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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New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Honda NSX Mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we sat down with a few Honda execs at SEMA, we were told to "watch out for something big" from the automaker's motorsports efforts in Japan early next year. It didn't take much to deduce what they were hinting at: Honda plans to fill the vacuum left by the recently departed NSX-R in SuperGT with an all-new vehicle for the 2010 season.

As you'd expect, the Japanese media has hopped all over the recent rumors, with BestCar putting out a rendering of the fabled GT500 class contender. Unfortunately, beyond a possible V10 powerplant, details on the vehicle are scarce and the demise of the production version leaves more questions than answers. According to 7Tune, Honda is campaigning SuperGT organizers to give the automaker a pass on its homologation requirements, allowing the front-engined coupe to enter the series without a road-going version available to the public. Considering SuperGT's stringent requirements, we're not sure how that's going to play out, and since we haven't seen development mules testing since June of last year, we're all the more skeptical about Honda's triumphant return to the GT500 ranks. We're hoping to know more before the end of the year, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Acura NSX

[Source: BestCar via 7Tune]

New SuperGT contender from Honda in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:01:00 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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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 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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Hold Your Horses: 2011 Mustang details leak out on internet forum?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some potential future Mustang news comes by way of an internet forum user who calls himself TheInsider. With a handle like that, he must know what he's talking about, right? We kid. But some of the rumors he spills gives with what we've been hearing too. In any case, this source tells the masses at The Mustang Source that the 2011 Mustang's 3.7-liter V6 will be rated at 315 horsepower, neatly outperforming the direct-injected 3.6-liter unit installed in the Chevrolet Camaro by a handful of ponies. But wait, there's more!

Moving up the power ladder a step, the 2011 GT will see a bump up to an even 400 horsepower, which we're expecting to come from the 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and those horses will be corralled though a new six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately, because the base V6 will sport so much additional power, the mooted EcoBoost model may never come to fruition.

As we've previously heard, rumor has it that the '11 Stang with the new Coyote V8 and Track Pack with Pirelli P Zero Corsa R tires was able to lap GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan at the same rate as a current BMW M3 - fine company indeed. The final two insights of note are that next year's GT500 will be blessed with an aluminum block and that a Boss edition is slated for 2012. Not surprisingly, six pages have accrued on the thread since yesterday morning. Click here to check out the banter in its entirety.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: The Mustang Source]

Hold Your Horses: 2011 Mustang details leak out on internet forum? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 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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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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REPORT: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 production limited to 2,000 units [*UPDATE: FALSE]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

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

With new sheetmetal, more power and an upgraded chassis, the new Ford Mustang GT500 was destined to be a hot for the 2010 model year. The pony king may have just just gotten a whole lot more exclusive, too, as production has reportedly been limited to only 2,000 units. Team Shelby forum member 06VistaBlueGT posted a PDF with important ordering information for dealers that explains the production cut.

Production cut on Shelby GT500. To date, 1,700 GT500s have not been scheduled and the plant only had the capacity to build 2,000 for the 2010 MY (model year). If you signed the agreement, you are guaranteed 1 Shelby GT500 for the model year.

The move figures to severely limit the amount of GT500s a dealer can order, with many likely receiving either zero or one model for the year. The good news for the 2,000 lucky owners of the GT500 is that the lower production totals could make the 2010 model the most collectible (and valuable) model since the 2007 was introduced. If you haven't already signed up for a new GT500, though, dealers may now jack up the price even higher over MSRP to capitalize on the newfound shortfall of 540 horsepower pony cars. Hat tip to Murray!

*UPDATE: We reached out to Ford to ascertain the veracity of this Team Shelby document, and they have categorically denied the website users' claims. 2010 Mustang GT500 production has NOT been limited to 2,000 units, and the report is inaccurate. Ford does not report volume figures for the GT500.

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

[Source: Team Shelby]

REPORT: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 production limited to 2,000 units [*UPDATE: FALSE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Ford Shelby GT500 Day 2 - Where do we sign?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST

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

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

The first day of our Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 drive was spent on a variety of public roads, almost all of which the car handled with skill. The next day was spent at Infineon Raceway on three different courses: a low-speed figure-eight, the drag strip, and the track. It was here that the car sealed its credentials, going from capable hi-po steed to "How do you like me now?" The answer: We like you. We like you a lot. Follow the jump to find out why.

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

Continue reading First Drive: Ford Shelby GT500 Day 2 - Where do we sign?

