After nearly a year in development and countless tests, the newest offering in the line of Ford Racing turnkey race cars is ready to make its competition debut.

“The competition debut of all our FR family of turnkey ready-to-race cars has not been the completion of the journey but the transition to a new phase of the development process,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “Our partnership with Multimatic Motorsports has led to past success with the FR500C and the Boss 302R and their contribution to the product that will take the track at Daytona later this week has been critical.”

“Having delivered the successful Mustang FR500C and Boss 302R production-based race cars, we have a well-established process with how to develop such cars with Ford Racing. We employ the same approach for each – we start with the production car and go through each subsystem on the car and change what is needed (and allowed) to provide a competitive race car,” said Larry Holt, team principal, Multimatic Motorsports. “Really, the direction from Ford is that this car should be as close to the production car as it can be. Ford really wants to show that the Focus ST is a capable performance car.”

Focus ST-R is the first global vehicle to join the turnkey race car family, which includes theMustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S.

Focus ST-R to compete across several series
Don’t be fooled by its close resemblance to the Focus ST road car, which is intentional. The Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ engine, FIA-regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.

The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsport series and major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Its linkage to the new Focus ST road car is no accident.

“From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be drivers’ cars,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

Initially targeted for homologation for American and Canadian touring car racing, Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers in North America by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day enthusiasts as well. Ford’s vision is to broaden availability to additional regions in the future.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsport enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Allison. “The previous turnkey race cars we developed for North American racing have been hugely successful, so we are hopeful the ST-R will be the first such vehicle for global series and as a direct result of the company’s global platform strategy and our technical support program for motorsport applications of Focus and Fiesta models.

“This is a competitive turnkey race car that will allow our customers to compete successfully in multiple series around the world with minor modifications. And it shows the ongoing alignment of Ford Racing with our Performance Vehicles development group.

“Because the Focus ST-R is a production-based road race car, it features stock body panels and production parts where possible,” Allison added. “People who buy one will get a fully prepared race car that will only need communications equipment and the customer’s decals to go racing. Because of this, we’ve already had significant interest in this vehicle from numerous established race teams.”

For North American customers, the Ford Focus ST-R is the latest in a long line of turnkey race cars offered by the company including the Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S. The ST-R offers clear links to the Focus ST road car.

Development work on Focus ST-R will also result in a range of Ford Racing parts to be made available to racers and enthusiasts around the world.

Ford World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson and Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn unveiled the livery for the eye-catching Fiesta RS WRC at the Autosport International Racing Car Show in Birmingham, motorsport’s traditional start-of-season showcase event.

The team will continue to be sponsored by Castrol EDGE. Branding for Castrol’s global range of best-in-class motor oils will feature prominently in the Fiesta RS WRC’s new livery for the upcoming season, as it did in 2011.

The Fiesta RS World Rally Car, with its four wheel-drive transmission and 1.6-litre EcoBoost-inspiredengine will once again spearhead Ford’s challenge in the 2012 and 2013 championships. The car, based on the best-selling Fiesta road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in both the first and final rounds of its debut season last year.

Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila, who topped the world rankings for special stage victories in 2011 and won the final round of the championship in Rally GB last season, are confirmed as team leaders for 2012.

They will be partnered by former world champion Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson, who have signed a one-year agreement to drive the team’s second Fiesta RS WRC in all 13 rounds. The experienced Solberg won the world title in 2003 and the 37-year-old Norwegian has 13 world rally wins to his name. It will be his second stint with Ford, having launched his world rally career with the team in 1999.

Sold as a car donated by Ford Motor Company and with the proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the bidding started off slow at first but gradually picked up pace.

As the car shed its engineering mule presence on the stage with JDRF sign holding children surrounding, Ford’s Mark Fields and Jost Capito both spoke to the car’s history as an engineering test car.

It was originally built in 2009 as a Ford in house engineering car and was used by SVT for several years, updated to new specs each time a model year change was coming. The car is now wearing 2013 Shelby GT-500 front and rear fascias and sporting a 650hp supercharged 5.8 liter engine.

As the car began to roll off stage, the bidding seemed stalled at $150,000-$160,000. Then the action began as it jumped to $200,000 then eventually hit $300,000! As the crowd in the tent cheered the auctioneer finally yelled “Sold it! Sold it! Sold it! $300,000”.

