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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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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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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Woodward 2009: The Ford Booth Tour

Chris Shunk — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Woodward 2009 Ford Booth Tour - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford, as you likely already know, didn't enter bankruptcy this year, and the Blue Oval didn't need government funds to remain afloat, either. That's a good enough reason to throw a party, and that's precisely what Ford did at 9 Mile and Woodward for this year's Woodward Dream Cruise.

Ford had by far the largest display of any of the Detroit automakers, and since the Dream Cruise is all about old school muscle, the Mustang was naturally front and center. In fact, Ford dedicated most of Woodward 2009 to Mustang Alley; a cornucopia of Ford's trademark pony cars past and present that lined both sides of 9 Mile east of Woodward. While the Shelby GT500 is relatively rare on public streets, Carol's 540-hp masterpiece filled Mustang Alley. But Mustangs rebuilt by regular Joes were also well represented.

Ford also has a great display of the latest and greatest from Ford trucks, including a couple brand new F-150 SVT Raptors, along with a killer DeWalt F-150 complete with Ford's Work Solution package. The appropriately yellow DeWalt truck even featured a connection for an air compressor above the rear bumper.

Other Ford vehicles of note include the 2010 Fusion Hybrid that Ford is using to challenge the media to see who can get the best fuel economy and a 2010 Taurus SHO with a law enforcement light bar. Click on the gallery below to check out the best from the Ford booth at Woodward 2009.

Gallery: Woodward 2009: Ford Booth Tour

Woodward 2009: The Ford Booth Tour originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Shelby Mustang revealed as race-only 'R Model'

Drew Phillips — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:07:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Shelby

Yesterday, we got word of a new Shelby Mustang to be unveiled at the NHRA Winternationals, and now Shelby has released official details of the new model, a race-only R-Model commemorating Jerry Titus' 1965 SCCA Championship with the original Shelby GT-350R. Naturally, we assumed the car would be based on the 2010 model year, but the 2007-2008 Shelby GT will actually be used as the base platform.

Each car gets a plethora of performance upgrades, including a Ford Racing supercharger good for 550 horsepower, a six-speed Tremec TR6060 transmission, 3.73:1 gears, Grand-Am spec roll cage, side-exit exhaust system, differential and transmission coolers, racing brakes with cooling ducts, unique grill, carbon fiber rear wing, and an "R Model" dash plaque. Production will be extremely limited, with Shelby promising to only build up to 37 examples, the same number produced as the original R-Model, at total cost of $134,995. The cars won't be legal for street use, but they do qualify for NASA American Iron's Extreme class. No pictures of the car have been released yet, but we will be sure to bring them to you as soon as we get our hands on them. Hit the jump for the press release from Shelby and more details on the new R-Model Mustang.

[Source: Shelby Automobiles]

UPDATE: The Model-R is not making its debut at the NHRA Winternationals.

Continue reading New Shelby Mustang revealed as race-only 'R Model'

New Shelby Mustang revealed as race-only 'R Model' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Shelby to unveil a new special-edition Mustang at NHRA Winternats

Noah Joseph — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Ford, Rumormill

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

We don't know what it is yet, but according to the folks at InsideLine, Carroll Shelby is preparing to unveil a new special-edition Ford Mustang next week. Rumored to be less powerful than the GT500KR, the limited-run model will make its debut as part of a benefit dinner for a new museum of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), held during the Winternationals. Shelby will reportedly be joined at the unveiling of the new 'Stang by top-fuel drag-racing legend Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. We'll be eagerly watching the timing lights to see what the Snake Charmer has in store for gearheads this time, and hope that Ol' Shel is feeling better.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Shelby to unveil a new special-edition Mustang at NHRA Winternats originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz to auction 25 Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Tuners, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Shelby

Click above to enlarge

Are they really "one-of-a-kind," as stated by Kruse on its official auction page, if there are 25 of them going up for auction on the same day? That's not to say getting one of the 500 Hertz Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles (sheesh, that's a mouthful!) that were built in 2007 is a bad thing, but nobody really knows if these vehicles will ever really gain in value over more pedestrian versions of Ford's iconic pony car like their forebears have. Rest assured, though, you are not going to be bidding the same $250,000 that collector Ron Pratte paid for serial #001. For reference, the last batch of rent-a-racers that were auctioned off managed about $33K per unit.

The car itself is powered by a 319-horsepower version of Ford's ubiquitous 4.6-liter three-valve V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission -- perfect for the kind of top-down summer cruising that these vehicles are likely to see. If you want one of the 25 going up for auction, they'll be at the Kruse Select Auction in Monterey, CA next week.