First Drive: Ford Shelby GT500 Day 2 - Where do we sign? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1 - Living on the (live axle) limit

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Ford, First Drive

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

The four pillars of Ford's SVT division are Performance, Exclusivity, Substance and Value. No one is expecting the 2010 Shelby GT500 to have any problem with the last three - it's the first one that means everything. Ford told us the five tenets of the new car all start with the word "better" and end with horsepower, torque, handling, interior and fuel economy. Sent to Northern California for two days to drive it, we had only one question - whether all of those other "betters" truly equated to substantially improved performance than the previous car. The first day covered miles and miles of oceanside and backcountry roads. The second day covered figure-eights, the drag strip and the road course at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway. Follow the jump to see how the latest fanged horse does its thing.

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

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1 - Living on the (live axle) limit

First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1 - Living on the (live axle) limit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gestation of a GT500: Lead designer shares early sketches

John Neff — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of early 2010 Shelby GT500 sketches

One of Ford's biggest buzz vehicles this auto show season has been the Mustang. From the debut of the redesigned 2010 model at the LA Auto Show last November to the reveal of the 2010 Shelby GT500 at the Detroit Auto Show last month, Ford has managed to steal back much of the muscle car spot light that's been occupied by the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro for the last couple of years. The 540-hp Shelby GT500 is the new reigning king of production Mustangs, and one person more than any other is responsible for its visual transformation from family friendly Mustang GT to I'll-eat-your-children-without-chewing Shelby GT500. His name is Rob Jensen, and he earns points from this peanut gallery for keeping his own blog at RobJensenDesign.com. Jensen recently sat down with our friends at idsketching.com for an interview and revealed some salient details about the Mustang's design process, as well as offered advice for budding industrial designers. He also handed over a digital stack of early GT500 sketches that shows the design's gestation from a unique perspective. Check out the whole batch in our high-res gallery and let us know if you think that the GT500 unveiled in Detroit was the right one.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 design sketches

[Source: idsketching, robjensendesign]

Gestation of a GT500: Lead designer shares early sketches originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

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

Fans of Ford's American SVT and European ST and RS models will have plenty to look forward to in the next few years. As part of the company's One Ford program to consolidate its platforms and designs, SVT and TeamRS have been brought together under a single organization led by Jost Capito. Earlier this week, we sat down for lunch with Jamal Hameedi and Hermann Salenbauch to discuss what is going on and what we can expect to see in the next few years. Hameedi is the Chief Nameplate Engineer at SVT and Salenbauch is the director of Advanced Product Creation and Performance Vehicles. We've already seen some of their handiwork in the form of the 2010 Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, but we'll come back to those in a bit.

We already know we'll be getting a new Focus in laet 2010 or early 2011 that's common with the Euro model we've been craving for years. Naturally, the question of the new Focus RS came up. While no one would commit to anything, there were plenty of smiles to go around and Hameedi and Salenbauch were more than willing to talk enthusiastically about the new sports hatch that is launching right now in Europe. Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Shelby GT500 uses cast iron, NOT aluminum block!

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, Rumormill

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

Let's make this perfectly clear. As much as Mustang fans (this author included) would like it to be otherwise, the 2010 Shelby GT500 does not use an aluminum block. At least a couple of times over the past few weeks, there have been online reports that the cast iron block of the last generation has been ditched in favor of the lighter material. These reports are incorrect.

At the Ford preview briefing just before Christmas, we explicitly asked SVT chief engineer Jamal Hameedi if the block had changed, and he told us that it remains iron. When the aluminum rumor popped up yet again yesterday, we contacted Ford spokesman Alan Hall, who repeated the iron refrain. Whatever Ford's reasoning was for keeping the hood closed on the GT500s at the Detroit Auto Show, it is not because they were hiding an aluminum block. The reason for the iron block is that the aluminum unit from the Ford GT is designed for a dry sump lubrication system and there is nowhere to package the oil reservoir in the production Mustang.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

[Sources: Ford, The Mustang Source]

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 uses cast iron, NOT aluminum block! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: The 2010 Shelby GT500 LIVE! [w/VIDEO]

Alex Nunez — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Shelby

Click above for live, high-res shots of the 2010 Shelby GT500

After an extensive talk about the Ford's efficiency-focused future, in which we'll all be driving battery-powered vehicles with charging points at every parking space, President of the Americas Mark Fields, resplendent in his signature mullet, introduced the very now, very $1.50-gas-friendly 2010 Shelby GT500. The new snakes burbled to life backstage as the EV presentation came to an end -- almost in defiance of the shiny happy green talk. Thoughts of a lithium ion-utopia were vaporized when Fields theatrically announced the arrival of "the best Mustang ever." On cue, a Torch Red GT500 coupe with white stripes and a Grabber Blue GT500 ragtop with red stripes roared into the arena. Carroll Shelby emerged from the red car, the Shelby/Ford Mutual Admiration Society was called to order, and a big hug was exchanged between Fields and the living legend, who just turned 86. With the pleasantries out of the way, the GT500s left trails of rubber as they made way for the star of Ford's show. Check out our new gallery of live shots below, which includes the Grabber Blue and Red Stripe number above, a color combo that Carroll reportedly picked out himself.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Shelby GT500 Live

Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

Continue reading Detroit 2009: The 2010 Shelby GT500 LIVE! [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: The 2010 Shelby GT500 LIVE! [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 bites back

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Ford

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

When Ford introduced the new 2010 Mustang at the LA Auto Show in November, marketing boss Jim Farley promised the next chapter in the Mustang story would be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Well that time has arrived and to anyone who has been following the Mustang pattern over the last several years, it should come as no surprise that it's the Shelby GT500. Just like the last iteration, the new GT500 is the most powerful factory production Mustang ever.

Like the more prosaic Mustangs, the GT500 is mechanically an evolution of the older model. Just as Ford used the current-gen Bullitt model as the starting point for the 2010 Mustang GT, the lessons learned from developing the limited edition GT500 KR fed directly into the latest Shelby-badged variant. Output of the supercharged 5.4L V8 has now been cranked up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, and the handling is claimed to be better than before. Check out everything that's new on the GT500 after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 bites back

Detroit Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 bites back originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 cometh, order guide leaked online

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:05:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Ford

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

At the 2010 Ford Mustang debut in Santa Monica, Mark Fields told us that the Blue Oval would reveal "another chapter in the Mustang story" at the Detroit Auto Show next month. If the camouflaged Shelbys running around Motown were anything to go by, the "next chapter" would come in the form of the new GT500. While Ford has yet to officially announce the car or when it will make its debut, a leaked order guide posted on MustangBlog.com confirms that the car will be produced as a 2010 model and reveals new details about the updated Shelby.

In addition to the new-for-2010 sheetmetal, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 benefits from a set of 19-inch wheels (the convertible gets new 18-inchers) and comes equipped with a new aluminum hood with a power dome and a single functional heat extractor. The supercharged 5.4L V8 remains, and although specific power output is not listed, the new model will offer "increased performance." A 3.55 axle ratio is now standard, and the suspension has been tuned by SVT. Inside, an optional Electronics package provides a voice-activated nav system and dual climate control. The leather seats will feature a stripe that color coordinates with the exterior stripes as well as Alcantera accents. New exterior colors will correspond with the standard 2010 Mustang and include Grabber Blue, Kona Blue, Sterling Grey, and more.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 Convertible - spy shots

[Source: MustangBlog]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 cometh, order guide leaked online

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 cometh, order guide leaked online originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Shelby GT500 gets Jalop'd

Alex Nunez — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Ford, Shelby

Why wait for the Detroit Auto Show to see the 2010 Shelby GT500 when Ford's driving the thing around Detroit essentially undisguised? Jalopnik's Ben Wojdyla had the convertible version roll right up next to him at a stoplight in Royal Oak, which gave him the opening he needed to grab a bunch of good shots of the forthcoming snake. So, what's new? Well, obviously, the general 2010 Mustang cues all carry over to the range-topper, which also gets a good-looking set of alloys, huge grille openings up front, a heat extractor hood, and all the requisite badging. Ben says the GT500's gutsy exhaust note blended with a hint blower whine sounds as good as it did before. We're digging the black paint with Grabber Blue stripes, too. Ford drives the new GT500 onstage at Cobo in just over a month from now, and we'll be there, as usual. In the meantime, head over to Jalopnik for a full gallery showing the 2010 GT500 from a number of angles.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: 2010 Shelby GT500 gets Jalop'd originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2008 Shelby Super Snake

Drew Phillips — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Auctions, Supercars, Ford, Shelby

Click above for gallery of the Super Snake

Despite the Shelby GT500KR's claim of supremacy over the dominion that is the open road, there is yet another Mustang that is even more extreme. Shelby's Super Snake package for the GT500 offers up to 725 horsepower and even more aggressive options for the suspension and braking systems. Available as a post-sale conversion for the GT500, the transformation can be performed at the Shelby facility in Las Vegas or at one of the official mod shops around the country. There have been a handful of owners who have already converted their GT500s, and one is already for sale on eBay. Something seems wrong with the seller's math, however, because a "Buy It Now" price of $200,000 is far more than the cost of a GT500 plus the $31,995 needed for the 725 horsepower conversion. We could understand the markup if these were in high demand, but pretty much any GT500 owner can send his car to get converted. So unless you really can't wait, keep your mouse away from the bidding button and just enjoy the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

Gallery: 2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 2008 Shelby Super Snake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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