The Shelby Mustang is a high performance variant of the Ford Mustang which was built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1968, and from 1969 to 1970 by Ford. Following the introduction of the fifth generation Ford Mustang in 2005, the Shelby nameplate was revived as a new high-performance model, this time designed and built by Ford.
Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews
1st generation (1965-1972)
1965-1966 Shelby GT350
The 1965-1966 cars were the smallest and lightest of the GT 350 models. These cars are often called "Cobras", which was the Ford-powered AC-based two-seat sports car also produced by Shelby American during the same period. Both models use the Cobra emblem, similar paint scheme, and the optional "Cobra" valve covers on many GT350s that were part of a marketing tie-in by Shelby, as well as one of his iconic symbols. All 1965-66 cars featured the K-Code 271 hp (202 kW; 275 PS) 289 cu in (4.7 L), modified to produce 306 hp (228 kW; 310 PS). Marketing literature referred to this engine as the "Cobra hi-riser" due to its high-riser intake manifold. Beginning as a stock Mustang with a 4-speed manual and 9" live rear axle, the cars were shipped to Shelby American, where they received the high-riser manifolds, Tri-Y headers, and were given larger Ford Galaxie rear drum brakes with metallic-linings and Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes.
The 1965 GT350 was not built for comfort or ease of driving. There were 34 "GT350R" race-spec cars built specifically for competition use under SCCA rules, and the model was the B-Production champion for three straight years. The 1966 GT350 had featured more comfort of casual drivers that included rear seats, optional colors, and an optional automatic transmission. This trend for additional features continued in following years, with the cars becoming progressively larger, heavier, and more comfortable, while losing much of their competitiveness in the process. The 1969 GT350s and GT500s were largely styling modifications to a stock Mustang. By 1969 Carroll Shelby was no longer involved in the Shelby GT program, and the design was done in-house by Ford.
The 1965 and 1966 GT350s were delivered from Ford's San Jose assembly plant in body in white form for modification by Carroll Shelby's operation, originally in Venice Beach and later at Los Angeles International Airport. San Jose cars carried an "R" in the Ford VIN denoting that facility. The only year that Shelby Mustangs from the 1960s came from another plant was 1968, where they came from New Jersey, "T" in the VIN, and were modified by A.O. Smith.
1965 GT350's
All 1965 GT350s were painted Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes. Very few GT350s were delivered to the dealer with the optional "Le Mans" (or "LeMans") top stripes, which run the length of the entire car. Approximately 28% of the 562 1965 cars built had Le Mans stripes. Dealers often added the stripes, probably at the customer's request. Today, it is difficult to find a GT350 not so equipped.
Many ERT 1965 cars had the battery relocated to the trunk, which was changed mid-year from complaints of fumes, and featured over-rider traction bars, relocated A-arms, as well as other modifications. Over-rider traction bars are named so because of their design being on top of the leaf spring as opposed to underneath them. There was only one transmission available, a 4-speed Borg-Warner T-10 manual. The exhaust system in the 1965 GT350 was a side-exit dual exhaust with glass-pack mufflers. For this one year, the GT350 also featured special 130 mph-rated Goodyear "Blue Dot" tires, named for the prominent blue dot on each sidewall. The 1965 GT350 had a full size spare tire mounted in place of rear seats, making it a 2-seat-only vehicle (to be allowed to race under SCCA regulations as a "sports car"), and rode on either silver-painted steel wheels or special cast-magnesium center "Cragar Shelby" 15" rims with chromed center caps marked with a stylized "CS". Total 1965 model year production was 562 units.
1966 GT350's
For 1966, the GT350 lost its Mustang tag and was marketed simply as the Shelby GT350. The new model year also saw the introduction of non-white colors, including blue, red, green, and black. Other changes included special rear quarter-panel windows replacing the factory extractor vents, functional brake scoops on each side, and optional SelectShift 3-speed automatic, as well as an optional Paxton supercharger. The battery was no longer relocated to the trunk for 1966, and the over-rider traction bars were discontinued. The normal factory fold-down rear seat was optional. While early 1965 cars had black engine blocks, 1966 and later cars had their engines painted the regular factory Ford dark blue. The 1966 models came with a dual-exhaust exiting in the rear.
The first 252 GT350s for 1966 began as 1965 Mustang K-Code Fastbacks. These cars were specifically ordered by Shelby American for conversion into 1966 GT350s. Upon delivery to Shelby-American, the cars were randomly picked for conversion. The Shelby VINs do not correspond in numerical order with Ford VINs. The Ford VINs were shipped in 'blocks,' but many differ significantly because the order they were taken for conversions.
Total production for 1966 was 1,373 fastbacks, including two prototypes and four drag cars, and the 252 early production models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. In order to help Shelby sales, Ford, the major shareholder of Hertz, persuaded the rental car giant to purchase 1,003 fastbacks, including two prototypes. Four "experimental" GT350 convertibles were also built for test purposes in anticipation of a 1967-1/2 convertible offering, bringing total production to 2,378 units for 1966. A small number of the 1966 models were fitted from the factory with Paxton superchargers, but not the No-Spin limited slip differential; with an option price of $670, the engine was rated at 440 hp (330 kW).
1966 Shelby GT350 Hertz models
The deal with the Hertz Corporation to offer ~1,000 GT350s for rental that, after their rental-car lives were finished, were returned to Ford, refurbished, and sold to the public as "GT350H" models. Most Hertz cars were black with gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes, although a few were white with blue stripes. The first 85 Hertz cars were available with four-speed manual transmissions and Hertz advertised them as "Rent-a-Racer" cars. During rental, these cars were sometimes used as production class cars at SCCA events, and were rumored to have been returned to Hertz with evidence of roll bars being welded in. Ford pushed another 800 models on Hertz with black paint, gold stripes and black interior, as well as automatic transmissions.
When the Hertz cars were returned to Ford to be prepared for sale to the public, the high-performance parts were often "lost" (presumably at the manufacturer) before final sale.
1967 Shelby GT350 / GT500
For 1967, the GT350 carried over the K-Code high performance 289 with a 'COBRA' aluminum hi-rise. The GT500 was added to the lineup, equipped with a "Ford Cobra" V8 (FE Series 428 cu.in.) engine with two 600 CFM Holly four-barrel carburetors sitting atop a mid-rise Aluminum intake manifold.
Documented plans to introduce a convertible mid-production year were shelved due to supply, production and financial problems that happened as soon as the first cars started to arrive at Shelby's Los Angeles facility in September. By October 1966, Ford took control over engineering and purchasing. A.O. Smith was tapped to fix the fiberglass fitment and quality problems. Six months later, in May 1967, the decision was made to terminate the California-based Shelby operation. On August 18, 1967, a small staff, along with the remaining engineering cars, was sent to Ionia. The small staff of the newly formed Shelby Automotive, Inc. had substantially less involvement after this time.
Notable cars for 1967 include:
- 0100, the first GT500 built.
- 0131, the only Shelby GT coupe built ("Little Red'), which was the precursor to the '68 California Special
- 0139, the only Shelby GT500 convertible built (in 1967) Note: cars 0100, 0131 and 0139 were the first big block Shelby GT cars ordered and built.
- One 1967 Fastback was updated with a GT500 equipped with a 427 FE GT40 racing engine producing 650 horsepower, and was known as the "Super Snake" The car was capable of speeds over 150 mph; hitting 170 mph during a demonstration (by Shelby himself) of Goodyear's Thunderbolt tires. No cars other than the prototype were built due to limited interest. The car sold at Mecum's 2013 Indianapolis auction for $1.3 million.
For 1968, the Cobra name was applied to both models, and they were now marketed as the Shelby Cobra GT350 and the Shelby Cobra GT 500. The solid lifter K-code engine was discontinued by Ford so Shelby used the hydraulic lifter 230 hp 302. It produced 250 HP with the high rise intake but was not equipped with Shelby headers in order to make room for power steering. The early 1968 GT500 used the Shelby installed 428 Police Interceptor with a single four barrel carburetor rated at 360 HP.
1967 Shelby GT350 & 1968 Cobra GT350
The 1967 redesign made for a heavier Mustang, along with a longer, fiberglass hood, and new front and rear facias. The design of the original 1965 version was evident, but these styling upgrades gave the car a more aggressive appearance and achieved Carroll Shelby's goal of differentiating his car from the Mustang on which it was based. The separate high-beam headlamps in the grille added more character, while a thin, chrome front bumper sat below a mesh grille with the classic "Shelby GT350" logo in place (except for the very early cars). The small hood scoop was there to deliver fresh air to the engine. Shelby also included new, horizontal taillights (sourced from a '67 Cougar in 1967 and a '65 Thunderbird in 1968) and an integrated Kamm-type rear spoiler. Functional rear brake-cooling scoops adorned the rear quarter panels. Ten-spoke, fifteen-inch, cast-aluminum rims were the wheel choice with Goodyear white-lettered radials.
The GT350 was available with air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The steering wheel was a wood-rimmed and satin-trimmed design with the classic Shelby logo in the center. Behind this wheel was a very classy-looking set of gauges. A 140-mph speedometer and a whopping 8,000-rpm tachometer were joined along with a smaller analog clock, fuel level, water temperature, and oil pressure gauges.
The GT350 came with an iron-block, 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V-8 rated at 306 horsepower and 329 lb-foot of torque. For a pushrod design, the GT350 revved relatively high, with the horsepower peak not in full swing until the 6,000-rpm redline. 1967 was well before modern fuel injection came about, and the car used a single Holley four-barrel carburetor. The true dual-exhaust with H-shaped crossover system came standard with Flowmasters and chrome exhaust tips. Power was routed to the ground through a sturdy, four-speed manual transmission with a single, dry-disc clutch. A three-speed automatic was made available as an option. Rear-end ratios were 3.89-to-1 for the four-speed manual and 3.50-to-1 for the automatic. Acceleration was impressive, with a 0-to-60 time of around seven seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. Braking duties were handled by 11.3-inch discs up front and drums in the rear. Power assist was standard. The front suspension consisted of unequal-length control arms, coil springs, adjustable tube arms, and an anti-sway bar. Out back was a live axle, with multi-leaf, semi-elliptical springs and tube shocks. The steering was a power-assisted recirculating ball design.
1967 Shelby GT500 & 1968 Cobra GT500
The 1967 Shelby GT500 was the first model built in the Shelby GT500 range. It is based on the 1967 Mustang Fastback and is equipped with a 428cu (7.0L) V8. 2,048 were produced back in 1967.
Several body parts of the GT500 were made of fiberglass including the side intakes, spoiler, and hood.
1968 GT500KR
Beginning in April 1968, Ford began factory installing a version of the 428 engine known as the "Cobra Jet". The GT500 was subsequently known as The Cobra GT500 KR. The initials KR stood for "King of the Road." Ford rated the Cobra jet at 335 horsepower (250 kW), but with 440 foot-pounds of torque at 3400 RPM, the horsepower was considered significantly underreported. Shelby's KR engine was left stock adding die-cast aluminum valve covers with "Cobra Lemans" to note Ford's FE engine family victory over Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.
1969-1970
The GTs lost their Cobra tag for 1969 and once again were marketed simply as Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500. The GT350 and GT500 for the 1969 model year received an extensive face lift, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches (100 mm) with some reaching 10 inches (250 mm). Ford was involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having little input. The GT350 was now equipped with a 351 cubic-inch V8. Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969.
