Created by Carrol Shelby and the SVT squad (just what else is SVT doing anyway?), this vehicle is likely to propel the ever popular Mustang to new heights of adoration.
SVT chief, Hau Thai-Tang, teamed with Carrol Shelby, wedged the awesome 5.4 liter DOHC 32-valve monster V8 from Ford's super car GT beneath the Mustang's hood. The final tally of horsepower stats has yet to be released, however Thai-Tang suggests it will exceed 450 horsepower, "closer to 500." Be on the lookout for 450-plus pound-feet of torque as well. No matter the final, exact horsepower numbers, engine performance will be out of this world.
Designer Thai-Tang, formerly of Newman-Haas Racing, describes the powertrain as a monster in the making. Inheriting its eye appeal from the '68 GT500 and borrowing a great deal from the '05 Ford Mustang GT-R test model, this is a snake with real bite. In this case, appearances are not deceiving, because this Mustang will surely give Corvettes and Vipers all they can handle. The hood and nose sport an aggressive styling which not only looks fantastic, but improves aerodynamic function. The air stream splitter on the front of the vehicle creates a downward force, helping this muscle car cling to the pavement as it take corners at high speeds. To aid in dissipating hot air away from the engine (a supercharged four cammer), there are built-in heat extractors in the hood. Optional racing stripes cut boldly across the center of the vehicle. These racing stripes provide an additional ten horsepower. (Just kidding, of course). Besides, the stripes are just way cool!
At the back, a ground-sweeping decklid spoiler offers some useful downforce at accelerated speeds, and features an incorporated third brake lamp. Scan down a bit and you'll find the name SHELBY emblazoned in big letters. The fuel cover depicts the Shelby Cobra GT500 emblem. That logo alone is worth another five horsepower in my estimation.
The vehicle's interior is adorned from stem to stern with deep, dark black and red leather. The leather motif covers the dash, the door's panes, the shifter and boot, the arm rest in the center, and even covers the parking brake handle. SVT crimson leather cushions and door panel insets offer a stark contrast to the remainder of the leather-embellished cockpit. These luxurious accouterments provide the performance enthusiast with the utmost comfort and luxury. The new, edgier interior is completed by snake logos woven into the seat backs.
The remainder of its interior takes a page from '05's Mustang, All-in-all, it is an upgrade of the latest Mustang's interior, right down to the titanium instruments with MyColor. You know, that cute little color-changing doo-dad. An interesting yet minor difference concerns the tachometer. Instead of being located on the left side, as it is in the GT and V6, it is located on the right side of the instrument panel. Chrome accouterments within the flight deck have been updated to a brushed satin finish. This includes the shifter, which is effectively positioned for easy shifting of the Tremec 6-speed T-56 gear box.
And if you are not already totally dazzled, you will be! There's even more! The GT500 has been revamped with a host of improvements such as new shocks, springs, and better stabilizer bars to help the vehicle turn with the same sprightly confidence it shows when accelerating. GT500 is outfitted with a MacPherson strut stand-alone front suspension with inverted L bottom regulator arms, along with a solid state axle, 3-prong back suspension with coiled springs, and Panhard rod for precision maneuverability of the back axle. In order to match the vehicle's incredible power and handling capability, SVT also outfitted it with the largest set of disk brakes for a vehicle in its class. SVT's history of stop-on-a-dime Mustangs lives on with 14-inch cross-bored Brembo rotors up ahead and 13-inch disc brakes in the back. The ample, nineteen inch wheels provide a secure, stable base. High-performance tires complete the wheel where the rubber meets the road.
It's nice to see that Ford isn't going to be content with the success of the '05 Mustang. Now they are targeting the performance car market. The icing on the cake is that Ford anticipates listing the MSRP below $40,000, making the Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra GT500 (that's a mouthful!) a rising superstar of cars.
Is it possible to get better than that? Ford even has on tap a convertible for 2007, said to sport numerous improvements and new features over previous Mustang models. The new car is sure to be extremely popular, partly due to a stiffer chassis design and the fact that the car is more lightweight than ever. The GT500 is highly anticipated by Mustang enthusiasts everywhere. Unfortunately, it might not be easy to purchase one. Though the sticker price of the car will be south of forty thousand dollars, I wouldn't expect to actually purchase one for anywhere near that price. Since annual production is limited to 7,500 vehicles, expect over-the-top price gouging. Long live capitalism.
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