PONY GETS NEW LOOK FOR 2010 FORD MUSTANG, HINTS AT MORE CHISELED
LOOK OF UPCOMING MODEL
More-muscular, faster-looking Mustang pony emblem
enhances grilles on new 2010 models.
New Mustang pony badge highlights attention to detail in
design of new Mustang, which will be revealed later this
year.
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 27, 2008 – Curious about what the 2010
Ford Mustang looks like? Its new pony badge offers a clue. Like
the upcoming restyled Mustang, the new pony is more defined,
more muscular and sure to catch the eye of Mustang enthusiasts.
“It’s just a faster-looking steed,” said George Saridakis,
Design manager for the 2010 Mustang.
A stronger, more dynamic pony badge with defined edges and
crisper forms in a subtly toned tinted-chrome finish will charge
across the grilles of the V-6 and GT versions of the 2010
Mustang. For the first time, a black-chrome version of the
Mustang pony badge will accent the new GT grille.
“We wanted to give the Mustang pony a more realistic feel,”
said Douglas Gaffka, chief designer for the 2010 Mustang. “We
lifted the head to make the pony more proud, tipped the neck
into the wind to give it a feeling of greater speed and better
balance.
“It’s more chiseled and more defined and looks more like a
wild horse,” Gaffka added. “It’s more realistic in terms of
proportion to an actual Mustang.”
Senior Designer Rick Howard spent hours researching images of
horses and understanding their appearance in natural, wild
settings. That effort, along with his personal riding
experience, helped bring forward the design of the Mustang pony
badge.
Like the Mustang itself, which was revealed at the 1964 New
York World’s Fair, the Mustang emblem has a proud heritage. The
original Mustang logo was drawn by Phil Clark for the Mustang I.
The Mustang logo then was refined for the Mustang II in 1974 by
Charles Keresztes, a former member of Hungary’s Olympic
equestrian team. The pony continued on the front grille through
1978 when it was replaced by “FORD” in block letters through
1982. The iconic Ford Blue Oval graced the front of Mustangs
through 1993. The pony emblem returned in 1994 with some
refinements. The logo was updated again in 2005.
For Howard and the team, creating the new badge was a labor
of love.
“We’re very much concerned with detail and precision in our
cars at Ford, and that includes the art we do,” Howard said. “We
want our Mustang pony badge to be as good as the rest of the
car.”
AMERICA’S FAVORITE
MUSCLE CAR HITS 9 MILLION MARK; SPECIAL MUSTANG MAKES ITS HOME IN
IOWA
AMERICA’S FAVORITE
MUSCLE CAR HITS 9 MILLION MARK; SPECIAL MUSTANG MAKES ITS HOME
IN IOWA
STORY CITY, Iowa, May 6, 2008 – Iowa farmer Thomas Krumm
went to his local Ford dealer to order a Mustang GT convertible and
unwittingly ordered a piece of history – his Mustang is the 9
millionth built by Ford Motor Company.
He discovers that today when he picks up his milestone Mustang at
Gookin Ford in Story City, Iowa.
Krumm, a farmer from rural Story City, became interested in
Mustangs through his daughter, Rachael, a Mustang enthusiast who
saved enough money to buy her first Mustang at age 17.
"Having been a Mustang fanatic my entire life, I couldn't be more
excited that my dad is receiving the 9 millionth Mustang," said
Rachael Krumm, who also is a member of the Iowa National Guard. "I
am thrilled that I get to see his Mustang GT and its cool new
features before I leave for Iraq."
Mustang is Ford Motor Company's longest-running nameplate. It
was introduced on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair.
"Mustang is an icon, and the 9 millionth Mustang is a milestone
we're very proud of," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager.
"So many people have contributed to Mustang's proud 44-year
heritage possible – from incredible Mustangs owners and enthusiasts
to our partners at AAI where Mustangs are built to Ford's Product
Development and Ford Division teams," he said.
About the Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is one of the most widely recognized vehicles in
the world. Today, one of every two sports cars sold in America is a
Mustang.
Mustang sales hit an astounding 419,000 in its first 12 months on
the market, and topped the 1 million mark in its first two years,
shattering the sales records of any single model in the history of
the automobile.
Today, Mustang leads the nearly $1 billion aftermarket parts and
accessories industry as the most personalized vehicle of all time,
and has been recognized by SEMA as the most accessory-friendly new
vehicle.
Coming this summer are two special Mustangs – one with a glass
roof option and another with an upgraded "Warriors in Pink" package,
whose sales help support breast cancer research
BUCKLE UP AND BRACE FOR ACTION,
MCQUEEN FANS:
MUSTANG BULLITT™ RACES TO THE
STREETS IN 2008
More horses: Featuring the latest in Ford
Racing Technology, Bullitt’s 4.6-liter V-8 delivers 315
horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
Sport-tuned: Modified chassis and
suspension improves an already competent and capable chassis to
deliver the most balanced Mustang ever.
Film-inspired: Dark Highland Green exterior
paint calls back the original movie car, while a specially
mastered DVD helped Ford engineers deliver an exhaust note that
matches the film.
Mustang magic: Bullitt is the latest in a
line of special editions that keep Mustang news fresh. Plus, it
delivers on the Mustang tradition of unique products that fit
customers’ individual preferences: a steed for every need.
Bottom line: Bullitt carries on the
Mustang tradition of affordable performance with a $31,075
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). A limited
production run of 7,700 units is planned.
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6 – Four decades after hitting the big screen
and redefining the on-screen car chase, the Ford Mustang Bullitt
returns to the streets in 2008, blending the best Mustang ever with
the latest Ford Racing technology.
This modern classic delivers a balance of power and performance,
thanks to special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as the 315
horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque that Bullitt delivers
through its 4.6-liter V-8 engine.
“The 2008 Mustang Bullitt embodies the true spirit of the 1968
movie car,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product
Development. “Like the original Bullitt, this car dials the driving
dynamics up a notch for Mustang enthusiasts who love the
performance, handling and the sweet sound of Ford power that only
Mustang can deliver.”
The 2008 Bullitt arrives in dealers early next year, with a
starting MSRP of $31,075 (including destination and delivery) and
limited production of 7,700 units for the U.S. and Canada.
The launch of the limited edition 2008 Mustang Bullitt coincides
with the 40th anniversary of the release of the Warner Bros.
Pictures film that gave the original car its name. In the movie,
legendary actor Steve McQueen drove a Dark Highland Green 1968
Mustang GT that gained cult status among Mustang enthusiasts, thanks
to a seven-minute scene that film and car buffs believe defined the
modern movie car chase.
Bullitt Chassis Delivers a Balance of Performance and Comfort
Ford engineers modified the 2008 Mustang Bullitt’s chassis and
suspension to fine-tune handling and ensure the extra horsepower and
torque from the 4.6-liter V-8 is put to good use. The
live rear axle uses a unique 3.73:1 gear that helps launch the
Bullitt with vigor.
Stock Mustang GT shocks and struts were swapped out for new units
that allowed engineers to dial in a more aggressive driving dynamic
while still maintaining the outstanding ride and balance of the base
Mustang GT. A tower-to-tower brace designed specifically for the
Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the
chassis for improved cornering and holds a unique serial number for
each Bullitt.
“The 2008 Mustang Bullitt delivers balanced performance,” said
Paul Randle, chief engineer. “Comfort is not compromised for
performance. Performance is on demand. You can easily take Bullitt
from the track to the street and back onto the track with
confidence.”
The brakes also have been improved versus the base Mustang GT’s.
More aggressive front pads were developed specifically for Bullitt
and improve fade resistance and pedal feel.
The 2008 Mustang Bullitt wears unique cast-aluminum Euroflange
wheels, offering a modern twist on the original movie car. The Dark
Argent Gray spokes feature a satin finish, while a bright-machined
lip completes the look. Calipers are colored to match the wheel.
