Autoblog

Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower

Drew Phillips — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we tested the 750 horsepower 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, our man Jonathon Ramsey declared it the "new king" of Mustangs. Surprisingly, he found that the suspension was able to - barely - keep up with the engine, but we figured that the Super Snake had just about all the power a street-driven Mustang could handle. We thought wrong, at least according to Shelby.

Ol' Carroll has upped the ante in the horsepower wars once again by offering up to 800 horsepower in the newly-released 2011 version of the Super Snake. Of course, there are more sane options including 660 horsepower and 750 horsepower variants, but the 800 horsepower version will undoubtedly be the must-have for the guy (or girl) who needs the biggest and baddest 'Stang on the block. Also new for 2011 are the optional anthracite wheels, white stripes and new side scoops. The Super Snake package starts at $30,245 (just $250 less than the cost of a brand new 2011 Mustang GT) and can be built at Shelby's Las Vegas facility or at any of their official Mod Shops around the country. Hit the jump for complete specs for the 2011 Super Snake package and more details.

Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower

Shelby announces 2011 GT500 Super Snake with up to 800 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

Drew Phillips — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Shelby Mustang Concepts - Click above for image gallery

Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.

Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it's proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.

While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost ($100,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between $9,000 to $12,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.

Gallery: Shelby Mustang Concepts

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 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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Video: 2011 Shelby GT500 is a loud red mist

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 23 May 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

The furious noises of the 2011 Shelby GT500 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Recently you got to see the Virginia International Raceway lap where the 2011 Shelby GT500 bested the lap time of the 2010 GT500 by nine seconds - but you didn't really get to hear it. That has been corrected with this video, which should have just enough growling, whining and screeching to tide you over until Ford raises the portcullis on more multimedia, which we're hoping is very, very soon. Yes, they did this kind of testing before, but this time it's sunny... and can you really get enough of that noise? Follow the jump to listen. Hat tip to Yaroukh

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 at Chicago Auto Show

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Shelby GT500 is a loud red mist

Video: 2011 Shelby GT500 is a loud red mist originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 May 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is the best car we'd never buy

Drew Phillips — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

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

We know what you're thinking. Isn't it a little late to be reviewing the 2010 Shelby GT500? After all, Ford introduced the 2011 version with the new aluminum block at last month's Chicago Auto Show. It's not that we didn't want to get our hands on the 2010 GT500 before now. In fact, we were champing at the bit to review one a few days after our First Drive, but apparently the universe didn't want us to have one until now.

Last summer, a few issues delayed our chance at driving Ford's hottest 'Stang, beginning with Ford running out of tires for the GT500s in the press fleet (we can't imagine why). When Fall rolled around, the transmission in our tester was damaged the week before we were scheduled to take delivery. We were ready to give up hope when the call came in that it would be available in March. Better late than never, right? Besides, who's going to turn down a week with a 540-horsepower muscle car? Al Gore? Definitely not us.

To be honest, our expectations couldn't have been higher. Our last encounter with the 2010 GT500 at Infineon Raceway allowed us to let loose on the 1/4-mile drag strip and smooth pavement of the road course, the perfect playgrounds for a high-horsepower Mustang laden with its infamous solid rear axle. It was essentially on par with the $80,000 GT500KR, but cost $30,000 less and came without Shelby's controversial carbon fiber hood, which we could do without anyway. After a day's worth of fruitful flogging, we were ready to sign the check. But would the GT500 be a less likable character off-track? Could a 540-horsepower Mustang suit our daily requirements of equal parts grocery-getting and canyon-carving? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is the best car we'd never buy

Review: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is the best car we'd never buy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results

Drew Phillips — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

We don't know why Karl Geiger is fascinated with American performance cars, but we're sure glad he is. The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the latest muscle car to go under the German tuner's knife, and the results are nothing less than impressive. Thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger, larger throttle valves, upgraded fuel injection system and ported cylinder heads, the 5.4-liter V8 produces an incredible 799 horsepower and 697 pound-feet torque. Geiger claims a top speed of 220 miles per hour, but with the Mustang's aerodynamics we would peg that number as more theoretical than anything.

