Autoblog

Ford Shelby GT500 and Chevy Camaro ZL1 compared by Chris Harris

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, Ford

International man of mystery Chris Harris recently abandoned his duties in the UK for a trip to the States. Why? Because of two very important pieces of machinery: the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500. Harris took charge of both cars in Manhattan to evaluate their on-road manners before heading to the track for a little showdown. What did he find? On the street, the Camaro is actually easier to live with than its Ford rival thanks to a more comfortable seating position, friendly clutch and easy torque curve.

And on the track? The ZL1 took top honors there, as well, beating the GT500 around Monticello by a full two seconds even though it has less power. Despite all this, Harris says if he had to choose one to be his very own, it would be a set of Ford keys in his pocket. The hoon of hoons says that in this world, bad is good, and the Mustang is properly scary, where the Camaro is simply too drivable. Check out the video below to see for yourself.

Continue reading Ford Shelby GT500 and Chevy Camaro ZL1 compared by Chris Harris

Ford Shelby GT500 and Chevy Camaro ZL1 compared by Chris Harris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Ford's Shelby GT500 gun for 200 MPH on Italy's Nardo Ring

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ford

There's a reason the speedometer on the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 reaches all the way to 220 mph. By all accounts, Ford poured a substantial amount of development resources into the supercharged creation by running it through the ringer at some of the world's most hallowed courses. Those include the infamous Nürburgring and Italy's massive Nardo Ring. The automaker has finally released a video detailing some of that work, specifically on the Shelby GT500's high-speed dynamics. In order for a production vehicle to safely operate at 200 mph, the machine needs to not only be able to achieve the speed, but also to maintain the velocity safely.

It also needs to be able to stop at a moment's notice. As such, engineers ran the 642 horsepower sportscar up to V-max and proceeded to induce a full ABS stop. That must have been an interesting moment behind the wheel. Check out the video for yourself by scrolling below.

Continue reading Watch Ford's Shelby GT500 gun for 200 MPH on Italy's Nardo Ring

Watch Ford's Shelby GT500 gun for 200 MPH on Italy's Nardo Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Mustang GT will channel GT500

John Neff — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

After decades of dominating the pony car sales charts, the Ford Mustang has finally met its match in the latest Chevrolet Camaro. Naturally, this high-profile segment, is one that Ford is loathe to concede. After being infused with completely new engines in 2011, the Mustang will soon receive a visual refreshening that aligns this horse's looks even more with the range-topping Shelby GT500 model.

Our spy photographers have snapped a Mustang GT prototype with just a thin layer of 3M vinyl hiding the changes. Up front, you can clearly see the GT500's influence in this Mustang prototype's protruding grille. Also note that the coupe has dropped the Mustang GT's circular, grille-mounted foglamps, as well as swapped out its galloping horse badge for a new logo that's been moved from the center of the grille to the side. Even the lower air intake is shaped like an open smile, just like on the current GT500. And, is that a splitter we see hanging off the car's chin?

We can also see brand new projector beam headlights up front with some LED tech buried within, and out back, the rear end gets new taillights. That rear wing is also new, and the rear bumper has been slightly redesigned as well.

Ford clearly hopes to imbue the Mustang GT with the GT500's aggressive looks, and these spy shots show they're on-track to do just that. Will it be enough to boost sales above the Camaro? We'll see. The more interesting question is once the Mustang GT looks like the GT500, what will Ford do with its most powerful pony car? With the impending arrival of the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1, we're sure Ford's got something planned.

Next Ford Mustang GT will channel GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UAW contract confirms larger 5.8L V8 for GT500

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions

Fans of large displacement and forced induction (isn't that everyone?) can officially rejoice today as the recently approved deal between Ford and the United Auto Workers has answered a question that's been on our minds ever since Chevrolet upped the horsepower ante with its Camaro ZL1. Yes, folks, the 2013 Shelby GT500 will be blessed with a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine.

