Ford Shelby GT500 – Automobiles Review

1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Tribute RK527 By RK Motors

1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Tribute RK527 by RK Motors is to compete in 2014 HOT ROD Magazine Power Tour. It will take place between 7th and 14th of June. The exclusive car has just been teased with couple of images and we are definitely impatient to see it in all its glory. Behind the steering wheel will be Rob Kauffman.

In addition, RK Motors also disclosed that the redesigned vehicle is going to be officially unveiled at Charlotte’s celebration of Mustang’s 50th anniversary this Friday. RK527 is an 800-plus horsepower tribute car based on a 1967 Shelby GT500.

What was also revealed is that RK527 is loaded with extensive features and upgrades such as custom Jon Kaase Heads, Fast XFI ECU Port Fuel Injection, Billet Specialties drive system. Here are also present the new Bryant Billet Crankshaft, custom 3” Exhaust and Magnaflow mufflers, Custom Detroit Speed Alumaframe.

The powerful engine of the car is coupled with Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, other exclusive treatments include complete with coil-over shocks in the front and Detroit Speed quadra-link suspension in the rear, and massive Baer calipers and rotors. 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Tribute RK527 runs on Vintage HA Series 427 Shelby Wheels coupled with BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Tires.

Source: RK Motors

April 16, 2014

1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe Returns To Southern California

1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe which made a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is returning to Southern California. The emblematic car will be the headline the second annual Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show. The event will be held on Saturday, May 17th, and will be hosted by Shelby American. At the event, the visitors will also see Ford and Shelby car show and awards ceremony. All proceeds will go Shelby Foundation and new museum.

The Shelby Daytona Coupe was based on the AC Cobra roadster chassis and also featured its drive-train. The racing car was built specifically to take on Ferrari in the GT class. Just six examples of the model were ever built, so it is very rare. For the 1964 Le Mans, four Ferrari GTOs were entered, all aimed at beating Shelby’s Daytona Coupe.

The drivers behind the wheel of the Cobra were Gurney and Bondurant, who clocked over 196 miles per hour and took first place in the GT III class. In 1965, Joe Schlesser drove the car at Daytona and has finished between a pair of GT 40’s, finishing on the second place. These achievements helped the Shelby American team take the World Manufacturers Championship from Ferrari in 1965.

Attendees at the event will also see other rare Shelby cars from the past five decades, starting with the first generation GT350 and ending up to the latest Ford GT. Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show will be probably the most memorable events of the year. If you are into muscle cars, of course.

Source: Shelby

April 2, 2014

2013 NAIAS: Debut of Shelby GT500 Super Snake and Shelby Focus ST

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake Wide Body and Ford Shelby Focus ST were just unveiled at this year’s North American Auto Show in Detroit. The two vehicles are with enhanced performance and visual characteristics.

First of all, the stock 662 horsepower of the GT500 were increased up to the street-legal 850 horsepower (625 kW). The vehicle is equipped 13 inch rear and 10 inch front wheels that are wrapped in rubber, so that the car handles like a supercar.

Furthermore, there is an optional wide body package which gives the Super Snake much more traction and makes it with racing characteristics. Customers can choose between Satin Black, Gloss White, Silver, Blue and Red stripes. Offered now for the first time, wheel options include a rear-only or front and rear “wide body” packages.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake Specifications:

850 Horsepower Wide Body Street Edition
Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 850 HP Supercharger – Black Finish (850 HP Package)
Shelby Performance Radiator
Shelby Performance Heat Exchanger
Shelby Performance Cooling Tanks
Shelby/Wilwood Front & Rear Brake Kit
Shelby Front Brake Duct Cooling Kit
20” Shelby Super Snake 3 Piece Billet Forged Wheels
Michelin Performance Tires
Shelby Upgraded Suspension Package
Shelby Rear Panhard Bar
Shelby Caster Camber Plate Kit
Shelby White Ball Short Throw Shifter
Shelby/Borla Axle-Back Muffler Kit
Shelby Super Snake Hood
Shelby Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
CSM Numbered Dash Plaque & Engine Plate
Super Snake Billet Aluminum Badging
Shelby Super Snake Fender Emblems
Shelby Faux Rear Cap
Shelby Deck Lid Lettering
Super Snake Stripe Kit (available in Gloss White, Matte Black, Silver or Azure Blue)
Shelby Super Snake Upper Mesh Grille Insert
Rear Quarter Window Side Scoops or Paint Matched Block-Offs
Billet Fluid Engine Cap Kit & Dip Stick
Interior A-Pillar Pod & Gauges
Super Snake Embroidered Headrest Covers (for non Recaro Seats)
Super Snake Lit Door Sill Plates
Shelby Wide Body Kit Conversion Kit (optional)
Shelby Wide Body Kit Rear Only Conversion (optional)
Shelby Aluminum Watts Link Rear Suspension (optional)
Shelby/Ford Racing Suspension Sway Bar Kit (optional)
Museum Delivery Program (Optional)

Secondly, the Ford Shelby Focus ST includes a front wheel drive turbo four cylinder. This makes the Focus a driver-focused masterpiece of performance. What is more, Ford Racing suspension pieces lower the car while the wheels and tires improve grip and traction.

