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On August 20, auto enthusiasts from around the world were in Michigan to attend the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest one-day classic car event. Although the festivities stretched from suburban Detroit to Pontiac, the Ford display at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and 9 Mile Road in Ferndale proved to be one of the event’s major showstoppers.

 

With 9 Mile Road officially transformed into Mustang Alley for the day, Ford filled the street with its highest performing vehicles of the past, present and even future. The full Mustang line – including 2012 versions of the 550-hp Shelby GT500, street and racing models of the Boss 302 and the Mustang GT and V6 coupes – immediately turned heads as Dream Cruise spectators approached the Alley. Over 700 classic Mustangs and Ford muscle cars were on display, since the automaker’s goal was to feature at least one of every type of Mustang model made since the car’s debut in 1964.

 

Other notable performance vehicles showcased at the Woodward Dream Cruise include the SuperCab and SuperCrew models of the SVT Raptor off-road pickup, and a collection of Shelby Mustangs in the Shelby “Snake Pit.”

 

For a glimpse into the future, Ford offered a sneak peek at the next-generation Focus ST, the performance version of the latest Focus five-door, which comes equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, 247 hp and race-tuned suspension. The Focus ST is scheduled to launch next year, and it will be the first high-performance compact Ford has built in the U.S. since 2004.

 

At Mustang Alley’s display of street and strip crate engines, racing fans were able to speak with engineers and Ford Racing technicians about the newest 363-cubic-inch pushrod V8 crate engine that made its debut at the Dream Cruise. Adding to the excitement were test runs of the latest 5.0-liter Mustang GT engine, which were staged by engineers on a run stand.

 

For many Dream Cruise visitors, the biggest highlight of the day was perhaps the Mustang Garage; owners could bring in their 2005 through 2012 Mustangs and have Ford Racing technicians install high-performance parts while they waited. From axle-back exhaust systems to short-throw shifters, the available packages provided drivers with a whole new reason to love their Mustangs.

 

For more information about Mustang Alley and the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise, visit www.media.ford.com and www.woodwarddreamcruise.com.