2006 Ford Mustang

Since its dramatic 1964 introduction, Ford Mustang has been the icon of American performance with its bold style, brawny engine and rear-wheel-drive excitement, earning its place as the top-selling sports car for 19 years straight. For 2006, Ford is building on the clean-sheet 2005 design by offering a V-6 'Pony Package,' 18-inch wheels on GT models, a pair of new colors and , later in the model year, a darker aluminum interior upgrade option.

Since its all-new 2005 redesign, Mustang has won dozens of accolades including 'Most Significant Vehicle' from Edmunds.com, 'Official Car of Summer' from Outside magazine as well as listing in AutoWeek's top 10 cars and Ward's Auto World's 10 best engines.

Mustang is one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America this year has been a Mustang. The car garnered more than two times as many sales as its closest competitor in the small specialty segment, which features sports coupes such as the Pontiac GTO, Nissan 350Z, Chrysler Sebring and Hyundai Tiburon. It's also America 's best-selling convertible.

For 2006, Ford Mustang will offer customers more customization potential with the all-new 'Pony Package,' providing Mustang V-6 customers a GT-inspired suspension with larger wheels and tires, custom grille with fog lamps and other enhancements.

Mustang GT customers can now also choose between four different wheel and tire packages, including two new 18-inch wheels and tires complemented by unique suspension tuning. In addition, two new Mustang colors – Vista Blue Clearcoat Metallic and Tungsten Grey Clearcoat Metallic – join the color palette for 2006.

Mustang comes in Standard, Deluxe and Premium packages (Deluxe and Premium only for GT models) in a choice of coupe or convertible with a V-6 or V-8 engine mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. It is built in Flat Rock, Mich.

Design and Equipment

Mustang is pure American muscle. The signature long hood and short rear deck capitalize on 40 years of history, as do classic design cues that have defined Mustangs since the 1960s: C-scoops in the sides, three-element taillamps and a galloping horse badge in the center of the grille. The Mustang's menacing shark-like nose imparts an attitude not seen since the 1967 model, while jeweled, round headlamps in trapezoidal housings are part of its striking new modern architecture. The car's aggressive rake gives the design visual motion while the short overhangs anchor it visually and physically to the road.

The new-for-2006 V-6 'Pony Package' includes a customized grille with GT-style round fog lamps and a chrome bezel or 'corral' around the traditional Mustang prancing horse. Backing up this visual upgrade is a GT-inspired suspension featuring a larger front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and P235/55ZR17 tires on painted cast-aluminum wheels. With bright machined rims and unique tri-bar Pony center caps, these are the largest wheels and tires ever fitted to a V-6 Mustang.

Further touches include Pony front fender badges, lower door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats with special brushed chrome 'Mustang' logos and a rear spoiler. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control are also part of the package.

In the 2006 model year, Mustang GT also will have two new 18-inch wheel and tire combinations – the largest tires ever fitted to a production V-8 Mustang since the 2000 SVT Cobra R model – and unique suspension tuning calibrated to the larger treads. Mustang GT customers will be able to choose from four wheel- and -tire combinations.

Inside, the industry-first, color-configurable instrument panel offers the ultimate in personalization. Mustang owners can mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 different color backgrounds to suit their personality, mood, outfit or whim.

Modern touches mix with Mustang history and heritage. Chrome-ringed air vents are aligned vertically across the dash, precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering wheel has three spokes with a center hub marked by the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design of the 1967 Mustang.

Numerous standard features include one-touch up/down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window, interval wipers, air conditioning, speed control and CD player.

Powertrain and Chassis

Muscular engines infuse Mustang with tire-smoking performance. The 4.6-liter aluminum V-8 has three-valve heads and cranks out 300 horsepower. That's more than 50 percent more power than the small-block 289-cubic-inch V-8 found in the classic 1964 model.

The standard engine, a 60-degree 4.0-liter SOHC V-6, produces 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

Five-speed manual transmissions are standard. The V-8 powered GT is equipped with a rugged Tremec 3650 gearbox, while V-6 uses the proven Tremec T-5. Since 2005, Mustang has been available with a five-speed automatic which provides a unique combination of off-the-line jump and good highway fuel economy.

