Autoblog

Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang

Drew Phillips — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this month during SEMA, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations announced that it had scored a licensing deal with Carroll Shelby to build a continuation version of the legendary Shelby Mustang GT500. At the time of the announcement, we didn't know much about the car, aptly named the GT500CR, except that each would come with an official Shelby serial number and be included in the Shelby Worldwide Registry.

However, thanks to new information recently released by Classic Recreations, we now have the preliminary details for the GT500CR. Three separate models will be available, starting with an Intro model that comes standard with a 427ci V8, 150-hp nitrous system, upgraded suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, Tremec five-speed manual transmission, Baer brakes, and more. One step up from that is the Performance package that also gets items like upgraded seats, larger rear wheels, and a coilover suspension system. At the top of the range is the Venom model, featuring an intercooled supercharger system that boosts the V8 to 780 horsepower, along with other performance upgrades. More details about the GT500CR can be found in Classic Recreation's press release posted after the jump, and we've included the original renderings of the car in the gallery below in case you missed them the first time around.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang

Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choices: Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang GT500?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford, Nissan

Click above to read the rest of the post and vote in our poll

A few months back we were lucky enough to roll around in a 2010 Nissan GT-R. On our way up to a pre-burnt Angeles Crest Highway for the now infamous flip-flop-gate photoshoot, yours truly began explaining to our intrepid photographer Drew Phillips just exactly how Nissan's latest and greatest is faster than a speeding Gallardo, more powerful than a F430 and able to leap tall canyon roads without breaking a sweat. And on and on and on. When I finally shut up, Drew asked me, "Would you take a GT-R over a GT500?" Whoa...

Read the rest of the post and vote in our poll after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

Continue reading Choices: Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang GT500?

Choices: Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang GT500? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: EcoBoost V8 Ford Shelby Mustang in the pipeline?

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford, Rumormill

2010 Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's one we've been hearing rumors about for quite a while - an EcoBoosted V8 Mustang. Put another way, a twin-turbo, direct-injected, V8 Shelby GT500. The first rumor we heard was about a twin-turbo 50th Anniversary Edition 2014 1/2 Mustang, which would be the very definition of the word "Sweet!" We asked about this mythical car point blank to several fairly high-ranking Ford execs, only to be stared back at in silence. Although one dude - who shall remain nameless - did crack a knowing smile and asked, "Who told you that?"

Regardless of our shoddy scooping, The Detroit Bureau's Paul Eisenstein is now claiming that according to several unnamed sources, Ford is considering such a beast of an engine. Good idea? We think so. Not that there's much wrong with the GT500's current supercharged 5.4-liter monster, especially as it's pretty underrated at 540 hp. But it is a little long in the tooth being essentially a ten-year-old Ford GT power plant with a couple of changes. Not that current GT500 owners care, but at full clip, the Shelby gets... how to put this kindly... abso-fricking-lutely abysmal mileage.

We also know that while the current Taurus SHO's EcoBoost V6 makes an impressive 365 ponies, 600 horsepower is there for the asking (a little tuning, sure, but the engine can do it). With that in mind, can you even imagine the levels of sound and fury a twin-turbo V8 could unleash? Eisenstein doesn't mention it, but Ford wouldn't be slapping turbos on the old 5.4-liter or the older 4.6-liter modular engine. The EcoBoosting would be applied to the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8. When General Motors introduced LS3 V8 a few years back, it was noted by many that the intake manifold looked suspiciously like it was designed with forced induction in mind. We've heard similar rumors about the Coyote.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1

[Source: thedetroitbureau.com]

Rumormill: EcoBoost V8 Ford Shelby Mustang in the pipeline? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Design/Style

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've seen plenty of car-related videos of our time, and we've posted on quite a few of them on Autoblog. The clips are usually informative, offer a sneak peak of a future product, or they're just plain funny, but one thing we've never done is showcase a reader's demo reel, until today. Why? Because after the jump is one of the sweetest home-grown car videos in the history of geeks playing with CGI software.