No production of 1970 Shelby GT350 and 500 models was undertaken; however, unsold 1969 models were given 1970 vehicle identification numbers under FBI supervision. The 1970 models had two cosmetic changes, a front chin spoiler and two black hood stripes. The rest of the changes had to do with emissions. The GT500 had the carburetor modified and marked "ed" (edited) on tag. The GT500 distributor was also changed to the 70 version. The GT350 also had the distributor changed to a 70 version. A total of 789 were re-VIN'd.
1971 Shelby Europa
Although production of Shelby GTs in the USA had ceased, a total of nine 1971 "Shelby Europa" GT-350 and GT-500 Mustangs were produced under license by Belgian dealer Claude Dubois for the European market. seven Fastbacks (Ford used the term Sportsroof) and two convertibles were produced; of which seven were M-code and one H-code cars. One 429SCJ J-code Fastback was produced, though its whereabouts today are unknown. Both convertibles and one fastback were modified to GT-500 with 351-HO.Both convertibles are located in Finland. All 1971 Shelby Europas were based on 1971 Mustang, none on 1972 Mustang. Previously it was believed that 14 cars were produced, but the total production number of nine cars was confirmed in 2014 by cross-check of Claude Dubois' files and Ford Factory Mustang production data.
2nd generation
2005-2009 (S-197 I)
Shelby CS6/8
Shelby along with Paxton also designed a new variant based on the V6 Mustang. Modifications include a supercharged motor producing 350 horsepower (260 kW). 20" wheels bearing the Shelby name and the Cobra moniker on each side and the decklid. The 2" drop in suspension, Baer/Shelby 14-inch front and rear brakes and aggressive front fascia along with a dual exhaust. Shelby also created the CS8, a 4.6-liter V8 variant of the CS6. The Shelby CS6/8 was not available as a factory release. However, Shelby had made the CS6/8 kit available for purchase. But then the contract with Hertz GT-H came, and only a handful of CS6/8' were built, making them one of the rarest cars ever built by Shelby.
2006-2007 Ford Shelby GT-H
Ford introduced the Shelby GT-H version of the Mustang at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Like the original GT350H from 1966, the GT-H featured gold-on-black paint and was only available at the Hertz car rental agency.
Ford Racing Performance Group provided Shelby its FR1 Power Pack to add 25 horsepower to the existing Mustang GT powertrain with an additional 10 ft/lb of torque. The package included a 90mm cold air kit, muffler kit, a new X-pipe and Ford Racing "GTA" axle-back mufflers. The Ford Shelby GT-H also had the Ford Racing Handling Pack (FR3) which included specially tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars, strut tower brace, and a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly.
A total of 500 cars were built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Shelby GT350H.
For 2007, a convertible version of the GT-H was offered for rental at Hertz. This time the convertibles came with a custom light bar reminiscent of the 1968 Shelby Mustang convertibles.
2007-2008 Ford Shelby GT
The 4.6 liter, 281-cubic-inch, 319 hp (238 kW) Ford Shelby GT slotted between the 300 hp (220 kW) Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500. It is essentially a retail sale version of the Hertz rental-only Ford Shelby GT-H, except a manual transmission is available. The Shelby GT was a unique model in that, just like the Shelby Mustangs of the 60's, the Shelby GT's manufacturing was completed at Shelby Automobiles Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada after being shipped directly there by Ford Motor Company. Shelby GT's were then sold pre-title to customers. By comparison, GT500 models were manufactured solely by Ford Motor Company in Flint, Michigan.
Production of the Shelby GT began in December 2006 and the car went on sale in January 2007. It was originally planned that a limited number of up to 6,000 cars would be built. The Shelby GT's include the deletion of the rear spoiler, a retro Shelby hood scoop, a cold air induction system with performance tuning resulting in a power output of 319 hp (238 kW), a Ford Racing suspension package consisting of upgraded dampers, springs which lowered the vehicle 1.5" and sway bars, a high performance exhaust system, interior Shelby sill plates and badges and silver stripes, with the car available in either white or black in 2007 and Vista Blue, Grabber Orange, or Black with red stripes for 2008. The Grabber Orange Shelby GT-C (California) was sold exclusively in California and only available as a coupe (less than 220 models were produced).
Following the 2007 Shelby GT-H convertible rental car, Shelby offered the 2008 Shelby GT as a Vista Blue coupe or convertible also in limited numbers. The Vista Blue models were available as a coupe or convertible.
2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT
A total of 100 units of Shelby GT coupe and convertible were named after the Barrett-Jackson auction. They included black exterior with "Barrett-Jackson Red" LeMans Hood and Side Stripes, Barrett Jackson Edition door sill plates, black interior with the Shelby GT serial number plate, special gas cap insert, autographed photo of Carroll Shelby, Craig Jackson, Amy Boylan, and Steve Davis.
The vehicle was unveiled in Arizona International Auto Show. Production versions were sold in Arizona Region Ford dealers with MSRP of US$38,980 (including $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation).
One hundred Barrett Jackson Shelby GTs were built in 2008 that were black with red stripes, also available in coupe or convertible. The Barrett Jackson Shelby GTs were sold exclusively in Arizona. Ford dealers and customers asked for a version of the Shelby GT-H. Like the GT-H, the Shelby GT is modified at Shelby Automotive's factory in Las Vegas, Nevada, while the GT500s are produced entirely by AutoAlliance International.
Modifications
At the request of owners a number of Shelby GTs were modified in various ways by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas. One of these modifications results in a model known as the Shelby GT/SC (Supercharged). A large number of add-ons could be had including the "Super Snake" brakes and larger wheels and tires which were necessary to accommodate these brakes. Additionally there were three different available superchargers, again installed by Shelby Automobiles or authorized Shelby Mod Shop, that can increase rated horsepower to 500 or more. These include the Ford Racing Whipple 750 hp and the Kenne Bell (750HP and 800HP) superchargers.