At the front suspension, MacPherson struts with reverse 'L' lower control arms deliver both comfort and control. The three-link rear suspension has a lightweight, tubular Panhard rod that provides precise control of the rear axle. This technology stabilizes the rear axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard cornering.

The standard four-wheel disc brakes have the biggest rotors and stiffest calipers ever fitted to a mainstream Mustang. Twin-piston aluminum calipers clamp down on 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs on GT models.

In the rear, the brake rotors are 11.8 inches in diameter – more than 12 percent larger than on the 2004 model.

A four-channel anti-lock braking system with traction control is available for a greater degree of brake control. It uses electronic sensors to constantly monitor road conditions and feed the information to a dedicated control computer capable of determining, within milliseconds, whether the vehicle is on dry pavement or negotiating a slippery surface. When traction control isn't desired, drivers can deactivate the system with a simple button on the instrument panel.

Safety and Security

With power comes responsibility. The 2006 Mustang helps occupants stay safe.

Ford's Personal Safety System™, a comprehensive safety technology package, is standard. The system provides increased protection in frontal crashes by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper response within milliseconds. It uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags – capable of deploying at full or partial power – safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors.

Standard occupant classification sensing builds on the strength of the Personal Safety System™ to tailor deployment of the front-passenger air bag. If the passenger seat sensor detects no weight – or very little weight, as for a briefcase – the passenger air bag is automatically switched off. If more weight is on the seat, as for a small child, the air bag remains deactivated and an instrument panel light alerts the driver. If a heavier adult is in the passenger seat, the air bag automatically switches on.

An optional active anti-theft package offers customers a new level of security. It includes a sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to detect 'smash- and -grab' break-ins, a separate alarm sounder – in addition to the vehicle horn – to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn and a high-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery that sounds the alarm longer.

Major Features and Options

V-6 Standard: One-touch up/down power windows, power mirrors and door locks, keyless entry, air conditioning, CD player, tilt steering wheel, speed control, rear window defroster, stainless steel exhaust, 16-inch wheels, four-wheel power disc brakes, split-folding rear seat on Coupe models.

V-6 Deluxe adds: 16-inch machined-face aluminum wheels.

V-6 Premium adds: 16-inch painted bright machined aluminum wheels with chrome spinner, Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability, six-way power adjustable driver seat.

GT Deluxe adds: 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine, ABS with traction control, stainless steel dual exhaust, front fog lamps in grille, complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral turn signals, rear spoiler, performance tires with 17-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, AM/FM stereo with single CD, cloth sport bucket seats and tilt steering wheel.

GT Premium adds: Shaker 500 Audio system with six-disc CD player and Aberdeen leather-trimmed embossed sport bucket seats.

Options include the V-6 Pony Package, seat-mounted side air bags, interior upgrade package with satin aluminum trim or, later in the model year, dark aluminum trim; MyColor custom instrument panel, interior color accent package with black interior and red seats and door inserts, five-speed automatic transmission, two styles of 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels (later in the model year on GT only), Active-Theft System.

Source - Ford Media

Ever since Ford announced it was going to build a production version of the Shelby GT500 Concept, enthusiasts have been abuzz with speculation about what other specialty Mustangs were in the works. Would Ford bring back the Boss? Could they be contemplating another Mach 1? How about another Bullitt? Their wait is now over: While the competition scrambles once again to play catch-up to Ford, Mustang momentum continues to grow with the introduction of the uniquely styled, limited-edition 2007 Mustang GT/CS – or 'California Special.'

The Mustang GT/California Special arrives in late summer as a full, stand-alone option package on the 2007 Mustang. Much like the 1968 GT/CS that offered Mustang buyers more aggressive styling that was 'Inspired by the Shelby GT,' the new California Special also draws some cues from the 2007 Shelby. What's more, it offers the kind of limited-production exclusivity that has made the original California Special such a big favorite with Mustang collectors over the years.

