Click Here to Comment at The Motor Portal Blog!!   Ford Shelby GT500     2010 FORD SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE POWERFUL PUNCH   The unique "flush" hood on the 2010 Shelby GT500 defines the front redesign. The gaping front grilles appear ready to swallow up the road.   Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 increased to 540 horsepower, torque increased to 510 foot-pounds, downforce increased and drag reduced New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 1, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford’s continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.  “In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, the 2010 Shelby GT500 is an estimated 2 miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway.” “We’re proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we’ve now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles.  “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking.  It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”     Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobras from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior. “Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang,” stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles.  “Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500.  This approach will help maintain Mustang’s leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable.”  “The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT.  “We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor.  The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that.” The 2010 Shelby GT500 builds off the performance gains pioneered on the special edition Shelby GT500KR. Horsepower and torque have been increased, while the ride is more responsive. More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car.  The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR. The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine expected to produce 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque.  The redline is 6,250 rpm.  The car’s aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby’s appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor. The Shelby’s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction.  This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine’s efficiency. A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower.  The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow. The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH.  The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust. A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc.  Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability. The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears.  Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency.  The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios. The Shelby’s distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team.  A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check. “You still hear the supercharger but not so that it’s intrusive,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT.  “It’s the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you’re driving something special, but you don’t want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior. “We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin.  It’s a nice balance; one isn’t overpowering the other.” Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT’s signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible. Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning.  The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control.  The team also stiffened the steering shaft.  “All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” Hameedi said.  “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel.  The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now.  We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.” The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too.  SVT members developed a “recipe” for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear’s team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life.  The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience. The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500.  The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides.  The extra machining process creates “blade” spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections.  The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.  The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance.  The default “on” mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track.  The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place.  Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System. Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.  “We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible,” Baldori said.  “We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go underneath the car.  We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths. “The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we’ve increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Shelby GT500.” Directing the air so it’s used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers.  The design of the front fascia and the car’s “flush” hood helps focus air flow.  The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system.  The lower grille helps cool the intercooler.  SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500’s distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance. A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Mustang lineup.  “The design we chose was a ‘flush’ hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle,” Hameedi said.  “That’s very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very, very different from the base Mustang.” “This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang,” added George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500.  “It’s all about power and expressing power.”  Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.  Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible.  “Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles,” Hameedi notes. “That’s something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition.” Rounding out the Shelby’s exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features, round out the exterior modifications.  “We wanted the spoiler raked back aggressively to minimize drag, but we also have an integrated Gurney Flap that provides the downforce,” Saridakis said. The all-new interior of the 2010 Shelby GT500 features genuine leather in all seats, genuine aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats. The racing stripe theme is carried through on the seats. What’s inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500 The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design.  For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior. Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel.  “You’ll definitely know you’re in a Shelby,” said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, Shelby GT500. The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors.  The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels.  In addition, the “GT500” logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s. This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang’s powerful heritage.  The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word “SHELBY” engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button. All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column.  These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500.  This finish is featured throughout the interior.  An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge.  The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red “SVT” logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate. “When customers drive this car, they’re not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they’re going to see all these carefully designed details and know they’ve bought a well-crafted car,” Saridakis said. Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white.  It also had to be specific to the Shelby.  The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob.  Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob. Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500 The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including: SYNC:  The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft.  The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.  911 Assist:  When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.  Vehicle Health Report (VHR):  SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes.  That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone. Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood.  The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green.  Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.   Available options: Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience.  The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.  SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more. This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history. The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring.  The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.   FORD SHELBY GT500KR ROARS INTO PRODUCTION Carroll Shelby at the wheel of a new Cobra production car. Venice, CA, 1963   First 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR rolls off the production line on Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday. The 540-horsepower muscle car dubbed “King of the Road” will arrive at select Ford dealerships this spring for an exclusive run of only 1,000 units. Ford SVT and Goodyear to debut a new performance compound tire for North America on Shelby GT500KR. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2008 – Automotive legend Carroll Shelby shares his 85th birthday with a new performance standout – the 540-horsepower 2008 GT500KR, which begins production today. The GT500KR or “King of the Road” Mustang is the fourth limited-edition Mustang that Shelby Automobiles and Ford have brought to market since resuming their collaboration in 2001. It builds on the performance and success of the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500 – the most powerful production Mustang ever. The new GT500KR will be available at select Ford dealerships this spring. Production is limited at 1,000 units. “It is simply magic when Shelby and Ford team up and deliver products like the GT500KR,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president, The Americas. “Collaborations like this have helped Mustang remain at the top of the sports car segment for 22 straight years – and running – and help inspire people who truly want and value performance.” Carroll Shelby, who was actively involved in the GT500KR’s development, said: “My energy and passion for performance products has always been strongest when I am working with Ford. I’m always looking to up the ante when it comes to performance, and bringing back the ‘King of the Road’ Mustang is just what we need.”     Delivering the “King of the Road” Each Shelby GT500KR begins life as a GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Inc., in Flat Rock, Mich. From there, the cars are shipped to Shelby Automobile’s facility in Las Vegas, where a Ford Racing performance pack, exhaust system and short-throw shifter are installed. The GT500KR also is fitted with body, chassis and interior components. Every GT500KR will be hand customized and delivered to each customer in an enclosed transporter, just like the legendary Ford GT.     To fine-tune the GT500KR’s chassis – stiffened 50 percent to deliver increased body control – SVT engineers and Shelby put the GT500KR through a rigorous testing program developed specially for SVT products, including a 12-hour racetrack durability test. The result is a car with increased performance capability that is still comfortable to drive on the street. The GT500KR’s aerodynamics were fine-tuned to add 50 pounds of downforce over the front axle and move the center of aero pressure forward in the vehicle to improve high-speed balance and downforce under high-speed braking. A new front splitter design works with the hood and revised rear spoiler to deliver these benefits. The bottom line: the GT500KR sets new performance standards for Mustang handling and straight-line performance on the racetrack, slalom course and skidpad. “Because the Shelby GT500 strikes a great balance between ride and handling, we knew that the GT500KR had to be even better,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer at Ford SVT. “We used a holistic approach, having chassis engineers work closely with the engine specialists to develop a tuning suspension that optimizes the engine enhancements.” Added Gary Davis, vice president production for Shelby Automobiles: “We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole. The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note and handling all work together to deliver a great total driving experience.” To deliver that balance, the ride height has been lowered to the optimum setting for limit handling, which equates to a 20 mm ride height reduction in the front and 15 mm in the rear. The Shelby GT500KR team sculpted 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. To save weight, the hood borrows design elements from the ducted aluminum/carbon fiber clamshell on the Ford GT. Developed through intensive use of analytical tools including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the design optimizes the structural properties of carbon fiber delivering panels at a wafer-thin 0.8 mm. The hood saves 15 pounds versus its aluminum counterpart in the GT500. Unlike most traditional designs, the hood has three components: the outer panel, an integrated airflow duct which spans the entire hood and the inner panel. The duct serves three purposes: to channel supplemental fresh air into the new cold air intake, to relieve high-speed underhood pressure and to move air from the front intake and engine compartment to the rear extractors.   The Shelby GT500KR will ride on all-new Goodyear tires, which make their North American debut exclusively on this new Mustang. The Supercar F1 tire, made of a new performance compound, resulted from a special collaboration between SVT and Goodyear. Each GT500KR model is identified by a special 40th Anniversary badge 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. Other standard equipment includes HID headlamps, an interior ambient lighting package, wrapped and stitched instrument panel, center console and armrests, as well as an electrochromic rearview mirror. Optional equipment includes a Shaker 1000 audio system and DVD navigation system. The GT500KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment Just like its namesake, the 1968 GT500KR, the 2008 “King of the Road” packs a walloping dose of Ford performance. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is enhanced with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540-hp and torque to 510 ft.-lbs. The added power comes thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit. The Shelby GT500KR cold air intake seal was designed in unison with the new carbon fiber hood to prevent hot engine compartment air from reaching the air intake. Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping 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, compared with the GT500’s 3.31:1. To perform optimally on track and during performance driving, the Shelby GT500KR has been fitted with an elevated axle vent reservoir to prevent axle fluid expulsion. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the GT500KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter throws are 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.   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 250,000 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.ford.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 GT500 FORD SHELBY GT500 COMBINES UNMISTAKABLE COBRA STYLING AND POWER WITH NEW FEATURES FOR 2008 Performance Inspiration: Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team enter their second model year of building a modern successor to the famous 1967-70 Shelby GT500 Performance Hardware: The GT500 includes a supercharged 500-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8, 6-speed manual transmission, race-tuned suspension and four-piston Brembo brakes Performance Design: Mustang heritage abounds with an aggressive muscular front-end design, Le Mans overbody racing stripes, unmistakable Cobra logo and Shelby nameplate Safe and Secure: New front driver- and passenger-seat side air bags provide side-impact head protection as well as rollover protection Lighting up 2008: New Ambient Interior Lighting feature is now available, plus optional HID Headlamps. Also new is Vapor Metallic exterior paint, replacing Tungsten Grey What happens when a performance legend from Dearborn reunites with a performance legend from Texas? You get the Ford Shelby GT500. The collaboration between Shelby and Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) continues to yield an instant collector’s Mustang that delivers 500 horsepower from its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. A modern interpretation of the big-block Shelby Mustang of the late 1960s, the 2008 Shelby GT500 uses advanced engineering to attain the kind of performance that made it the original the “King of the Road.” True to its heritage, today’s GT500 is available both as a coupe and as a convertible.     Serving as touchstone and inspirational leader for both the concept and the production versions of the modern GT500, Carroll Shelby was impressed by what SVT engineers had accomplished. “It’s one thing to put 450 horsepower in an exotic supercar,” said Shelby. “It’s another to put that much power in something as affordable as a Mustang. The fact that they not only met their goal but pushed on to 500 horsepower is a remarkable achievement.” Shelby knows something about creating modern supercars. He served as a senior advisor on the SVT Engineering team that developed and built the 550-horsepower Ford GT. The Ford Shelby GT500 is built alongside other production Mustangs at the Ford-Mazda joint venture assembly facility, AutoAlliance International (AAI), in Flat Rock, Mich. Power Play As expected of anything with Shelby’s name on it, the heart of the car is what’s under the hood. The Ford Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 evolves from Ford’s experience with expanding its modular engine family. Output is a brawny 500 horsepower. The engine is force-fed an air-and-fuel mixture via a “Roots-type” supercharger providing 8.5 pounds per square inch of boost. The GT500 uses a cast-iron engine block. It borrows from the Ford GT program its aluminum, four-valve cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings, which add a high level of performance and durability “Powered by SVT” camshaft covers add the finishing touch to the engine bay Delivering the power to the pavement is a 6-speed manual gearbox with evenly spaced gearing. This gives a rewarding driving experience throughout the engine’s broad torque curve. The heavy-duty transmission has proven itself a perfect match to Mustangs in both road and track environments, including the race-winning Mustang FR500C Power Requires Control The Ford Shelby GT500 continues a legacy of all-around performance that made the original Shelby Mustang a world-class racer on tracks and road courses around the world. The GT500 starts with the solid underpinnings of the Mustang GT. Mustang was designed from the beginning with performance derivatives in mind, providing an exceptionally rigid, well-engineered platform for GT500 chassis engineers. SVT engineers retuned and upgraded key chassis components for the GT500. Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars help the Ford Shelby GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes. The Ford Shelby GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with Reverse-L lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle. Engineers employed some of the biggest brakes in the business for the GT500. Four-piston Brembo calipers are fitted to 14-inch Brembo vented rotors up front, and 11.8-inch vented discs in the rear continue SVT’s tradition of great-braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 255/45ZR high-performance tires in front and 285/40ZR high-performance tires in back. Wheels are 18 by 9.5 inches. Unmistakable Cobra Styling One glance at the Shelby GT500 shows this is not a typical Mustang. A sinister-looking front-end design includes wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional lower air splitter. The upper grille opening sports the famous Cobra logo, floating off-center in place of a centered galloping pony found on other Mustangs. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to the dramatic front appearance. New for 2008, optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps will be available for added visibility and safety. The bulging hood has a set of matching heat extractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. As air passes over the hood, hot air from the engine compartment is drawn out through venting attached to the extractors. “The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts without the use of overly brash styling cues,” said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer. “The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look.” The Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic 1967-68 Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a true muscle car with attitude. The production Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe is punctuated by the classic Le Mans-style white overbody stripes that race along the top from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960s Mustang transition, when Ford put it on track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs of yesteryear. In a touch also borrowed from the GT500’s past, no Le Mans overbody stripes will be seen on the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible. The convertible version will sport a high-end cloth top similar to those found on pricier convertibles. “There were no Le Mans stripes on Shelby’s original GT500 Convertible, so we decided to pay homage by not offering them on today’s convertible models,” says Gaffka. “We also went with a cloth top material as another measure of substance and exclusivity. The fabric used is the same used on the 2002-03 SVT Mustang Cobra, the Thunderbird, Jaguar and Ford’s other high-end convertibles.” The unique rear fascia features lower strakes inspired by the Ford GT’s integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons, the GT500 features both Shelby and SVT badging. The fenders each sport an updated design of the famed Cobra emblem. The front grille houses an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. “GT500” is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name SHELBY is prominently written across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top it off, the medallion between the taillights reads, “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image. Cockpit Upgrades Inside, too, flair and function abound. The locations of the speedometer and the tachometer are swapped from the Mustang GT to provide performance-oriented drivers with a better view of shift points while changing gears. Front seats have received additional lateral support to help keep the driver optimally positioned during cornering. The interior is offered in a choice of two colors, Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black and Crimson Red. The charcoal/red offering features Crimson Red seating surfaces and door panel inserts. Seating surfaces are leather with both interior treatments. Snake logos embossed in the seatbacks finish the package. The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steering wheel cap. Behind the wheel, the gauges wear light faces in keeping with SVT tradition. The chromed accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts. New for 2008 is the availability of a 7-color programmable ambient lighting feature. This new Ford option allows owners to choose colorful interior lighting to fit their mood. A dashboard switch controls the selection of ambient light via LEDs mounted in the front console, two in the footwells and two around the cupholders. Shelby and SVT: The Legends Grow With the look and legend one would expect from Shelby and the kind of power and performance enthusiasts have come to expect from SVT, the SVT-engineered Shelby GT500 points to proud new era in Ford’s performance future. Shelby first put his name on a Mustang back in 1964 when he was asked to inject a dose of high performance into Ford’s brand-new pony car. The result was the G.T.350R, a lightweight, handling-focused race car that earned Mustang its first performance credentials. Subsequent Shelby Mustangs included a street version of the race car, the G.T.350, and what was known as the “rent-a-racer” Mustang, the G.T.350H, a joint project with the Hertz rental car corporation. The ultimate Shelby Mustang of the era was the big-block G.T.500, and later the GT500KR, or “King of the Road.” Powered by a 428-cubic-inch “Cobra Jet” V-8, the distinctive GT500KR was one of the most powerful – and memorable – muscle cars of that period. Shelby Mustang production ceased in 1970 with a total volume of 14,559 units. The GT500 launched a new series of Shelby-inspired Mustangs. Following the Shelby GT500 was the Shelby GT-H, available for rental through the Hertz Fun Fleets in 2007. These “retired” rental cars, that consistently saw bids of over $50,000 at auction, spawned a customer version of the GT plus the announcement of the GT-H convertible that will enter the Hertz Fun Fleet this summer. 2008 also marks the return of the GT500KR “King of the Road.” The most powerful production Mustang ever hits dealer showrooms in the spring of 2008. Key Features and Options: Standard features include : Supercharged 5.4-liter four-valve V-8 engine w/intercooler; stainless steel dual exhaust; SVT tuned front and rear suspension- with unique dampers and springs; Tremec 6-speed manual transmission; Power four-wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes with ABS; Front fog lamps; “GT500” side stripes (convertible); Over-the-top “Racing Stripes” and “GT500” side stripes (coupe); Unique SHELBY badging on rear decklid; P255/45ZR 18 (front) and P285/40ZR18 (rear) performance tires; Unique GT500 front and rear fascias and aluminum hood (with dual functional air vents); Unique rear spoiler; 18 x 9.5-inch bright machined aluminum wheels; Shaker 500 Audio System (AM/FM stereo w/CDx6, 6-speakers &MP3); Front seat side air bags; BeltMinder®. Available options include : Ambient lighting; HID Headlamps; Shaker 1000 Audio System (AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD, MP3 and 10 speakers; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Touch Screen DVD-based navigation; Premium Interior Trim Package.         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 Hardware: 475-horsepower supercharged V-8, 6-speed manual transmission, race-tuned suspension, four-piston Brembo brakes 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.   A modern interpretation of the Shelby Mustang of the 1960s, the Ford Shelby GT500 uses advanced engineering to attain the performance that made the original GT500 the king of the road. True to the original GT500, it will be available both as a coupe and as a convertible when it goes on sale in the summer of 2006. "When Carroll was developing the original GT350 and GT500, he wanted to build the most powerful, most capable Mustangs of his day," says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation and Special Vehicle Team. "Our goal was to build the most powerful, most capable Mustang ever." Serving as touchstone and inspirational leader for both the concept and the production versions, Shelby was impressed by what the team has accomplished.   The rear spoiler of the Ford Shelby GT500 echoes that of the classic GT500, while the rear air diffuser is inspired by the modern Ford GT. "It's one thing to put 450 horsepower in an exotic supercar," says Shelby. "It's another to put that much power in something as affordable as a Mustang. The fact that they not only met their goal but pushed on to 475 horsepower is a remarkable achievement." Shelby knows something about creating modern supercars. He served as a senior adviser on the team that developed and built the 550-horsepower Ford GT. Power Play As expected of anything with Shelby's name on it, the heart of the car is what's under the hood. The Ford Shelby GT500's supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 evolves from Ford's experience with tuning its modular, or MOD, engines. Output is a brawny 475 horsepower. The engine is force-fed an air-and-fuel mixture via a "Roots-type" supercharger providing 8.5 pounds per square inch of boost. The GT500 uses a cast-iron engine block. It borrows from the Ford GT program aluminum, four-valve cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings, adding a high level of performance durability to the drivetrain. "Powered by SVT" camshaft covers add the finishing touch to the engine. Helping put the power to the pavement is a 6-speed manual gearbox. For the performance driver, its evenly spaced gears mean less "stirring" is needed to find the "sweet spot." This gives a rewarding experience throughout the engine's broad torque curve. The heavy-duty transmission has proven itself a willing companion to Mustangs in both road and track environments, including recent road-going Mustang Cobras and the new race-winning Mustang FR500C. Power Requires Control The Ford Shelby GT500 continues a legacy of all-around performance that made the original a world-class racer on tracks and road courses around the world. The Ford Shelby GT500 starts with the solid Mustang underpinnings. The all-new Mustang was designed from the beginning with performance derivatives in mind, providing an exceptionally rigid, well-engineered starting point for GT500 chassis engineers. SVT engineers retuned and upgraded key chassis components. Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars help the Ford Shelby GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes. The Ford Shelby GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with Reverse L lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle.     This rear suspension design has been validated on the track by Ford Racing. The Ford Racing Mustang FR500C was purpose-built from the base 2005 Mustang body structure and suspension geometry to run in the Grand-Am Cup series, a class of road racing for production-based cars. Competing against the best from Germany and Japan, a Mustang FR500C won its first race in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2005. It went on to dominate the season and clinch the championship. "SVT and Ford Racing will be working closer than ever as we go forward on future projects, especially Mustangs," says Thai-Tang, a Ford Racing alumnus who served as the race engineer for the Newman-Haas Racing team in 1993. To match this power and handling ability, engineers fitted some of the biggest brakes in the business to the Ford Shelby GT500. Four-piston Brembo calipers are fitted to 14-inch Brembo vented rotors up front, and 11.8-inch vented discs in the rear continue SVT's legacy of great-braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 255/45ZR high-performance tires in front and 285/40ZR high-performance tires in back. Wheels are 18 inches by 9.5 inches. The Snake is Back One glance shows this is not the typical Mustang Cobra. A sinister-looking front-end design includes wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional air splitter. The upper intake sports the famous Cobra logo floating off-center in place of a centered galloping pony found on other Mustangs. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to the dramatic front appearance.   The "GT500" script emblazoned on the gas cap emblem is joined by an updated version of Shelby's classic Cobra logo that is repeated on the grille and the headrest. The bulging hood has heat extractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. As air passes over the hood, hot air from the engine compartment is drawn out through ducts attached to the hood extractors.   "The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts without brash styling cues," says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT vehicles. "The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look." The 2005 Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic 1968 Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a muscle car with attitude. Envisioning a high-performance model, the team tested GT500 design cues on the Mustang GT coupe concept that was unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. In 2004, designers further developed the GT500 look on the Mustang GT-R, a race-bred concept with the dual purpose of foreshadowing SVT's Mustang design direction and Ford Racing's plans to return Mustang to road racing. The Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra concept coupe capped the design conceptualization effort. The production Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe now comes into full light, punctuated by the classic Le Mans-style white stripes that race along the top from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960s Mustang transition when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs. In a touch also borrowed from the GT500's past, no Le Mans stripes will be seen on the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible. However, the convertible will sport a cloth top similar to those found on pricier convertibles. "There were no Le Mans stripes on Shelby's original GT500 Convertible, so we decided to pay homage by not offering them on the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500," says Gaffka. "We also went with a cloth top material as another measure of substance and authenticity. The fabric used is the same used on the 2002-03 SVT Mustang Cobra, the Thunderbird, Jaguar and Ford's other high-end convertibles." The unique rear fascia features lower strakes inspired by the Ford GT's integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons, the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging. The fenders each feature an updated design of the Cobra. The front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. "GT500" is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name SHELBY is prominently written across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top it off, the medallion between the taillights reads "Shelby GT500" centered on the Cobra image. Cockpit Upgrades   The Ford Shelby GT500 convertible builds on four decades of open-air heritage; the first Mustang was a drop top. More than 1 million convertibles have been sold since 1964. Inside, too, upgraded levels of flair and function abound. The locations of the speedometer and the tachometer are swapped to provide performance-oriented drivers with a better view of shift points while changing gears. Front seats have received additional lateral support to help keep the driver optimally positioned during cornering. The interior is offered in a choice of two colors, Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black and Crimson Red. The charcoal/red offering features Crimson Red seating surfaces and door panel inserts. Seating surfaces are leather with both interior treatments. Snake logos embossed in the seat backs finish the package. The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steering wheel cap. Behind the wheel, the gauges wear light faces in keeping with SVT tradition. The chromed accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts. SVT and Shelby: The Legends Grow With the look and legend one would expect from Shelby and the kind of power and performance enthusiasts have come to expect from SVT, the GT500 points to a brand-new era in Ford's performance future.   The Ford Shelby GT500 features Le Mans-style white racing stripes from nose to tail, inspired by those featured on classic Ford Shelby Mustangs. Shelby first put his name on a Mustang back in 1964 when he was asked to inject some high performance into the brand-new pony car. The result was the GT-350R, a lightweight, handling-focused race car that earned Mustang its first performance credentials. Subsequent Shelby Mustangs included a street version of the race car, the GT-350, and what was known as the "rent-a-racer" Mustang, the GT-350H, a joint project with the Hertz rental car corporation.   The ultimate Shelby Mustang of the era was the GT-500KR, or "King of the Road." Powered by a big block 428-cubic-inch "Cobra Jet" V-8, the GT-500 was one of the most powerful, and memorable, muscle cars of that period. Shelby Mustang production ceased in 1970 with a total volume of 14,559 units. The Ford Special Vehicle Team brought high performance back to Mustang in 1993. After 12 years, with nearly 80,000 high-performance Mustangs on the streets and total SVT vehicle production nearing 145,000, SVT is primed for growth with the GT500 serving as the foundation for other performance Mustang projects. By bringing together Shelby and Ford SVT, the company's commitment to performance becomes as powerful as at any time in its history – including the famed "Total Performance" days of the 1960s. From the Ford GT supercar, the GT500, to a rejuvenated Ford Racing Performance Parts program, performance and racing can drive innovation and add luster to Ford's proud brand heritage. "SVT will remain the leader in performance vehicle engineering," says Thai-Tang. "It will continue to build new, innovative products using advanced processes that will not only provide great enjoyment to the dedicated driving enthusiast, but that also will provide great benefit to other Ford products and Ford Motor Company itself." The Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at the Ford-Mazda joint venture, AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich.