GT500 marks new performance era for Ford

Shelby Cobra GT500 (photo : Ford Motor Company)

Though each SVT model is marked as such, it's not always done in a vivid way, says Doug Gaffka, the division's design chief, but that will change with the GT500. ''The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts without brash styling cues. The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look to expand SVT's reach to a much bigger audience.''

The 2005 Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic 1968 Mustangs, says Gaffka, since that was the models that ''transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a muscle car with attitude.''

The GT500 is ''punctuated by the classic Le Mans-style white stripes that race along the top of the show car's 'SVT Red' paint from nose to tail,'' Gaffka notes. ''The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960's Mustang transition, when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs.

The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story, Gaffka believes, but are not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. So the reworked front fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood has heat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets are supposed to offer a more aggressive look and result in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings, creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.

The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT's integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500.

To mark the collaboration of two Mustang ''performance icons,'' the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.

Continuing the snake logo tradition of past-generation SVT Mustang Cobras, as well as late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of the Cobra.

For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. ''GT500'' is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name ''SHELBY'' is prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps -- a signature SVT location -- as well as on the doorsill plates. To top if off, the ''gas cap'' medallion between the taillights reads ''Shelby GT500'' centered on the Cobra image.

Shelby Cobra GT500 (photo : Ford Motor Company)

The interior is completely wrapped in ebony black leather, including the top of the dash, door panels and center arm rest. Also wrapped in ebony leather are the shift lever, shift boot and parking-brake handle. SVT Red leather seats and door panel inserts provide a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performance enthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into the seat backs finish the package.

The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steering wheel cap. Behind the wheel are titanium-faced gauges swapped in location so that the tachometer is dominant visually for the driver. The chrome accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts of the six-speed transmission.

All of this should be very interesting to the Boomers who'll make up the biggest buyer group for this car, since they can remember when the Mustang was among the least refined cars on the market. No longer.
photo:Ford Motor Company