While conventional wisdom has always been that the easiest way to increase horsepower and torque was to bore-and-stroke your way to more displacement, an interesting series of spy shots showing one conspicuously oversize intercooler led some to believe Ford was ditching the supercharger in favor of twin turbos. Not so, apparently. Ford's latest contract with the UAW reveals that its Romeo Engine Assembly Plant will receive a $50 million investment to build the 5.8L supercharged mill.

Naturally, contract talk doesn't include a whiff on horsepower or torque, but you can bet Ford is planning on eking out more than the 580 horses that Chevy has corralled from the 2012 Camaro ZL1. Something around 600 seems like a safe bet, but we'll just have to wait for an official announcement from Ford. In the meantime, sweet supercharged dreams.

UAW contract confirms larger 5.8L V8 for GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to limit 2011 Shelby GT500 production to 5,500 units

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 - click above for high-res image gallery

We've just gotten off the horn with Ford's SVT performance division, and we've learned that the Blue Oval's hot-rod arm is going to limit production of the 2011 Shelby GT500 to 5,500 units for this model year. According to Ford spokesman Henry Platts, the move is not the result of slow sales, but rather a desire to maintain exclusivity. In fact, sales of Ford's king of the Mustang range have "exceeded expectations," with in excess of 3,300 orders already placed.

The 550-horsepower GT500 has not only been performing surprisingly well in a down economy, it's been going out the door loaded-to-the sills with options. According to Platts, there have been three times as many GT500 coupes ordered with the $1995 glass roof option as compared to the regular Mustang. In the "News That Makes Us Happy" category comes word that a full 68 percent have been spec'd out with the $3,495 performance package (includes 19- and 20-inch painted forged alloys, 3.73 limited-slip, tuned suspension, Gurney flap rear spoiler, etc.), and additionally, 70 percent of all GT500s have been ordered with the $2,340 electronics package (navi, dual-zone HVAC and Sirius/HD radio). With the GT500 starting at an out-the-door price of $49,495 before options, we're guessing that the GT500 is more than carrying its weight for Dearborn's bottom line.

While Ford is limiting total output of the GT500 to 5,500 units for 2011, Platts says the automaker has no plans to dictate how that shakes out in the coupe/convertible bodystyle mix. That said, if you've been fence-sitting on whether to pick up a GT500 of your very own this year, might we suggest that you make up your mind... quickly.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Package

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to limit 2011 Shelby GT500 production to 5,500 units

Ford to limit 2011 Shelby GT500 production to 5,500 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is so good we don't even want to associate the word "Mustang" with it anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with the Mustang - particularly the revised 2011 model. But as a sports car, the word "Mustang" conjures images of something much less than refined. If a Porsche is a scalpel, a 'roided up 'Stang is the Jaws of Life: it'll get the job done, but it ain't gonna be pretty.

However, if a Mustang is a mauling maw, the Shelby GT500 is a defibrillator. Perhaps not pinpoint precise, but it hides a sting, a little bit of burn and you can put it right where you want. And once you're there, you can use it to deliver a glorious shock to the system. Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt

First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 order guide revealed?

Alex Nunez — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

We love enthusiast forums, in part because they're loaded with dealer employees who always manage to get their hands on fun stuff like vehicle ordering guides before the automakers are ready to spill the beans on upcoming changes themselves. The latest? It's the guide for the 2011 Shelby GT500, posted by one of the members at ModularFords.com. The document (presuming the info is 100-percent accurate) confirms that the new GT500 trades in its iron block for an aluminum one. We don't yet know how much weight the move will shave yet, but the change should only help make what's pretty much a great car even better.

Other stuff of interest? HID lamps will be standard, the glass roof option will become available on coupes, the convertible gets equipped with the same 19-inch wheels as the hardtop (the 2010 'vert rolled on 18-inchers), and there's an optional goody-laden SVT Performance Package. It adds a 3:73 rear axle ratio (3:55 is standard), package-specific shocks and springs, what sounds like a different stripe package, upgraded wheels and tires (19-inchers in front and 20-inchers in back), and a rear spoiler with Gurney flap. (If you want the SVT Performance pack, you need to skip the Shaker 1000 stereo).