In addition, Shelby spec brakes with drilled rotors improve the stopping power, while new exhaust makes a true sound of the Shelby/Borla. The interior of the car has a complete Shelby branded custom interior, Shelby shifter and finished off with the unique Shelby CSM badge.

The exterior of this Shelby’s Focus is characterized by hood vents, hydro-carbon front and rear grille inserts, Shelby lettering and rear Hydro-carbon spoiler. Three visual graphics packages are offered, ranging from “traditional” Shelby stripes to more edgy Shelby checkered flag splash or competition graphics.

Ford Shelby Focus ST Specifications:

Shelby Spec Front Brake Upgrade
Shelby Spec Rear Rotor Upgrade
Shelby Wheels & Tires
Shelby Short Throw Shifter
Shelby/Ford Racing Suspension Package
Shelby/Borla Cat Back Exhaust
Shelby Engine Appearance Package
Shelby Premium Interior Package
Shelby CSM Numbered Dash Plaque & Engine Plate
Shelby Center Cap Emblems
Shelby Rear Lettering
Shelby Custom Hood with Heat Extractors
Hydro-carbon Accents
Shelby Exterior Graphics
NOTE – Additional Exterior Graphics Packages Available
Museum Delivery Program (Optional)
Shelby Performance Tune Option Coming Soon
Carbon Fiber Hood Option Coming Soon

Source: Shelby

January 17, 2013

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra is a unique built – a tribute to the American legend Carroll Shelby. The last 60 years Shelby worked with Ford and Cobra has been the consistent performance label.

Furthermore, he not only worked in the creation of Ford performance vehicles such as Cobras, but also in those of the GT40s and Mustangs.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra. The stunning car they’ve made stands for Shelby’s idea of turning the 2013 Shelby GT500 into a true Cobra. As a foundation was used the 662 horsepower (487 kW) of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500.

The unique wide-body of the car was further enhanced and now delivers more than 850 horsepower (625 kW). This is possible due to the implementation of Ford Racing 4.0-litre Whipple supercharger.

In addition, the 13-inch-wide rear wheels were wrapped in huge 345-section high-performance tyres for extra grip. Shelby American provided a specially designed bonnet, new rear wide-body kit, Shelby Wilwood brakes and new 20×13-inch rear and 20×10-inch front wheels.

In the end, everything came to place when the bodywork was finished in the same Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes that graced so many of the Cobra roadsters built in the 1960s.

Source: Ford

August 20, 2012

Most Powerful Ford Mustang Going to Goodwood

Ford will, for the first time ever, ship one of their most powerful Mustangs ever outside of the US. The occasion is the Goodwood festival which will be held this weekend. More importantly however, the latest Shelby GT500 will serve as a fitting tribute to the now deceased Carroll Shelby.

The “pony” is to participate in the famous Goodwood hillclimb with guest drivers behind the wheel. They’ll have to keep in mind that the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has an aluminum 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque. In other words – the most powerful North American production car yet. It sounds rudimentary, but the features that put control on that power are abundant as well – updated gearing for superior traction management, suspension tuning and a clever launch control that can be adjusted manually as well. Then there’s the brute counter force: Brembo six-piston (front) calipers. This particular one will also be stuck with the otherwise optional Performance Package which adds electronically adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential and then a Track Package that integrates three additional coolers to the system. A worthy commemoration of Carroll Shelby.

Distinctive outside features include, downforce-friendly front grilles, a pointy splitter, a new quad-exhaust system and new forged-aluminium wheels.

Carroll Shelby passed on May the 10th 2012, leaving behind an engineering legacy, 16 US and international world speed records and a number of charity deeds. One of his most famous works – the Cobra – still sends shivers through the spines of motoring enthusiasts. In 2003 he began his joint venture with Ford which resulted in the making of the Mustang Shelby GT series.

