BY-NC-SA Ford's fuel-efficient 2012 Fusion Hybrid won the big car award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS).
But it was another Ford vehicle creating buzz. Hip Hop artist, Nelly, and Dub Magazine were welcoming the return of the Mustang 5.0-liter V-8 (which hasn't been an available option since the 90's)!
So, why would they use Nelly to promote a V-8 gas-guzzler to the hip-hop consumer base? Aren't we trying to change the way Americans drive? Cut gas. Become more fuel efficient? But this car gets better gas mileage than the 2010 Mustang (17 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway vs. 17 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway). Let's be honest. The Mustang can't compete with the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mpg mileage. Yet, the the Ford Mustang 5.0 has nostalgic appeal. But will the hop hop community buy the car?
Before big cars and big wheels dominated hip hop, it was ALL about Mustangs, Cougars, and Falcons (for those who couldn't afford Mercedes and BMW). In my hometown of Oakland, Ca, (circa the 80's) these cars would gather at what was called "The Sideshow." The Sideshow was a place where people used to get together in their vehicles and perform stunts for each other, (like donuts and figure 8's that left tire marks on the concrete) or just simply look good, aka "flossing." Back then, it was a relatively peaceful underground car parade, in which the Mustang 5.0 was king. In fact, any other Mustang received peon status. I remember hearing an older kid telling me over a decade ago, "If you have a 'Stang without the 5.0 emblem on the side, you might as well not even bring it, because [brothas] will laugh you up outta there!" This changed how I felt about my father's regular '85 Mustang, which I USED to think was cool! I remember when I was 19 and working at the Home Depot parking lot, when a good friend of mine wanted me to look after his smoke grey '85 Mustang 5.0. I took it to work that day, and when the store closed and the parking lot was empty(ish), I got to feel how awesome it was to hit donuts and figure 8's in the very place where I had just spent the last 5 hours removing lumber and shopping carts.It was a far more thrilling experience than the maneuvers I attempted in my '86 Cougar 5.0-liter V8. After gliding around for a few minutes, I immediately understood why the 5.0 wore the crown.
During the unveiling session, Nelly took questions via Twitter about his new album (said to be self-titled), which is being cross-promoted with the 2011 Mustang 5.0. I even got a couple questions in!
Q: You said earlier you always wanted a Ford Mustang 5.0. What do you love about it?
Nelly: besides the look just the feel of the power!!!!!!!
Q: Are there any plans for a Nelly Editon of the 5.0 (via @the_real_Spons)
Nelly: hopefully… will come up wit something that could be mass produce but rite now the 5.0 is nelly creation!!!
Q: Where's the 1st place you are planning on taking a trip to in your @FordMustang 5.0?
Nelly: straight down the highway 44 East babay
KING ANYI: Will you do donuts and/or figure 8’s when you come to the bay bay bay bay bay?
Nelly: neither I'ma ghost ride the whip!!!!!!!!!
FORD TWITPIC OF NELLY AND THE 2011 MUSTANG 5.0!
More on the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0-liter V8