The wheels are wrapped in the same P235/50ZR 18 BF Goodrich g-Force
T/A KDWS tires used on Mustangs at the Ford Racing High Performance
Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.
Powered by Ford Racing
Bullitt packs firepower under the hood. The 4.6-liter, 3-valve
V-8 delivers 315 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of
torque at 4,250 rpm.
Engine calibration is designed to increase throttle response for
a snappier acceleration feel. The redline has been boosted by 250
rpm to 6,500, with top-end speed bumped to 151 miles-per-hour.
Gears are selected via a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, and
the shifter is topped with a polished aluminum shift ball designed
specifically for the 2008 Bullitt.
The car features the first use of an open-element air filter in a
factory-produced, fuel-injected Mustang. Inspired by Ford Racing,
the intake is tucked neatly behind the driver side headlamp, mounted
in an air box that was tooled up specifically for the Mustang. The
hood liner was extensively modified to provide a full seal to the
air box, ensuring that the engine is fed a steady diet of cooler
air.
“Colder air reduces intake losses,” said Randle. “The new
cold-air intake has shown a reduction in rise over ambient
temperature from 50 degrees down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. That
equates to more horsepower and more torque in all driving
conditions.”
Engine performance is further enhanced through the use of an
innovative adaptive spark ignition system, new for the 2008 Mustang.
The system can sense, within a few seconds, what type of fuel is
being injected into the motor and adjusts the spark to provide
maximum torque at any given speed – and as much as 10 pounds-feet
more between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm.
Bullitt can run on either premium or regular fuel. Ford
recommends premium fuel for optimum performance, but the adaptive
spark ignition will adjust the spark to burn regular fuel without
damaging the engine.
“With all the improvements we’ve made to the engine and the
taller 3.73-to-1 rear gear, the Bullitt will plant you firmly in the
driver’s seat when you stand on the throttle. We’ve seen zero to 60
times drop by up to three tenths of a second,” said Randle.
“There’s also plenty of power on tap at any speed. The car
definitely feels lighter on its feet, and it is.”
The custom-designed exhaust system continues Mustang’s
traditional use of a true dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe
specifically developed for Bullitt. The all-new mufflers, featuring
larger 3.5-inch chrome tips (versus the 3-inch tips on the standard
Mustang GT) are tuned to minimize backpressure, maximize horsepower
and provide the Bullitt with its powerful exhaust note.
“We wanted to get the exhaust note as close to the original movie
car as possible, so we based it on a digitally mastered DVD,” said
Randle. “We wanted something that would rumble your heart, literally
buzz you – and the Bullitt team delivered.”
Capturing the Bullitt’s Undercover Look
The original 1968 Mustang’s stealth-like appearance wasn’t
necessarily intentional. In typical Hollywood fashion, the movie
crew removed all exterior badges and logos from the car – including
the iconic pony badge on the grille.
The 2008 Mustang Bullitt calls back the original movie car in
painstaking detail – right down to the dark green paint and lack of
exterior badges, scoops and spoilers.
The only visible identification is the word “Bullitt” dropped
into a gun-sight graphic in the center of the faux gas cap on the
decklid.
“The 2008 Mustang Bullitt, like the movie car, is a wolf in
sheep’s clothing,” said Doug Gaffka, chief designer. “Mustang is –
and always has been – such an icon that it’s recognizable without
the badges. But Bullitt’s clean exterior doesn’t give away the Ford
Racing-inspired power and performance lurking under its skin.”
The new Bullitt wears a close match to the movie car’s 1968
Highland Green paint, officially called Dark Highland Green. This
distinctive color has only graced one other Mustang, the 2001
Mustang Bullitt. Gaffka assures Bullitt enthusiasts that the color
will remain an exclusive Mustang Bullitt color. Non-purists can opt
for only one other color – black.
The Mustang Bullitt uses the standard Mustang GT’s front fascia.
A new black-mesh grille is devoid of the standard chrome pony and is
accented by a satin aluminum strip that represents the chrome grille
surround on the 1968 car. The rear fascia also is shared with the
standard Mustang GT and houses Bullitt’s unique dual exhaust tips.
Dark Argent Gray painted brake calipers closely match the wheel
spokes, while staying true to the original.
Bullitt Interior Delivers Comfort with a Purpose
The interior is pure Mustang Bullitt, understated and dressed in
Charcoal Black leather and Satin metallic trim. The centerpiece of
the interior is the hand-machined, aluminum swirl dash panel
appliqué.
“The machined appliqué differentiates the Bullitt from any other
Mustang in the line-up,” said Gaffka. “It’s also perfect for the
Bullitt. The graphic presentation brings back the feel of the ‘60s
while still staying true to the Mustang’s modern interior design.”
Satin aluminum bezels circle the air vents and gauges,
complementing a satin aluminum shift ball that replaces the standard
leather-wrapped shifter on the Mustang GT. The pedals wear
race-inspired aluminum covers that further reinforce Bullitt’s
performance intentions.
The interior is graphically clean. The only identifying marks
visible inside Bullitt are the logo and gun-sight graphic mounted in
the center of the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the word
“Bullitt” embossed into the metal sill plates.
The Dark Charcoal leather seats pick up the diamond perforation
inserts from the base Mustang GT. The seats are patterned after
those in the Shelby GT500 providing added lumbar and bolster
support. The seats are constructed using the new soy-based foam
developed by Ford and introduced on the 2008 Mustang. The soy foam,
made up of 24 percent renewable content, is produced through a
process that requires less energy and emits less CO2.
Bullitt Pushes Beyond
The Bullitt package enhances the Mustang GT Premium package with
the following:
3.73:1 Limited Slip Rear Axle
Ford Racing Power Pack (cold air induction system)
High Performance Calibration
Performance Friction Carbon Metallic® front brake pads
Ford Racing Strut Tower Brace
Sport –tuned suspension (shocks/springs/stabilizer bar)
Modified “H” Pipe
Dark Grey Brake Calipers
18-inch Euro-Flange Bullitt Wheels with Charcoal Satin
Finish
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Traction Control
Seat-mounted side air bags
LATCH
Personal Safety System®
SecuriLock®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Shaker 500 Audio System with six-disc CD player, MP3 and
eight speakers
Available options include:
HID headlamps
Shaker 1000 Audio System six-disc CD player, MP3 and 10
speakers
SIRIUS satellite radio
Ambient Lighting
Active Anti-Theft System
Wheel locking kits
FORD ADDS GLASS ROOF OPTION TO MUSTANG LINEUP, MEETING
CUSTOMER DESIRE FOR MORE NATURAL LIGHT
“Top” Choice: Mustang now
offers customers three roof choices: traditional
coupe, convertible and a new factory-installed fixed
glass roof.
Glass Roof Growth: Production
of large sunroofs in North America has increased
nearly 200 percent since 2003 and is expected to top
more than 2.5 million units by 2013.
Affordability: Available as a
$1,995 option, the new glass roof allows Mustang
customers to let the sun shine in for half the price
of moving up from a coupe to a convertible.
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 11, 2007 – Hot on the heels of
the new Ford Bullitt Mustang and the new Shelby GT500KR,
America’s favorite muscle car drives into its 45th
anniversary year sporting a new factory-installed glass
roof.
The 2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang provides a third
roof option for customers and responds to their growing
desire for more natural light. Production of large
sunroofs has increased nearly 200 percent in North
America since 2003, according to Just-auto. The growth
is driven, in part, by consumers’ daily commute time.
The number of consumers with commutes lasting more than
60 minutes grew by almost 50 percent between 1990 and
2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The new glass roof will be available as an option on
both the V-6 Mustang and Mustang GT beginning next
summer.
At $1,995, the new roof provides customers a less
expensive option than a convertible, without
compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or
climate-controlled environment.
“Mustang is an icon in our product lineup, and we are
committed to keeping Mustang news fresh every year,”
said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global
Product Development. “As the automotive landscape
becomes increasingly competitive, features such as a
panoramic glass roof will help differentiate our
products from the competition.”
Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in
America is a Mustang, and it remains the best-selling
convertible. The new glass roof addresses the fact that
62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment are
interested in a sunroof or moonroof on their next
vehicle, according to J.D. Power and Associates
research.
Mustang’s Glass Roof is made of tinted privacy glass,
which reduces both infrared rays and vehicle cool-down
time by 50 percent. A manual roller blind is built in,
allowing owners to further control exposure on sunny
days.
The specially formulated glass also protects interior
fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and
discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To
help improve acoustics and Mustang’s interior quietness,
the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces
noise, vibration and harshness.
The glass roof Mustang is built like a coupe and has
been developed to maintain the structural integrity of
Mustang. The glass itself is safety glass, meaning that
it shatters without sharp or jagged edges, like other
automotive glass.
Glass Roof Mustangs will be assembled at the
Automotive Alliance International plant in Flat Rock,
Mich. The unique glass is installed at Ford’s adjacent
vehicle personalization facility.
Like its coupe and convertible counterparts, the
Glass Roof Mustang has endured a battery of tests
measuring quality and craftsmanship.
During the development phase, production-level
prototypes ran through a rigorous prove-out, including
various water, air leakage, durability, squeak and
rattle and vehicle dynamics tests. Top quality drives
the development team – as evidenced by Mustang’s
first-in-its segment ranking in the 2007 J.D. Power and
Associates IQS, VDS and APEAL studies.
“Quality is a continuous process. The whole team is
passionate about it, which results in our paying
attention to the smallest details,” says Paul Randle,
chief nameplate engineer. “Our owners have high
expectations, and we always want to meet them – with
strong features like this new roof option, quality and
performance.”
In addition to the new Glass Roof Mustang that goes
on sale next summer, two other derivatives join the
Mustang V-6 and GT in Ford showrooms early in 2008:
The Mustang Bullitt returns to the streets four
decades after hitting the Big Screen and features
the latest in Ford Racing Technology. Inspired by
the original movie car, this modern classic is
designed to deliver a perfect balance of power and
performance for enthusiasts, delivering 315
horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. With
limited production planned, Bullitt carries on the
Mustang tradition of affordable performance with a
$31,075 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.
The Shelby GT500KR arrives in time to celebrate
the 40th anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra
GT500KR, known as “The King of the Road.” Building
on the strong foundation of the Shelby GT500, the KR
features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford
Racing Upgrade Pack and a SVT-tuned suspension. It
is estimated to deliver 540 horsepower. The Shelby
GT500KR carries forward the spirit of the original
car – with 1,000 units planned for production.
The 2009 model year marks Mustang’s 45th year.
Mustang was first introduced in 1964 at the World’s Fair
in New York with a price tag of $2,300. Ford sold more
than 417,000 Mustangs in its first year.
Today, as the car approaches its 45th anniversary,
nearly 9 million units have been sold.
Internationally, there are more than 250 Mustang
enthusiasts clubs – more than any other vehicle – in the
United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, South America and
Australia.
Aside from its legion of loyal fans, Mustang also
stands out for safety. The Mustang convertible is the
first sports car and first convertible to earn the
highest possible safety ratings in all New Car
Assessment Ratings test modes performed by the U.S.
government. The coupe earned five stars in frontal crash
evaluations for both driver and front-seat passenger and
in side impact for driver and rollover testing. It
earned four stars for side impact for rear-seat
passengers.
NEW MUSTANG
CONVERTIBLE STANDS ALONE IN ITS CLASS
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 4, 2007
– The Ford Mustang convertible, the
best-selling convertible ever, is now the
first specialty sports car in history to
earn the highest possible safety ratings in
all New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test
modes performed by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).The
iconic 2008 Ford Mustang convertible stands
alone as the only convertible of any type
that can be called a five-star safety
vehicle, having aced all NCAP crash testing
and rollover resistance evaluations.
To achieve five stars in all categories,
vehicles must earn the highest possible
safety ratings in:
Frontal crash evaluations for both
driver and front-seat passenger
Side impact evaluations for both
driver and rear-seat passenger directly
behind the driver
NHTSA's rollover test, a two-tiered
evaluation used to gauge a vehicle's
resistance to rollover
The new Mustang convertible also earned
the highest side-impact performance rating
from the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS).
“The five-star ratings confirm our own
analysis of the safety performance of this
excellent vehicle,” said Jim Vondale,
director, Ford's Automotive Safety Office.
“The Mustang convertible is another example
of working at all levels to offer a vehicle
that is both sporty and safe. It was
developed with a dedicated focus on safety,
making it the highest rated Mustang ever
built."
For 2008, Mustang adds standard side air
bags to an already comprehensive safety
package. Along with the addition of
seat-mounted thorax side air bags, safety
features include the Personal Safety System
– a suite of restraint technologies designed
to tailor their response to the severity of
the crash and other factors. The system
includes dual-stage driver and front
passenger air bags, safety belt
pretensioners, seat weight sensing system
for the passenger seat and crash severity
sensing.
A vehicle occupant's best line of defense
in crashes remains the safety belt. Ford
Motor Company's industry-leading technology,
Beltminder, reminds the driver and
front-seat passenger to buckle up. The
technology has been installed in more than
20 million vehicles. Both NHTSA and IIHS
have noted the effectiveness of Beltminder
as a significant life-saving technology.
Mustang convertible features a
crash-optimized structure designed to help
absorb and dissipate crash energy and
maintain occupant compartment integrity.
Ford designs all of its vehicles with the
objective of reducing the risk and severity
of injury in a crash. Ford safety engineers
and experts use the most advanced computer
modeling technology in the industry to
ensure its vehicles meet or exceed our
stringent internal crashworthiness
standards. Ford incorporates an array of
other stringent safety testing in the
development of its vehicles, including
frontal offset, side impact and rear impact.
Mustang remains one of the greatest
automotive sales success stories of all time
and is America’s best-selling convertible.
Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold
in this country is a Mustang. The 2008
Mustang intends to hold on to that sales
leadership with new available features that
will add personal appeal, including High
Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, 18-inch
wheels on the V-6 coupe, and an interior
ambient lighting system.
MUSTANG ADDS MORE STANDARD SAFETY
FEATURES AND PERSONALIZED OPTIONS FOR 2008
Standard Safety. Side air bags are now
standard on all Mustang models.
Cool New Features. Available interior
ambient lighting and HID headlamps add a touch
of upscale class.
Bold Design. Three new colors and available
18-inch premium wheels on the V-6 coupe enhance
Mustang’s bold American style.
Shelby Mustang Magic. The 2008 Ford Shelby
GT convertible and 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR –
the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever
produced – complete the modern Shelby Mustang
lineup.
More Choices. Warriors in Pink Package join
Mustang’s extensive lineup.
Ford Mustang charges into 2008 as the one and
only pony car on the streets, and looks to stretch
its segment leadership with new features for that
personalized look and feel that Mustang enthusiasts
love.
Mustang remains one of the greatest automotive
sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of
every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang,
and Mustang remains one of the hottest-selling cars
in America. It’s also America’s best-selling
convertible.
The 2008 Mustang intends to hold on to that sales
leadership with new available features that will add
personal appeal, including High Intensity Discharge
(HID) headlamps, 18-inch wheels on the V-6 coupe,
and an interior ambient lighting system.
Three new colors enhance Mustang’s bold, American
style while safety improves with the addition of
standard side air bags.
Two new Shelby Mustangs are available for 2008 –
the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT and Shelby GT500KR. The
2008 Mustang Shelby GT offers consumers a new Vista
Blue exterior color with silver stripe, and the
choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.
Under the hood, the Shelby GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine
is modified with Ford Racing Performance Parts and
generates 319 horsepower. Coil springs drop the
overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half and
stiffer dampers and a front swaybar further enhance
cornering feel and body control.
