Ford’s new 2011 Mustang GT and its free-revving five-litre V8 are getting an awful lot of attention these days. Ditto the new 305-horsepower standard V6 engine, standard limited-slip differential and standard six-speed manual transmission fitted to the entire model lineup.
Serious stuff. In fact, it’s safe to say that if you’re a Camaro, Genesis or Challenger, the 2011 Mustang has been exhaustively engineered to kick your ass.
But what about Carroll Shelby? For years, he’s been working tirelessly with Ford to create Mustangs for folks after a car that’s faster than fast.
Far be it from us to overlook the efforts of the automotive world’s most experienced speed freaks. Alongside the revised 2011 Mustang and Mustang GT, it’s come to our attention that Shelby’s Ford Shelby GT500 has undergone some improvements for the coming model year, too.
The ultimate factory Mustang has become even faster and more powerful than ever--thanks to changes like increased power output and a lowered suspension. Additionally, the GT500’s new 5.4-litre supercharged V8 is made extensively of aluminum, so it ditches 102 pounds from the front axle while belting out 10 more horsepower. That’s 550 in total--if you’re counting.
“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”
Other improvements include a stiffer chassis for the Shelby GT500 convertible, an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system, and an optional new SVT ‘Track Pack’ for owners who plan to participate frequently in motorsports.
The improvements and component weight reduction mean that 2011 Shelby GT500 shoppers can expect more performance, better mileage, better handling and better powerslides than ever.
The 550-horsepower 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 starts under $60,000, while the more modest 412-horsepower Mustang GT is priced from under $39,000.
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| Photo: Ford |
Serious stuff. In fact, it’s safe to say that if you’re a Camaro, Genesis or Challenger, the 2011 Mustang has been exhaustively engineered to kick your ass.
But what about Carroll Shelby? For years, he’s been working tirelessly with Ford to create Mustangs for folks after a car that’s faster than fast.
Far be it from us to overlook the efforts of the automotive world’s most experienced speed freaks. Alongside the revised 2011 Mustang and Mustang GT, it’s come to our attention that Shelby’s Ford Shelby GT500 has undergone some improvements for the coming model year, too.
The ultimate factory Mustang has become even faster and more powerful than ever--thanks to changes like increased power output and a lowered suspension. Additionally, the GT500’s new 5.4-litre supercharged V8 is made extensively of aluminum, so it ditches 102 pounds from the front axle while belting out 10 more horsepower. That’s 550 in total--if you’re counting.
“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”
Other improvements include a stiffer chassis for the Shelby GT500 convertible, an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system, and an optional new SVT ‘Track Pack’ for owners who plan to participate frequently in motorsports.
The improvements and component weight reduction mean that 2011 Shelby GT500 shoppers can expect more performance, better mileage, better handling and better powerslides than ever.
The 550-horsepower 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 starts under $60,000, while the more modest 412-horsepower Mustang GT is priced from under $39,000.
 |
| Photo: Ford |
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