Ford doesn't appear to be making a big to-do about the revisions. A spokesperson tells us we won't see the 2011 GT500 at either the Chicago or New York auto shows. Ourselves, we're content to wait patiently for the car's arrival so we can jump behind the wheel for a few days of fun and fact-finding. We've gallerized the Order Guide PDF below, and you can see the original over at ModularFords.com.

Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide

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

[Source: ModularFords.com]

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 order guide revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford V8 boss says no twin-turbo 5.0L for Shelby GT500

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford

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

In recent months, rumors have been rampant that the next generation of Ford's Shelby GT500 Mustang would dump the existing 5.4-liter supercharged V8 in favor of a twin-turbo version of the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that debuts this spring. Unfortunately, in spite of earlier reports confirming the development, it appears that such an engine will not be installed in the GT500 any time soon. Autoblog had the chance to talk with Mike Harrison, Ford's chief engineer for the 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines this morning, and he made it clear that the mooted engine is not part of the program for the Blue Oval bomber.

Harrison explained that such a configuration would be almost impossible for Ford to engineer because the 5.0-liter already consumes virtually the entire engine compartment. There is evidently no room to mount the turbos on the outside of the block where the exhaust currently resides. One possibility would be to put the turbos in the valley of the block similar to the new 6.7-liter diesel or BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but this creates a bunch of new problems as well. The heat generated by having the turbos up top would probably cause the paint on the hood to bubble and peel unless Ford could add some exotic and undoubtedly expensive heat shielding, which is unlikely to happen.

The other issue is that this configuration would really only work if the intake and exhaust flow were reversed, putting the exhaust in the valley. Without this change, the paths from the exhaust ports to the turbos would be too long, resulting in excess turbo lag and unacceptable performance. However, this would require a level of engineering investment for new heads that Ford is unlikely to make in such a low-volume program. Thus, we'll have to be satisfied with the aluminum block 5.4 that is arriving later this year.

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

Ford V8 boss says no twin-turbo 5.0L for Shelby GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the market for something Unique? Check out their auction online

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, Ford

We've covered the scandal involving Unique Performance from the very beginning, and it now looks as if this sordid tale finally might get a bookend. If the idea of scraping off 13 gallons of bondo doesn't scare you, maybe you'd be interested in bidding on one (or more) of the 44 leftover Mustang body shells that are available for viewing here. Mustang not your thing? Prefer the Camaro? How 'bout the Chevelle? Even if you're not interested in any of its cars, Unique Performance owned plenty of other stuff, too. Take a look at these automotive lifts, for instance. There is some good stuff here, and you'll be helping to pay off the company's assorted debts in the process.

If you find yourself interested in anything on the Unique Performance ~~fire sale~~ auction list, you can inspect the works on Tuesday, March 25 from 9AM to 4PM. Lets hope that these classics end up in better hands than they were in at this company. Thanks for the tip, Cam!

[Source: Rosen Systems / 67 Mustang Blog]

In the market for something Unique? Check out their auction online originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:02:00 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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The latest word on Lexus' LF-A supercar... 'GT500'?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Ford, Lexus, Toyota

Lest one need further corroboration, word 'round Toyota's campfire is that Lexus' compelling LF-A supercar's gestation continues apace. Reportedly due by 2008, UK-based Pistonheads.com is reporting that the high-powered coupe is to be called the 'GT500,' though we're not sure how well that will sit with brand-protectionist types over at Ford.

The Ferrari-chaser will most likely be motivated by a 500 bhp 5.0L V10, with the possibility of a less-expensive V8 variant ('GT450').

According to sources, Lexus' long-rumored NSX-fighter will come in between £75,000 - £100,000 ($130,000-$173,000) depending on the powertrain.

The LF-A/GT500/90210 production model is slated to appear at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show (where the concept premiered last year).

[Source: Pistonheads.com]

The latest word on Lexus' LF-A supercar... 'GT500'? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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