For everyone that has been upset by the Mustang GT’s current 4.6 litre engine and it’s lack of power cry no more! Ford has just released the engine specs for the 2011 base Mustang and Mustang GT. The base ‘Stang will get Ford’s current 3.7 litre V6 that is currently offered in some Lincoln models, but it will receive a bump in power to 315 HP (that’s 11 HP more than the V6 Camaro). Now for the best part, the 2011 Mustang GT will get a new 5.0 litre V8 stunting a whoppin’ 400 horsepower and a six speed manual transmission! Other news in the Mustang’s future are an aluminum block for the Shelby GT500,  and a return of the BOSS! And no the Ecoboost is not planned to be used in the Mustang. Via Left Lane News

Call us nuts, but we were actually feeling pretty good after reading this piece from the Detroit Free Press. Writer Mark Phelan brings up some great points and actually clues us in on some existing technology that is going to give some immediate help (when implemented) in the fuel economy department of gasoline engines.

There’s so much doom and gloom happening in the media on a nearly daily basis with respect to cars, especially the types of cars we like. It was great to read something that actually gave us some hope for the future that isn’t pie in the sky fantasy.

If you are looking for some positive muscle car ju-ju click on the link to the Detroit Free Press story.

Back in 2002 Ford brought back its iconic Thunderbird. The Thunderbird was given a retro design (actually starting the whole retro look) making it seem as if it was taken straight from the 50s. The Thunderbird was discontinued in 2005 after dropping sales (possibly due to introduction of the redesigned Mustang). Well cry no more T-Bird lovers, it’s said that the T-bird will return in 2012 with a retro look, keeping the classic two seater design. Via Thunderbirdnest  Thanks ___nes___!

It’s bad enough that we need legislation banning things like texting and talking on the phone while driving, but people seriously need to be reminded to stop at red lights? What the hell is the problem here? Do Americans just spend so much time in their cars that we just think they’re big living rooms that happen to move around? What’s next, “Do Not Use Your Hair Dryer in the Shower Week?” Damn, people are dumb. Head over to MSNBC for all the details on this groundbreaking program.

This past Friday the 22 year old driver of the Oscar  Meyer Wienermobile accidentally crashed into a home in Racine, Wisconsin. There were no injuries, but some serious damage to the house.  Via Associated Press.

Redline’s Time Attack series has steadily been gaining visibility for the last few years, and anyone who’s been to an event can tell why they’re becoming so popular with competitors and fans. Previously, folks who couldn’t make it out to the track have had to rely on sometimes spotty coverage, but this year, the series has decided to counter that will full in-depth shows dedicated to each race. Two episodes will be posted every event weekend, with the first being a breakdown of what happened in practice, and the second being a full re-cap of the races. You can watch the first pre-grid show below, and read the press release after the jump.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Redline Time Attack Announces Video Webcasts

Lancaster, California, May 28, 2009 – Redline Time Attack has announced the debut of two online shows which will recap and highlight time attack events. The shows, filmed and produced entirely trackside, will be online following each event, with two shows per event weekend. Each show will feature interviews with drivers, recaps of the day’s events, in-car video footage, and other features highlighting the growing sport of Time Attack. Auto manufacturer Subaru will present the shows, available for free at Redline Time Attack’s website, redlinetimeattack.com.

“The best way to understand the excitement of Time Attack is to be here,” said co-host and Redline Time Attack co-founder Nikolas Malechikos. “But if you can’t make it to the event, we think this is the next best way.”

“Redline Pre-Grid” will be available online at 8:00pm Pacific on Saturday evenings and “Redline Debrief” will be online at 8:00pm Pacific on Sunday evenings of event weekends. Redline Pre-Grid will recap Saturday’s practice activities, including any breaking news and a preview of the racing on Sunday.

The “Redline Debrief” show will feature interviews with the class-winning drivers, and feature The Fast Lap, highlighting in-car video footage of the track, from the event winner. Both shows will also have some surprises that the viewer won’t be able to find anywhere else.

About Redline Time Attack – Launched in 2006, the Redline Time Attack is North America’s preeminent time-trial based racing series. Redline Time Attack welcomes drivers of all levels from beginner grassroots enthusiasts to professionals to their eight events nationwide to see who can be the fastest around the track.

For more information on Redline Time Attack visit http://www.redlinetimeattack.com.

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Redline Time Attack’s Remaining 2009 Schedule:
May 30th and 31st – Willow Springs International Raceway, Rosamond, CA
June 20th and 21st – Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, IL
July 25th and 26th – Nashville Super Speedway, Lebanon, TN
August 8th and 9th – Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC
August 29th and 30th – Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ
September 26th and 27th – Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, Pahrump, NV
November 14th and 15th – Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA

Seems that someone down in Texas had some confusion over what was meant by all those little orange cones and “construction ahead” signs. Oops: so much for those nice rims. Full story at KHOU, via Jalopnik.

Race fan Michael Owen, who once relocated so he could qualify for season tickets at Brands Hatch raceway in the UK, took a final lap around his beloved home track last week–in a hearse. Yep, the dead guy had arranged to have his cavalcade lap the track during his funeral procession. That’s nice and everything, but I guess it goes without saying that some things are better enjoyed alive. Read all about it here.

I was holding off writing about this cause it seemed kind of vague and, well, unreal. But on Tuesday GM announced that Pontiac will be demoted to a “focused niche brand,” and that it will no longer be a separate division. Plans for any future models are vague at best. This prompted Jalopnik to write a eulogy on Wednesday.

Truthfully, I wasn’t very sad when Chrysler killed off Plymouth, cause they’d already reduced the brand so much. But Pontiac has the new G8. I thought there was hope… Maybe not. Awesome rides like Joe’s ‘67 GTO below will live on. But still, it’s a sad time for fans of American iron.

Sunday, I’m flying to the Sunshine State to see my folks, so this will be the last New on the Net for a little while. I’ve lived in Seattle for over 12 years, but to me, nothing says Christmas like lights strung around a palm tree. Weird, I know. Anyway, here’s the news:

• It might seem silly that I’d make fun of someone for not being able to spell, as eagle-eyed readers have caught my blunders more than once. But if I was going to, say, get a tattoo or make a fake delivery truck to smuggle pot, I’d make sure everything was kosher. Special delivery indeed! Phoenix New Times
• I was pretty sure the auto bailout would get passed pretty quick, so I was a little surprised that the Senate killed it yesterday. In related news, the General has hired bankruptcy attorneys. Yikes. Detroit News
• Looks like Top Gear America won’t be on NBC after all. There was no real info on why the show is headed for cable, but I’d bet the Peacock’s dismal ratings have something to do with it. Top Gear
• When I first saw this concept, I actually thought it was another fancy Lamborghini lighter or something. As it turns out, it’s a double-decker bus concept, and it looks super dope. Yahoo.uk via Jalopnik