The new Mustang has been a runaway sales success ever since it bolted out of the starting gate 18 months ago. Today, Ford's Mustang remains the hottest selling car in America. It's no secret that the upcoming Shelby GT500 has driven performance-hungry enthusiasts to Ford dealerships across the country in search of information on purchasing the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced. And all indications are that the GT500 will be yet another Mustang sales success. But the Mustang has always been about choice and meeting the customer's needs – and Ford Motor Company knows that there are customers who don't require the ultimate performance Mustang, yet still desire something special beyond the Mustang GT. The 2007 California Special fits the bill.

' As a Mustang enthusiast and SVTOA Chapter Director, I've long known about the original California Special and the mystique that surrounds it, so when I was given the chance to work on the program, I jumped on it,' said Mark Wilson, who works in Car Project Management at Ford's Vehicle Personalization group, and is the program manager for the California Special. Mark is a true Mustang fanatic, he races is 1993 Cobra R and 2004 Mustang in the American V-8 Super Car Series. 'I believe the 2007 GT/CS is true to the original car's heritage, while also setting itself apart from the base Mustang GT with styling cues that clearly differentiate it from any angle.'

The GT/CS was originally a limited-production 1968 Mustang coupe fitted with Shelby Mustang dress-up pieces and sold only though dealerships in California. It was available with any engine, and either with or without the GT option. The 2007 California Special can be ordered as either a coupe or convertible and will be available though Ford dealerships across the country.

The 2007 version has an aggressive front fascia with an integrated chin spoiler that sits 1.5 inches lower than the Mustang GT to provide a larger air opening for increased cooling performance. Familiar 'California Special' style bodyside racing stripes run from the front fenders across the doors and fade-out at the end of the door.

Out back, a unique rear fascia styled with less 'tuck-in' features a lower air-diffuser design that is similar to the rear of the 2007 Shelby GT500 – itself inspired by the rear diffuser on the Ford GT supercar. As an added touch, the dual exhaust system on the new Mustang GT/CS sports bright, rolled tips for a cleaner, more refined appearance. The car will also come standard with the Mustang GT's optional 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires. (Those seeking further differentiation can even add a hood scoop by ordering the GT Appearance Package.)

'We've taken the spirit behind the original Cal Special – a regional package that personalized the Mustang for the West Coast buyer – and created a more aggressive, customized Mustang for customers everywhere,' said Joe Siler, Design Manager, Ford Vehicle Personalization. 'We think the result has all of the high-style flair of the original.'

Exclusive touches carry over to the inside of the new California Special, as well. Starting with the array of bright-polished and satin-aluminum finished items in the Interior Upgrade Package (which is required to order a Mustang GT/CS), the cabin comes dressed in either Dove or Parchment environments, including black leather seats with unique Cal Special Dove or Parchment 'GT Leather' inserts. Plus, matching front floormats include special Mustang badging to further distinguish the GT/CS interior.

There's even more style under the hood of the new California Special: The Mustang GT's 300-horsepower 3-valve 4.6-liter V-8 gets treated to a unique engine cover that gives the engine compartment the kind of dressed-up look that you'd only expect to see at custom car show. (For those who may wish their GT/CS had a little more 'go' along with all the extra 'show,' the Ford Racing Performance Group offers several exciting parts packages to provide some additional kick. One popular choice is the Ford Racing Power Pack, which includes a 90mm Cold Air kit, a performance Muffler Kit and the special Ford Racing engine calibration – good for about 20 additional horsepower at the rear wheels. Visit www.fordracingparts.com for details.)

The 2007 Mustang GT/CS goes on sale later this summer. The GT Cal Special option package adds $1,895 to the price of a Mustang GT (available with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission) with the requisite Premium and Interior Upgrade packages. Exterior color choices are limited to Redfire Metallic, Performance White, Vista Blue Metallic and Black. Valencia Yellow is to be added later in the model run. Production estimates have not been finalized, but the 2007 California Special is expected to surpass the sales total of its predecessor of nearly 40 years ago, when 4,325 copies of the GT/CS were sold.

Advertisements touting the '68 GT/CS exclaimed that ' California made it happen.' When it comes to Mustangs, Ford Motor Company makes special editions 'happen' because of America's ongoing love affair with its favorite sporty car – Mustang. After the rebirth of the Mustang and Mustang GT for 2005, the Pony Package for 2006, plus the Shelby GT500 and now the California Special for 2007, Mustang excitement continues unbridled for yet another model year. And if Mustang's storied past is any indication, you can expect even more special breeds in the future.

Source - Ford

Acknowledging the Ford Mustang's storied racing history and pivotal role in the performance parts aftermarket, Dan Davis, Director of Ford Racing Technology, today announced plans to continue Mustang's presence on the race track with a new performance parts and competition program.

Davis revealed a race version of the new Mustang during Ford's press conference at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association (SEMA) show. The Ford Racing Mustang show car is painted in legendary Bud Moore 'orange and black' livery, replete with the number '15' in deference to Parnelli Jones' Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am car.

'The Mustang is synonymous with performance modifications and competitive racing,' Davis said. 'It has an unparalleled pedigree in many forms of racing, and the all-new 2005 Mustang makes a terrific platform to continue that history of racing competition and victories.

'Ford Racing Performance Parts will be the one-stop shop for performance and racing when it comes to the new Mustang. We're going to offer everything from a 'Body-in-White' for the do-it-yourself builder, to performance upgrades for the shade-tree mechanic, all the way to a full ready-to-race competition car for the grassroots motorsports enthusiast.'

Competition Program
The Ford Racing Mustang competition program will offer a multitude of options for the grassroots racing participant. Ford Racing aims to bring factory engineering and know-how to the development of race-prepared chassis and vehicle offerings. Mustang is a proven competitor in many forms of racing, and this program will cater to both drag and road racers.

The first offering from the competition program is a road racing-spec Mustang. It is a ready-to-race track car that could compete in a variety of road racing series. At the heart of this package is Ford Racing's 5.0-liter Cammer V8 engine. The Cammer crate engine already has a racing pedigree, with a Robert Yates-built race version powering the Ford Focus Daytona Prototype to a class win at the 2003 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

'The Cammer and the new Mustang make a perfect combination to go road racing,' said Davis. 'We've already done a significant amount of testing of the Cammer in our Daytona Prototype program, and the engine is a terrific performer.'

The Cammer V8 is available as a crate engine through the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. The 5.0-liter Cammer is built from Ford's family of modular V8 engines, including the 4.6-liter DOHC supercharged V8 found in the SVT Mustang Cobra. The Ford Racing Cammer crate engine produces 420 horsepower and 370 foot-pounds of torque. It features electronic fuel injection and comes with 'plug-and-play' electronics, including the wiring harness and engine computer, for easy installation in a variety of projects from race cars to hot rods.

The Mustang competition program will help extend Ford Racing's grassroots motorsports support back into the road racing community. With the variety of race series available to entry-level up to semi-professional drivers, the goal of the program is to provide a competitive car – both in performance and value – based on Ford Racing factory knowledge and race experience.

'Ford Racing's grassroots motorsports efforts, including support of the popular USAC-sanctioned Focus Midget series, have been extremely successful in providing opportunities to go racing at a good value,' continued Davis. 'The Mustang road racing program will capitalize on our crate engine program and the Mustang's successful history in racing.

'We're investigating and talking with several sanctioning bodies right now to determine where we want to take this product first. The beauty of this program is that the foundation and package is purpose-built and factory engineered to be competitive at many levels of racing. Only series-specific equipment and regulations will need to be applied to fit the road race-spec Mustang into different types of competition.'

The chassis, or 'Body-in-White,' has been seam-welded and the safety cage has been structurally optimized and designed for ultimate vehicle performance, durability and safety. This race-prepared chassis allows Ford Racing to extend its offerings to include other types of racing, including drag racing.

For the drag racer, Ford Racing is investigating the availability of a rolling race-prepared chassis that can be built up using the performance parts catalog of crate engines, transmissions, suspension components, rear axles and gears.

'The possibilities of this program are truly endless,' said Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Parts. 'We're going to keep listening to what Mustang enthusiasts want, and do our best to deliver performance options that are factory-engineered, tested and built to the highest standards.'

Performance Parts
Ford Racing has years of experience and knowledge developing performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Mustang represents the single most important model vehicle for the Ford Racing Performance Parts business, and it is the No. 1 vehicle most modified by consumers as ranked amongst all single-vehicle nameplates.

