William Maley

Quick Update: Ford just held a press conference for the GT350 before LA. Anyone who expecting them to reveal ratings for the 5.2 V8 will be disappointed to hear Ford didn't disclose them. Expect those figures to come out when we get closer to the launch. Also, the GT350 Gallery has been updated with new pictures that were released by Ford showing the actual car.

It was last August at Pebble Beach where Lincoln previewed the Black Label line. The new line features a higher level of personal service and luxury upgrades for buyers. Think BMW Individual or Mercedes-Benz designo but with more perks. “Black Label represents a new level of Lincoln luxury in terms of product execution and personal service. This combination of elevated service, materials and execution will set Lincoln Black Label apart,” aid Matt VanDyke, director of global Lincoln. The line will first be available on the MKC crossover and MKZ sedan, and begins with a choice of four different interior themes: Indulgence: "Inspired by the allure of rich, sumptuous chocolate." Truffle-colored Venetian leather is used on the seats, doors and armrests. Alcantara is wrapped around the pillars and roof panel. Ziricote wood trim (mostly seen on classical instruments and yachts) line the doors and dash. Center Stage: "Inspired by the drama of theater arts and fashion." Jet Black leather covers the seats with red stitching to provide some contrast. Alcantara in the same Jet Black color covers the roof and pillars. The MKC gets Black Stripe wood trim, while the MKZ makes do with Onyx wood trim. Modern Heritage: "A fresh take on a classic black-and-white color theme." Vianca white Venetian leather seats is paired with a Jet Black headliner. Crimson Red accents and Black Argento wood trim on the door panels and dash finish the look. Oasis: "Inspired by the warmth and serenity of a spa." Cream and tan are the primary colors for this theme with American Walnut Burl wood trim on the dash and doors. As for the vehicles themselves, the Black Label MKC and MKZ will be equivalent to the 'Reserve' trim level, with the only difference being the 'C' and 'Z' being blacked-out. The Black Label trim level also includes a premium maintenance plan that covers wear items for up to four years/50,000 miles, annual detailing, and car washes at any time. You can also have your vehicle and loaner picked-up at your house or work. Also, owners will be able to access online concierge service which features special benefits such as making reservations and getting special treatment at a collection of restaurants around the country. The Black Label adds $5,995 to the price of the Lincoln MKC and MKZ. At the moment, you can order a Black Label model at 32 Lincoln dealers around the country. Lincoln is planning to expand that to 200 dealers by 2015. It also plans to expand the Black Label trim to other models in due time. Source: Lincoln William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Lincoln Black Label Elevates Craftsmanship, Quality, Service with Unique Luxury Offerings The Lincoln Motor Company introduces Lincoln Black Label for customers who desire the ultimate in personal service and luxuriously appointed vehicles Lincoln Black Label versions of MKZ and MKC will feature one of four unique interior design themes, showcasing the use of premium materials such as Venetian leather, Alcantara® and designer wood trim Thirty-two Lincoln dealerships in six states will be Black Label-certified, providing an elevated Lincoln customer experience Lincoln Black Label will provide personalized shopping and special privileges with dedicated personnel in the showroom, online or in locations more convenient for customers. DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 17, 2014 – Redefining what it means to shop for, purchase and own a luxury automobile, The Lincoln Motor Company is delivering Lincoln Black Label. Unveiling details of a dealer network that offers personalized service as exceptional as the vehicles it sells, Lincoln announced its plan to provide an enhanced shopping and service experience to complement luxuriously appointed Black Label vehicles that surround occupants in premium materials. When the program launches in December, 32 dedicated Lincoln Black Label dealers in six states will provide showroom space dedicated to serving Black Label customers. Lincoln plans to expand the network nationwide in late 2015. At launch, Black Label will be offered on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ midsize premium sedan and the 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility. Ultimately, Black Label versions of all new Lincoln vehicles will be available in the U.S. Black Label will be launched in China later in 2015 under the name Presidential. "Black Label represents a new level of Lincoln luxury in terms of product execution and