[Source: Kruse via Jalopnik]

Hertz to auction 25 Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Round Two: Second Unique Performance auction set for June

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Tuners, Auctions, Government/Legal, Ford, Shelby

The epic saga of Unique Performance and its fall from grace isn't over yet. An auction was held in March to help clear the bankrupt company's back debts, but it only raised $1 million. That wasn't enough to compensate the many ripped-off owners and fleeced employees, not to mention the federal government. Auction firm Rosen Systems has a new, very spare listing on its website for another Unique Performance auction coming up on the 24th of June. The scarce information offered by Rosen Systems only states "approximately 40 Mustang Fastback shells, body parts, tools, lifts." A catalog of items to be offered for this online-only event has yet to be released, but it's safe to assume that these are the items that failed to sell the first time around. We're not sure we'd consider this auction a good way to get a viable Mustang body unit, with reports of multiple gallons of body filler in each car. Thanks for the tip, Cameron!

Gallery: Unique Performance auction

[Source: 67MustangBlog]

Round Two: Second Unique Performance auction set for June originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Newest Knight Rider spot arrives

Alex Nunez — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Shelby, Celebrities

One week from today, we'll be watching Knight Rider, the 2-hour telemovie that resurrects KITT as a new car (Mustang) with a new voice (Val Kilmer), a new driver (Mike Traceur, son of Michael Knight), and, if ratings are good enough, a probable weekly gig in primetime next Fall. But lets not get ahead of ourselves. Before that can happen, the pilot needs to be a success, and we're as interested as everyone else in seeing what the network and executive producer Doug Liman have cooked up. Liman's body of work as a director and producer is so money that despite our fears, the Knight Rider reboot could actually work.

Then again, based on some of what we've seen in the commercials and promos so far, it could just as easily wind up being a giant black hole of suck. On the upside, we expect to be entertained either way. The latest TV spot introduces us to KITT's new, raspier voice and magic disappearing shifter. If you have any issues watching the fancy-schmancy NBC embed above, the YouTube version's pasted after the jump.

[Source: Knight Rider Online]

Gallery: The new KITT - OFFICIAL PHOTOS

Continue reading VIDEO: Newest Knight Rider spot arrives

VIDEO: Newest Knight Rider spot arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby cancels license for 33-year-old SAAC car club

Chris Shunk — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Shelby

In the eyes of many automotive enthusiasts, Caroll Shelby is a legend with few peers. His breathed upon Mustangs are so coveted, they routinely sell at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Shelby Cobras are truly special icons of the muscle car era, but when Caroll and Ford parted ways, he left the keys to the Shelby Mustang kingdom to the throngs of enthusiasts and car clubs across North America.

[Source: Mustang Evolution]

Continue reading Shelby cancels license for 33-year-old SAAC car club

Shelby cancels license for 33-year-old SAAC car club originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Terlingua Mustang adds one more to the fray

Dan Roth — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Ford, Shelby

Uncle! UNCLE! Here's the scoop. Shelby's dusting off another name from the 1960s to affix to the flanks of yet another clapped out version of Ford's Mustang. Damn. Was it like this back in the day, too? Terlingua was a racing team in the 1960s that campaigned a GT350 with ferocious bunny livery. The new Terlingua models dropped at SEMA (which might as well stand for Simply Everything Mustang Always), and they're actually pretty intriguing. We'll forego the bestickered body baubelization, but in the engine room, they've gotten creative.

Rather than focus all the attention on the GT, the base V6 gets some lovin' from the Terlingua package. $7,995 buys you handling and braking upgrades as well as a supercharger that helps the V6 churn out 375 hp. That's one we'd love to sample. Armchair quarterbacking postulates that it might be a bit more nimble than a GT, with a slightly less massive mill and possibly superior weight distribution, but of course, we're just blowing sunshine without actually looking at hard numbers. Ain't speculation fun? Of course, the obligatory 20-inch rims probably do more to hinder performance, but they rev up the style, if that's your thing. Other Terlingua goodies are a continuation 1967 Mustang with more modern engineering, and a specially tweaked '65 427 Cobra.

