Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Shelby
Shelby GT500KR now rated at 550 HP?
Click image for photo gallery
When Ford first announced the Shelby GT500, the horsepower rating the automaker gave SVT's delicious new creation was 475. As we're all well aware, the car's actual rating wound up being 500, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast-forward to April 2007 in New York and the introduction of the further-Shelbyfied GT500KR, a hi-po version of the already monstrous GT500 that reaches into history and borrows the classic "KR" moniker. The GT500KR was announced as having 540 horses underneath its double-scooped, pinned-shut, carbon-composite hood, meaning it would be more adept at immolating tires than the GT500, whose talent in this department is unassailable.
Last week, Carroll Shelby paid a visit to Ford's proving grounds in Dearborn, where the GT500KR prototype was among the cars being flogged and photographed. According to Mustang fansite StangsUnleashed, it was there that Ford announced the KR would receive an additional 10 horsepower over what had already been confirmed, giving the car a grand total of 550. And then, enthusiasts and tire manufacturers wept with joy.
[Source: StangsUnleashed]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Undercover Soul Brother 9:52AM (9/16/2007)
Hey, quick question: who cares about another high hp mustang? I mean they make it sound like they reinvented the wheel (again and again). And if you really want to make them squirm, just point to the RS6 Avant... Hmm... 580bhp (possibly 600), 650Nm of torque over the entire range with max between 6250 to 6700, 0-56mph in 4.6secs, four-wheel drive AND it's a station wagon!!! Stop living in the past and do something innovating.
Reply
Steve 10:29AM (9/16/2007)
Ah and what does an RS6 cost? Apples and Oranges my friend.
Timsvtgen1 10:52AM (9/16/2007)
To answer your question: A Lot more people. There are a lot more high HP mustangs around than high horsepower audis, and The great thing about the Mustang- you can get in it start it up....everyday... and drive it ....everyday....beat the hell out of it...everyday and you will have a good chance that u will have no check engine light, no Burnt pixels out in the dash displays, no electrical problems, ect. And they don't have to reinvent the wheel and over engineer to impress.. thats the beauty of the mustang and sell every copy they have. The car sells because its NOT an audi. In other words most people whos a mustang fan could care less what audi is doin . Not to mention that audi better be able to take its self to the dealer every time it hiccups for that hefty price tag 65000 GBP thats $130,000 ... I mean, i could own a 3 cobras and a gt for the price of one rs6- Or maybe a 4wd truck or awd station wagon or both for that matter to complement it.
Hiro11 11:09AM (9/16/2007)
Yet another Mustang special edition with huge, unusable HP through a solid rear axle in a car with all the quality of a mid eighties Hyundai and technology stuck in the mid sixties. Also, nostalgic 65 year olds will allow dealers to mark it up by 20 grand, making it too expensive for running at the strip for anyone but the very rich. It you need an American sports car, get a new, stock Corvette and be done with it.
Reply
Timsvtgen1 11:17AM (9/16/2007)
I can tell you've done your research... ha.ha.ha
Sam Kochel 11:38AM (9/16/2007)
I'm with you...just a car with a big engine, no real handling ability and too...way too heavy. Buy a Z06 if you can, otherwise a the new vette. You'll have plenty and plenty of HP and better handling... However, on the Stang's side...most girls I know LOVE the looks of the new stang, made me almost want to buy one...I just don't need a car that makes me look tough (I get that from the inside...hahaha [never had to raise my pick-up either]).
Tagg 6:20PM (9/16/2007)
Anything over about 150 hp is unusable considering most states have a 70 mph limit. A Mustang and Corvette are not competitors and Ford isn't trying to compete with the Corvette, they're gearing up for the Challenger and Camaro. This is where Chevy had a problem before because for the Camaro to beat a Mustang in power and performance it will have to tread into Corvette territory which is why it was canned the first time. Do you really think GM will give you a monster Camaro SS for less than a Corvette?
rv 1:23AM (9/17/2007)
"Anything over about 150 hp is unusable" - keep telling yourself that, not anybody else's fault you purchased a Honda/Toyota... My car is only in the mid-200 hps, the power is "useable" in passing, turns, takeoffs, you name it. Don't like "useable" power? Get a McFit and good luck driving on the Freeway. I guess it depends on what one's definition of "useable" is - a 150hp car itself isn't useable, in my opinion. Test-drove a Fit and even the salesman joked about it. Basically said, drive on the Freeway at your own risk, if you must. That sounds like endangering other drivers. And heck, this is a modern version of an American classic and you're complaining about HP after 150? LOL!!!!!
JRichter 6:07PM (9/17/2007)
Agreed.
Daniel 11:10AM (9/16/2007)
This thing looks so damn mean. Just look at the front
Reply
Phillip 12:15PM (9/16/2007)
How much does this cost over the GT500... for just 50 extra HP?
HEY, I wonder why Ford is having troubles, 6 figure Rustangs!
Notice how Chevy doesnt have a 6 digit performance car, and still, is quicker than the Rustang and its variants.
Reply
Tagg 6:20PM (9/16/2007)
How many 6 figure Mustangs are there? None the last time I checked and doubt this will be the first to do that.
Preston M 1:12PM (9/16/2007)
Another nice looking high powered disappointment. I wanted so badly to like the GT500 when it came back. But alas, no dice. Oh well, maybe it can make a name for itself in the quarter.
Reply
Bryan 1:15PM (9/16/2007)
And your proof Philip? That "Rustang" put the Camaro and Firebird out of commision. Actually, aside from the Mustang, it was the issue of oh, I don't know, everything falling off around that LS1 engine maybe? Camaro's and Firebirds were plastic pieces of junk. The front fenders would pull away after so long, the tranny hump was a disaster, the interior horrific. No thanks, I will take a new Mustang, have it run and last forever, while your Camaro literally falls apart driving down the road. Mustang is king, Deal with it! =)
Reply
howard 1:57AM (9/17/2007)
just another "Found On Roard Dead" or
"Friggin' Old Reclaimed Dodge"!
lets face it, a Ford is a Ford is a Ford and it shall never make the really big time or be a race car! I better be careful my oldest daughter races a Ford in NHRA (not powder puff)!
Bryan 1:17PM (9/16/2007)
Oh and as far as this Mustang goes. Niiice. This is not for the pansies who drive civics and teensy weensy econoboxes with fart can exhaust. IRS? Hmph! We don't need no stinkin' IRS!
Reply
Valentino Amoro 3:27PM (9/16/2007)
Good comment. No place for the tree huggin', earthworm lovin', smart car drivin', grass eating hippies here. This would nicely run over a Prius and then back again.
Praise the lord, a true example of the 'Stang breed is here.
steel 2:09AM (9/17/2007)
ill race you in my tennsy weensy sedan with a fart can..its called a lancer evolution...it only has 330whp
Rabiddog 5:24PM (9/16/2007)
Great, when Shelby cooks something up that sells, Corvette guy chirps about their car. The Cobra is nostalgic and has kicked the Corvette ass time and time again. Listen up Corvette owner, don't spam the site just because you don't like the car. Go throw on some more Brut cologne, throw on your gold chains, crank up your AC/DC cd and let the world know that you drive an American icon.
Reply
sovyanz 6:25PM (9/16/2007)
you sir, are correct. it kicks the vett's ass in being fat and slow every generation
Reply