Ford: Mustang Fastback 2+2 on 2040-cars

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Ford's Mulally makes shortlist for Microsoft CEO

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has made the short list to take over tech giant Microsoft, lending further credence to rumors that the 68-year-old former Boeing exec would ditch Dearborn and move to Redmond.
The report comes from Reuters, which claims that alongside Mulally, former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop and three candidates from within Microsoft are on the short list to succeed Steve Ballmer at the company's helm, although previous reports claim the Ford exec is the number one candidate. Mulally is currently working without a contract, although Bill Ford seems to believe that he isn't likely to depart. Despite this belief, Ford was quoted just last month talking about the depth of talent on the Blue Oval's executive team.
"There is no change from what we announced last November. Alan remains fully focused on continuing to make progress on our One Ford plan. We do not engage in speculation," said Ford spokesman Jay Cooney.

2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang rated at 526 hp, 429 lb-ft

When Ford debuted the Shelby GT350 Mustang at the LA Auto Show last year, we were told it'd have more than 500 horsepower and over 400 pound-feet of torque. And indeed it does; Ford confirmed today that its hot 'Stang will make 526 hp at 7,500 rpm and 429 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. Compared to the GT350's main rival, the Chevy Camaro Z/28, that's an increase of 21 hp, but a loss of 52 lb-ft. That said, this Mustang packs some serious prowess, especially in its most hardcore GT350R trim. It sounds pretty wicked, too. It's worth noting that both the standard GT350 and GT350R use the same engine, with the same output ratings. It's also worth noting that this is a flat-plane-crank engine. It's the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever made, with 102 hp per liter. Redline is 8,250 rpm. It's a lightweight engine, too – the 5.2-liter mill weighs less than Ford's own 5.0-liter Coyote V8. Perhaps most impressive is the price point for the 2016 Shelby GT350. The standard car comes in at $47,870, while the GT350R will command $61,370 – a big drop over the Camaro Z/28 and it's $73,300 sticker price (including destination but not gas guzzler charges). Ford confirmed the power output news at a media briefing today near its headquarters in Dearborn, MI. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. Related Video:

Ford, GM to collaborate on 9- and 10-speed transmissions

Back in October, there were reports that General Motors and Ford Motor Company were hard at work co-developing new nine- and ten-speed automatic transmissions, and now both automakers have confirmed this joint operation. While there are no specific vehicles mentioned to receive either transmission, a collaborative press release issued by GM and Ford mention that the transmission will be designed for front- and rear-wheel-drive cars, crossovers, trucks and SUVs.
These aren't the first powertrain components developed jointly between these cross-town rivals, either. The six-speed automatic currently used in vehicles like the Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Equinox was engineered in a similar fashion. As is the case with this existing transmission, both automakers will assist in the design, development and testing of the new transmissions, but each will build its own units in its own factories. Scroll down for the official press release.