The video features a Chevrolet Camaro, a Ford Shelby Mustang, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and - wait for it - a Vaz 2107. The supposed theme of the video is that some spiked orb thing ascends down from above, shooting pure, Spider Man 3-like evil upon the four unsuspecting vehicles. Once the vehicles become infected with this black plague, they get all bad and dark and stuff. Then a Black Hawk flies into the picture just for the added cool and hangs out with the souped up, shiny black cars. It's all kind of Mad Hatter if you ask us, but it's also completely freaking cool. Hollywood production quality cool. Music and sound effects are outstanding as well. Nicely done, Pantural, whoever you are. Thanks to all who sent in tips!

[Source: Pantural via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Ford shows off Healing Heroes Network grand prize Shelby GT500 pair

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford

Healing Heroes Network charity raffle Shelby GT500s - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the Ford booth at SEMA this year, we spotted a matching set of 1967 and 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustangs. White with blue stripes, they looked incredible even in the unflattering lighting of Central Hall. The 1967 example is a verified Shelby original, number 3139 in the Shelby Registry. The 2010 GT is a one-of-a-kind special edition done up in the same Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes as the old-timer. It has been dubbed the Patriot Edition and features a host of aftermarket changes that make it more closely match its ancestor.

While stopping to check them out we noticed a big sign nearby, telling us they could both be ours. Apparently, this duo is being raffled off to raise funds for the Healing Heroes Network, a charity that benefits injured Veterans. So buying a ticket or 10 is a chance to win these fantastic Shelbys, and support a worthy cause. Sounds like an easy decision to us. If you'd like to donate, buy tickets, or just find out more about the cars, the charity and the auction, check out this website.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Shelby GT500 duo being raffled for charity

SEMA 2009: Ford shows off Healing Heroes Network grand prize Shelby GT500 pair originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby unveils F-150 Super Snake Concept, turbocharged Mustang package

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Ford

Shelby F150 Super Snake Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We figured that anything and everything automotive in Las Vegas would be over at the convention center for SEMA all week, but apparently, we were wrong. Amidst the introductions of custom cars and aftermarket parts, Shelby Automobiles introduced two new vehicles at its Las Vegas facility.

The first is the F150 Super Snake Concept. Built as a pickup version of the potent GT500 Super Snake, the truck version has similar features including a Whipple supercharger system, Borla exhaust system, 22-inch wheels and tires, six-piston brakes, custom Shelby bodywork, and Shelby embroidery inside. Even though it is labeled as a concept, Shelby is offering the package to F150 owners who can get the parts installed only at Shelby's headquarters.

The second car is a (you guessed it) Mustang that features Shelby's new turbo package that can be installed post-title on any 2005-2009 GT at any of the company's mod shops around the country. Using a Turbonetics single-turbo system, Shelby has increased the output of the Mustang's 4.6-liter V8 to by nearly double to 550 horsepower. A variety of other components come with the package as well including a short-throw shifter, Borla exhaust, Shelby grille, 18-inch wheels and more. Other items like Baer six-piston brakes, Eibach suspension system, eight-point roll cage, and the Shelby GT-H hood are optional.

Learn more about each of the cars after the jump.

Gallery: Shelby F150 Super Snake Concept

Gallery: Shelby Turbocharged Mustang

[Source: Shelby Automobiles]

Continue reading Shelby unveils F-150 Super Snake Concept, turbocharged Mustang package

Shelby unveils F-150 Super Snake Concept, turbocharged Mustang package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Recreations to begin building Shelby GT500CR

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes friends, that Shelby. As in Carroll Shelby. And the racing, muscle car building legend has agreed to permit Classic Recreations to relaunch a continuation version of one of America's most iconic performance cars, the 1967-68 Shelby GT500 Mustang. Before we get too much further, allow us to remind you that Classic Recreations is the shop behind Eleanor, the car that prompted our own Jonathon Ramsey to comment, "Eleanor is the hottest piece of car we've spent a weekend with in quite some time." Trust us, that's high praise.