[Source: Autoweek]

Shelby Terlingua Mustang adds one more to the fray originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roush/Ford Racing announce GT500 supercharger upgrade

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Ford, ROUSH, Shelby

If there's anything that the Shelby GT500 lacks, it's definitely not power. At an MSRP of just over $40k, it has more horsepower per dollar than just about any car out there. The boys over at Ford Racing and Roush, however, thought that it could use a little bit more. The two have developed a supercharger upgrade for the GT500 that pushes horsepower to just over 600 while keeping a 1 year/12,000 mile drivetrain warranty. This will most likely be the supercharger used for the GT500 KR as well as the base supercharger for the Shelby Super Snake. Pricing is set at $5,600 and the blower can be purchased through Roush or a Ford Racing distributor.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush/Ford Racing announce GT500 supercharger upgrade

Roush/Ford Racing announce GT500 supercharger upgrade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Round 2: Unique Performance fires back at Shelby

Drew Phillips — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford, Shelby

We reported earlier that Shelby was severing ties with Unique Performance, builder of the Shelby GT350 SR and GT500 E continuation series Mustangs. Shelby claims that some customers who put down deposits up to two years ago have not received their cars. Unique has taken approximately $7 million in deposits and has around 50 to 60 orders that they have yet to complete. At least ten customers have also filed suit against Unique, and several of those have also included Shelby Automobiles in their suits as well. Carroll decided that enough was enough and announced he would no longer do business with the Dallas-based company.

Now Doug Hasty, CEO of Unique Performance has fired back. He claims that the production delays were due to faulty engines provided by Shelby. "Twenty-eight of the 42 Shelby Super Snakes produced prior to August 2006 experienced engine issues that led to overheating and/or mechanical failure," said Hasty. "Resources required for addressing the Shelby engine issues led to production delays to all vintage models." Carroll Shelby denies that Unique had informed him of engine problems and says that he only recently learned of the issue a few weeks ago. He also stated that the engine problems have nothing to do with Unique's delayed production of cars.

Hasty claims that the engine issues have been resolved and that the deposit money taken from customers is being used to complete the cars on order. Thirteen cars are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year. As for the ten law suits against Unique Performance, Hasty says that three have already been settled and that the others are being addressed.

[Source: Automotive News - sub required]

Round 2: Unique Performance fires back at Shelby originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's first Shelby authorized shop opens

Dan Roth — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Tuners, Ford, Shelby

The world's first Shelby-sanctioned third-party installer will soon open at Tasca Ford's Cranston, Rhode Island facility. Tasca has the benefit of very close relationships with both Shelby and Ford Motor Company going back many decades. The authorized mod shop was announced on August 25th, and will open this fall. The location offers a second place to buy a Super Snake, and is about as physically far away from Shelby's Las Vegas HQ as possible while staying within the bounds of the contiguous United States. Shelby packages like the aforementioned Super Snake, CS6, CS8 , and the 40th Anniversary package for the GT500 will be available at Tasca. Individual Shelby items such as engine, chassis, and body upgrades will be available as retail purchases, along with clothing and other accessories. If you take your Mustang to Tasca for your Shelby fix, it'll come away with an official installation, and a badge that denotes the work was done by Tasca.

While the east coast outpost will be more convenient for a lot of customers, it's not much of a help to hotrod Ford fans in the midwest, being about equidistant with a trip to Vegas, but you could stop at Foxwoods on the way there, and hit the Mohegan Sun on the way back if you feel that high-performance Mustangs and slot machines just go together.

[Source: Stangs Unleashed via Blue Oval News]

World's first Shelby authorized shop opens originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Evolution Performance's 11-sec GT500

Alex Nunez — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 12:26:00 EST

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

Evolution Performance of Aston, PA has put together a killer '07 Shelby GT500. Not content to simply make claims as to their Stang's formidable badassedness, the guys at Evolution brought it to the track, where it promptly ran the quarter in 11.81 sec at 120.9 mph.

The modifications made to the car were as follows:

JLT Cold Air Intake System
Custom Off-Road X-Pipe
Custom Exhaust System
4.10 Gears
Evolution Performance Custom Tune using SCT Advantage III Software
Output: 500 rwhp, 503 lb-ft of torque

The car has since had 2.6" pulleys installed and currently makes 563 horsepower and 564 lb ft of torque. Both of those numbers are at the wheel, mind you. Evolution says that this is the first 11-second '07 GT500, but stay tuned -- the word from Evolution is that video of a 10-second run at Englishtown last weekend (post-pulley swap) should be on the web in the coming days. We'll be sure to follow-up when that happens.

For now enjoy the video we do have, and be sure to check out Evolution Performance's site, where they've got a great photo gallery, the video you see above, and video of a dyno session showing that the car made a tasty 500 rwhp before the pully swap we mentioned above. Hot stuff, indeed.

