2005 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept

Making the new Shelby Mustang a true sports car, the only transmission is a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. Evenly spaced gears are

Making the new Shelby Mustang a true sports car, the only transmission is a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

promised, which "mean less stirring is needed to find the 'sweet spot' in keeping the revs 'on cam' for power to pass, while at the same time making the most of the engine's broad torque curve," or so says Ford. One thing is for sure, the tranny is well proven after years of service in street, strip and road racing Mustangs, as well as the original model year 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra, and the new race-winning Ford Racing Mustang FR500C.

But while the engine is otherworldly and styling awe inspiring, being a sports car fan it's the promise of an independent rear suspension, just like that in the outgoing

The car's "chassis was engineered from the beginning to be the basis of a high-performance, world-class sports car from SVT, and the Shelby Cobra GT500 is it." (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

SVT Cobra that I'm most intrigued with. After all, Phil Martens, Ford group vice president, Product Creation says that the car's "chassis was engineered from the beginning to be the basis of a high-performance, world-class sports car from SVT, and the Shelby Cobra GT500 is it."

But Phil, how can this be? Scrolling through the press material given, I find no IRS at all. Doesn't a world-class sports car need a state-of-the-art suspension? Obviously not. Instead, Ford will continue with its solid rear axle setup in the new Shelby, at least in prototype form, necessitating those wanting superior handling to buck up for an aftermarket IRS system.