Details and exact specifications are, well, fuzzy for the time being. But rest easy, as Classic Recreations owner Jason Engal claims, It retains the most iconic Shelby elements everyone loves with modern performance and supercar level horsepower." As Eleanor puts out anywhere between 535 and 770 horsepower, you can expect the GT500CR to do at least that. Maybe more important to Shelby fans is that each car, "[W]ill leave the shop with an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry." This of course includes Carroll's all-important signature on the rocker panel. More when we know more.

Update: It's official. Release posted after the jump.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR

Continue reading Classic Recreations to begin building Shelby GT500CR

Classic Recreations to begin building Shelby GT500CR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, First Drive, Specialty, Quick Spin

Superformance GT40 MkI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as we enjoy piloting modern machinery, there's something special about vintage vehicles, and that something is the pure, unvarnished connection between man and machine. But it's not always good. Things get dicey when the driving experience is a little too vintage. Despite our supreme adoration of the racing greats of yesteryear, clawing at the wheel, pulverizing the brake pedal, dumping buckets of sweat onto the leather seat and having our sphincter perform kegels isn't always our preferred flavor of fun. Some days, we're just not that hardcore. So the vintage vehicles we've come to love most aren't genuinely vintage at all - they're classic bodies wrapped around modern mechanicals. The Rizk RA is a prime example, and now there's this: the Superformance GT40 MkI, a car so raw that if it were edible, they'd slap "organic" on it and sell it at Whole Foods.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 Mk1

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby lowering price of $20k GT500KR hood after web outrage erupts

Chris Paukert — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Earnings/Financials

Shelby GT500KR - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we drove the Shelby GT500KR at Miller Motorsports Park last May, we were impressed with the steps that Ford and Shelby had taken to make its new King of the Road a special vehicle. Not only was the KR a huge improvement over the GT500 (which led to the development of the 2010 GT500), but the car featured trick items like a carbon fiber hood and lightweight wheels wrapped with R-compound tires. At that time, Shelby also proudly told us that none of the KR-specific parts would be available for sale separately to ensure that owners of lesser Mustangs could not make shadetree replicas that might compromise the KR's image. Of course, all of this exclusivity and performance came at a price: $79,995 to be exact.

$18,400 for a new hood, $3,392.50 for a front spoiler, and $632.50 for a set of hood pins

Unfortunately, as one GT500KR owner has learned the hard way, replacement parts for this pony car can be surprisingly dear. After an unfortunate incident with a critter on the road resulted in a modestly damaged front end, the owner in question was shocked to learn about the high cost of his vehicle's replacement parts. And as is increasingly the way these days, he aired his displeasure on the web. That initial report has since touched off a firestorm in the online Shelby community, with the issue spreading to numerous forums and chat rooms.

So just why were these replacement parts such a contentious issue? In the main, it's a numbers thing. As in $18,400 for a new hood, $3,392.50 for a front spoiler, and even $632.50 for a set of hood pins, among other things. Further, the disgruntled owner informed a forum member that Shelby requires any damaged KR parts to be returned to their facility in Las Vegas before new replacements can be sent out.

Obviously, a bit of due diligence was needed to verify the claimed replacement pricing and parts return policy, so we got on the phone with Jim Owens, vice president of marketing and communications at Shelby to get the straight scoop. Click through to the jump to hear what we learned.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Shelby GT500KR Part 2

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Sources: Spokentorque.com, Team Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby lowering price of $20k GT500KR hood after web outrage erupts

Shelby lowering price of $20k GT500KR hood after web outrage erupts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake as good as a Ford Mustang gets

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drive

2010 Shelby Super Snake - Click above for high-res image gallery

In just under ten months, this blogger has gone from not having been inside a Mustang in 13 years (and a used one at that), to driving, in this order, a 2010 Mustang GT, a Mustang GT with the Track Pack, a Shelby GT500 Mustang and a Roush 427R. That sequence also defines our order of favorites; every successive steed has made us say "We have a new favorite!" In Monterey, we were handed the keys to the brand new 750-horsepower Shelby GT500 Super Snake, and when we gave them back we not only said: "We have a new favorite," we declared "All hail, we have a new king!"

