2004 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept

Now that the limited production GT appears to be a sales hit, only 1500 units will be made, it only makes sense that Ford will follow

The GR-1 points Ford into the future, pulling design cues from its Le Mans glory days. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

it up with more limited production supercars. Not only do such showstoppers shed a positive light on the blue oval brand as a whole, but cars like the GT take sales away from arch rival Volkswagen, and its top-tier supercar brand Lamborghini as well as Dodge's Viper SRT-10. Many wealthy North Americans are looking for a reason to buy domestic products, and with the GT and hopefully the GR-1, there are fewer reasons to look to exotic imports. And even more than the GT, the GR-1 points Ford into the future, pulling design cues from its Le Mans glory days and applying them to something truly new.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Engine: 605 hp, 501 lb-ft, 6.4-L, 40-valve, DOHC V10
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc
• Curb Weight (estimated): 1,770 kg (3,900 lbs)
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,413 / 1,834 / 1,168 / 2,540 mm (173.7 / 74.6 / 46.0 / 100.0 in)
• Seating Capacity: 2
• Web Site: www.ford.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.