2007-2009 Ford Shelby GT500
Shelby and Ford returned for the 2007 model year with the Shelby GT500. Introduced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, the GT500 uses a 5.4 L (330 CID) Modular 500 hp (370 kW) supercharged V8 engine. Features include the Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission, suspension tuning, a body kit, and 18 inch wheels.
Deliveries of the Shelby GT500 began in May 2006.
A collaboration of Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and Carroll Shelby, the GT500 was produced in limited quantity for three years (approximately 10,000 units per year) on the line at Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan (AutoAlliance) assembly facility.
2008-2009 GT500KR
The Ford Shelby GT500KR, revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, was released in the spring of 2008. The car is powered by a 540-horsepower 5.4-liter (330 CID) supercharged V-8 version of the base GT500 engine with functional Cold Air Intake and unique calibration. SVT and Shelby announced that 1,000 40th Anniversary Editions would be built for the U.S. in 2008, with another 571 units in 2009. This 1,571 production run matches that of the original 1968 GT500KR. In total, 1,712 units were produced, with the remaining units going to Canada, export markets and military sales.
All KRs were built by AutoAlliance International on the normal Mustang production line and then shipped to Shelby Automobiles Incorporated (SAI) where final assembly was completed. SAI was the manufacturer of record.
The Shelby GT500KR features a carbon fiber composite hood with functional scoops and vents, twist-lock hood pins modeled on the original 1968 KR, a unique carbon fiber splitter, carbon fiber mirror caps, and functional brake cooling ducts. The suspension was tuned by SVT with unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace and was sourced from Ford Racing. Unique Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires were developed for the KR with a unique compound. With the same tread pattern as the Eagle F1 Supercar tire on the 2007-2009 GT500 they can only be identified by a unique Goodyear "Wingedfoot" emblem on the sidewall.
The 2008-09 GT500KR draws on styling cues from the classic 1968 "King of the Road" GT500KR model, and the 2008 model includes "40th Anniversary" badging; both years will have availability of standard GT500 colors with "LeMans" stripes, and Carroll Shelby signature embroidered seats. The GT500KR's starting price was $120,000.
The GT500KR was featured prominently in the new Knight Rider television series on NBC. One of the main characters of the show was KITT, (voiced by Val Kilmer) an advanced Artificial Intelligence housed in a GT500KR who is also 100% all black and the only difference is the red scan light bar and the red voice module. Also, in the return of the show, KARR (voiced by Peter Cullen) who is once again similar to KITT with a yellow scan light bar and a yellow voice module and is once again 100% all Black like KITT was also a GT500KR.
Other specifications
- 4 seating
- 330 CID (5408 cc) displacement
- Power: 540 hp (403 kW; 547 PS)
- Torque: 510 lb?ft (691 N?m)
- 3.73 differential ratio
- 18 x 9.5" Alcoa wheels with unique Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires (front: P255/45ZR18 rear: 285/40/ZR18)
2007-2009 Shelby GT500 Super Snake
Starting in 2008, previous 2007 Shelby GT500 Mustangs could be sent to Carroll Shelby's Special Performance Plant in Las Vegas to be rebuilt into a Super Snake, for an additional cost of $27,995. The Super Snake will offer a 605 hp (451 kW) (at the engine) 5.4 L. A Kenne Belltwin-screw supercharged version with "over 725 hp" was also available, without warranty and offered a varied 0-60 mph acceleration time in 3.5 to 3.7 seconds. The Super Snake is inspired by the 1967 GT500 Super Snake, a car made by Carroll Shelby for Goodyear Tires.
The Super Snake also comes with a variety of other performance, handling and cosmetic changes including badging, gauge pod, 20" Alcoa wheels, fibreglass ram-air Super Snake hood, stripes, carbon fiber front splitter and side skirts, larger 6-piston Baer brakes, front and rear brake cooling ducts, complete track setup suspension, aluminum driveshaft, 3.73 differential gears and cat-back exhaust system.
The Super Snake package was also available for 2005-2006 Ford Mustang.
Prudhomme Edition Super Snake (2009-2010)
It is a limited (100 units) drag racing package for 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars, named after Don Prudhomme. The engine is rated at 800 hp (597 kW) on race fuel or 750 hp (559 kW) on 93 octane pump gas. It includes a Kenne Bell supercharger and a modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end, a five-point Impact safety harness and a Borla side exhaust system, front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires with optional street tires, side lower rockers are incorporated.
The package has MSRP of $100,000 (not including car).
The Prudhomme concept car went on sale in 2009 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction. The vehicle was sold with a winning bid price of $275,000 (before buyer premium).
2007-2009 Shelby Terlingua
The Terlingua is a V6 Ford Mustang fitted with a Racing Team package that includes performance enhancements and modified cosmetic details by Shelby. The package is applied by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Terlingua features improvements to the handling with Ford Racing components, and improved braking capabilities that included Baer brakes. Optional supercharger was a Paxton/Vortech blower in either polished or raw. This model also features a deep draw hood designed by Chief R&D at Shelby Vince LaViolette, 20" anthracite "Razor" wheels and a comprehensive styling changes including a logo with the Terlingua rabbit on the hood.
Spectifications
- Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5300 rpm
- Torque: 240 lb·ft @ 3500 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- Top speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)
2010-2014 (S-197 II)
2010-2012 Ford Shelby GT500
For the 2010 model year, the Shelby Mustang GT500 was redesigned along with the base Ford Mustang. As with the 2007-09 GT500, the 2010 included unique front and rear fascias, hood with functional vents and unique rear spoiler. The rear spoiler included a functional Gurney flap. Along with new exterior colors, customers had the option of extending the exterior stripes onto the seats. Production was limited to 2000 units.
