Ford Mustang GT Named Daytona 500 Pace Car

[Rusty]

The first car that hits the track in the Daytona 500 isn't always the winner. In all actuality, it's the pace car. This year, the honor is going to the 2011 Ford Mustang GT.

The race red car with 412 horsepower and a glass roof, will take the honor during the Feb. 14th event. Not since 1970 has a Ford led the pack when the Torino GT convertible was selected as the pace car.

“Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports, in a press release. “This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world’s greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time.”

To commemorate the Daytona 500, Ford will build fifty special pace car editions of the 2011 Mustang GT. The actual Race Red Mustang was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction last week and sold for $330,000. The balance after MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Ford racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, special cabin features, and 19-inch painted wheels also grace this beauty. It also gets about 25 miles per gallon.

The GT’s heart is Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which will be available to customers in dealer showrooms this spring. The car also features Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The brakes feature 11.5-inch and front and 11.8-inch rear vented discs. The suspension is beefed up with improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
If you’re a real diehard Mustang lover, a Brembo brake package is available with larger rotors and calipers, which are from Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang.

From the signature 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the heritage of former models. The speedometer increases to 160 mph, and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.