented the quality of the cars that drove away with awards this year.

Ford’s first award came in the best used supermini category for their Ford Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr. When it was first released, the Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr was praised for its agility, fantastic handling and for being one of the quietest cars on the road in the supermini category.

While not among the most spacious superminis, the excellent performance levels of the Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr and its sheer value for money distinguish it as an attractive car on the used car market, which no doubt helped it clinch the What Car? Award.

Ford’s next big win came in the best used family car category for the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr. Singled out as an excellent car for drivers who notch up a high mileage when it first entered on to the market, the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr also received widespread recognition for its superb handling, which makes it remarkably agile for a big car.

The Mondeo remains immensely popular in the UK and has been a major force in the family car class for ten years. With good fuel efficiency for a large car, a significant amount of space for the family and storage for long trips the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr should certainly be considered by anybody looking to buy a used family car and it was a worthy winner in its category.

Finally, Ford also came top in the best used multi-purpose vehicle with the Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec. Again, it was the responsive steering and overall handling of the S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec that won unanimous positive feedback upon its initial release.

Available in four different power units ranging from 114 to 197bhp, the S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec is spacious enough for the whole family to be seated in comfort, combining power, performance and practicality in an admirable package.

Anybody planning to buy a used or new car should take notice of Ford’s stellar range, which continues to combine quality with value for money.

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The reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer, that provides a suite of innovative safety technologies, may be the latest Ford vehicle to earn a high Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Ford presently has eight vehicles on the road within the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks, which adds to Ford’s leading quantity of top U.S. safety ratings ever.

“The Ford Explorer sets a new standard for high-tech safety innovation,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The Explorer offers several new innovative technologies, including available industry-first production rear inflatable seat belts, and Curve Control, which could help drivers maintain charge of a vehicle when they enter a curve too quickly.”

To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control.

Initial demand for the driver-aid technologies on the new 2011 Explorer continues to be strong. Of the first 19,000 orders received:

• 22 percent include adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, active park assist and rain-sensing wipers
• 40 percent include BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
• 87 percent include rear view camera

“Explorer has a history of safety innovation, from side-curtain airbags to AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), and now providing the world’s first production rear inflatable seat belts,” said Craig Patterson, Explorer marketing manager. “Explorer customers value safety and security. Security features are one of the main reasons customers cite for his or her purchases of Explorer and SUVs in general.”

World’s first production inflatable rear seat belts
The new Ford inflatable rear seat belts spread impact forces across five times more area than conventional seat belts to reduce pressure about the chest while helping to control neck and head motion. The car industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts are made to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can become more susceptible to head, chest and neck injuries.

Explorer’s Curve Control
Ford is pioneering the next frontier of safety with crash-avoidance innovations for example Curve Control, made to help drivers maintain charge of their vehicle when going for a curve prematurely, a scenario found to bring about approximately 50,000 crashes on curves every year within the U.S. alone.

Curve Control senses whenever a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly, and may apply four-wheel smart braking to reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second and help drivers follow their intended path.

Additional driver-assist and safety features
“The new Explorer delivers features that both assist in preventing an accident and help minimize occupant injuries whenever a crash is unavoidable,” said Erika Low, Explorer safety manager. “It’s a comprehensive safety story from bumper to bumper.”

The new Explorer comes with technologies to assist prevent crashes – from parking lot fender benders to high-speed collisions – by warning drivers from the potential for an accident. Driver- aid and safety technologies include options such as:

• Adaptive cruise control, which slows the automobile to adapt for traffic conditions and gaze after a preset distance between vehicles
• Collision warning with brake support, whichhelpsreduce speed, automatically pre-charges brakes, supplies a red warning light about the windshield as well as an audible beep to help drivers stop faster when the system detects a collision is imminent
• BLISwith cross-traffic alert, whichhelps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving, as well as traffic approaching in the sides when reversing from parking spots
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts drivers when it senses tire pressure is low
• MyKey, whichallows parents to limit speed and audio volume in their vehicles and it is made to help parents encourage safe driving habits within their teens

Structural safety and crash protection
Explorer features a unibody configuration body structure with nearly 1 / 2 of the stiff shell made up of high-strength steels, such as boron. A-pillars, rocker panels and front beams are made from boron steel for both increased strength and reduced weight. This structure was designed and developed to meet global crash standards. Explorer features Ford’s Trinity front crash structure, so named because of its three components made to absorb and redirect crash forces in the event of an incident.

When a crash becomes unavoidable, Explorer uses class-leading variety of airbags to protect occupants. Two front and 2 side second-generation airbags are joined by a security Canopy comprising side-curtain airbags for those three rows of passengers. Personal Safety System safety belts feature pretensioners and an energy management system with adjustable D-ring height in the first row.

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Ford will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new powertrains – all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.

Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand.

“We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years.  Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.  ”The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network.”

Lincoln’s hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most fuel-efficient premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.

The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan – all now in showrooms.  The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market.

Lincoln’s product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.

This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln’s DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency.

Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand’s growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market.  Plans for Lincoln include:

• Lincoln’s first-ever C-segment vehicle
• New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
• EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns – from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
• Fuel economy leadership with each new vehicle – leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market
• More useful technology and features than any other competitor – with a special focus on comfort and convenience.  New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology

“Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development.  ”The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology.”

Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years.  Lincoln’s share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010.

In addition, Lincoln’s reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years.  Lincoln’s long-term durability was second only to Porsche’s in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey.

The Ford Flex has been turning heads for almost two years now. And in that time, one thing has remained constant – the customer’s love for the style and personality the Flex brings to the driveway. With that in mind, Ford announces the latest addition to the Flex lineup, Flex Titanium – a highly contented vehicle with individual style that will stand out in the world of more traditional crossovers and sport utility vehicles.