The 5.4 L engine's power output was increased to 540 hp (403 kW) and 510 lb?ft (691 N?m) of torque with the addition of a cold air intake similar to the 08/09 GT500KR and includes a knock sensor to protect the engine if lower octane fuel is used. The 2010 GT500's fuel efficiency increased by 2 miles per gallon.
SVT re-tuned the coupe's suspension and worked with Goodyear on 19" tires with new construction, compound and tread pattern. The coupe's 19" wheels are forged for a reduction in unsprung weight. The convertible retained the 18" wheels. The 2010 Shelby Mustang GT500 can sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 4.19 seconds and has a top speed of 180 miles per hour (290 km/h). The 2010 GT500 can brake from 60-0 in 107.0 ft and has a lateral acceleration of 1.00 G.
2011 & 2012
Much like the 2011 V6 and GT Mustangs, the 2011 Shelby GT500 got an engine update with an all-new 5.4 L aluminum engine which was 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology (Plasma transferred wire arc). The inventors of PTWA received the 2009 IPO National Inventor of the Year award. This technology was initially patented and developed by inventors from Flame-Spray. The technology was subsequently improved upon by Ford and Flamespray. With the engine updates, not only has performance improved to 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 510 lb?ft (691 N?m) of torque, but the GT500's gas mileage has improved to 15 mpg-US (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg-imp) city and 23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp) highway, which was enough to eliminate the U.S. Gas Guzzler Tax. The final production number of the 2011 Shelby GT500 by the end of the year was 5100 units.
Ford also improved upon the handling characteristics of the GT500. The overall stance of the car has been lowered by 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear. The car also features Ford's new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) that improves torque build-up and road feel which delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers. The car also has Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control system, which features a sport mode when pressed twice consecutively while stopped with the brakes applied.
External improvements include an optional SVT Performance Package, which includes Goodyear EagleF1 SuperCar G: 2 tires, all-new lightweight 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels in front and 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels at the rear, a 3.73 rear axle ratio, and performance tuned front and rear shocks along with stiffer springs. The package includes a unique rear spoiler Gurney Flap for improved handling, slightly revised front and rear fascias, a new pedal box for improved clutch use, slotted brake dust shields for improved brake cooling, standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps, MyKey programmable vehicle key, integrated spotter mirrors, and fold-down rear headrests. Optional is a glass top roof, previously available, starting in 2009, with the Mustang GT.
The improvements in handling and performance gives the 2011 Shelby GT500 a skidpad rating of 1.0g, and a Virginia International Raceway lap time of 2:58:48, making it as fast as, and sometimes faster than, cars such as the M3, Audi R8 V10, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Porsche GT3 around this racetrack. Changes to 2012 model year Shelby GT500 included only a new Recaro seat option. The Sterling Gray color was no longer available.
2011-12 Super Snake
Just like the 2011 Shelby GT500, born on the proving grounds of the drag strip and road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Shelby American worked with companies like Ford Racing to create an even more aggressive suspension and engine package for the 2011 Super Snake. For the 2011 model year, more power, new anthracite wheels, white stripes and new side scoops are optional.
The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:
- Ford Racing handling pack including dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars, and front strut tower brace
- 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
- Shelby/Ford Racing supercharger upgrade producing over 660 HP and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque
- Either a Shelby/Ford Racing or Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit producing 750 HP with upgraded drive shaft, billet twin 75mm throttle body and exclusive badges
- Optional Shelby/Kenne Bell 800 horsepower tune on pump gas
- Borla exhaust system
- An optional Shelby / Eibach handling pack is also available
- Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels in durabright or anthracite
- Short-throw shifter
- Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
- Front brake cooling ducts and behind the door side scoops
- Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby design and pins
- Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either matte black or matte white
- "Shelby" lettering across the rear deck lid
- "Super Snake" vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
- Optional two tone leather interior
- Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components
2012 Limited Edition
Full details on the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake were revealed at the New York Auto Show. The package included a unique fiberglass hood featuring the iconic Shelby design and pins, a new Borla exhaust system, the Shelby signature Super Snake stripes that come in either matte black or matte white, and "Super Snake" vehicle badges. An official Shelby CSM interior plate and "Shelby" lettering across the rear deck lid allowed the GT500 to be fully recognizable as a Shelby vehicle, while a set of Shelby designed 20" Alcoa wheels that came with a choice of either durabright or antracite finished off the exterior look.
The interior also included Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats, along with other Shelby designed components. These signatures could also be applied to optional two-tone leather.
The 2012 Limited Edition Super Snake produces 750 hp (559 kW) and 590 lb?ft (800 N?m) of torque out of its 5.4 L supercharged V8 engine. The power can be taken up to 800 hp (597 kW) with the optional upgrade. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio and short-throw shifter. The car utilises Forged Shelby/Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled/vented rotors.
2012 50th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shelby American, 50 black and gold Super Snakes were manufactured. The prototype was used as a promotional vehicle and is considered a highly sought-after car by collectors. The prototype had been reported as sold in 2015.
2011 Shelby GT350
Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American unveiled an all new GT350 Mustang at the opening night gala of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Presented in concept form, the new GT350 featured a supercharged version of the brand new 5.0-liter V8 engine in the 2011 Mustang GT as well as performance upgrades from Ford Racing, Borla, Cragar, Baer and more.
