Maximum Mustang

Samhane · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 901

DEARBORN, MI -- If you're one of the many Ford enthusiasts who think your dream of owning a 2007 Shelby is beyond your reach or that the 500-horsepower supercharged Shelby GT500 is simply beyond your needs – take heart! Ford Motor Company is expanding its high-performance Mustang stable even further with a new 4.6-liter V-8-powered, 325-horsepower Shelby GT coupe for 2007.

“Our goal is to offer a steed for every need,” explains John Felice, Ford brand general marketing manager. “The new Shelby GT advances that goal, offering a low-volume, extremely collectable Mustang for enthusiasts. It also offers a few more customers the opportunity to experience firsthand the rich performance legacy of Mustang and Carroll Shelby.”

The Shelby GT is the third modern Shelby Mustang produced through a collaboration of Ford and Shelby Automobiles. In addition to the 2007 Shelby GT500, Ford and Shelby created 500 copies of the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H, which are available only through select Hertz rental centers. Now, a limited run of Shelby GT coupes will be offered for sale to the general public for the 2007 model year. Shelby GT models will begin life as stock Mustang GTs assembled at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars will then be shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for modification before delivery to Ford dealerships.

The Shelby GT driving dynamics are fine-tuned with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, which was developed by the same engineers that created the Ford Racing FR500C – winner of 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 reduced body roll. Stiffer dampers and front stabilizer bar further enhance cornering feel and body control. A front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure, and 235/55ZR18 high-performance tires maximize the benefits of the chassis upgrades.

Underhood, the Ford Racing Power Pack increases the output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, Mustang GT 4.6-liter V-8 to 325 horsepower, with 330 foot-pounds of torque. The Power Pack includes a 90-millimeter cold-air intake and a new performance engine calibration for improved throttle response. The high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throatier V-8 exhaust note. A shorter rear-axle ratio is installed to capitalize on the Shelby GT’s extra power, especially off-the-line acceleration. For Shelby GTs equipped with a manual transmission, a Hurst short-throw shifter is installed for more precise shift action.

“The Shelby GT is great fun on the track,” says racing legend Carroll Shelby. “It’s got the heart and soul of the Mustang GT pumped up with a great noise, strong motor, and nimble chassis. It’s one of those rare cars that’s really easy to drive really fast.”

The 2007 Shelby GT will be offered only as a coupe, and only in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black. Both colors are accented by silver LeMans-style racing stripes that extend over the hood, roof and trunk, and are complemented by matching side stripes with “Shelby GT” nomenclature. The Shelby GT features a unique front fascia with a more aggressive lower air dam, a brushed-aluminum grille, larger dual exhausts, 18-inch chrome wheels, Shelby trunk lid badging and special side scoops; a unique scooped hood is also available.

Inside, the Shelby GT includes logo floor mats and custom sill plates with Shelby GT nomenclature, as well as an authentication plate on the center console with a matching tag underhood. This tag features the CSX number, which is recorded in the official Shelby Automobiles registry.

“It’s an exciting time to be a muscle car fan, as legendary names from the 1960’s are being reincarnated in the marketplace,” adds Felice. “As the Shelby GT shows, Ford intends to dominate the new muscle car wars just as the Mustang did forty years ago. No other nameplate will be able to match the breadth of options that the Mustang offers.”

As part of Ford’s “steed for every need” strategy, the company now offers four horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from $19,995 to $46,500, including: the 240-horsepower Mustang V-6; 300-horsepower V-8 Mustang GT; the new 325-horsepower V-8 Shelby GT; and the 500-horsepower supercharged V-8 Shelby GT500. Also supporting the broad-based product lineup strategy are several special packages, including the Mustang V-6 Pony Package, the Mustang GT California Special, and several regional packages – with even more planned for the future. 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.

67Customs · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 581 Location: North Cackalacky

So, would this be like the equivalent to the Shelby GT350?

Evil Stang · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 1235

probably can't afford that either.

Samhane · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 901

I think they are trying to capitolize on the shelby name...

67Customs · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 581 Location: North Cackalacky

It worked in the past.