'Although Ford Racing Performance Parts has a growing line-up of parts for Focus and F-150, the Mustang is the heart of our business, so we've made a commitment to developing a variety of parts for enthusiast owners,' continued Allison. 'From performance crate engines to wheels, and suspension upgrades for what is now last-generation Mustangs, we've got it all. And we plan to do more of the same for the 2005 model leveraging the Mustang competition program.'

Initial offerings in the catalog will be available in the first quarter of 2005, with continuing roll-out of new parts over the course of the year.

Powertrain enhancements include a bolt-on, screw-type supercharger package for the Mustang GT's 4.6L 3-valve V8, including the necessary calibration change. Other powertrain enhancements include a tubular header system, cold air intake system, and cat-back exhaust.

The catalog also includes a strut tower brace, further chassis and suspension packages, and 18 x 9-inch performance wheels all available early next year.

For those enthusiasts wanting to not just perform better but also look better, Ford Racing has joined with 3d Carbon to offer a 'GT-R'-style body kit that is reminiscent of the Ford Mustang GT-R concept car from the 2004 New York Auto Show.

Body-in-White
Ford Racing is now the sole distributor of 2005 Mustang 'bodies-in-white' (BIWs) that many builders use as the basic structure to build race cars for a variety of different competition series, from road racing to drag racing. These bodies are sold for off-road use only and can be built up using any of Ford Racing's crate engines.

For a builder to purchase a BIW, an application must be submitted to Ford Racing for review before release of the body for purchase. Applications can be found on the Ford Racing Performance Parts website: www.fordracingparts.com

Discovery Channel's 'Extreme Mustang: Back to the Track'
The Discovery Channel joined with Ford Racing Technology to give racing and automotive enthusiasts an inside look at the decisions and processes that are part of the Mustang competition development program. The resulting documentary, 'Extreme Mustang: Back to the Track,' gives an unprecedented look at this exciting racing program from its inception to the first track test.

Source - Ford

The Ford Mustang, performance, and racing. All three have been synonymous since the car's debut in 1964, and the latest version of 'America's car' will soon be the target for 'hot rodders' and racers alike.

Today, Ford Racing announces a development program to expand its performance parts catalog offerings to include the new 2005 Ford Mustang. The new Mustang carries on the tradition of affordable performance and will most definitely be the target of enthusiast 'tuners' and racers.

'The Mustang is at the core of Ford Racing Performance Parts' business, from simple bolt-on upgrades all the way to complete crate engine assemblies,' said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. 'We're very excited to see the 2005 Mustang hit the road and we're working on having a variety of performance parts ready for all those enthusiasts out there that will drive straight from the dealership to their garage for installation.'

The Mustang represents a huge opportunity for performance parts development. The Mustang has been integral to the Ford Racing Performance Parts business, and has delivered many of the parts that are currently featured in the catalog, such as the 5.0-liter small block V-8. It has also been the impetus for continued engine development, such as the new 5.0-liter Cammer V-8 based on Ford's MOD engine family.

Ford Racing has embarked on an aggressive development program for the 2005 Ford Mustang to evaluate all areas of the vehicle for performance upgrades. The initial target for parts will be bolt-on items that will produce more engine power as well as parts that will provide visual distinction from an 'off-the-showroom' floor model.

Davis explains that during this development program, the team discovered an interesting opportunity. 'As we built up a development prototype, we saw the opportunity to take Mustang to the most extreme level of modification, by turning it into a race car. So, with the help of a team of motorsports specialists from Multimatic, we began to investigate the possibility of a 'turn-key' racer based off the new Mustang.'

The team was on to something and another investigation was started. With a performance parts strategy for the new Mustang already in progress, there were a few other pieces of the puzzle that made timing for this project just right. The 5.0-liter Cammer V-8 crate engine already had a racing pedigree, with a Robert Yates-built race version powering the Ford Focus Daytona Prototype to a class win at the 2003 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

As well, Ford Racing has been involved in supporting new forms of grassroots motorsports that offer good value to those interested in getting involved in racing. And, of course, the racing heritage of the Mustang is unmatched, and the 2005 model harkens back to the glory days of racing with some of the biggest names in motorsports.