To mark the 40th Anniversary of the original
“King of the Road” Mustang, 2008 sees the return of
the Shelby GT500KR. Hailed as the most powerful
production Ford Mustang ever produced, the 2008
Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-horsepower
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. Available in
spring 2008, the exterior design draws inspiration
from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features
unique carbon composite hood, Shelby-designed
18-inch wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging
and unique striping.
Also new for 2008 is a limited-edition Warriors
in Pink Mustang – designed exclusively in support of
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Produced in
celebration of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s 25th
Anniversary, the vehicle features unique pink
exterior and interior design accents. Sales from the
Warriors in Pink edition will help raise funds for
Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Highlights include:
Pink ribbon and Pony fender badge.
Pink ‘Mustang’ rocker tape stripe.
Charcoal leather seats and Charcoal floor
mats with Pink contrast stitching.
Leather-wrapped aluminum spoke steering
wheel with Pink contrast stitching.
Unique Pony grille with chrome bezel and fog
lamps.
Mustang comes in both coupe and convertible body
styles, V-6 Deluxe, V-6 Premium, GT Deluxe and GT
Premium. All Mustangs are built in Flat Rock, Mich.,
with final assembly of the Shelby GT and GT500KR
taking place at the Shelby Automobiles facility in
Las Vegas.
Design and Equipment
Mustang epitomizes pure American muscle. The
signature long hood and short rear deck capitalize
on more than 40 years of Mustang heritage, as do
classic design cues that have defined Mustangs since
the 1960s: C-scoops in the sides, three-element
taillamps, and a galloping horse badge in the center
of the grille.
The Mustang’s menacing shark-like nose imparts an
attitude not seen since the 1967 model, while
jeweled, round headlamps in trapezoidal housings are
part of its modern architecture. The car’s
aggressive rake gives the design visual motion,
while the short overhangs and up to 18-inch wheels
and tires anchor the design visually and physically
to the road.
Mustang continues to offer unique packages for
2008.
The Pony Package, available on the V-6 model,
first launched in 2006. It features a GT-handling
package that includes a larger front stabilizer bar,
the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and
P235/55ZR17 tires on painted cast-aluminum
wheels. Also included are bright, machined rims and
unique tri-bar Pony center caps. Further touches
include fog lights, Pony front fender badges, lower
door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats with
special brushed chrome “Mustang” logos and a rear
spoiler.
The Mustang GT California Special is available on
GT Premium models and includes 18-inch wheels, side
scoops, unique tape stripes, rolled bright exhaust
tips, black leather trimmed seats with unique “Cal
Special” contrasting Dove or Parchment leather
inserts, a larger air intake, a chin spoiler (1.5
inches lower than GT), and unique front and rear
fascias.
An appearance package is available for the
Mustang GT featuring rolled exhaust tips, an engine
cover with a Pony emblem and a hood scoop.
The California Special and GT appearance packages
can be ordered separately or combined to give
Mustang enthusiasts one of the most expressive
Mustang GTs ever offered.
Customizable interior to fit any mood
Inside, Mustang’s industry-first MyColor™
color-configurable instrument panel offers the
ultimate in personalization. Mustang owners can mix
and match lighting at the touch of a button to
create more than 125 color backgrounds to suit their
personalities, moods, outfits or whims.
For 2008, Ford also lets Mustang owners color
outside the lines with an available interior ambient
lighting package. This unique feature offers the
option of illuminating the front and rear footwells
and front cupholders with any one of seven colors.
The driver or front passenger can choose from red,
orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow.
Additional modern interior touches mix with
Mustang history and heritage. Chrome-ringed air
vents are aligned vertically across the dash,
precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering
wheel has three spokes with a center hub marked by
the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design
of the 1967 Mustang.
Numerous standard features include an auxiliary
audio input jack, one-touch up-down power windows,
power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a
heated rear window, interval wipers, air
conditioning, speed control and a CD player.
Available interior options include SIRIUS® Satellite
Radio, heated front seats, voice-activated
navigation and a Shaker 1000 premium audio system.
Power and Performance
Muscular engines infuse Mustang with tire-smoking
performance. The 4.6-liter aluminum V-8 has three
valve heads and cranks out 300 horsepower. That’s
more than 50 percent more power than the
small-block, 289-cubic-inch V-8 found in the classic
1964.5 model.
The standard engine – a 60-degree, 4.0-liter,
single-overhead-cam V-6 – produces 210 horsepower
and 240 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines are paired with a standard 5-speed
manual transmission or an available 5-speed
automatic, which provides a unique combination of
off-the-line jump and good highway fuel economy.
At the front suspension, MacPherson struts with
reverse “L” lower control arms deliver comfort. The
three-link rear suspension has a lightweight,
tubular Panhard rod that provides precise control of
the rear axle. This technology stabilizes the rear
axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard
cornering.
The standard four-wheel disc brakes have the
biggest rotors and stiffest calipers ever fitted to
a mainstream Mustang. Twin-piston aluminum calipers
clamp down on 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs
on GT models. In the rear, the brake rotors are 11.8
inches in diameter.
A four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with
traction control is standard on GT models and
available on V-6 models. It uses electronic sensors
to constantly monitor road conditions and feed the
information to a dedicated control computer that’s
capable of determining within milliseconds whether
the vehicle is on dry pavement or negotiating a
slippery surface. When traction control isn’t
desired, drivers can deactivate the system with a
button on the instrument panel.
Safety and Security
The 2008 Mustang adds standard side air bags to an
already comprehensive safety package. Along with the
addition of seat-mounted thorax side air bags,
safety features also include dual-stage driver and
front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners,
seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat
and crash severity sensing.
An optional active anti-theft package offers
customers an added level of security. It includes a
sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an
interior motion sensor to detect smash-and-grab
break-ins, a separate alarm sounder — in addition to
the vehicle horn — to thwart thieves trying to
disable the horn, and a high-capacity,
60-ampere-hour battery that sounds the alarm longer.
Major Features and Options V-6 Deluxe: Auxiliary audio input jack;
One-touch up-down power windows; Power mirrors and
door locks; Keyless entry; air conditioning; AM/FM
audio system with single CD; Tilt steering wheel;
Speed control; Rear window defroster; Stainless
steel exhaust; 16-inch wheels; Four-wheel power disc
brakes; Cloth bucket seats with 50/50 split-fold
rear on coupe models; Seat-mounted side air bags;
LATCH; Personal Safety System®; SecuriLock®; and
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
V-6 Premium adds: 16-inch, painted bright
machined-aluminum wheels with chrome spinner; Shaker
500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3
capability; Six-way power-adjustable driver seat.
GT Deluxe adds: 4.6-liter, 3-valve, V-8
engine; ABS with traction control; Stainless steel
dual exhaust; Front fog lamps in grille; Complex
reflector halogen headlamps with integral turn
signals; Rear spoiler; Performance tires with
17-inch, painted cast-aluminum wheels; and AM/FM
audio system with single CD.
GT Premium adds: Shaker 500 audio system
with six-disc CD player; and Aberdeen
leather-trimmed, Embossed sport bucket seats.
Options include: Ambient interior
lighting; GT California Special Package; GT
Appearance Package; Comfort Group; Shaker 1000
premium audio system; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio;
Touch-screen navigation system; V-6 Pony Package;
Interior Upgrade Package with satin-aluminum trim or
dark aluminum trim and MyColor custom instrument
panel; Sport Interior Appearance Package; Premier
Trim with Color Accent Package, Sport Exterior
Appearance Package; Five-speed automatic
transmission; Two styles of 18-inch, cast-aluminum
wheels; Active anti-theft system.