The GT350 was a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers could have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they could deliver the car themselves. Automatic transmission was available for conversion with a naturally aspirated engine, producing up to 430 hp (321 kW), and manual transmission cars had the option of NA or a supercharged engine fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger to produce 525 hp (391 kW), or at the expense of the warranty, 624 hp (465 kW), a Ford Racing suspension system (The first 100 cars were fitted with the Eibach suspension carried over from the GT500 Supersnake), Baer brakes in front and optional in rear, Custom Borla exhaust system, 19" Cragar wheels, and more. For the exterior, Shelby installed a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop, functional brake cooling ducts, tail light trim, rear deck lid filler panel, and a rear fascia with center exhaust exit. Performance White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes were the only available color combination for 2011 models. 2012 models were available in other colors, but lost the 45th Anniversary badge of the 2011.
Initial road tests of the GT350 by Motor Trend show impressive statistics. The 2011 Shelby GT350 accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, compared to the 412 horsepower 2011 Mustang GT's time of 4.4 seconds. The 2011 GT500 needs 4.2 seconds to get to 60 mph (97 km/h) and even the Shelby Super Snake with 750 hp (559 kW) takes 4.1 seconds. Weight difference isn't a factor to blame for the better performance than the GT500, considering the GT350 is only a mere 24 pounds lighter than the newly lightened GT500.
The GT350's quarter mile time is 12 seconds flat at 121.4 mph (195.4 km/h)
NASCAR pace cars
Two GT350s used to pace the 2010 NASCAR race in Las Vegas. They featured the prototype front fascia and are now displayed at the Shelby Heritage Museum, being a mainstay for promotional materials and posters.
2012 Shelby GT350
After being revealed at Barrett Jackson in 2010 as a celebration of the original 1965 Shelby GT350's 45th anniversary, the 2012 GT350 made its world debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.
A convertible version was a welcomed change for 2012 considering the last convertible to be offered was back in 1970.
The 2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 was previously offered only in a white exterior color with Guardsman Blue Le Mans racing stripes running the length of the vehicle, but the 2012 model year saw two new colors in Race Red with white LeMans stripes and Kona Blue with white LeMans stripes. These paint schemes are unique because they are not Factory paint jobs from Ford. The convertible offered a new optional light bar with other options including a one-piece drive shaft and color coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set. The extensive body kit upgrades included a revised front fascia, side rockers with brake ducts, rear bumper, and decklid. New taillights and custom Shelby GT350 badges further distinguish this special model and bring back memories of past models. The serialized dash plate with individual numbering for each GT350 produced was also included. The 2012 Shelby GT350 delivers the same performance numbers as the 2011 model. The addition of a Whipple supercharger and Borla exhaust system have really allowed this V8 to take on a life of its own. An automatic transmission was optional with the naturally aspirated engine. Keeping the powerful engine under control was an upgraded suspension system designed by Shelby to give the Mustang a reduced body roll and more variability to create custom track setups. Custom ERADISPEED rear rotors in conjunction with Bear 6-piston brakes were also included in the package.
2011/12 Shelby American Shelby 1000
Unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, this is an upgrade to the 2012 Shelby GT500 and was available in two versions. The Street Legal version produces 920 hp (690 kW), while the Track version delivers 1,100 hp (820 kW). The chassis has been strengthened to handle the additional power. The rear end was replaced with a high performance 9-inch unit; the brakes included 6 pistons in front and 4 pistons out back. The driveshaft was a stronger unit while the suspension included new struts, sway bars and bushings. The hood, rear panel and splitter were functional pieces for performance.
2012 Shelby GTS
The Shelby GTS was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, a new model designed to be attainable to the masses. It was available in both V6 and V8 form configurations. "It's a car that reaches a younger buyer while acknowledging the economic realities of our times," said Shelby American president John Luft at the time.
Shelby installed new front and rear fascias, a "deep draw" fiberglass hood, black billet grille, Shelby lettering on the trunk lid and finally the signature "Le Mans" dual stripes over the top and triple side stripes with GTS lettering. Shelby also added a short-throw shifter with cue-ball knob, a serial number plaque and Shelby-badged floor mats. The GTS was fitted with the optional 14-inch Baer front brake system. Only 7000 were made
50th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate the foundation of Shelby American, Shelby American released 50th Anniversary Edition of Shelby GTS. The car was based on the 2012 Mustang GT and the Mustang V6, and limited to two colours, Black and Performance White. Production was limited to 100 units with 50 being black and 50 Performance White units.
2013-2014 Ford Shelby GT500
First unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, Ford Shelby GT500 was the most powerful Mustang at the time. The DOHC 354.6 cubic inches (5.811 l) 32-V V8 supercharged engine is certified to produce 662 hp (494 kW) and 631 lb?ft (855 N?m) of torque, with a claimed top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). The new GT500 weighs 3,850 lb (1,746 kg), and was available from May 2012.
The 2013 models had various improvements and differences compared to the GT500 of 2012 including new front end sheet metal along with standard HID headlamps, along with a new LED tail light assembly. The new 2013 Shelby GT500 also had no grill, due to the massive amount of cooling required for the vehicle. Performance changes included twin fuel pumps (a Mustang GT's single supply pump, twice over), larger fuel injectors, a grippier and larger-diameter clutch, a larger fan, a three-row intercooler (the previous car used a double-row unit), a beefed-up Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission with an internal oil pump, and a single-piece carbon-fiber driveshaft. Larger Brembo front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, reinforced axle tubes, and aero tweaks to help the car reach 200 mph (320 km/h)+ safely. According to Ford, the changes have resulted in a 14-percent reduction in drag and a 66-percent increase in front-end downforce. Also new for 2013 was a larger front anti-roll bar and retuned springs. An rpm-adjustable electronic launch-control function was standard, as was a four-mode electronic stability control system.