personal service," said Matt VanDyke, director, global Lincoln. "This combination of elevated service, materials and execution will set Lincoln Black Label apart." Premium materials meet exquisite craftsmanship The first generation of Lincoln Black Label design themes drew inspiration from a variety of sources – from fashion and food, to luxury travel and architecture. Each was created to make driving a Lincoln a more personal, emotive experience. Set to debut on the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC are Indulgence, Center Stage, Modern Heritage and Oasis. All four interior themes showcase some of the finest automotive materials, including Alcantara®-wrapped headliner, pillars, package tray and accent details; Venetian leather on the seating surfaces, armrests and doors; fully leather-wrapped and stitched instrument panel, console and doors; subtle branding elements with unique Lincoln perforation designs; and elegant trims of crafted woods or woods rare to the automotive industry. "Our goal is to provide an ultimate sensory experience by creating luxurious environments with a variety of unique color themes that resonate with customers," said Janet Seymour, Lincoln color and materials design manager. "We achieve this by using the most premium materials with meticulous attention to detail." Eagle Ottawa created Venetian leather specifically for use in Black Label vehicles. Less than 1 percent of raw hides worldwide meet the stringent softness and durability requirements for becoming Venetian leather, making it an exclusive Black Label offering. Venetian leather, unique for its lightly finished, fine-grained texture, is produced to reveal the natural characteristics of the hide. Its use in Black Label design themes signals a renewed emphasis on the hand-crafted elegance that has long defined the Lincoln brand. Alcantara is a soft, premium material favored in a wide spectrum of luxury industries including fashion, aviation and marine for its aesthetic and sensory qualities. Designer woods – which appear on the instrument panel and doors with all Black Label themes – include Black Stripe (Center Stage Lincoln MKC), Onyx (Center Stage Lincoln MKZ) and Argento (Modern Heritage). All were uniquely created for use in Black Label, with color accents and patterns that complement the design theme. Ziricote, used in Indulgence, is an exotic wood from South America featuring beautiful natural grain, pattern and coloration with no added dyes or stains. Open-pore American Walnut Burl has a natural authentic beauty that harmonizes with the soothing, tonal interior colors of Oasis. Lincoln Black Label exteriors: Understated elegance While delivering sumptuous interior luxury, Lincoln Black Label vehicles will feature understated exterior cues. Customers can choose from a palette of standard exterior colors exclusive to Black Label: Black Tie, Confidential White and Crystal Silver are core colors, and are offered with all interior design themes. Other standard exterior color choices are Chroma Flame, a deep red; Chroma Couture, a rich brown; and Notorious, a vibrant blue. Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC Black Label models come standard with 19-inch painted aluminum wheels. MKZ owners can upgrade to 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, while MKC buyers can upgrade to 20-inch polished multi-piece aluminum wheels with premium-painted pockets accented with bright chrome inserts. All Black Label wheels feature a unique Lincoln insignia on the center of the rim. Unique badging at the rear serves as a subtle callout. A bold, high-gloss black with a chrome "Z" or "C" distinguishes vehicles in the Black Label family. "The Black Label exterior is purposely understated," VanDyke said. "From the outside, few people might recognize that it is a Black Label vehicle. It's all about comfort on the inside, creating a luxurious experience for the driver and passengers." Four exclusive Lincoln Black Label design themes While there are subtle design variances between Lincoln MKC and Lincoln MKZ Black Label themes tied to unique vehicle architecture, Lincoln color and materials designers worked from the same color and material palettes for consistency. Black Label design themes available on the MKZ and MKC are: – Indulgence: Inspired by the allure of rich, sumptuous chocolate, Indulgence is defined by Truffle-colored Venetian leather featuring an antiquing process to infuse richness and depth on the seats, doors and armrests. Ganache-colored Alcantara extends the richness to the headliner, pillars and package tray. Seat leather features an elegant linking-L perforation pattern with black accent stitching. Ziricote wood trim, a material typically reserved for use in yachts and classical instruments, adds an elegant touch on the instrument panel and doors. – Center Stage: Inspired by the drama