Stronger Shelby Mustang GT500 to roll out

[TonyV]

Last Updated: February 05. 2010 1:00AM
Stronger Shelby Mustang GT500 to roll out
More power, tuning package among Mustang upgrades
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co. will unveil the latest version of its Shelby GT500 Mustang on Monday, including a new SVT tuning package and a more powerful engine.

The 2011 model still will be powered by Ford's 5.4-liter V-8, but it will get another 10 horses for a total of 550 horsepower, according to documents obtained by The Detroit News and people familiar with the new vehicle.

It also will now feature a weight-saving aluminum engine block that should provide better handling and fuel economy.

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"With more horsepower and less weight in the front, you're going to be able to tell the difference," said Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham. "It will be faster and more agile."

The latest Shelby also will get Ford's electronic power-assist steering system, high-intensity headlamps and a few other minor improvements.

Ford will offer an optional performance package put together by its Special Vehicle Team.

According to a preliminary copy of Ford's order book, that will include a new limited-slip rear axle, unique 19-inch front and 20-inch rear painted forged aluminum wheels, as well as upgraded front and rear springs and rear shocks.

The SVT package also will include a special gear shift knob, a different paint scheme with unique striping and a spoiler with Gurney flap.

"Ford needs to keep evolving the GT500," Hall said. "Ford needs to do it to stay ahead of Chevy, because Chevy is looking at a high-performance version of the Camaro."

Other new options for 2011 include a glass roof for the GT500 coupe and two new colors: Race Red and Ingot Silver Metallic.

On Monday, SVT team members also are to discuss the future of their program, which recently introduced a high-performance, off-road version of the Ford F-150 known as the SVT Raptor.

[TonyV]

Last Updated: February 08. 2010 5:52PM
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 will be faster and lighter, execs say
Scott Burgess / The Detroit News
Allen Park -- The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 will be faster, more powerful and lighter than ever before, Ford Motor Co. executives said this afternoon.

It only makes sense that the most powerful Mustang in Ford's stable would get a power train update after Ford unveiled the 300-plus horsepower V-6 Mustang three months ago and the new Mustang GT 5.0 with 400-plus horsepower the week before the Detroit auto show.

Now, the GT500 will gain 10 ponies under its hood for a supercharged total of 550 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque from its all new aluminum engine that sheds 102 pounds.

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"Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American, in a news release. "It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make."

Ford's partnership with Shelby has helped create the GT500, which are built in Flat Rock, as GT models and then shipped to Las Vegas where the vehicles are upgraded by Shelby's team.

Cutting weight can enable performance both on the track and on the highway. While final figures are not available, Ford thinks the GT500 will get good enough gas mileage to avoid a gas guzzler tax.

The GT500 will also feature a Special Vehicle Team performance package, which includes Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires. The car's wheels include forged aluminum 19-inch front rims and 20-inch rears.

"These tires are as close as you can get to a race car tire," said Eric Zinkosky, SVT technical specialist. "We have a tire that's way more capable, with better grip, is firmer and more race-oriented. From there, we tuned the chassis around it. The tires told us what we had to do."

The performance package includes stiffer springs, a lower ride height and improved dampening. All will help the car's handling at high speed. The new GT500 should be able to handle up to 1G of lateral force and a 7 percent improvement in stopping distance over the 2010 GT500.

Ford also added a new rear deck spoiler to increase down force through tighter turners.

All of these additions mean the 2011 GT500 can go straight from the showroom floor to the race track.

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