2005 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept

Moreover, the Shelby GT500 Concept features a completely unique grille, much more menacing than the stock Mustang's due to a

The Shelby GT500 Concept features a completely unique grille, much more menacing than the stock Mustang's due to a frowning appearance. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

frowning appearance. The headlight covers slope inward at their innermost corners, mirroring the grille opening, while the hood receives a slight rounding at its front edge which adds greater depth to the grille - which also has had its galloping horse replaced by a striking cobra.

The front bumper integrates a lower grille opening, a mirror image of the upper grille but narrower in proportion. It is flanked by twin circular fog lamps, which provide the additional lighting lost from inside the GT's grille in the transformation over to Shelby trim. The Shelby's hood seems to bulge more than the standard GT, but it could just be the addition of heat-extraction ducts or the bold white stripe treatment that continues from the front fascia, past the hood, up and over the roof and down the car's backside.

The car doesn't look all that much different than the current GT from the rear, especially now that I've seen so many tuner

The Mustang badging has been replaced by large, blocked "SHELBY" letters. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

versions from Saleen, Steeda and the like. A new lower valance adds a diffuser-like aerodynamic treatment, which include strakes inspired by the Ford GT's integrated rear airflow diffuser, complemented by a more aggressive decklid spoiler. The Mustang badging has been replaced by large, blocked "SHELBY" letters, while the faux gas cap now features the famed cobra, duplicating the emblem featured on the front grille and side fenders.

Speaking of the Shelby's profile, changes to the grille and the addition of the larger spoiler are the only noticeable changes, while it also gets unique GT500 stripes similar to those on the original '60s cars.