1929 Model A Rat Rod Street Rod Pro Street Hot Rod Classic on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Ford Mustang gets new packages, trim and hood-vent turn signals

Ford just introduced the 2015 Mustang last year, but the iconic pony car is already getting a few minor updates for the 2016 model year consisting primarily of new options packages and trim. For starters, Ford is bringing back the turn indicators integrated into the hood vents, first launched on the Mustang nearly half a century ago, which will now be fitted as standard on the Mustang GT. The feature was apparently requested by customers, and signals to the driver when the turning indicator is on. Premium models also get the new Sync 3 system. The Blue Oval automaker is also offering racing stripes in black or silver on the Mustang GT and Mustang EcoBoost, along with a black roof option. There's a new Pony Package available for the EcoBoost Premium model as well, with 19-inch polished alloys, special grille, side stripe and chrome window surround. Customers ordering a Mustang GT fastback or convertible can opt for the Black Accent Package with murdered-out wheels, spoiler, taillamp trim and logos. There's a California Special Package being offered on the Mustang GT Premium with such touches as 19-inch black machined alloys, hood and side stripes, black spoiler, mirror and hood vents, dark taillamp accents, a front splitter, special grille and gas cap, strut tower brace and an interior decked out in black leather with suede inserts and red stitching. Finally, Ford is offering a Performance Package for the Mustang GT convertible with the manual transmission, similar to the kit available for the fastback but catered to the drop-top. The package includes upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, 19-inch black-painted alloys, a larger radiator, strut tower brace and K-brace, retuned electronics, a Torsen limited slip differential, machine-turned aluminum instrument panel, a new splitter and the removal of the rear spoiler.

Xcar shows how to drive the Ford Model T

A couple of weeks ago Xcar posted a teaser review of the Ford Model T, a look at what the British duo would have been doing if they'd been doing their thing for 100 years. Now we have their complete, 12-minute take on the what might be, as they say, "arguably the most important car of the 20th century." Thankfully, instead of just a review, Xcar spends about half the time giving us a tour of history, from Ford's early days working for the Edison Illuminating Company to his racing days and founding of several car companies that either died or became other car companies after he left, like Cadillac. They also line up the pieces and the sales realities that led to Ford implementing – not creating, mind you – assembly-line production of the Tin Lizzie. And then they get into how crazy it is to drive, like how a driver needs two of the three pedals, the handbrake lever and a steering column stalk to get into high gear. Enjoy the video above on a 100-year-old car that is "unbelievably comfortable," "mildly terrifying" and ready to do just about anything.

Help make Lego Icon Bronco a reality [UPDATE]

The Lego Ideas process is a pretty neat concept. The website allows anyone to propose a future kit, and if the project gathers 10,000 supporters within a certain amount of time, then the company investigates building it. The creator even gets a cut of the sales. We saw the operation at work last year with a very cool looking Corvette kit that hasn't hit the next stage quite yet. Now, another creator going by the username Legohero1966 has a fantastic looking replica of the Icon 4X4 Bronco hoping for support. The maker nails the boxy, brawny look of the Icon take on the classic Ford Bronco, and the Lego kit even gets the color pretty close. The miniature SUV also features a visible suspension, a removable top and, according to the description, a reel for the winch is hidden in the bumper. Underneath the body, this model even does a pretty good job of replicating the powertrain. As is expected by these kits, the hood, doors and hatch all open; on this one the spare tire carrier even moves out of the way, too. As of this writing, the Icon Bronco kit only has a little over 400 supporters, and that's a long way from the goal. If you like what you see, give the proposal a closer look on Lego Ideas. UPDATE: The original creator of the Icon Bronco kit, Paul Kim, has advised Autoblog that this Lego Ideas proposal was created without his consent, and he has reported the problem there. You can view more pictures of the Bronco and more of Kim's work, here. Featured Gallery Lego Icon 4X4 Bronco Proposal Design/Style Toys/Games Ford SUV Off-Road Vehicles Performance Classics Lego Ford Bronco icon icon 4x4 icon bronco lego ideas