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake as good as a Ford Mustang gets

First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake as good as a Ford Mustang gets originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 350 gets backdated to 1969

Chris Tutor — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Performance, Auctions, Ford

Retrobuilt's 2007 meets 1969 Shelby Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Want the muscular, retro look of a 1969 Shelby Mustang without any of the rust, engine problems and, well, cachet of a 40-year-old classic? Then fire up the eBay and check out what Retrobuilt has wrought.

What you see is not a 1969 Shelby fully restored to better-than-new condition. Nor is it a 1969 Mustang Fastback retromodded to look like said Shelby. The car you see is listed on eBay as a 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 350 custom-made by Retrobuilt to fool most casual observers into thinking the car is 38 years older than it is.

The auction description says the car is a prototype created by the company used to produce molds for fiberglass kits for aftermarket customizers. As the car has been built as a prototype, this coupe's doors are metal, as are the fins over the back glass. Front fenders, hood, quarter panels and trunk lid are all rendered in hand-laid fiberglass. The door handles are 1969 repros and the bumpers are triple-chromed steel. The rear wing is a factory-correct 1969 wing stretched four inches to fit the 2007's wider stance.

Barring some slightly wonky proportions, it's certainly a loyal interpretation of the original, and with a current bid of under $30,000, possibly an interesting bargain. Check out the gallery for many more pics.

Gallery: 2007 Mustang Shelby Retrobuilt into 1969 Shelby

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 350 gets backdated to 1969 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Shelby Daytona Coupe sells for record $7.25 million

Drew Phillips — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While many of the high-dollar auction cars are having trouble meeting their reserve prices, the Shelby Daytona Coupe that failed to sell back in May has found a new home. The price tag? $7.25 million, a new record for an American car sold at auction.

Chassis CSX2601, this particular Daytona Coupe is known as the "Championship Car" because it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for Shelby American after it won the race in Reims, France. Its driver, Bob Bondurant, was on hand at the event to personally drive the car across the block before bidding began. More details on the sale and the auction in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Mecum Auctions]

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Shelby Daytona Coupe sells for record $7.25 million

Monterey 2009: Shelby Daytona Coupe sells for record $7.25 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyno Tested: 2010 Shelby GT500 lives up to 540 horsepower rating

Drew Phillips — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Shelby GT500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We already know the 2010 Shelby GT500 is incredibly quick. In our initial performance test of the car, we ripped off a 12.9 second pass despite our lack of drag racing experience, a slippery track and a stiff headwind. With an experienced driver and prime conditions we have no doubt that Shelby's latest muscle car can break into the 11's. At the time, we thought to ourselves that the car's 540 horsepower number was probably underrated, and it turns out we were spot on.

While we haven't had the chance (yet) to strap a new GT500 to a dyno, 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords jumped at the chance as soon as they had one in their possession. The results didn't surprise us: 478.53 horsepower and 470.43 lb-ft torque at the rear wheels on a hot and muggy day in Florida. Much can be argued about exactly how much power is transferred from the flywheel to the back rubber, but the traditional calculation of a 15% loss puts the GT500 at over 560 bhp. Interestingly, it's still quite a bit less than the Shelby GT500KR that 5.0 tested last year despite the same official power rating. Even so, we're happy that Ford is now underrating their pony cars and preventing power-rating debacles like the one the SVT Cobra created back in 1999.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 2

[Source: 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords]

Dyno Tested: 2010 Shelby GT500 lives up to 540 horsepower rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Distribution announces new and improved Daytona Coupe MKII

Drew Phillips — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance

Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe is one of the most legendary American race cars in existence, and one of the most expensive too. When one comes up for auction (like in a few weeks in Monterey), only those who can afford a multimillion dollar price tag need bother bidding. For those who want the next best thing at a significantly lower cost, Shelby Distribution U.S.A. has just announced the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII, the modern interpretation of the iconic racer.

