• Ford to offer exclusive ride-and-drives for BlackTop Nationals attendees
Wichita, Kan. – Ford Motor Company will shift Wichita’s car culture into high gear along with more than 1,000 hot rods, muscle cars, trucks and two-wheelers at the third annual BlackTop Nationals event, Aug. 24-26, 2012, in downtown Wichita. Automotive enthusiasts will have the chance to push the 2013 Mustang GT to its limits on a drag racing dyno, as well as ride in the brand-new Ford Focus Electric.
“The BlackTop Nationals event in Wichita has grown exponentially in only a few years to become one of the highlights of summer in the Midwest,” said Ford North America Car Marketing Manager Steve Ling. “We’re excited to give visitors the chance to experience firsthand the heart-stopping power and performance of the new Ford Shelby GT500, as well as the smooth ride of the most fuel-efficient compact car in America, the Focus Electric.”
Debuting for the first time in Kansas is Ford’s electrified vehicle flagship, Focus Electric, offering a target range of more than 110 miles with driving dynamics similar to the fuel-powered Focus and a full battery charge time of just three to four hours. Powered exclusively by an innovative lithium-ion battery, this efficient and affordable hatchback never needs a drop of gas or an oil change.
Ride-and-drives in the 662-horsepower 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be offered to lucky visitors. The 5.8-liter aluminum-block engine is the most powerful production V8 in the world. Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing additional power, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and an upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.
Other exciting activities include a NASCAR racing simulator, helicopter rides, a million-dollar car show and live music on Friday and Saturday night. Whether you’re a muscle car and hot rod enthusiast or are just interested in a few days of fun in the sun, BlackTop Nationals has something for everyone. Additional event information can be found at www.blacktopnationals.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.