of theater arts and fashion, Center Stage includes a Jet Black cabin with Foxfire Red accent stitching on the doors and seats. Jet Black Alcantara headliner, pillars and package tray surround Jet Black Venetian leather seats that feature a diamond-L perforation pattern. Onyx wood trim in the Lincoln MKZ and Black Stripe wood trim in the Lincoln MKC are equally stunning accents. – Modern Heritage: Offering a fresh take on a classic black-and-white color theme, Modern Heritage features Jet Black upper door panels with Vianca white Venetian leather seats and center console. Seat leather is accentuated by an exclusive diamond-L perforation pattern. Subtle Crimson Red accents and Black Argento wood trim on the instrument panel and doors add a dash of elegance. – Oasis: Inspired by the warmth and serenity of a spa, Oasis leans on Far East influences to create a peaceful escape. The interior features the colors of Oasis and Island for a soft, harmonious environment. Venetian leather seats in the soft Oasis color are accented by a darker Island-colored instrument panel and center console. Oasis-colored Alcantara covers the headliner, pillars and package tray. American Walnut Burl wood trim appliqués with a natural open-pore finish continue the earth-tone theme on the instrument panel and doors. A more elegant car-buying, car-owning experience Lincoln Black Label will provide personalized shopping with dedicated personnel in the showroom, online or in locations more convenient for customers. A specially trained Black Label experience liaison will meet prospective clients at their home, office or anywhere within 30 miles of the showroom to begin the experience. Acting as a personal shopping assistant, the liaison will help customers identify their ideal vehicle by sharing paint samples, material swatches and wood trim samples. In addition to these tangible samples, a detailed tablet presentation allows customers to fully understand all that is unique about each of the four Black Label offerings. "The Lincoln Black Label dealer network is designed to cater to our customers on an individual level," said Kevin Cour, director of sales and service, Lincoln. "The 32 dealers participating at launch have committed to providing a level of service that is as unique as the vehicles they'll be selling." Lincoln Black Label owners will enjoy special privileges, such as: Four years or 50,000-mile extended premium service and maintenance coverage on wear items such as shock absorbers, engine belts and hoses, brake pads and linings, wiper blades and spark plugs No-cost rental vehicle while any covered maintenance is performed Remote service that lets Lincoln Black Label customers have their vehicle picked up and returned (within a 30-mile radius) while maintenance is performed Annual vehicle detailing Anytime car washes Culinary Collection membership: Black Label customers enjoy access to a curated list of restaurants from coast to coast, with noted chefs who will provide an at-your-service dining experience. Black Label privileges, upgraded materials and design themes are priced at $5,995. Building the Lincoln Black Label dealer network The program launches in dedicated showrooms in December, with Black Label versions of the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC available for sale. Thirty-two dealerships in Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Florida, California and Texas will have space dedicated to Lincoln Black Label customers. View full article

Since Holden announced that it would end Australian production in 2017 and that the Commodore would go to a front-wheel drive platform (rumored to be the next-generation Opel Insignia), questions have been raised as to what would happen to the Chevrolet SS. The SS is American-ized version of the Holden Commodore with a 6.2L V8 engine and the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic. For a time, it was rumored that the SS would live on. But a new report says the SS is a dead car walking. Motoring.com.au spoke with a unnamed GM executive at the SEMA Show who said that a replacement for the Chevrolet SS will not happen when the current Commodore ends production in 2017. Early reports had the Chevrolet SS living on after 2017 and that the new model would be imported to Australia. That's not all of the bad news though. The unnamed executive also said plans for a right-hand drive next-generation Camaro are 'highly unlikely'. This puts GM in a bad spot in certain markets as Ford will be selling the Mustang in right-hand drive. Source: Motoring.com.au William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Yeah.. I really hate when Ford does CG images (which are the pictures seen here. Hoping to get some better shots in due time). No pictures of the engine (and possibly not for awhile). Six-speed manual. Don't think an automatic will be available.