The Mustang's rich history in racing has spanned the over the 40-year life of the vehicle. It has been successful in all forms of racing, from drag racing to Trans Am road racing, and has especially ignited enthusiasts' participation in entry-level forms of motorsports.

'Ford Racing's grassroots motorsports efforts, including support of the popular USAC-sanctioned Focus Midget series, have been extremely successful in providing opportunities to go racing at a good value,' continued Davis. 'The new 2005 Mustang and our 5.0-liter Cammer V-8 crate engine make a perfect combination to extend Ford's rich sports car racing heritage.'

The new Cammer 5.0-liter V-8 is available as a crate engine through the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. The Cammer V-8 is built from Ford's family of modular V-8 engines; including the 4.6-liter DOHC supercharged V-8 found in the SVT Mustang Cobra. The 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine produces 420 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. It features electronic fuel injection and comes with 'plug-and-play' electronics, including the wiring harness and engine computer, for easy installation in a variety of projects, from race cars to hot rods.

'Our goal with this project would be to capitalize on our performance parts program and the Mustang's successful history in road racing,' continued Davis. 'The 5.0-liter Cammer represents the future of Ford Racing Performance Parts, and this program could help solidify the Cammer as the performance crate engine of choice.'

'The key factor in determining the future of this Mustang race program will be providing a competitive race car in a package that stresses value and durability,' Davis explained. 'Other considerations include low operating cost, especially when it comes to engines, and we believe the Cammer V-8 will set a new level of expectation.'

The primary targeted racing series for the car would be showroom stock-type series, along with other grassroots and semi-professional road racing series.

The 5.0-liter Cammer V-8 crate engine is currently available from Ford Racing Performance Parts. For more information, please visit: www.fordracingparts.com.

Source - Ford

With less than one day's experience behind the wheel of his new Ford Racing Mustang GT race car, car owner and driver Tom Nastasi, with co-driver Ian James, claimed victory in the opening race of the 2005 Grand-Am Cup season at Daytona International Speedway. The win marks the first race and first win for Ford Racing's Mustang GT race car built off the new 2005 Mustang GT that is currently available in Ford dealerships.

'The car is awesome,' said Tom Nastasi, owner of the #5 Ford Racing Mustang GT run by Blackforest Motorsports. 'It was delivered to me on Wednesday, and the race was Friday. I was only able to put practice laps on the car, and didn't make any changes. It was that good right out-of-the box.'

Ford Racing's development team, a two-car effort run by Multimatic Motorsports, finished in 2nd and 9th place. Two other Ford Racing Mustang GT race cars were campaigned, with 11th place captured by the # 37 JBS Motorsports car with drivers Jim and Bret Seafuse, and 22nd place by the #10 Champion Motorsports car with drivers Brad Lehmann and BJ Zacharias.

'When we started this program our goal was to build and sell identical Mustangs that people could win with and I think we proved that here at Daytona,' said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. 'I'm thrilled that Blackforest Motorsports, one of our first customers, won the season-opening Grand-Am Cup race in one of these cars. It just goes to show that these new Mustangs are very competitive and they give their owners a legitimate shot to win. It wasn't the fastest car on the track, but it won, and this is a great way to kick off Speedweeks for Ford in Daytona.'

The race wasn't without excitement right down to the finish when the #5 Blackforest Motorsports car was being chased down by the #55 Multimatic factory team. Ian James drove the first stint in the #5 Ford Racing Mustang and made the brilliant call to just take on gas, and no new tires, during their only pit stop and driver change in the race.

'The engine started to stumble coming down the final stretch, and actually ran out of gas just as we crossed the finish line,' said Nastasi. 'The team had to push the car into Victory Lane.'

'It's a testament to how good this race car is and the development that went into it that we could run the whole race on one set of tires, and win.'

The Ford Racing Mustang GT was developed by Ford Racing Performance Parts, in conjunction with Multimatic Motorsports, and will be sold as a complete 'ready-to-race' package for the Grand-Am Cup Series.

'We couldn't have asked for a better start for our Mustang competition program,' said Primo Goffi, Mustang program manager, Ford Racing Performance Parts. 'We're extremely happy with the results of the Grand-Am Cup 200 here at Daytona, especially for our customer teams.'

Source - Ford