The Mustang passed yet another landmark less than a week after its 44th anniversary on April 17 when production reached nine million units. The milestone Mustang, a GT Convertible, went to a dealership in Iowa for delivery to its lucky customer. As Ford's longest running nameplate, the Mustang had one of the best starts of any production car with over 22,000 sold on the first day and more than one million sold in the first two years. It's had its ups and down over the past 40+ years, but it's safe to say that the Mustang has enjoyed an upswing in popularity since its retro-restyle a few years back.

There is definitely a buzz in the air today with the news about the 5.0L V8 motor returning for the 2010 Mustang. According to Stuff.co.nz who interviewed Bill Osborne, President of Ford Australia, he confirmed a new 5.0L V8 is being developed and built in North America for the Ford Mustang. Osbourne also goes on to say that said engine is a possible candidate for the new Falcon being produced in Australia.

Sounds like he spilled the beans on the possible return of the 5.0 liter V8 motor to the Mustang in either the Mustang GT or some kind of limited edition Boss or Mach 1. What would the 2010 Shelby GT500 be, a supercharged 5.0L V8, we can only dream. Stay tuned for more news.

Source: Stuff.co.nz, mustangblog.com

DEARBORN, Mich., March 20, 2008 - To compliment the 1,000 2008 40th anniversary Edition Shelby GT500KR "King of the Road" Mustangs, Ford and Shelby Automobiles announce that an additional 746 units will be built for the 2009 model year to help meet worldwide demand of the supercar. Of that total, 571 units will be available for U.S. customers thus equaling the 1,571-unit production run of the original Shelby GT500KR. The remainder of the units will be for countries that did not receive 2008 models.

"The response to this car has been overwhelming, so I'm glad we can share it with more Mustang enthusiasts," said Carroll Shelby. "This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we can deliver a Mustang that will compete with the best in the world."

Like the 40th anniversary limited edition, the 2009 Shelby GT500KR will feature a 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and unique striping.

The unique 40th anniversary badging will only be featured on the 2008 special edition.

Shelby and Ford once again proved to be a winning combination when Motor Trend announced the champion of its "Pony Expressed" comparison test in its April 2008 issue. When the 2008 Ford Shelby GT Mustang was challenged on the basis of performance and value, the Shelby GT was chosen over the Roush Stage 2 and Saleen S281.

"The Shelby GT is a well-balanced, fun to drive machine that draws upon our experience of making Mustangs go faster," said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos. "Every lesson we learned while earning our stripes over the past 46 years is built into these ponycars. The competition was fierce with three very good cars in this test, so I'm proud that the Ford Shelby GT has earned another victory for both Team Shelby and every Ford Shelby owner."

Boyd Coddington, the renowned hot-rod innovator, died Wednesday morning. He was 63 years old. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Coddington's creations won the coveted Grand National Roadster Show's America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy a record six times. Coddington was known best nationwide from his involvement in the hit cable TV series "American Hot Rod." His cars have won the "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" award seven times. He is a mamber of the Grand National Roadster Hall of Fame, the National Rod & Custom Museum Hall of Fame, the Route 66 Wall of Fame and the Street Rod Marketing Alliance Hall of Fame.

He was named Hot Rod magazine's Man of the Year in 1988. One of his vehicles was also the only hot rod ever displayed on the cover of Smithsonian magazine.