A Performance package was also offered, adding two-mode adjustable Bilstein dampers and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. In addition to the Performance package, a Track package for road racing could be ordered bringing a transmission cooler, a nose-mounted differential cooler for the Torsen limited-slip unit, and an air-to-oil engine-oil cooler. Wilwood disc brakes were also brought on board with an improved stopping package.
A Motor Trend magazine May 2012 road test provided a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) cceleration time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds at 125.7 miles per hour (202.3 km/h). By comparison, the '13 GT500 was faster than both the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06.
Automobile-Catalog computer model estimates provided a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 3.3 seconds, a quarter mile time of 11.3 seconds at 130 miles per hour (210 km/h), and a top speed of 208 miles per hour (335 km/h) (manufacturing claim: 202 mph (325 km/h); Car and Driver: 189 mph (304 km/h)).
In February 2012, at the Chicago Auto Show, Shelby officially announced that a convertible version of the 2013 GT500 will reach production. The convertible had a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour (249 km/h).
No major changes from the previous year 2013 were made for the 2014 model year, however several colors had been discontinued and been made.
2013-2014 Shelby GT500 Super Snake
At the Barrett-Jackson auction in 2012, Shelby American announced the release of the GT500 Super Snake. The Super Snake is offered in two supercharged engine packages which have a power outputs of 662 hp (494 kW) and 850 hp (630 kW) respectively. The first fifty vehicles sold were available in limited edition colors, either in black with a triple gold stripe or white with a triple gold stripe.
The 2013 GT500 Super Snake marked the discontinuation of the Shelby "Alcoa" Super Snake Wheels. New, lightweight forged aluminium wheel were produced and used instead. These wheels were also used on any GT500 (even 2007-2012 models) that entered the Shelby American Facility to be converted into a Super Snake version. The 2013 Super Snake was also offered with a wide body option.
WELD Edition concept
The WELD edition Super Snake featured the new wheels designed specifically and exclusively for Shelby and will be used on the next generations of Shelby Mustangs. This car was featured by Weld wheels at their SEMA show display. The hood of this WELD Super Snake is First all carbon fiber Super Snake hood. It also has carbon fiber trim parts, included side rocker panels, rear diffuser, spoiler, as well as the rear fender. Parts that featured WELD are its vinyl strips and Recaro seats.
Wide Body Prototype
This car was the first of the latest generation Wide body Super Snakes. CSM13SS0001P was one of the key development vehicles for the wide body program as well as the Super Snake program for 2013. It was featured on both the wide body and many of the Super Snake promotional materials and displays during this time period. It used to be show car of Detroit Auto Show in 2013 and New York Auto Show, it also featured at many other shows and events all over US, as well as Shelby Annual publication. This prototype is currently featured in the Shelby Museum.
Demonstrator Edition of Shelby American
This demonstrator of Shelby American was used as part of a ride-n-drive to help show drivers the primary difference between the stock GT500 and the GT500 Super Snake. The conversion includes an 850HP, 4.0L Whipple Supercharger and comes with the optional Watts link and upgraded interior.
2013 Shelby GT350
Revealed in 2013 as an upgrade kit for the Mustang GT, the Shelby GT350 (S197 II) was built in limited numbers and was offered in both coupe and convertible versions. For the 2013 model year, the GT350 received new color options, visual styling cues, and optional performance enhancements. The 2013 Shelby GT350 is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine offered in either a 430 hp (320 kW) naturally aspirated version with an optional upgrade to increase the power output to 450 hp (340 kW), or a 525 hp (391 kW) or 624 hp (465 kW) supercharged versions. The engine could be combined with a manual gearbox with a short throw shifter as standard, or an automatic transmission for the naturally aspirated engine as an option.
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT from Shelby was previously only offered in a white exterior color with Guardsman Blue Le Mans racing stripes running the length of the vehicle, and the 2012 model saw the addition of two new colors; Race Red with white LeMans stripes and Kona Blue with white LeMans stripes. The 2013 model year added even more color options in the form of Grabber Blue, Sterling Gray Metallic, "Gotta Have It" Green, Candy Red Tint Coat Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, "Deep Impact" Blue Metallic (replaces Kona Blue Metallic), Race Red, Performance White, and Black. These new colors could be combined with Satin Black or Gloss White stripes and a new set of wheels in Satin Black or Bright Silver Metallic. Other styling cues for 2013 included a glass roof option, Recaro Seats, and a modified custom rear valance.
Changes for the 2013 model year also included a one piece drive shaft, more powerful brakes, cooling enhancements, and a color coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set.
Prototype Demonstrator
It was a prototype of GT350 used as a track demonstrator vehicle; which ended up not being used that much as aticipated. It featured a 624 hp (465 kW) supercharged V8 engine, premium interior with Recaro seats, gauges, and 6 piston Wilwood brakes in the front and 4 piston calipers in the rear. It was featured in the 2013 sales literature and is one of the Heritage Center show cars.
2013-2014 Shelby 1000 & 1000 S/C
The 2013 Shelby 1000 was officially unveiled in New York International Auto Show, under once again a Street Package, and a Track Package (S/C).
The 2013/14 Shelby 1000 featured the 5.8L V8 engine from the 2013/14 GT500. Upgrades included a full Engine Package using a performance 850 hp fuel system with 72 lb injectors, a Borla Custom 3" stainless steel catback exhaust and new parts such as forged pistons, ported cylinder heads, titanium valve springs and titanium retainers. The engine breathes through a Kenne Bell 3.6L Supercharger using a 4.5" inlet pipe feeding an 1850cfm throttle body. A High Performance aluminium flywheel and a twin-clutch assembly is also used. The Engine is estimated to produce over 1,200 hp (890 kW).