And the buyer of this one of a kind Ford Mustang is now legendary Chandler, AZ collector, Ron Pratte. The man has been a strong force for both Ford and Barrett-Jackson in the past several years offering up the top money for these particular cars.

Ron also himself is selling some of his collection this year but found the room in his collection for this very special car. And while special, a museum it will live in as it can never be titled for the street. Most test cars as Ford’s Jost Capito said, “End up crashed”, and many end up crushed.

Now if Mr. Pratte would only make his fantasic collection open to the public someday.

Images courtesy of Barrett-Jackson/SpeedTV

The heart of the F-150 ROUSHcharger systems is the Roush Performances proprietary version of the Eaton TVS R2300 supercharger featuring four-lobe rotors and high-flow inlet/outlet ports. You get a 100 mm MAF tube, twin 60mm throttle body, and high efficiency intercooler system featuring a dual-core low temp radiator, degas bottle and high capacity air-to-water intercooler. The systems also include an all new cold air induction system that Roush is now offering for the F-150.

And speaking of that cold air intake, Roush Performance has also launched a ld air induction systems for the 6.2L V-8 as well.. Like all of their intake systems, these kits have been engineered and tested to ensure MAF signal performance (including airflow vs. voltage and signal noise) are transparent to factory settings

Because of their engineering, the Roush intakes do not require a unique calibration and offer better air flow providing increased horsepower and better fuel economy along with improved throttle response. These kits are designed and manufactured using OE materials for structural stability and durability. The clean air tubes are injection molded and designed for maximum air flow efficiency. All kits are designed for easy installation requiring no drilling or cutting.

Also added to the catalog for F-150 is a new Roush high performance cat-back exhaust system. Available for both cab and bed length configurations, the system has been engineered to provide increased air flow and less back pressure to help reach the trucks full potential in horsepower and torque. The system turns the normally quiet stock exhaust note into rumbling muscular tone while eliminating any in-cab drone.

The exhaust system will be available for pre-orders beginning this month with orders shipping out late February 2012. Tuner kits that require your local shop to create a calibration will be available this month. Calibrated packages for the 6.2 V8 will be available in April. All cold air kits are available for immediate delivery.

More Information: www.RoushPerformance.com

In past years these cars have been first production sales of new models like the Shelby GT-500 or Shelby GT. This year, they are doing something a little different, but likely just as special in offering a one of a kind prototype for the 2013 Ford Shelby GT-500.

As this new 2013 GT-500 will likely be the last of the big engined and super powered Mustangs for some time, this Shelby GT500 Durability Car is a destined to be a rare piece of Mustang history. This is a car that was the final cut that the SVT team and Carroll Shelby signed off at the racetrack.

It is the genesis and inspiration for today’s Shelby GT500 production Mustangs that are available at Ford dealerships nationwide. “I’m really proud to have my name on this car that you guys [Ford SVT Team] have put together working with my dreams of what I think a car should be. And you made it that and more,” said Carroll Shelby.

A car built and used by Ford’s SVT team working together with Carroll Shelby, it is said to be mostly hand built. It’s new 5.8 liter TVS 2300 supercharged engine was tested at Sebring International Raceway, the High-speed Oval track at the Arizona Proving Ground, as well as the Route 66 road course, among others.

It was personally piloted by Carroll Shelby during many hours of its testing. As a result of its testing, this Durability Car allowed the production GT500 to feature a 5.8L supercharged aluminum-block V8 engine cranks out 650hp and 600 lb/ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars ever built.

The car is of course equipped with a TORSEN limited-slip differential, carbon fiber one-piece drive shaft, front and rear Bilstein adjustable dampers, performance-tuned front and rear springs and front and rear stabilizer bars.

Because this car is a prototype, it is sold on a bill of sale. That means it can never be titled to be driven on the street. It will however be listed in the Official Shelby American Registry. And as a charity sale, all proceeds will go to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Look for this car to cross the block at around 8:30 on Saturday.

“SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “We encapsulated every aspect of performance in this car – whether it’s 0-60, top speed, racetrack or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this car perfectly fits his or her needs.”

The new 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world says Ford. The 3,850-pound car also stays exempt from the gas-guzzler tax.

Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

A larger, more-efficient supercharger flowing more air through the engine is key to helping produce the massive 650 horsepower. The new TVS series 2300 creates 2.3 liters of displacement and is a unique design to the 5.8-liter engine.