To cope with extra horsepower, Gieger has also fitted the GT500 with a three-disc carbon clutch and reinforced the six-speed transmission. Handling improvements have been made through a "racing chassis" (we're not sure what that means), a panhard rod with polyurethane bushings and adjustable lower control arms. Finally massive 15-inch, six-piston front brakes help haul the Shelby down from inevitable high speed runs. You can see the full press release after the jump, and high-res images courtesy of Gieger can be found in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Geiger Cars Shelby GT500

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

Continue reading Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results

Geiger Cars takes on the 2010 Shelby GT500 with impressive results originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year we reported that Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations had signed a licensing deal with Shelby to produce brand new versions of the 1967 Shelby GT500. At the time we only had a few renderings to show you, but the company has just released a slew of new photos showing off every detail of the just-finished prototype car.

Named the GT500CR, the old-but-new Shelby mixes both modern and classic components for the best of both worlds. Rack and pinion steering, a modern suspension, drilled and slotted Baer brakes and tight-fitting fiberglass body panels are all improvements over the original '67 Shelbys, and the 427ci V8 putting out 545 horsepower ensures it will be quite a bit faster too.

The GT500CR also offers a deluxe 1967 interior with Carroll Shelby signature seats and gauges, 17-inch wheels and tires, nine-inch rear end and a Tremec transmission. Feeling brave? You can also opt for the Venom model that adds a supercharger system good for 780 horsepower. Get all the details in the high-res mega gallery below.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Continue reading Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR shows its face in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Aluminum-ized Ford Shelby GT500 treads lightly on show floor

Drew Phillips — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

Like the 2011 Mustang GT at last month's Detroit Auto Show, the 2011 Shelby was unveiled here at the Chicago Auto Show with little fanfare. In fact, there wasn't an unveiling at all, as the new Shelby was sitting uncovered on the show floor as soon as we arrived. The car looks fantastic in person, especially with the optional Performance Package and its 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, and the thinner stripes look better than we expected.

The best part about the 2011 GT500, however, is underneath the hood. Ford has finally thrown out the heavy iron block in favor of an aluminum unit that contributed to a significant weight savings of 120 pounds. The GT500 still isn't a lightweight at 3,820 pounds, but we fully expect the handling to be improved over the 2010 model with all that weight removed from the nose. You can read even more details about the 2011 Shelby GT500 here, or you can view the new live photos from the show floor in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 at Chicago Auto Show

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Package

Chicago 2010: Aluminum-ized Ford Shelby GT500 treads lightly on show floor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #165 - Nunez jumps in

Dan Roth — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Podcasts, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Recalls, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's not often that veteran 'caster Alex Nunez makes an appearance, but he joins Chris, Sam, and Dan for episode #165 of the Autoblog Podcast. First up, we hit the Autoblog Garage to talk about the Honda Accord Crosstour, Nissan Versa, and Honda Element Dog Edition. Moving on to news items, we start with the 2011 Shelby GT500 Mustang, talk about automotive Superbowl commercials, and then catch our breath while looking over the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

We don't slow down, though, diving right back in to pink Dodge Challengers, special-edition Z cars, an Outback Sport for the rest of the world, Renault's Megane convertible coupe, the new Ford Edge, Wolfgang Bernhard's return to Mercedes, and of course, Toyota recalls. We wrap up with a couple horrible answers to your sincere and excellent questions before calling it a night.

You can send your Alex Nunez fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey, or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #165 - Nunez jumps in

Autoblog Podcast #165 - Nunez jumps in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack

John Neff — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above to watch video after the jump

You've no doubt read by now everything we've had to say about the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with its new aluminum engine. But what does it sound like? Glad you asked. We've got two clips of B-roll after the jump showing both the GT500 coupe and convertible out running on what appears to be a frigid Michigan afternoon (feel sorry for the guy driving the drop top). Fortunately, lots of time is spent mashing both their throttles so we can hear that new 5.4-liter supercharged aluminum engine howl. Question: Can a car look lighter? If so, the GT500 definitely does, especially at WOT as the car transfers its weight to the rear wheels with haste and boogies off. Follow the jump and twist the dial to 11 before you hit play.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack

Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

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

Ever since Ford introduced the modern Shelby GT500 four years ago, almost no one has complained about the prodigious power levels produced by its supercharged 5.4-liter V8. With as much as 540 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque in the 2010 model, there was no shortage of grunt. No, the issue was an excess of mass.

Before the contemporary GT500 was born, Ford had a blown aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 in the short lived GT supercar. However, when the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicle Team developed the GT500, they opted to mount the GT's cylinder heads on the cast iron block used in the big F-Series pickup trucks. After debuting a visual refresh for the Mustang a year ago, Ford has spent the last two months announcing fresh new powertrains for the base and GT models. That process has now come full circle with SVT rolling out a heart transplant for the Shelby GT500. The 2011 model finally has the aluminum powerplant we all wanted when it debuted, and the effect is absolutely en-lightening. Read on to find out more.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Package

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Live

Continue reading 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Supra comes to TAS dressed in 1967 Mustang duds

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Ford, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Here's one that's sure to set "teh internets" on fire. A group of students from Saitama University in Japan showed up to the Tokyo Auto Salon with a 2JZ-GE powered MkIV Toyota Supra dressed up like Nick Cage's Eleanor from the very bad to watch Gone in 60 Seconds remake. Not familiar with Eleanor? Aside from being far and away the best part of the film, Eleanor is a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that's been gone over with an epic-tooth comb.

But let's not get to far afield. This car is not a Ford, nor is it a Mustang. It's a Toyota with a mighty straight-six (no word if the 2JZ-GE is in fact the brawny turbo-fied version, the 2JZ-GTE) cut to look like a classic Shelby 'Stang. Before you unload to harshly in the comments, just remember students built the dang thing, students... Also, are we nuts or is anyone else seeing a whole lot of Mustang II in this particular angle?

[Source: Carscoop]

Toyota Supra comes to TAS dressed in 1967 Mustang duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST

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

Super Snake vs. Godzilla - click above to watch the video

Recently, we ran a little poll in which we asked which car would you prefer: A Nissan GT-R or a Ford Shelby Mustang GT500? The results - which aren't too surprising - had just over two thirds of you rooting and tooting for Godzilla. And that's all fine. However, someone pointed out that the contest should have been between Godzilla and the new Shelby Super Snake. Well guess what?

Thankfully, Motor Trend has totally obliged you. In this video, the 412-horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque (at the wheels, people, at the wheels) Nissan GT-R takes on the 635 hp and 581 lb-ft of torque Shelby GT500 Super Snake do the quarter-mile. The results? We're going to make you jump to find out, but we aren't surprised. At all. But then again, we've driven both cars (in fact, this appears to be the exact 2010 GT-R we drove). We will however say hats off to our buddy Ed Loh at MT for making such a fun video. Click here to watch it. Thanks to Pete for the tip!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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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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Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc.

In a truly heroic effort that's not only daunting in scope but utterly jealousy-inducing in execution, the hot shoes at Motor Trend have once again teamed up with pro-racer and 24 Hours of Daytona winner Randy Pobst to put ten of the hottest performance cars currently on sale up against each other at Laguna Seca to determine which is best. Last year, the winner was given the title of "Best Handling Car," though this year they are switching the name to "Best Driver's Car." That works.

Without getting too much into the metrics they used (it's an eighteen page article), MT went with a combination of outright speed, braking performance, lateral acceleration data and subjective seat of the pants driving impressions (plus Pobst's excellent feedback) to rank all ten cars in order. Without giving away the winner, we will say that we enthusiastically agree with their findings.

Cases in point: Chevy Camaro SS is dead last. The BMW 135i is second to dead last. The world-beating Corvette ZR1 ends up one place behind the truly superlative Shelby GT500 and the uber 'Stang isn't even the top American car. Meanwhile, the plucky little Mazda MX-5 Miata finishes higher up than all the cars we just mentioned -- including the mystery Yank tank. In fact, the only gripe we have is that last year's third place car -- the Mazda RX-8 R3 - wasn't brought back for a second go round. No one's perfect. That said, you should consider this article a must read. We have, twice.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 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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