Source: Ford

June 29, 2012

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 debuts with 662 horsepower

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever created with its 662 horsepower top track speeds of more than 200 mph. It will undoubtedly bring the muscle car philosophy into new heights.

This performance is possible due to its 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces. And we must say it again – it achieves the outstanding 662 horsepower (487 kW) at 631 lb.-ft. (855 nM) of torque. In fact, this is the highest-horsepower engine ever produced in the U.S.

The additional horsepower was achieved through thorough optimization of the powertrain. In details this Ford includes a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, an all-forged engine rotating assembly, updated camshaft profiles, upgraded head gaskets, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

However, the key to the 662 hp is the larger and more efficient supercharger. What it basically does is to help flow more air through the engine.

In addition to that the cooling system has been upgraded as well. It now features a high-capacity cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger.

Cooling fan capacity was also modified – now it has an increased and a higher-efficiency intercooler added to keep the air entering the engine as cool as possible. Combined with the efficient, high-capacity flow pump, these two measures control temperatures under extreme conditions.

Furthermore, the clutch has been transformed as well. With its increased torque and rpm capacity, it utilizes a dual-disc design. The diameter and clamp load have been increased and the clutch-facing material has been revised for additional resistance to burst and enhanced transfer of power.

Design improvements for this Ford vehicle feature all-new signature lighting with two LED bars in the front and rear, rocker panels in body-color, high-gloss black panel between the taillamps at the rear and a diffuser that surrounds a new quad-tip exhaust.

2013 Shelby GT500 rides on two new sets of forged-aluminum wheels: the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels coupled with Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all configurations. These wheels are freshened with the dark finish and updated spoke designs and in addition to that are extremely lightweight.

Significant work has been also done in aerodynamics of the Shelby GT500. They include a new front splitter and black-painted upper and lower grille inserts. They expose the radiator drive which helps funnel air and cools the internals of the vehicle systems. The larger splitter helps create downforce when the car hits top speeds.

No driver will be less than satisfied when being behind the steering wheel of the new Shelby GT500. Its driving dynamics have been overhauled, it has new Brembo™ brakes with six-piston calipers in front and its wheels were also tuned.

Ford has thought about customers who want even more exceptional drive. The new Shelby is now being offered with the optional Performance Package. This feature is accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button and has several modes for selection. The Normal mode gives the driver a comfortable ride over road irregularities, while the Sport mode delivers improved response time on the track, and less body roll while cornering and pitch under braking.

Additionally, the Torsen® limited-slip differential also comes with the Performance Package. What it basically does is that it helps the rear suspension deliver torque and traction under the most demanding conditions on the track.

Of course, all who are willing can upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package for all-out racetrack performance. The latter includes an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

A lot of innovations have been also included in this GT500 model. One of the key ones is the productivity screen. It offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to muscle car’s performance. The LCD can be found between the tachometer and speedometer.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 also can be found now in dealerships.

Source: Ford

May 16, 2012

Ford Shelby GT500 with “the World’s Most Powerful V8”

The topic at Ford today apparently is fuel economy. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 they say, is 1 mpg more efficient than the 2012 model despite the fact that it has 112 more horsepower. Not only that, but there’s also a claim that the 5.8-liter engine under its hood is now the “world’s most powerful production V8” rated at 662 horsepower. Maybe they haven’t heard of the Gumpert Apollo or the Koenigsegg Agera R. But I guess they are in a class of their own.

The 5.8-liter in the GT500 is a typical, lazy rumbling muscle. 395 lb-ft of torque are already at disposal when the rev needle reaches 1000 rpm. More than 90 percent of the peak torque comes in between 2,200 and 5,800 rpm. That thrust availability might be mainly due to the fact that the supercharger alone is 2.3-liters

“Our goal is to create outstanding all-around performance cars, not just stoplight-to-stoplight sprinters,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve backed up this amazing powerplant with a more refined chassis tuning that helps keep the rubber on the pavement without punishing the driver’s spine and six-pot Brembo brakes that dissipate speed with ease stop after stop.”

Indeed, the chassis has been tuned to absorb the road imperfection that can cause instability at high speeds (200+ mph). As a 2013 model, the Ford Shelby GT500 gets a revised front fascia and splitter which improve aerodynamics at 160 mph with around 33 percent over the ones in the 2011 model.

As a result of all that refinement, the Shelby has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in combined. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is underpowered and 5 mpg less efficient. Checkmate.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich

Source: Ford

April 27, 2012

2012 Ford Mustang Shelby 1000

The New York International Auto Show will be the venue where Shelby American Inc. will debut their most powerful project yet – the GT Ford Shelby 1000 which started life as a more “standard” 2012 GT 500. And no, the 1000 does not consist of two GT 500s. It’s only one of them, with handling, power and breaking performance all beefed up.