Milestones
1964
Mustang introduced April 17 at World’s
Fair in New York
1964
250,000th Mustang sold
1965
Mustang becomes the most successful new
car by selling 418,812 units in its first
model year
1966
One millionth Mustang rolls off the line
at Dearborn Assembly plant in Michigan
1967
Mustang 390 GT wins Cars magazine’s “Top
Performance Car of the Year”
1974
Mustang II wins Motor Trend’s “Car of
the Year” award
1983
The California Highway Patrol purchases
400 Mustangs to help troopers keep pace with
high-speed pursuits
1983
Mustang SVO introduced as 1984 model
1993
First-generation SVT Mustang Cobra
introduced with a 5.0-liter V-8 producing
235 horsepower
1995
SVT Mustang Cobra R model produces 300
horsepower from its 5.8-liter V-8
2003
With a 4.6-liter supercharged V-8, SVT
Mustang Cobra offers 390 horsepower
2004
Mustang celebrates its 40th anniversary
with a special edition and a concept car at
the North American International Auto Show
2005
All-new platform and clean-sheet design
make Mustang faster, safer, more agile and
better-looking than ever
2006
The modern Shelby Mustang lineup is born
with the debut of the 2007 Shelby GT500
coupe and convertible
2006
Ford, Carroll Shelby, and Ford Racing
joined forces to create a retail version of
the Shelby GT-H Hertz rental car called the
Shelby GT for the 2007 model year
2007
Ford Mustang receives top honors as Best
Midsize Sporty Car in 2007 J.D. Power and
Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS)
2007
Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of
the original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and
Shelby collaborate on and debut a new ‘King
of the Road’ Mustang with the 2008 Shelby
GT500KR
FORD, LEAR TO LAUNCH INDUSTRY'S FIRST SOY BASED SEAT
FOAM IN 2008 FORD MUSTANG
Ford Motor Company and Lear Corporation have
joined forces to produce seat foam made from
soy-based materials. The first application will
appear in the 2008 Ford Mustang.
Ford has a rich history in incorporating
soy-based materials into its products that dates
back to the Model T. Ford’s industry-leading work
with soy-foams was showcased in its award-winning
Model U concept, which featured soy-based seat
cushions and soy-based resin composite tailgate.
Environmental advantages of soy-foam include; a
reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared
to the current petroleum-based material, lower
energy to produce, up to 24 percent renewable
content, and a reduction of dependency on volatile
energy markets.
DEARBORN, Mich., July 12 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F]
and Lear Corporation [NYSE: LEA] will mark an automotive
milestone in August when production of soy-based foam
for seats begins in the 2008 model year Ford Mustang.
America’s beloved pony car will use the industry’s
first soy-based flexible foam in the seat backs and seat
cushions beginning in August at the Auto Alliance
International factory in Flat Rock, Michigan, home of
the Ford Mustang.
Ford has a rich history in incorporating soy based
materials into its products. The Model T, for example,
once contained 60 pounds of soybeans in its paint and
molded plastic parts. Ford again showcased its
industry-leading work with soy-foams in 2003 on the
Model U concept, which featured soy-based seat cushions
as well as a soy-based resin composite tailgate.
“Our technical team had to overcome several
significant hurdles to bring this environmentally
responsible technology to production,” said Gerhard
Schmidt, vice president of Research & Advanced
Engineering at Ford Motor Company. “We are pleased that
our diligent efforts in developing this technology have
resulted in the production of soy-foam for the Ford
Mustang.”
Ford was the first automaker in the world to
demonstrate that soy-based polyols could be used at high
percentage levels to make foam capable of meeting or
exceeding automotive requirements. In 2004, Ford and
Lear formed a partnership to commercialize soy-foam
applications, with initial work concentrating on the
molding of headrest and armrest components.
Lear is a leader in the area of environmental systems
for automotive seating with industry firsts, such as the
use of expanded polypropylene and polyethylene
materials. These materials are used in place of
traditional polyurethane foam which offers lower mass
and is 100 percent recyclable.
“Using renewable resources is an important means to
supplying automotive products that improve environmental
impact,” said Ray Scott, senior vice president and
president of Lear’s Seating Systems Division. “This also
helps in reducing the amount of pollution in the
production of materials for automotive use. Ford Motor
Company and Lear Corporation are able to bring this
product to market ahead of our competitors due largely
to our collaborative work with in the area of ‘Green’
technology.”
The environmental advantages of soy-foam include: a
reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when
compared to current petroleum-based material, lower
energy required to produce the material, up to 24
percent renewable content, and a reduction of dependence
on volatile energy markets.
Ford and Lear collaborated with the United Soybean
Board - New Uses Committee (a group of 64 farmers and
agriculture industry leaders), Urethane Soy Systems
Company, Bayer Corporation and Renosol Corporation on
soy-foam development.
Friendlier to the Environment
“Soy is a very green, renewable resource,” says
Debbie Mielewski, technical leader for Ford’s Materials
Research & Advanced Engineering Department. “Using
soy-based foam gives us the opportunity to conserve
natural resources and reduce our environmental
footprint.”
Most automotive manufacturers today use 100 percent
petroleum-based polyol foam. Each vehicle produced today
contains an average of 30 pounds of petroleum-based
foam. The total annual worldwide market for the foam is
9 billion pounds. Milewski says auto manufacturers
research and development of renewable, more
environmentally friendly materials to produce the foam,
could have a significant environmental impact.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry
leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or
distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six
continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100
plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated
automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover,
Lincoln , Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
For more information regarding Ford’s products, please
visit
www.fordvehicles.com.
About Lear Corporation
Lear Corporation is one of the world's largest
suppliers of automotive seating systems, electronic
products and electrical distribution systems. Lear's
world-class products are designed, engineered and
manufactured by a diverse team of more than 90,000
employees at 236 facilities in 33 countries. Lear's
headquarters are in Southfield , Michigan . Lear is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
[LEA]. Further information about Lear is available on
the Internet at
http://www.lear.com.
Shelby Automobiles and Scott Drake
Enterprises Announce Performance Parts Company for
New Mustangs
LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- Jun.
14, 2007 A new performance parts business formed by
Shelby Automobiles(TM) and Scott Drake Enterprises,
Inc. will be introduced at the 33rd Annual
Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet on June
14, 2007. The new company, called Shelby Performance
Parts, LLC will offer a complete line of products to
turn up the wick on 2005 and newer Ford Mustangs,
Shelby GT's and Shelby GT500's. Many of the key
components from Shelby's partnership with Ford
Racing, which is demonstrated in the new "Super
Snake" package for Ford Shelby GT500, will be at the
event.
"Genuine Shelby parts will pump up
the capabilities of any contemporary Ford or Shelby
Mustang," said Amy Boylan, Shelby Performance Parts
Co-Founder. "The aggressive suspension and engine
packages are taken from lessons learned during
development of Ford Shelby cars. Working with Scott
Drake Enterprises, we developed components and
packages that will power these cars to the front of
the pack."
Packages available from the
company will include newly-developed enhancements to
the handling, styling and power of all current
generation V6 and V8 Ford Mustangs and Shelby's.
Individual components will include upgraded brakes,
supercharger packages, suspension components and
cosmetic pieces such as hoods and fascias
exclusively designed at Shelby Automobiles. Engine
tuning options will range from 300 HP (with
warranty) for the V6 Mustang to over 725 HP from the
5.4L V8 (without warranty). Shelby Performance Parts
will offer the Shelby CS6 and Shelby GT500 40th
anniversary packages, as well as clothing and
accessories.
Some of those components are part
of the new Shelby GT500 "Super Snake" package for
the 2007 and 2008 Ford Shelby GT500. The prototype
hot rod Shelby will be on display at the Shelby rig
throughout the event.
"We're announcing Shelby
Performance Parts at the Mid-America Ford and
Performance Meet because the enthusiasts who attend
are always seeking a new competitive edge," added
Scott Drake, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of
Shelby Performance Parts. "Our goal is to give
enthusiasts more ways to enjoy their pony cars. By
combining the experience at Scott Drake Enterprises
with the performance expertise at Shelby
Automobiles, we believe Shelby Performance Parts
will become a hot spot for serious performance
fanatics."