The entire cooling system has been significantly updated on the new 5.8-liter engine. It now includes a larger cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger with volume increased 36 percent.

Nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 was revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly. Engineers considered more than 35 gearing combinations, finally deciding on one that delivers less torque all the way through the wheels to the ground and still enables the car to achieve fuel economy targets.

A key piece of the driveline, the six-speed manual transmission, offers upgraded gears, bearings and housing so it can properly manage the torque. The final drive ratio is now 3.31:1 for optimized overall vehicle gearing to complement the massive torque. Every gear besides fourth was optimized for competing performance metrics. The clutch has increased torque and rpm capacity and uses a dual-disc design.

“It might just seem like we’re putting a bigger engine into the car. But it’s been a balanced approach through and through,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve completely redone the car to be even more sophisticated in terms of handling and control than the prior model.”

Other keys for improved traction management include:

Torsen limited-slip differential:When customers order the optional Performance Package, they will get a Torsen limited-slip differential that helps the rear suspension deliver maximum torque and traction better and longer under track conditions

Launch control: A new launch control system lets drivers set the desired launch rpm depending on tire temperature, street surface or other conditions. Unique to SVT’s launch control is that it is integrated with both the engine control and traction control.

Brembo braking system: A new Brembo brake system offers drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, both on the road and the track. New six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors help improve brake fade. New brake pads that are more aggressive also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence

Significant aerodynamic work was done on the new Shelby GT500 to ensure the car has proper downforce for optimum performance at all speeds. Engineers were able to determine how to harness the air that was moving around and through the car to improve the cooling system, maximize downforce and minimize drag.

The front fascia and splitters were modified to handle the extreme loads at 200 mph, resulting in a car that tracks more securely and feels more planted to the road at higher speeds. It offers 33 percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the 2011 model.

The new Shelby GT500’s driving dynamics have been improved, now working in concert with all the new content on the car.

Handling, all AdvanceTrac settings and steering assist levels within selectable steering have been tuned to account for the updated content. The previously available unique traction control system and electronic stability control settings help drivers achieve maximum performance on both the street and the track.

Both systems can be completely disabled in controlled track situations where maximum driver skill is utilized, or fully engaged for maximum safety during normal driving or in less-than-ideal traction conditions. Intermediate sport mode allows drivers to push their cars hard at the track without completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more aggressive driving before the traction control and electronic stability control intervene.

“We took a completely different approach with this car so drivers can choose their settings instead of a computer making the selection,” Hameedi said. “Nearly every system the driver interacts with can be tailored to his or her situation including the Bilstein electronic adjustable suspension, launch control, AdvanceTrac and steering assist levels.”

The 2013 Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of forged-aluminum wheels including a unique wheel for cars with the optional packages. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are coupled with Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all vehicle configurations.

Sometimes Ford Shelby GT500 customers want to enjoy their car on surface streets. Other times they just want to let loose on the track. Two new optional packages on the 2013 model give them the choice.

Available as part of the optional Performance Package, SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers are accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button. Normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering and pitch under braking. The Torsen limited-slip differential also comes with the Performance Package.

“The adjustable shocks let us develop our car on the track without any compromise,” said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “Before, we had to tune the car with street implications in mind. Now we can go as extreme as we want on the track setting and still offer the customer a comfortable ride on the road.”

Enthusiasts can upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package for all-out performance. The option comes with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability. The coolers play an essential role in preventing crucial components from overheating under high-speed conditions.

[View with PicLens]

For 2013, Ford has increased displacement from 5.4 to 5.8 liters, retaining the same engine architecture and deck height as before. With the larger displacement Ford’s SVT gurus we able to add the same Eaton TVS 2300 supercharger that modders have been adding to their GT-500’s for some time.

Te result is a solid warrantied 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque from the aluminum block Ford. The larger displacement supercharger has Eaton’s latest vane design technology for higher flow and efficiency, tuned especially for this application.

While the engine looks nearly identical to last year’s 5.4 liter plant from the engine compartment, a lot of it is new. With 650hp the engine has forged internal rotating parts and an updated cross-drilled aluminum block. Revised heads and updated camshaft profiles set the new 5.8 liter engine apart from its 5.4 liter predecessor as well. A stout cast oil pan on the bottom of the block helps gives the engine additional structural strength.