Originally named the Brock Coupe after designer Peter Brock and later known as the Superformance Daytona Coupe, the updated model now officially comes with the Shelby name and even gets a CSX chassis number that will be included in the Shelby World Registry.

Along with the new title, the second generation coupe gets an updated interior that provides more room for the driver, external door handles and electric windows. More importantly, it receives a host of performance upgrades, including revised air scoops behind the rear window, a revamped suspension setup, and an improved cooling system. Pricing comes in at $89,000 - plus the cost of an engine and transmission of your choosing. View the full details on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII in the press release after the jump or check out the high-res gorgeousness below.

Gallery: Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII

[Source: Shelby Distribution USA]

Continue reading Shelby Distribution announces new and improved Daytona Coupe MKII

Shelby Distribution announces new and improved Daytona Coupe MKII originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Once More With Feeling: Daytona Coupe back up for auction in Monterey

Drew Phillips — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Shelby

Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's the plan for Mecum Auctions, which is putting an original Shelby Daytona Coupe back up for sale at its inaugural Monterey Auction on August 15 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa. There were high expectations when the legendary racecar first crossed the block at Mecum's Spring Classic Auction back in May, but the final bid of $6.8 million was under the reserve and the Shelby didn't find a new home. Mecum reports that it has received a post-auction bid of $7.5 million, but is still hoping for more.

One of six Cobra Daytona Coupes built by Shelby to compete in the 1964 and 1965 FIA World Manufacturers Championship, CSX2601 is known as the "championship car" after a win at Reims, France clinched the manufacturer's title. With an aerodynamic shape designed by Peter Brock, the Daytona Coupe had a top speed 25 mph higher than the Cobra roadsters that allowed it to compete with the Ferraris on Europe's high-speed tracks. If Mecum does find a buyer for CSX2601, it will smash the record price paid for an American car at auction, set in 2007 by Barrett-Jackson with the sale of a rare twin-supercharged Shelby Cobra Super Snake. More details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mecum Auctions]

Continue reading Once More With Feeling: Daytona Coupe back up for auction in Monterey

Once More With Feeling: Daytona Coupe back up for auction in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.

Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).

Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.

As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.

Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake

Drew Phillips — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Ford, Shelby

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, Shelby Automobiles has released a barrage of new models including a 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake (above). Most of the models are based on the previous generation Mustang, either the Mustang GT, Shelby GT or GT500 that current owners can bring to Shelby to be modified.

First up is the Shelby GT/SC, basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger, upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash. Next is the Shelby GT/SR (right), which is essentially a GT/SC model fitted with additional equipment for racing like BFGoodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.

If you want to Shelbify your regular Mustang GT, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.

Have a GT500 that needs more Shelby stuff on it? You can now go with the GT500SE (Special Edition) package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more. And what if your GT500 is a 2010 model? Well, Shelby is now offering their Super Snake package for the latest GT500 that, among other things, offers a 725-horsepower supercharger upgrade.

Overwhelmed? So are we, but follow the jump to dig through all the upgrades and information for each vehicle.

Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT/SR

Gallery: New Shelby models for 2009

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake

Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: S197 Ford Mustang could have had independent rear suspension for $100 per car

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

It seems that any discussion about a modern Ford Mustang inevitably turns into a debate about its solid rear axle. While Ford has done an incredible job of optimizing the pony car's suspension, many still find it unacceptable that such an antiquated technology is used on a modern day performance car. Motor Trend boss Angus MacKenzie, however, says that the S197 Mustang platform almost received an independent rear suspension a while back - and for a lot less than you might think.