The longest-running, multi-faceted
event in the world, the Mid-America Ford Performance
and Shelby Meet includes a broad range of activities
including drag racing, a cruise night, road racing
exhibitions, a car show and banquet. Several stock
and modified Shelby's will be at the event
headquarters, which is the Tulsa Marriott located
just south of I-44 at the Lewis Avenue exit. Factory
test drivers will also demonstrate products at the
Hallett Motor Raceway road course and Tulsa Raceway
drag strip during the four day event.
Parts are now available
exclusively at
http://www.shelbyperformanceparts.com or by
calling (702) 405-3500. Super Snake packages will be
available from Shelby Autos and Shelby Performance
Parts beginning in late summer 2007; those
interested in adding it to their Shelby GT500 can
contact the factory at (702) 942-7325.
About Scott Drake Enterprises
Featuring over 7500 quality
products, Scott Drake Enterprises, Inc., is the
world's largest manufacturer of reproduction parts
for classic Mustangs. The company's products are
only available through popular Mustang parts
retailers and distributors, along with restoration
shops. Each part has been painstakingly designed,
engineered and tested to provide the best fit,
durability and quality available. More information
is available at
http://www.scottdrake.net.
About Shelby Automobiles
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby,
Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets
performance vehicles and related products. The
company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras,
including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car
component vehicles. The company has partnered with
Ford Motor Company to build the Shelby GT, Shelby
GT500 and Shelby GT-H, which are based on the
current Mustang. For more information about Shelby
Automobiles, visit
http://www.shelbyautos.com.
Update:
SHELBY AUTOS AND FORD RACING TO BUILD 600+ HP STREET LEGAL
SHELBY GT500 "SUPER SNAKES"
Scott Black
Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
(214) 520-3430
sblack@timepiecepr.com
Whitney E. Drake
Ford Motor Company
(313) 323-8564
wdrake@ford.com
Las Vegas – April 27, 2007 – Shelby
Automobiles will use newly-developed Ford Racing GT500
performance packs to help transform a limited number of 2007
and 2008 Ford Shelby GT500’s into fire breathing “Super
Snake” coupes. The Super Snake post-title package will
include enhancements to the Ford Shelby GT500’s handling,
styling and power; tuning options will range from a
warranted 600 HP V8 to over 725 HP (unwarranted). Only a
limited number of Super Snakes will be built per model year
at the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas beginning in
late 2007.
“My team at Shelby Automobiles is always working on new
ways to build better performing cars” said Carroll Shelby.
“I told them that I wanted to build a vehicle that could
blow the doors off of most anything on the planet. By
partnering with Ford Racing, we’re giving enthusiasts a
Mustang with that level of performance.”
Working together at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in
Dearborn, Ford Racing and Team Shelby developed the
aggressive suspension and engine package specifically for
the car.
“Mustang enthusiasts are demanding more from both Ford
Racing and Shelby Autos” said Jamie Allison, Manager of Ford
Racing Performance Group. “The GT500 Super Snake package,
with its higher horsepower levels and balanced
track-inspired tuning, satisfies those demands and then some
… in a uniquely Ford – Shelby way.”
In 1967, Shelby American built one 427-powered GT500
“Super Snake” for Mel Burns Ford. Carroll Shelby drove it at
the Goodyear test track for tire promotion film production.
That car reached lap speeds of over 150 mph and a top speed
of 170 mph. The new Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake will be
equally potent.
“The name ‘Super Snake’ is legendary because the one that
Shelby built was the pinnacle of muscle cars in 1967,” added
Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “We’re bringing
that concept forward 40 years for customers who own a Ford
Shelby GT500. We’ll give their car amazing new
capabilities.”
Ford Racing and Team Shelby developed the GT500 Super
Snake package which will include:
Ford Racing Supercharger upgrade kit (SuperPack 600)
producing over 600 horsepower and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque
6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle
ratio
Ford Racing performance exhaust system
Ford Racing Handling Pack offering unique
performance suspension tuning including Dynamic
adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer
bars, and front strut tower brace
Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels
Ford Racing short-throw shifter
Baer 6 piston brakes with Shelby cast calipers and
larger rotors
‘Shelby’ lettering across the front edge of hood and
rear decklid
'Super Snake' vehicle badging
Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests,
floor mats and other Shelby designed components
Official Shelby CSM dash plate
In addition, while the full Super Snake package will be
available exclusively through Shelby Automobiles, many of
the products comprising the Super Snake package will be
available from Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing starting
in June.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader
based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes
automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more
than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide,
the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include
Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston
Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information
regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
For more information regarding Ford Racing performance
packs, visit www.fordracingparts.com.
About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc.,
manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related
products. The company manufactures authentic continuation
Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car
component vehicles. The company has partnered with Ford
Motor Company to build the Shelby GT, Shelby GT500 and
Shelby GT-H, which are based on the current Mustang. For
more information about Shelby Automobiles, visit
www.shelbyautos.com.
Update 4/19/07: NEW LIMITED-EDITION 2007 FORD SHELBY
GT500 OFFERS MUSTANG ENTHUSIASTS A CHANCE TO HIT THE
REDLINE
Production of limited-edition Red Stripe
Appearance Package for 2007 Shelby GT500 to begin in
May.
Special package includes unique exterior
striping and badges, Red and Black leather seating,
special interior trim and logos and branded Shelby
GT500 car cover.
2007 Ford Shelby GT500 tops in segment quality,
says RDA Group research—92 percent of owners would
definitely recommend the vehicle to family or
friends.
DEARBORN, Mich., April 19, 2007 – Even with demand
for the most muscular Mustang ever – the Ford Shelby
GT500 – at a record high, Ford is cranking up additional
interest with a new, limited-edition package that adds
unique visual appeal to the Shelby GT500. Enter the "Red
Stripe Appearance Package," to be available beginning in
May.
The Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang on
the road today and arguably one of the most successful
projects from Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in terms
of performance, excitement and, importantly, quality.
In fact, early indicators show the Shelby GT500 is a
quality standout. In the most recent Global Quality
Research System (GQRS) study from RDA Group, an
independent research company based in Bloomfield Hills,
Mi., the Shelby GT500 earned praise as the
highest-quality Mustang model, with the fewest “things
gone wrong” in the first three months of ownership.
The Mustang line scores above the segment average in
quality, according to the GQRS study, and the Shelby
GT500 specifically scored the top result in the “sports
car” segment.
“The unmatched quality and power of the latest
Mustang masterpiece explains why 9 out of 10 owners are
completely satisfied with their overall ownership
experience,” the April 2007 RDA Group report concluded.
New Limited-Edition Shelby GT500 Package to be
Available Beginning in May
The new Red Stripe Appearance Package will be
available on any new 2007 Shelby GT500 Coupe with either
White or Black exterior paint. Included in the
special-edition package are Bright Red overbody and
bodyside stripes, a Red and Black leather interior,
unique red-accent exterior badges, including red-tinted
Cobra emblems in the grille, fenders, and in the faux
gas cap on the rear panel. Even the "SHELBY" letters on
the decklid feature red accents.
The Red Stripe Appearance Package also adds unique
new premium floor mats with a Red and Silver embroidered
"Cobra Snake" logo, plus a fitted Shelby GT500-branded
car cover.
The appearance package carries an MSRP of $1,650 and
will be available from early May through late June,
marking the end of the 2007 model run.
"The red package is all about exclusivity," said
Robert Parker, Ford’s Car Marketing manager. "Our
Mustang customers are eager to buy unique vehicles like
the Shelby GT500 and will certainly appreciate the
opportunity for something even more exclusive, made in
an even more limited number. These are great customers
and very passionate. I’m glad we can continue to deliver
what they want.”
Shelby GT500 is among the Most Successful
Performance Mustangs Ever
Enthusiasm doesn't begin to describe the ongoing
demand for the Ford Shelby GT500. In the
hyper-competitive auto market where supply routinely
surpasses demand, the Shelby GT500 still has a long
waiting list of buyers.
The Shelby GT500 was created by racing legend Carroll
Shelby and Ford SVT and is a modern interpretation of
the classic Shelby Mustang of the 1960s. Beneath the
hood of every GT500 – including the new Red model – is a
5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine officially rated at
500 hp. A 6-speed manual gearbox features evenly spaced
gears that help provide a sharp, lively driving
experience on both road and track.
In addition to the engine upgrades, Ford’s SVT
engineers retuned and upgraded key Mustang chassis
components. Improvements include revised shocks, spring
rates and upgraded stabilizer bars that help the Ford
Shelby GT500 maneuver with authority.
The GT500's unique design features include wide upper
and lower fascia openings with a functional air
splitter. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add
to the dramatic front appearance. The carefully tailored
hood has heat extractors protruding near the leading
edge, combining to provide improved airflow and
aerodynamics.
The MSRP of a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 starts at
$41,675.
Update: MORE MUSTANG POWER: FORD SHELBY GT500KR ‘KING OF
THE ROAD’ RETURNS IN 2008
2008
Shelby GT500KR
Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the
original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and Shelby
collaborate on a new ‘King of the Road’ Mustang with
the 2008 Shelby GT500KR.
Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 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 special 40th
Anniversary badging and unique striping.
Shelby GT500KR arrives in spring 2008 in an
exclusive run of only 1000 units.
DEARBORN, Mich., March 30 - Ford and Shelby
Automobiles are at it again, this time in celebration of
the fortieth anniversary of the 1968 Shelby Cobra
GT500KR. To be unveiled at the 2007 New York
International Auto Show, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR—the
most powerful Mustang to date—will once again mark
Mustang as ‘King of the Road.’
“I’m proud to once again be a part of an historical
moment, bringing back the ‘King of the Road’ Mustang,
and collaborating with Ford SVT and Ford Racing” said
Carroll Shelby. “I’m committed to continuously upping
the ante when it comes to performance, and it’s great to
be doing it with Ford.” “The return of the Shelby
GT500KR further establishes Mustang as the true king of
the pony car segment,” said Robert Parker, manager of
Ford Car Brand. “With the unveiling of the new KR we are
staying true to the promise we made our loyal Mustang
fans to continue Mustang’s prowess by bringing new,
exciting and more powerful Mustangs to market.”
Forty years ago, at the 1967 New York Auto Show, Ford
introduced the most powerful Shelby Mustang ever. Like
every Mustang that bore the name ‘Shelby,’ the GT500KR
carries with it its own unique story.
The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR was a mid-year
introduction, based on the 1968 Shelby GT500. Ford added
‘Cobra’ to the Shelby’s moniker to help usher in the
beginning of a new performance era at the company. The
Cobra name referred to the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that
was planted under the KR’s custom fiberglass hood. It
was the engine that would once again vault the Mustang
to the head of the pack.
Ford conservatively rated the 428 CJ at
335-horsepower, but in reality it made more than
400-horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. The KR
model was also equipped with a modified suspension and
was offered both in fastback and convertible models.
Ford dealers sold 1,570 GT500KR models in 1968, 1053
fastbacks and 517 convertibles.
While the name ‘King of the Road’ may have been the
perfect fit for the world’s most powerful Mustang, it
also provided Shelby the chance to steal the thunder
from cross-town rival General Motors. As the legend
goes, Shelby learned that GM was planning to introduce a
high-performance model and call it ‘King of the Road.’
Since he had always wanted to use the name, and as
one to never miss an opportunity, Shelby set his
organization in gear, registering the name and designing
new badging for the Cobra Jet-powered Mustang,
christening it the GT500KR, and bringing Ford’s ‘King of
the Road’ to market before GM ever got a chance to apply
the name to their product.
Thoroughbred Pedigree
Just like its 1968 namesake, the 2008 Ford Shelby
GT500KR builds on the strong foundation of the Shelby
GT500. Packing 40 more horses under its custom-designed
carbon composite hood, the GT500KR is the most powerful
production Ford Mustang ever produced.
The modern Shelby Mustang line-up started with the
2007 Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible. With the recent
launch of the 2007 Shelby GT, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR
becomes the third production high-performance Mustang
brought to market through the relationship of Shelby
Automobiles and Ford. Ford and Shelby Automobiles also
partnered up with Hertz to produce a special limited run
of 500 Shelby GT-H “rent-a-racer” Mustangs available
only for rent.
The 2007 Shelby GT500 has been one of the most
successful vehicle programs in the 14-year history of
Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and that success has
opened the door for more performance collaborations with
Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing. Working together,
these three performance powerhouses are driving Mustang
momentum on the street and on the racetrack. Dealers
cannot keep the cars on their lots, customers are
clamoring for more, and racers are bringing home
championships.
Shelby Mustangs have already achieved some impressive
highlights showcasing an enthusiast demand that is
unmatched in the business:
The first 2007 Shelby GT500 available to the public
sold for $600,000 dollars at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson
Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ benefiting the
Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.
2007 Shelby GT VIN#1 also went for $600,000 at
charity auction, this time at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson
Collector Car Auction (and the winning bidder also took
the opportunity to purchase VIN#2 at MSRP).
Shelby GT-H coupes auctioned off to Ford dealers
after completion of Hertz rental duty consistently
average $50,000, with high auction bids of $90,000.
The Shelby GT500KR will be produced in an exclusive
run of 1000 units and will begin arriving in Ford
dealers in the spring of 2008.
Crowning the New “King of the Road”
Doug Gaffka, Ford SVT chief designer, and his team
worked closely with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team
to make certain the new KR was crafted in the spirit of
the original Shelby muscle car.
“This was a great effort between Ford and Shelby
Automobiles,” said Gaffka. “The Shelby team and I were
in constant contact melding Carroll’s classic design
cues with some modern concepts and ideas and finessing
them into the design of the new KR.”
Gary Davis, vice president of production and product
development for Shelby Automobiles, played a key role in
defining the look of the custom designed carbon
composite hood for the GT500KR. His knowledge of the
original GT500KR helped sculpt a modern interpretation
of the original’s bulging hood scoop, a visual
indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it.
The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel,
twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses
a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool
the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.
Side stripes are true to the original KR right down
to the font used for the ‘GT500KR’ lettering, while the
classic LeMans-style striping that races down the center
of the car has been deleted between the leading forward
edge of the hood scoops and the front of the hood,
accenting the scoops and giving the KR its distinctive
face. “That was Shelby’s idea,” said Gaffka. “It’s a
special touch that adds some down-the-road
differentiation. There will be no doubt that it’s a
‘King of the Road’ Mustang that’s filling up your
rearview mirrors.”
The show car wears exclusive, Shelby-designed
20-inch, forged, polished aluminum wheels with special
custom center caps, mounted on Pirelli rubber.
Production models will arrive with an 18-inch version of
the design.
Each KR model is identified by special 40th
Anniversary KR badges on the fenders and grille,
distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby
lettering stretching across the front of the hood and
along the rear portion of the deck lid. A special Shelby
VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the
engine compartment.
The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby
signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby
CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the
top of the center stack.
The KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal
Treatment
Just like its namesake, the 2008 ‘King of the Road’
packs a walloping dose of Ford performance power under
its massive composite hood scoops. The Ford SVT-engineered
5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is treated to a Ford Racing
Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an
estimated 540 and torque to 510 ft.-lbs., thanks to
revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air
intake system that replaces the stock unit.
Calibration modifications include advancing the
ignition timing as well as re-mapping of the electronic
throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response
for better off-line and mid-range acceleration.
Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper
roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a
Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1
rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500’s
3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford
Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR.
Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent
shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for
crisper, sharper shifts.
Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together
to develop the KR’s suspension tuning. Based on initial
work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at
Shelby’s own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor
Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine
tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets.
“The production Shelby GT500 was maximized to deliver
the perfect balance between ride and handling,” said
Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer, Ford SVT. “In
that same ride versus handling continuum, the KR will
lean heavier towards all-out handling while still making
it drivable on the street.”