Although it’s called the Shelby 1000, both of the versions in which it will be offered do not develop 1000 bhp. A street legal one has the “mere” 950 ponies while a track spec. called the Shelby 1000 S/C delivers 1100 bhp. In a strange world we live in.

For that kind of power one would expect a nuclear bomb under the hood. Well, it’s actually an overhauled Ford 5.4-liter V8 unit that has new rods, crank and pistons. Also, the heads have been flown, the cooling and exhaust upgraded and the supercharger replaced.

The stopping power on the other hand, is provided by four massive disc brakes – six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston ones at the back. The suspension includes new struts, sway bars and bushings. There are some aerodynamic tweaks as well for the sake of downforce.

A limited production of Shelby 1000s will be built, each numbered and documented. The upgrade packages alone are expected to cost up to $154,995. That’s almost as expensive as three “normal” GT 500s.

More updates will be coming soon.

Source: Shelby

March 28, 2012

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Durability Car Auctioned

Ford have announced that the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 durability car (the prototype that was used to develop the production series) is to be auctioned at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Saturday in Scottsdale, Ariz. The reason is also a just one – bidding money for the car will go for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Up until recently, the prototype had been used by the Ford SVT team and Carroll Shelby to workout how exactly a car performs under rigorous tests and harsh conditions. It was built in 2007 and as a part of the project, it had to be run for 24 hours at a speed of 150 mph on Sebring International Raceway. Other oddities one should know before pulling out the check book include a full-sized roll cage, six-point harness seat belts and Recaro bucket seats. A big plus however, is the underside of the trunk lid which is signed by every SVT engineer who has worked on the development of the GT500 and it is also signed by Carroll Shelby himself.

Carroll Shelby and the Ford Shelby GT500 (2013)

“I raced on the Sebring International racetrack for many years, but my ambition was always to build my own car,” said Shelby. “It was exciting to be back to collaborate on this GT500 durability car with the SVT guys. I’m really proud to have my name on this car. They took my dreams of what a car should be and made it a reality.”

The 5.8-liter V8 engine in the Shelby GT500, has been overhauled in a way so that the maximum of power can be extracted from it – a new transmission, clutch and axle, cross-drilled block and heads, restyled camshaft profiles, a carbon fiber driveshaft. The end result accounts for the 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque that hide under the hood.

In recent years, Ford have managed to raise more than 3 000 000 dollars for charity on auctions such as this one. And know a lucky muscle car enthusiast will have the chance to obtain am emblematic “pony” and give something to those in need trough the JDRF.

Source: Ford

January 20, 2012

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

Ford has introduced another special Mustang at the LA Auto Show. 2013 Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance with the introduction of the new 2013 model that goes on sale next year delivering 650 horsepower and a top speed of more than 200 mph.

The road-legal Shelby GT500 is powered by a 5.8 liter supercharged V8 with 659PS (485 kW) and 813Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. The gearbox is 6-speed manual, which sends the power to a torsen LSD on the rear wheels. Nothing is said about the acceleration, but the top speed is 322 km/h (200 mph).

The 2013 Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of forged-aluminum wheels including a unique wheel for cars with the optional packages. The 19” front and 20” rear wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all vehicle configurations.

The new Shelby GT500 can be ordered with Performance Package includes Bilstein electronically-adjusted dampers, while the Track Package features an external engine-oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler to prevent over-heating on the track.

Other keys for improved traction management include:

Torsen limited-slip differential:When customers order the optional Performance Package, they will get a Torsen limited-slip differential that helps the rear suspension deliver maximum torque and traction better and longer under track conditions

Launch control: A new launch control system lets drivers set the desired launch rpm depending on tire temperature, street surface or other conditions. Unique to SVT’s launch control is that it is integrated with both the engine control and traction control

Brembo braking system: A new Brembo brake system offers drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, both on the road and the track. New six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors help improve brake fade. New brake pads that are more aggressive also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence

Source: Ford

November 18, 2011

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 offered with optional SVT Performance Package

The Ford Shelby GT500 is more than fresh and full of vigor for 2011 model year, but the Ford Special Vehicle Team has more surprises. (more…)

February 9, 2010

Super Snake Package for 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

Continued demand for a “Super Snake” post title package has led Shelby Automobiles to unveil a new program to turn a limited number of 2010 Ford Shelby GT500s into Shelby super cars. (more…)

June 30, 2009

Tag: Ford Shelby GT500