According to MacKenzie, the 2005 Mustang was set to get an independent suspension shared with the BA-series Falcon sedan built in Australia. Even when it was decided that the two cars would use different platforms, Ford designers set about designing an independent suspension specific to the Mustang. So why did it still end up with a solid rear axle? According to MacKenzie, product development executive Phil Martens convinced Bill Ford Jr. that they could save $100 per car if they dropped the IRS and went with the solid axle. For all of you non drag-racing types that wish the Mustang had an independently suspended rear, this news probably makes you sick to the stomach.

But wait... there's more! MacKenzie's sources say that the cost of sorting out the current Mustang's suspension actually cost $98 more per car than the IRS that could have gone in the car. Like Angus, we love the current Mustang but have to wonder if it could have been that much better.

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: S197 Ford Mustang could have had independent rear suspension for $100 per car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Daytona Coupe a $6.8 million no-sale at Mecum auction

Drew Phillips — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Shelby

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Shelby Daytona Coupe CSX2601

There was plenty of hype leading up to Mecum's Spring Classic Auction this weekend, and rightfully so. Up for grabs was the 1965 Shelby Daytona Coup -- one of six ever made -- that clinched the FIA World Championship. Bidding was expected to reach into eight figures, with the potential to break several records for cars sold at auctions.

In a packed house filled with excited bidders and spectators, the Daytona Coupe finally crossed the block last night. Bidding started at a respectable $4 million, quickly went to $5 million, $5.5, and then $6.5. Then bidding slowed, eventually stalling out at $6.8 million. An astronomical sum of money, but not enough to reach the reserve price. With no one willing to bid higher, the Daytona Coupe rolled away unsold. However, Dana Mecum was confident that the car would eventually sell, saying "I'll think we'll get a deal done by the end of the weekend," but unfortunately no auction records were broken.

Several other notable Shelbys were no-sales as well, including a 1964 Cobra 289 competition model that reached $1.3 million, a 1963 Cobra 289 with a high bid of $525,000, and a 1966 Cobra 427 S/C that also hit the $1.3 million mark without finding a new buyer. The top sale of the auction was a 1966 Ford GT40 that went for a gavel price of $2,300,000.

Edit - we've been informed that the 1966 Cobra 427 S/C sold for $1.165 million as part of the Mecum Bid Goes On on Friday after the car went off the block.

Gallery: 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601

[Source: Discovery HD]

Shelby Daytona Coupe a $6.8 million no-sale at Mecum auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 May 2009 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Handful of new Shelby Series II roadsters still available for purchase

Drew Phillips — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Shelby

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Shelby Series II

Back in the mid 1990s, Carroll Shelby set out to do something he had never done: build a complete car from scratch. The Series 1 seemed to have the right formula on paper - lightweight aluminum honeycomb chassis, carbon fiber body, sophisticated coilover suspension and a 4.0-liter V8 created for the Indy Racing League. However, just like so many others before (and after), ol' Carroll found that building a production car was a much more difficult task than simply stuffing hi-po engines into Mustangs and Cobras. The Series 1 suffered from unexpectedly high production costs that nearly doubling its $100,000 price tag, and the IRL engine was dropped in favor of an Aurora-based V8 producing just 320 horsepower. Despite additional investment in the car and a supercharger option, customers who had put down deposits fled and less than 250 examples left the Shelby factory.

Then in 2006, Shelby Automobiles, Inc. announced it would be continuing production of the car, renamed the Series II and featuring a revised front and rear end and a price tag of $225,000. Despite claims that most of the production run was already sold out, the Series II never materialized due to the excessive costs needed to re-certify the car for modern Federal standards. We haven't heard about the car since then and thought the story had ended. But wait, there's more! Apparently there were still a few Series II bodies still lying around, and Superformance Distribution, the same company that sells the Foose Coupe, has a handful for sale. Each are sold as "specially constructed vehicles" sans engine and transmission, leaving the responsibility of adding the powertrain to the new owner. We've heard that only four Series II roadsters have been built, making it one of the most rare and intriguing Shelbys ever built.

Gallery: Shelby Series II

[Source: Superformance Distribution]

Handful of new Shelby Series II roadsters still available for purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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