Flex Titanium is based off the Limited series but with significant exterior and interior detailing as well as new features. Titanium will feature four exterior color choices: Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver. All are mated to a new Tuxedo Black two-tone roof as well as blackout treatment for headlamps and taillamps. The unique black chrome finish grille with “Flex” badging on the leading edge of the hood is a cue that comes directly from some of the SEMA Flex models shown at the 2008 and 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association shows in Las Vegas.

Continuing the theme, the beltline moldings, fog lamp bezels and side-view mirror skull caps are blackened while the liftgate appliqué is now black chrome. To finish off the exterior look, the 20-inch 10-spoke wheels are polished aluminum.

Inside, Flex Titanium continues to impress, with charcoal black leather-trimmed seats with gray Alcantara suede inserts, circle check appliqués on instrument panel and doors, painted alloy metallic finish on center stack and door panels, a perforated leather steering wheel and illuminated scuff plates.

Along with the visual changes, there are a number of feature add-ons, including HD Radio and one-touch PowerFold and tumble third row options.

These additional features are a reflection of the early sales mix success Flex has had, with nearly 40 percent of all sales coming with the Limited series and many additional features such as the Vista roof and refrigerator being specified in as many as 60 percent of all eligible vehicles.

The new Ford Flex is the first nameplate to feature the Titanium series in North America. This nameplate strategy has been very successful in Europe, where most vehicle lines feature Titanium as the top-of-the-range model. For example, the seven-seat S-MAX Titanium makes up around 70 percent of the product mix, while the popular Mondeo sells around 55 percent Titanium. The next-generation Ford Focus will also feature Titanium branding in all markets including North America when it arrives in dealer showrooms in early 2011.

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When the all-new Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle goes in to production later this year, it will offer an advanced terrain management system that takes the mystery out of four-wheel drive by optimizing powertrain behavior for specific situations and road conditions.

“Talking with customers told us that flexibility and freedom to tackle any road, anytime is important to them,” said Explorer Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland. “We saw the opportunity to eliminate a compromise by adding an intuitive and efficient terrain management system that can demystify four-wheel-drive control and enable the driver to properly match 4WD traction to the situations and road conditions they encounter.”

Anecdotal customer feedback indicated the potential for driver confusion with previous systems as to the best use of 4×4 high- and low-range engagement.

Ford Explorer with intelligent 4WD and terrain management eliminates guesswork, using simple icons to help drivers choose the correct setting at the simple turn of a dial for the climate or surface situation they may be driving. The icons depict the various settings to best suit driving conditions:

Snow: For snow and slippery conditions. Limits torque to wheels to prevent sliding.

Sand: For deep sand and rutted conditions. Optimizes torque for increased traction.

Mud: For slippery, muddy conditions. Allows wheel spin for momentum build.

Hill Descent: For Creeping down steep inclines, without using the brake pedal.

Normal: For all regular driving under normal road conditions.

“One of our goals with the new Explorer is to deliver four-wheel-drive capability with easier and intuitively operated control,” said Holland. “The selectable settings are contingent upon weather and conditions, so the system is easily operated and understood. Ford terrain management makes it easier for SUV veterans, while making confidence-building Explorer capability even more accessible to segment newcomers.”

Employment of intelligent 4WD with Ford terrain management allowed Explorer engineers to deliver the “any road, anytime” capabilities that SUV buyers expect, while eliminating weight.

Less driveline mass helps the new Explorer with V-6 power deliver an estimated 25 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model.

“Intelligent 4WD with terrain management works by optimizing Explorer powertrain and braking systems to best suit a variety of situations, allowing vehicle behavior characteristics to provide appropriate traction and driver control,” said Holland. “We anticipate the system will really be a stress-reducer and confidence-builder, especially when driving in adverse conditions.”

The re-engineered Ford Explorer goes in to production later this year.

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The 2011 Ford Mustang today breaks new ground, cracking the record books as not only the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce more than 300 horsepower and more than 30 mpg highway.

The Mustang’s official EPA ratings – completed this week – certify that models equipped with the 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and available six-speed automatic transmission achieve 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. The standard six-speed manual transmission is rated at 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.

“The Mustang engineering team aimed high and, through hard work, achieved fuel economy numbers that elevate Mustang into a class by itself,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

“At no other time in Mustang’s history – for that matter, in automotive history – have we been able to talk about 305 horsepower and 31 miles per gallon. The Mustang truly is a no-compromises sports car,” said Kuzak.

Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine’s overall efficiency.

The fact that Mustang achieves its top fuel economy rating with the convenience of an automatic transmission also marks a shift in conventional wisdom. Ford engineered a modern six-speed automatic transmission with carefully calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to maximize economy, while still delivering high-horsepower driving fun.

“Advanced powertrains like our Ti-VCT V-6 and six-speed automatic really speak to the future of Mustang,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. “We’ve proven that, using technology, Ford can deliver both power and fuel economy.”

In addition to engine improvements, upgrades to Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the higher fuel economy numbers for 2011. Examples include:

• New Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
• Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
• Aerodynamic changes include improvements like a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal

The new 2011 Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders. Half of all the nationwide orders are for the car’s fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The 2011 Mustangs are also being equipped with record levels of technology, giving customers the option of choosing navigation, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and rearview cameras.

The new 2011 Mustang goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

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Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”

Increased power and increased fuel economy

The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise

For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content

New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

• Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
• MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
• Integrated spotter mirror
• Fold-down rear headrests

“Whether you’re looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track,” Capito says, “this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts.”

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