Ford also significantly upgraded the cooling system for both the engine and the supercharger intercooler. In the engine bay you will find a larger cooling fan, fan shroud with special high-speed pressure-relief doors. The intercooler is larger and more efficient as well with a higher-flow intercooler pump. The results of the intercooler net a cooling volume increase of 36 percent.

While 650hp in the new 5.8 beats the hell out of Chevrolet’s new 570hp ZL-1 by a huge margin in raw power, many Mustang enthusiasts will look at the new GT-500 as a baseline for more mods. The 5.4 engine has certainly proven its bulletproof capabilities in the past decade with many getting 800+ hp from them. We’ll see what the gurus of tune can do with this very soon.

Closely resembling the Focus ST road car, the Focus ST-R is distinctive under the skin as it is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, FIA-regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.

The Focus ST-R will be available to teams soon, beginning in North America, to race in a variety of series. It appears this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The all-new Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing – with technical support from Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group – to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and the Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsports series and major events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Its linkage to the new Focus ST road car is not by accident.

“From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be drivers’ cars,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains, and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost-effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It’s a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

Focus ST-R will be available to order from Ford dealers in North America by hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day enthusiasts as well. Ford’s vision is to broaden availability to more regions in the future.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the Focus ST-R from concept to reality for motorsports enthusiasts initially in North America and potentially around the world,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “The previous turnkey race cars we developed for North American racing have been hugely successful, so we’re hopeful the ST-R will be the first such vehicle for global series and – as a direct result of the company’s global platform strategy and our technical support program – for motorsports applications of Focus and Fiesta models.”

Because the Focus ST-R is a production-based road race car, it features stock body panels and production parts where possible.

“People who buy one will get a fully prepared race car that will only need communications equipment and the customer’s decals to go racing,” added Allison. “We’ve already had significant interest in this vehicle from numerous established race teams.”

For North American customers, the Focus ST-R is the latest in a long line of turnkey race cars offered by Ford including the Mustang FR500C, Mustang FR500S, Mustang Cobra Jet, Boss 302R and Boss 302S.

Development work on the Focus ST-R also will result in a range of Ford Racing parts to be made available to racers and enthusiasts around the world.

Focus role in Ford’s global motorsports strategy

The Frankfurt Motor Show debut and this month’s Los Angeles appearance of the Focus ST-R is part of an aggressive motorsports presence for Ford as its strategy to support motorsports development across its core global vehicle platforms gains traction. Ford is applying engineering and development expertise for vehicles like Focus ST-R to spur success in competition similar to that being enjoyed by the Fiesta in RallyCross and X Games.

“Just as we are developing performance cars from our vehicle platforms with global customers in mind, we’re taking the same platform approach with motorsports,” said Capito. “The intent is to leverage our central motorsports engineering expertise to get competitive hardware in the hands of private teams and racers all around the world, and the Focus ST-R is the latest proof.”

The global Focus race car development – a major plank in Ford’s new global motorsports strategy – is based on international S2000 regulations.

Ford launched its global motorsports development program last year. At its core is technical support for privateers who choose to compete with global Ford vehicles with access to affordable, globally competitive hardware.

“We expect to see the ST-R competing for wins on a global scale, extending the rich racing and rallying heritage Focus has already gained both on tarmac and on dirt,” Capito added.

For us in the media, the SEMA Show provides us the opportunity to showcase hundreds of special cars, thousands of new aftermarket parts, and rub elbows with the people who create them. The end result for our readers is that we have fascinating, fun and informative news to put out both during the show and for months after.

The Convention Center is ground zero for special events, product demonstrations, and automotive manufacturer debuts. Almost all of the major automakers are on hand with special cars , concepts and debuts of future products that add a lot of gravity to the show.

In 2010, the SEMA Show more than 50,000 domestic and international attendees from the automotive trades and media. The show floor is segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 1,500 newly introduced parts, tools and components.

And for 2011 all reports coming from SEMA indicate that the automotive aftermarket industry is bouncing back from the dark days of the past few years. There will be more new parts, more new exhibitors and more floor space than in years past. That’s great news.

While the show is not open to the public, we will be on hand all week long during the show reporting everything we see that’s relevant to our publication here with photos, videos, and news! So be sure to be here each day during the show from November 1-4.