2015 Ford F350 on 2040-cars

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Ford Focus RS makes US debut in New York, hits dealers Spring 2016

Attendees at the 2015 New York Auto Show will be among the first American consumers to see the all-new, third-generation Ford Focus RS. The Blue Oval announced the super-hot hatch will make its US debut in the Big Apple next week and will arrive in dealers roughly one year from now. We've covered the raging Ford, which is being sold in the US for the very first time, ad nauseam. It debuted in early February, made its auto show debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and is finally crossing the Atlantic, complete with at least 315 horsepower from a 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. A trick, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, an industry-first Drift Mode, a proper six-speed manual transmission and looks that can kill round out what we're wagering is a wildly entertaining package. On top of announcing the Focus RS will hit dealers in the spring of 2016, Ford gave us our first look at a production color. While the Geneva Focus RS was finished in the same Liquid Blue as the Ford GT, Mustang GT350R and SVT Raptor that showed up in Detroit, the hue on the NYAS car, called Nitrous Blue, is one of four that will actually be sold on the Focus RS. While we're waiting to see it in person to render our final judgment, based on pictures alone, we're smitten. Alongside Nitrous Blue, Ford will offer the Focus RS in Stealth Gray, Shadow Black and Frozen White. In other news, your author will be starting the official campaign to bring back the gorgeous green from the last-gen RS immediately. Check back next week. Until then, scroll down for the official press release from Ford. All-New Ford Focus RS Makes U.S. Debut in New York • All-new Focus RS makes North American debut at New York International Auto Show introducing advanced performance technologies for ultimate hot hatch experience; pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, industry-first drift mode, additional drive modes • Third-generation high-performance hatch features specially engineered 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine producing more than 315 horsepower, most powerful RS brake system ever with Brembo front calipers • Ford Focus RS will be at dealerships in the United States in spring 2016 DEARBORN, Mich., March 25, 2015 – The all-new Ford Focus RS is set to debut on U.S. soil at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.

2013 Shelby GT350

Shelby is a name as synonymous with the Ford Mustang as marshmallows are with campfires. But unlike the short-lived sugary confection that is prepared on a stick, the late Carroll Shelby's name on the placard means added performance and exclusivity. Launched in 1965, the automaker's celebrated early cars were in production for a limited run - today, a mint concours-quality 1965 Shelby GT350 can sell for upwards of $350,000.
To coincide with the 45th anniversary of the original Shelby GT350, Shelby American reintroduced the GT350 in 2011. Like the original, it was only offered in white with blue stripes. Customers were offered a choice between naturally aspirated (440 horsepower) and two levels of supercharging (525 horsepower with a warranty or 624 horsepower without). The manufacturer calls the GT350 a "post-title" package, a term that means it starts out life as a stock Mustang and is modified outside Ford's factory (this is in contrast to the Shelby GT500, which is a standard Ford production car).
As the GT350 enters its third year, Shelby has made several changes. Mechanically, Wilwood brakes replace Baer units and Recaro seats and a tinted glass roof are on the options list. Cosmetically, the vehicle is now offered in most of the Blue Oval's factory colors, new multispoke wheels are available in Satin Black or Bright Silver Metallic finish, and customers can choose between Satin Black, Silver or Gloss White stripes (or Azure Blue Metallic on Performance White or Ingot Silver). Aesthetically, the look of the car has also changed somewhat - keen eyes will note that it actually appears more 'stock' than it did last year.

Inside the Ford GT's interior

Ford has crafted a simple yet high-tech interior for the GT supercar, which has been on display at auto shows around the world this year. The instrument panel has a two-tier design with a floating wing. There are soft-touch materials and carbon fiber, which also is used for the passenger cell. Still, the GT's interior has been shrouded in more mystery than the rest of the car. To cast some light on the GT's cabin, we caught up with Ford design vice president Moray Callum, who explained the ins and outs of the future icon's interior. Put simply, "there's not a lot of excess materials," Callum said. But what is there is pretty cool. In case you haven't heard, Ford plans to launch the GT in 2016. It will run a mid-mounted twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and make extensive use of carbon fiber for the body structure. Related Video: