In celebration of Carroll Shelby's 85th birthday, Ford Motor Company & Shelby Automobiles has resurrected the Mustang Shelby with even more power and better handling than the original.
Having started production on January 11, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR is a limited edition of only 1,000 units, each packing a mighty 540-horsepower V-8 engine. These modern-day muscle cars also feature stiffer suspension, improved aerodynamics and a short-throw gear shifter.
"It is simply magic when Shelby and Ford team up and deliver products like the GT500KR," said Mark Fields, Ford's president, The Americas, in a company press release. "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 in the same release, "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."
To develop a superior road machine, Ford's SVT engineers and Shelby reportedly put the GT500KR through a rigorous testing program including a 12-hour racetrack durability test. Resulting modifications -- including a 50 percent stiffer suspension for better road control -- has produced a car with increased performance capability that is still comfortable to drive.
The GT500KR's reengineered aerodynamic design adds 50 pounds of downforce over the front axle and moves the center of aero pressure forward in the vehicle to improve high-speed balance and downforce under high-speed braking. A front splitter design works with the hood and revised rear spoiler to deliver these benefits. This improves performance on the racetrack, slalom course and skidpad.
Gear selection on the new Shelby is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the GT500KR. The new shifter throws are 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.
"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.
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."
The Shelby GT500KR will be available at select Ford dealerships this spring.
Matthew Clarke - Born and raised in Northern California, Matthew Clarke is the product of summer campouts on the Sierras, briskly sunny Christmas mornings ...
