Autoblog

The SCCA has just given approval to the Ford Shelby GT so the car can be raced in its T2 class. In the process, lucky owners of Mustangs with Ford's Racing Performance Packs were let in as well. The FRPPs boost hp a bit, sharpen handling, strengthen braking, and generally make the 'Stangs more trackable. Seeing as how the Shelby GT is essentially a Mustang GT with these packages installed, any Mustang GT with these upgrades are SCCA legal, too. Because T2 is a Touring Car class in SCCA that tries to stay as close to stock as reasonably possible, modifications are usually a no-no. These factory packs are a little different though, so the SCCA has decided to allow them. Ford also announced contingencies for first and second place finishers that can be found by clicking and registering here. Drivers of the Mustangs will face cars ranging from the Pontiac GTO to Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO in T2. A full press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

We just told you about how "Hot Wheels" Amy Boylan has managed to turn Shelby Auto around, and here is one of the fruits of her labor: The first production 2007 Ford Shelby GT. As we told you a while ago, the Ford Shelby GT is essentially the consumer version of the rental-fleet-only Shelby GT-H. It will be the third Mustang in the Shelby Mustang family along with the Hertz edition and the 500-horsepower Ford Shelby GT500. And this newest Shelby 'Stang is set to follow in their footsteps.

This first GT, CSM No. 07SGT0001 will follow its big brother GT500, by crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Event on Saturday, January 20th. Just like the GT500, all the proceeds will go to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. In case you don't remember, that first GT500 sold for $600,000 back in January. And the first Shelby GT-H sold to the public brought a whopping $250,000 back in late July. Even the fleet Shelby GT-Hs coming off Hertz lots are bringing $68,000-$90,000 at auction! So we can only imagine that this one will bring considerably more than its MSRP of $36,970.

[Source: Ford]

With the release of Bold Moves Episode 9, Ford has officially launched the new Shelby GT Mustang. As we'd already reported, the Shelby GT is essentially a retail version of the rental-only Shelby GT-H. In some ways, it's more appealing, though. For one thing, it can be had with a five-speed manual that appears in the form of a classic Hurst cueball-topped shifter.

The Shelby GT begins life as an ordinary Mustang GT which is then shipped off to Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas for transformation into a 325-horsepower snake. Its soul comes largely from Ford Racing performance parts. First up: the Ford Racing Handling pack, which drops the car and gives it more athletic suspension settings. To accent the changes, all the important suspension bits are painted Ford Racing Blue.

The Ford Racing Power Pack improves on the stock 4.6L V8 by adding a new cold-air intake, performance-oriented engine recalibration, a freer-flowing, better-sounding exhaust, and a shorter rear axle ratio. The aforementioned short-throw Hurst is also included if the car's equipped with the standard tranny. Power numbers rise to 325-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.

Outside, cars are painted either Performance White or Black and receive silver LeMans striping. Lower side accent stripes with "Shelby GT" markings also appear in the transformation. GT-H-style front and rear fascias are installed and centered Shelby badging is added to the trunklid (this looks better than the offset "SHELBY" on the GT500). Unlike the GT-H, the Shelby GT does not include the rear declkid spoiler -- a change for the better, in our opinion. The stock Mustang GT badge stays in its familiar spot on the front quarter panels, and 18" chromed "Bullitt"-style rims reside in the wells. Finally, hood pins and a Cobra-style scoop are added to complete the visual upgrades. (This is another area where the Shelby GT differs from the GT-H, which wears a Shelby Performance hood).

The interior is highly reminiscent of the Hertz car, with its prominent dash and branded sill plates. Shelby GT floor mats and the Hurst (on 5-speed-equipped cars) complete the look. The number on the dash plate matches the one found on a similar plate in the engine bay.

Still no word on pricing, which will slot in somewhere between the Mustang GT and Shelby GT500. Whatever the cost, we certainly like the appearance of the new Shelby, and expect that it should be as fun to drive as it looks.

Author's Note: The standard transmission was erroneously referred to as a six-speed in the original post. The error has been corrected. The Shelby GT is available with a five-speed manual transmission.

(Hi-res photo gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: Ford]

Nine new vehicles in next six months


The North American automotive market has punished automakers whose products are out of step with rapidly changing consumer demands, and Ford Motor's Mark Fields (president, Americas) says his company gets the message. In a speech to industry executives Wednesday at the Center for Automotive Research's 41st annual Management Briefing Seminars, Fields pledged to accelerate Ford's Way Forward plan - increasing the pace of new product introductions and ramping up investment in R&D and flexible manufacturing facilities.

"We'll have more to say on the specifics of what we're accelerating in September. But I can confirm that our plans include more new products, features and technologies throughout our lineup," said Fields. "We have nine new Ford and Lincoln Mercury products going on sale in the next six months alone, and we are rebuilding our business for the future with an emphasis on new products."

More after the jump...