After months of speculation, the wait is over. This morning, Ford announced the new 2016 Shelby GT350 Mustang. Lets begin with the most important part of any Shelby, the engine. Under the hood is a 5.2L V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft producing over 500 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. What's the big deal with a flat-plane crankshaft V8 you may ask? Well a flat-plane crankshaft V8 can produce more power and rev higher than a standard V8. This is due to how the flat-plane crankshaft V8 is setup. The connecting rods of the pistons lie 180 degrees from each other, not the standard 90 degrees seen on most V8 engines. This power will flow to the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential. Under the skin, the Shelby GT350's suspension has been stiffen thanks to a wider front track, recalibrated spring rates and bushings; lowered ride height, and a optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace. The GT350 will also be the first Ford product to come with MagneRide dampers, which continually adjust to match road conditions and driver demands. A set of two-piece, cross-drilled rotors with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers help bring the GT350 to a stop. "When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends. Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. Source: Ford http://youtu.be/yC6tKvEy6t0 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG: THE LEGEND RETURNS All-new Shelby® GT350 Mustang is a thoroughbred capable of tackling the world’s most challenging roads and racetracks GT350 is powered by a unique, high-revving flat-plane crankshaft 5.2-liter V8 engine that will produce more than 500 horsepower – the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever Advanced materials, MagneRide dampers, aggressive brakes and finely tuned aerodynamics push the performance of Mustang to previously unmatched levels LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2014 – One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time is returning, Ford confirmed today with the reveal of the all-new Shelby® GT350 Mustang. The original Shelby GT350 introduced in 1965 established Mustang’s performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, is a world-class performance vehicle, designed to tackle the planet’s most challenging roads – an all-day track car that’s also street legal. The new GT350 builds on Carroll Shelby’s original idea – transforming a great every-day car into a dominant road racer – by taking advantage of a dramatically improved sixth-generation Mustang to create a truly special driving experience. Driving enthusiasts behind the wheel of a Shelby GT350 can expect to be treated to the most balanced, nimble and exhilarating production Mustang yet. Ford engineers took an innovative approach with GT350. Rather than develop individual systems to perform well independently, every component and shape is optimized to work in concert; balance is the key. While paying rigorous attention to detail, the team pushed the envelope with cutting-edge materials and technologies. “When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power.” Track-tuned driveline Early in development of the GT350, it was decided a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 engine would best suit a track-focused Mustang. “The final product is essentially an all-new powerplant unique to GT350 – and one that takes true advantage of the new chassis dynamics of the Mustang platform,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles. The new 5.2-liter engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars. Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals. The 180-degree, flat-plane layout permits a cylinder firing order that alternates between cylinder banks, reducing the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses. When combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, this permits better cylinder breathing, further extending the performance envelope of the V8. The result is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever, at more than 500 horsepower, with a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft. The track capability is enhanced by the output characteristics of the engine – the 5.2-liter V8 features an exceptionally broad torque curve. Combined with its high-revving ability, the flat-plane 5.2-liter V8 gives drivers an enormous amount of performance and flexibility within each gear of the lightweight six-speed manual transmission. A standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction. “Make no mistake, this is an American interpretation of a flat-plane crankshaft V8, and the 5.2-liter produces a distinctive, throaty howl from its four exhaust tips,” said Hameedi. Balanced dynamics The new Mustang platform is the strongest in the history of the brand, with torsional stiffness increased 28 percent over the previous model. That stiff structure ensures the suspension geometry remains consistent, even under hard driving on back roads and tracks. Front stiffness is further improved on GT350 with a cutting-edge injection-molded carbon fiber composite grille opening and optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace. The front track has been increased while spring rates and bushings have been recalibrated all around, with ride height reduced compared to Mustang GT. For optimum handling, the wheels need to respond quickly to the contours of the road and driver input. Reducing unsprung mass is key to improving that response, but a balance must be struck between taking mass out of a suspension and delivering truly capable braking performance. Due to the significant speeds the car can develop, GT350 features the most track-credible brake system ever offered on a Ford vehicle in terms of absolute stopping power, fade resistance and brake pedal feel. The brakes are two-piece cross-drilled iron discs mounted to aluminum hats. At the front are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston fixed calipers with integrated caliper bridges, while 380-millimeter rotors at the rear utilize four-piston calipers. GT350 makes use of extra-stiff 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – 10.5 inches wide in front, 11.0 inches in the rear – clad in state-of-the-art Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with GT350-specific sidewall construction, tread face and compound. The custom tires are designed to deliver maximum grip on the road or at the track. Ultra-quick responsiveness to changing conditions is provided by the first-ever Ford application of continuously controlled MagneRide dampers. The dampers are filled with a hydraulic fluid impregnated with iron particles; when an electric current is passed through the fluid, a near-instant adjustment of the suspension performance can be made. With wheel position sensors monitoring motion thousands of times per second combined with other vehicle data, changes can be made to each corner independently every 10 milliseconds for optimum handling performance. This is a system designed not just to make the car handle better but to instill greater confidence in even the best driver. Obsession to detail “Everything we changed on GT350 is purely functional-driven design, with the goal of improving the overall performance of the car,” said Chris Svensson, Ford design director, The Americas. “We optimized the aero shape of the car, and then fine-tuned what was left to increase downforce and cooling airflow.” All bodywork from the windshield forward is unique to this high-performance model and up to two inches lower than Mustang GT. The new aluminum hood has been lowered and sloped, compared to the base Mustang, tightly wrapped around the engine for the smallest possible aerodynamic signature. Front and rear aero elements have been balanced to work together on the track. The fascia has been resculpted to provide the aggressive lower front splitter with maximum pressure and a ducted belly pan delivers significant downforce. The hood outlet acts as a heat extractor while also reducing underhood lift at high speed. At the rear, much of the engineering was focused on creating an aggressive functional diffuser doing double duty to increase downforce and provide cooling air to the optional differential cooler, and a subtle lip spoiler across the trailing edge of the decklid increases downforce without adding excess drag. The athletic stance of the all-new Mustang is further accentuated with recontoured aluminum front fenders to accommodate the wider front track and wider wheel arches. Front fender vents work with vented inner fenders to draw out turbulent air in the wheel wells and smoothly direct it down the side of the car. The forward-angled grille is designed with individual openings to draw air through the radiator, high-pressure engine air intake, cooling ducts for the front brakes and, optional with the Track Pack, an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler. Focus-driven cockpit changes Like everything else about GT350, the interior has been optimized for driving, beginning with the specially designed Recaro sport seats with a unique cloth. Hundreds of hours and many prototypes went into a seat that is both comfortable in daily driving and capable on the track. A flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier for the driver to get in and out, and is more ergonomic on the racetrack. Gauges are upgraded to reflect the enormous performance capability of the car. Chrome and bright finishes have been reduced or eliminated to prevent sun glare that may distract the driver. The advanced technology inherent to Mustang has been deployed for duty in the Shelby GT350. An all-new integrated driver control system allows selection of five unique modes that tailor ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings, depending on driver preference, to achieve maximum performance. Drivers are invited to test them all. Drivers interested in comfort, convenience and entertainment upgrades may select the Tech Pack, which includes power, leather-trimmed seats; Shaker Audio; 8-inch MyFord Touch® LCD touch screen; and dual zone electronic temperature control, to name a few features. “We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,” said Hameedi. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.” View full article