Chassis engineers worked closely with the engine
department in a holistic approach to the development of
the KR, tuning the suspension to best optimize the
engine enhancements.
“We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two
attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole,”
stated Gary Patterson, vice president of operations for
Shelby Automobiles. “The throttle response, power
delivery, exhaust note, and handling should all gel
together to deliver a total driving experience.”
The GT500KR will feature unique spring rates,
dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all
designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the
precision handling package.
Mustang Momentum Cannot be Stopped
Unwilling to wait for the impending pony car war to heat
up, Ford is extending Mustang’s leadership position by
feeding the enthusiast demand for more models, features,
performance parts, and special editions. Ford has
committed to at least one new Mustang ‘feature’ vehicle
per year. For 2007, it is the Shelby GT, and for 2008,
there will be at least two including the Shelby GT500KR
and the previously announced Mustang Bullitt. Ford’s
‘Steed for Every Need’ strategy currently offers four
horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from
$19,995 for a 240-hp V-6 Mustang coupe to $46,500 for a
500-hp Shelby GT500 convertible.
Ford has also introduced several special packages on
Mustang further increasing its unique offerings,
including the Pony Package and the California Special.
In addition, Ford Racing offers a complete catalog of
performance parts for Mustang fans, from custom wheels
and exhausts to the complete, turn-key Ford Racing
Mustang FR500C race car.
As a result, Ford offers Mustang enthusiasts the
ability to buy, modify and drive the steed that
perfectly fits their need.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader
based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes
automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With
more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants
worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive
brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln,
Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit
Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products,
please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles,
Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and
related products. The company manufactures authentic
continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and
289 street car component vehicles. In 2007, the company
partnered with Ford Motor Company to launch the new
Shelby GT, which is based on the Mustang. For more
information about Shelby Automobiles and to see the
build of a 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, visit
www.shelbyautos.com.
2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR – Specifications and
Design Highlights
5.4-liter supercharged V-8 producing an estimated
540-horsepower and 510 ft.-lbs. of torque
Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack featuring revised
calibration and cold air intake system
6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle
ratio
Ford Racing performance exhaust system
Unique performance suspension tuning: springs,
dampers, and stabilizer bars
Shelby-designed ‘GT500KR’ 20-inch wheels (18-inch
version for production)
Ford Racing short-throw shifter and front strut
tower brace
‘Shelby’ lettering across the front edge of hood and
rear decklid
40th Anniversary badges on the front quarter panels
Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and
floor mats
Official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash
plate
NEW 2007
FORD SHELBY GT BEGINS PRODUCTION; FIRST CAR TO BE AUCTIONED
AT BARRETT-JACKSON
The new Ford Shelby GT is the third model in the
modern Shelby Mustang portfolio, joining the
500-horsepower Ford Shelby GT500 and Hertz rental
special, Shelby GT-H.
The 2007 Ford Shelby GT will be priced a starting
MSRP of $36,970.
The first production-built Shelby GT, CSM No.
07SGT0001 will go over the auction block in support of
the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation at the
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Event on
Saturday, January 20th.
Ford Shelby Mustangs have proven extremely
desirable: The first publicly available Shelby GT500
sold for $600,000 in January 2006, the first Shelby GT-H
sold to the public commanded $250,000 in late July, and
Shelby GT-Hs coming off Hertz rental duty are selling
for $68,000-$90,000 at auction.
Carroll
Shelby and the first production 2007 Ford Shelby GT
LAS VEGAS, Dec.22, 2006 – The first Ford Shelby GT CSM
No. 07SGT0001 will fire up its engine and drive out of the
Shelby Automobiles build center in Las Vegas in celebration
of the start of production of the third model in the modern
Ford Shelby Mustang portfolio. The Shelby GT features a
4.6-liter V-8, classic Shelby design cues, and performance
modifications and will be priced at $36,970 MSRP including
applicable taxes and destination and delivery.
“I couldn’t be more excited to see production up and
running on a new Shelby Mustang,” says Carroll Shelby, CEO
and Chairman of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “The new Shelby GT
is a great addition to the Shelby GT500 and Shelby GT-H, and
it will only further the lead that Mustang has in the coming
muscle car wars.”
The Shelby GT is the third modern Shelby Mustang produced
through a collaboration of Ford and Carroll Shelby. In
addition to the 2007 Shelby GT500, Ford and Shelby created
500 copies of the Ford Shelby GT-H, which are available to
rent through select Hertz rental centers.
The Shelby GT joining the Ford line-up is the result of
customers and dealers demanding a retail version of the
Shelby GT-H. Ford and Shelby Automobiles were able to
capitalize on much of the development work that was done on
the Shelby GT-H, and put together a ‘Go Fast’ production
program delivering the Shelby GT in six months.
“The Shelby GT500 has been a huge success, but we have
been overwhelmed at the number of people who want to buy a
retail version of the Shelby GT-H,” continues Shelby. “The
Shelby GT will perfectly compliment the GT500, just like the
original GT350 and GT500 did back in the 60’s.”
Be first on the block to own the new small-block
Shelby
The first production unit of the Shelby GT will be auctioned
off to support the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation
charity at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car
Event in January 2007. Classic Shelby Mustangs have always
been a crowd favorite at Barrett-Jackson auctions, pushing
muscle car prices to new heights, and the modern Shelby
Mustangs have proven to be no different.
In January this year, an early production Shelby 2007
GT500 sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for
$600,000, with proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby
Children’s Foundation. On July 28, a Shelby GT-H was sold
for $250,000 at EAA AirVenture, with proceeds benefiting the
Youth Eagles aviation education program. Now, some of the
first Shelby GT-Hs are exiting the Hertz rental fleet and
going to private auction where they are consistently
averaging between $68,000-$90,000 in sale.
Shelby-inspired performance, proven by Ford Racing
Under the hood, the Ford Racing Power Pack includes a 90
millimeter cold-air intake and a new performance engine
calibration for improved response. The high-flow exhaust
system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery
and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. A shorter 3.55:1 rear-axle
ratio is installed to capitalize on the Shelby GT coupe’s
extra power when accelerating off the line. For Shelby GT
models equipped with a manual transmission, a Hurst
short-throw shifter is installed for more precise shift
action.
The Shelby GT driving dynamics are fine tuned with the
Ford Racing Handling Pack, which was developed by the same
engineers that developed the Ford Racing FR500C, which won
the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship. New coil springs drop
the overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half for a more
aggressive stance and lower center of gravity. Stiffer
dampers and front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and
body control. To showcase the key performance modifications,
Ford Racing painted all the key suspension components,
including the damper, spring, and swaybar Ford Racing Blue.
A front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the
chassis structure, and P235/55ZR18 high-performance tires
maximize the benefits of the chassis upgrades.
Shelby GT models will begin as a stock Mustang GT
assembled at AutoAlliance International assembly plant in
Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby
Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for modification before
delivery to Ford dealerships.
,.
OVERVIEW
2007
FORD SHELBY GT500: MOST POWERFUL MUSTANG EVER
Performance Inspiration: Carroll Shelby and
Ford Special Vehicle Team join forces to create a modern
successor to the famous Shelby GT500 of the late 1960s
Performance Design: Mustang heritage with
aggressive muscular front-end design, Le Mans racing
stripes, unmistakable "Cobra" logo and Shelby
nameplate
The Ford Shelby GT500
seamlessly combines the modern Mustang muscle car
with the classic Shelby performance cues, such as
the famous Shelby Cobra logo.
DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2006 – What happens when a legend from
Texas reunites with a legend from Dearborn? The most
powerful Mustang ever.
After 40 years, racing legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford
Mustang are back together with the introduction of the 2007
Ford Shelby GT500.
Performance legend Carroll
Shelby first put the muscle in the pony car.
The collaboration between Shelby and Ford's Special Vehicle
Team (SVT) is yielding an instant collector's Mustang that
builds 475 horsepower in its 5.4-liter supercharged V-8.
