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Ford Releasing Street-Legal GT3 Mustang, Toyota Eco-Friendly Engine, Subaru WRX Sales Decline | Auto Insider

Ford Releasing Street-Legal GT3 Mustang 

 

You soon can own a street legal Le Mans GT3 Mustang with the new GTD performance package. The performance package will be one of the multiple options available for the GTD. This package will be focused on weight and aerodynamics. 

Among the modifications offered will be a drag reduction system for the large rear wing, a large splitter, dive planes on the front fascia and underbody flaps. A lightweight package is also included removing sound deadening. The GTD Mustang comes with 20-inch magnesium wheels.

Ford cites the performance package as a major reason for the Mustang’s impressive sub-seven-minute lap at the Nürburgring, according to the Motor1 article 

The other GTD model includes a special edition Carbon Series where parts of the car are replaced with carbon fiber and the rims have a magnetite finish. 

For the GTD’s interior, a 13.2 inch and 12.4-inch screen are at the top of the dash. Recaro seats, titanium shift paddles and two buttons – one controls a variety of track apps only available on the GTD and the second activates the front-axle lift. 

Ford plans on releasing this special edition Mustang for two years and has not given any details on the cost or production figures. The cost will probably be well over six figures. Ford closed applications for the GTD after receiving over 7,500 applications from interested buyers throughout North America.

Toyota Partner Paves the Road with Industry-Changing Carbon Cutting Engine

 

Toyota may be paving the way with a new alternative energy-powered engine. According to multiple online sources, the Japanese auto giant and their partner, Chinese automaker GAC has developed an ammonia-powered engine. This could be an industry game changer for auto makers looking to reduce carbon emissions while boosting sales. 

The ammonia-powered engine produces 161 horsepower and reduces 90 percent in carbon emissions, according to GAC. A reason for emissions at 90 percent is it requires an ammonia blend to control combustion. The engine is likely a dual-fuel engine with precise controls for the injection of the ammonia and other fuels.

Ammonia does not produce emissions; however, mixing it will release oxides that contribute to smog. This won’t completely cut emissions out; it will drastically reduce them. This is still in the early stages so improvements will be made to improve burn efficiency and performance. 

EV sales have taken a dip recently after dominating the market. Consumers are becoming hesitant to embrace these vehicles, and Toyota has been known to observe the trend to determine whether this is a long-term viable option. 

One of the biggest concerns for EVS is the charging times. Ammonia-powered engines would probably fill up as quickly as gasoline- and hydrogen-powered engines. No further details have been given, but these engines could dominate the market like what Tesla has done for EVS. 

Subaru Sees Sales Dip for Performance Models 

 

The once-popular Subaru WRX no longer tops the brand in sales. WRX sales dipped after Subaru posted their May 2024 sales figures. WRX sales are down 39.6 percent with just 1,673 units sold in May 2024 compared to May 2023’s numbers. This could be due to minor upgrades.

Subaru has mentioned higher interest rates, and a late model year changeover were key factors in the low sales. The current generation is new debuting in 2022. Another factor is the refresh didn’t garner the excitement previous generations did. It also doesn’t help the power gains from the previous gen are an abysmal 3 more horsepower going from 268 to 271.  

Even with the TR model released in October 2023. Sales are still low. The TR has similar features. In addition to low WRX sales, Subaru has also seen a BRZ sales slump. The sports coupe sold 227 units in May 2024, dropping 45 percent this year.

Forester sales are up 61.4 percent through May this year. This is due to growing SUV demands and the model’s popularity. 

One concern for Subaru fans is the company’s direction of producing basic, family vehicles instead of focusing on performance driven models. The WRX and BRZ are the only performance models in Subaru’s current lineup. The Legacy is on its way out after this year, and the company has halted plans for a next gen STI. 

At this rate, Subaru is heading to where its partner, Toyota once was. An automaker with a focus on safe, family vehicles. Toyota has proven they can still produce popular performance/sporty design vehicles like the Supra (even though sales have taken a slump so far), 86, 4Runner, Tundra and even the redesigned Prius. 

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