[Sources: SVTperformance.com forums, Evolution Performance]

VIDEO: Evolution Performance's 11-sec GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grown-ups want a pony, too: Shelby GT details, photos

Alex Nunez — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, 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]

Continue reading Grown-ups want a pony, too: Shelby GT details, photos

Grown-ups want a pony, too: Shelby GT details, photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Aug 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Third Shelby Mustang to be released by year's end

John Neff — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford is keeping the 83-year-old Caroll Shelby very busy according to The Detroit News, which is reporting that a third Shelby Mustang following the GT500 and GT-H will be released later this year. Ford announced the news to its dealers at a meeting in Vegas this week, but very few details are known. The official announcement will come in the next documentary webisode released on FordBoldMoves.com. Despite the lack of details, The Detroit News is guessing the new Shelby Mustang will be similar to the GT-H in terms of power and more affordable than the GT500. It's possible the newest Shelby is being produced as a response to enthusiasts who have been begging Ford to sell the rental-only GT-H to the public. We'll keep an eye on FordBoldMoves.com and let you know when the newest webisode hits the net.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Third Shelby Mustang to be released by year's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vintage metal converges at the Modena Cento Ore Classic

Alex Nunez — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Europe, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz

Reader Alan Guerzoni tipped us off about the recently-contested Modena Cento Ore Classic, a vintage road/track rally in which participants cover 1000km in four days across 10 timed special stages and 3 track stages.

This year's overall winner was a 1965 Shelby GT350 that was raced by its Swiss owner. It was joined by some seriously exotic hardware on the four-day journey, including the stunning Mercedes 300 SLS Porter (great story about that car here), a bevy of E-Types, including a dead-sexy low drag '61 car, and a pair of Alfa Romeo Giulia TZs -- a '63 TZ1 and a '65 TZ2 -- just to name a few examples.

Alan has a gallery of brilliant photos from the race that we encourage you to check out. The event's official site has a full entrant list and a lot of great information about the race if you're interested in learning more about it as well.

This is one we wish we were on hand for.

(More photos after the jump)

[Source: Alan Guerzoni]

Continue reading Vintage metal converges at the Modena Cento Ore Classic

Vintage metal converges at the Modena Cento Ore Classic originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bold Moves: Episode 3 - The Legend of Carroll Shelby

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Ford

The third installment of Ford's ambitious Bold Moves documentary series kicks off a three-part arc focused on the new GT500 . Fittingly, Part 1 centers on the man for which that car is named: Carroll Shelby. Chock full of great archival footage, the webisode begins with Carroll telling viewers in his own words how his relationship with Ford came to be. He approached then-president Lee Iacocca with the proposition that if Iacocca gave him $25,000, he'd build Ford a car that would go out and beat the Corvette. In one of the better moves ever made by an automobile industry executive, Iacocca ponied up the $25K. The rest, as you know, is history.

The episode goes on to show Ford's emergence in the musclecar arena, then takes viewers through the decline of performance in the fuel-strapped 70s to the design and product wasteland of the 80s, finally bringing the story full circle with Carroll's return to Ford a few years ago. Carroll Shelby's one of those people who you can watch and listen to for hours on end. You only get a couple of minutes with him in Bold Moves episode 3, but it's time very well spent.

Autoblog's fearless leader, John Neff, gets into the act himself as the scribe of the "Point" essay in the Point/Counterpoint feature on the site. In it, he makes a compelling case as to why halo cars like the new Shelby GT500 are important to automakers.

Your assignments, Autoblog readers, are the following: Watch the webisode. Read the essay. Weigh in with your own opinions in the comments.

Now get going!

Bold Moves: Episode 3 - The Legend of Carroll Shelby originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford delivers first GT500 to Barrett-Jackson auction winner

Alex Nunez — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 12:57:00 EST

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

Remember back at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale when the rights to Shelby GT500 #001 sold for $600,000?

Well, yesterday was the day that particular car, in orange with tungsten stripes, rolled off the production line at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, MI. Waiting at the end of the line was Carroll Shelby himself, who handed the keys to the winning bidder, Ron Pratte. Proceeds from the auction benefitted the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. Carroll also signed the dashboard of GT500 #001 for its new owner, making an already significant car even more special.

StangsUnleashed.com was there, and captured some great photos of the ceremonial handover of the keys, plus a nice series of shots of the production lines themselves. You can't help but get that kid-in-a-candy-store feeling when you look at the lines of GT500 coupes and convertibles in a rainbow of colors. Make sure you check out StangsUnleashed's coverage yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to reader Omar for the tip!

[Source: StangsUnleashed]

Ford delivers first GT500 to Barrett-Jackson auction winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jun 2006 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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