Like the 2012 Shelby 1000, the 2013/14 needed significant under-body and chassis strengthening modifications to handle the extra power from the engine. Driveshaft tunnel braces and billet-aluminium supports and suspension parts were used. A Custom 9" Wavetrac Differential is used to help put power down through the rear wheels.
The Exterior received the usual "Shelby 1000" decals and an overlay package with a functional carbon-fiber hood, front lip spoiler, rear bumper and side skirts. A Widebody Version of the car was also offered.
Since 2011, Shelby 1000 become a package for 2010-14's Ford Shelby GT500, due to the popularity of the package, Shelby American also received 2013-14 Ford Shelby GT500s to be converted into Shelby 1000s from customers.
2014 Shelby American Shelby GT, Shelby GT/SC
The Shelby American version of Shelby GT was based on 2014 Ford Mustang GT. It was unveiled in L.A. Auto Show.
Shelby offered a unique set of modifications for the exterior. On the base GT, it got a front splitter conversion with a GT500 rear spoiler and quarter glass covers. The hood was made of fiberglass to save weight and the Le Mans stripes added some style. A separate wide body conversion with the option of rear-only or full all-around wide body wheel arches was also available to spice up the exterior of the 2014 Shelby GT. Among other accessories, Shelby GT front fascia, carbon laminated hood louvers, billet upper grille with Ford running pony emblem and "Powered by Ford" badges on the sides completed the exterior package.
The interior of the 2014 Shelby GT had been overhauled to keep up with the latest trends. Unique touches to the interior included an A-pillar gauge pod with boost, and fuel and oil pressure gauges. This modification was only available on the GT/SC conversion. Even the standard GT conversion got the Shelby headrest covers, special GT dash plaque and engine plate. Leather upholstery in black was standard along with electrically adjustable seats.
The "Shelby GT Standard" is the base pack with 430 horsepower. The slight bump in power was achieved by fitting a Borla performance exhaust and some old-fashioned tuning. The standard package also included a Barton short shifter. The "Shelby GT/SC" gives 100 more horsepower over the base modification. Shelby Ford Racing Whipple Supercharger kit in either 525 hp of 624 hp configurations, Shelby cooling system and front splitter. Although, Shelby did not independently confirm the performance figures, they're pretty quick, with a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) sprint taking an estimated 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in an estimated mid 11-second range.
The base upgrade package used 20-inch wheels, shod with BFG G-Force Comp2 tires and a Panhard suspension bar to stiffen up the chassis. Apart from this, the standard upgrade did not offer much in terms of performance or improved handling. Of course, better tires did provide improved grip while the suspension brace resulted in better cornering.
Shelby had done a whole lot to improve the dynamics of the Shelby GT/SC starting with an aluminum driveshaft, employed to deliver power to the rear wheels in order to reduce the overall mass. Wilwood brakes -- six-pot front and four-piston rear -- for added braking performance.
The 20-inch rims on the GT/SC were painted black and were lined with Michelin Pilot Supersport tires. Eibach provided stiffer coil-over springs as well as a sway bar kit that would considerably improve the Mustang's handling credentials standard.
3rd generation (2015-2016)
2015-2016 Shelby GT
Shelby American launched the 2015 Shelby GT in 2015. It is a package available for the 2015 Ford Mustang GT. The car is available in either manual or automatic transmissions.
According to Shelby American, the upgrades for the 2015 Shelby GT include a more aggressive style with carbon fiber enhancements: hood, rockers, splitters, spoiler and diffuser. Shelby GT also features cold air intakes, custom 20" WELD Venice wheels with high-grip Michelin tires, Ford Performance supercharger, Wilwood brakes, adjustable rear control arms, dash-mounted 3-gauge pod for track boost, fuel & oil pressure, race seats, roll cage and harness.
Shelby GT Ecoboost
The Shelby Ecoboost is a Shelby GT package for Ford Mustang Ecoboost launched in 2015. The package is available in North America.
The GT EcoBoost's exterior changes are extensive. Many of the upgrades are the same as the ones found on packages offered on Ford Mustang GT. This includes the extensive use of carbon fiber, notable in the front splitter, hood, rear spoiler and rocker panel.
The Shelby Ecoboost includes a Ford Performance handling pack upgraded suspension. Like the manual and automatic transmission V8 version, the EcoBoost version of the car is far more than stripes and a badge. The car was refined with a Ford Performance handling pack upgrade, engine tune and a throatier Ford Performance exhaust. The result is over 335 hp (250 kW) on 91 octane fuel and significantly better handling.
2015-2016 Shelby Super Snake
Shelby American launched the new Shelby Super Snake in 2015. Due to the discontinuation of Shelby GT500, the 2015 Super Snake lost its GT500 tag, but still have some people called it as GT500 Super Snake. Like the 2015 Shelby GT, it is also based on 2015 Ford Mustang GT. The 2015 Super Snake has a 5.0L V8 equipped with a Shelby/Ford Racing supercharger engine rated at 650+hp (750+hp via Shelby/Whipple Supercharger). According to Shelby, the test car produces 850 hp (630 kW). But the car's 12.3-second, 116 mph (187 km/h) quarter-mile run speaks to a horsepower number far less than 750, let alone 850. A stock Camaro ZL1 is quicker. Tuner cars such as this one lack SAE-certified horsepower and torque ratings.
In front is a carbon-fiber Super Snake hood, adorned with a forced-air scoop that rises above the central grille. The grille is also new, with a black anodized material used both in the upper and lower portions of the front intake.
Aerodynamically, Shelby added a carbon-fiber front diffuser, which is complemented in the rear by a larger carbon-fiber spoiler. Below the wing there's more carbon fiber used in the new rear diffuser, taillight panel, and rocker panels with side-skirt aero blades just in front of the rear wheels. The composite is also in place for the mirror covers. Finally, there's the requisite Super Snake racing stripes and external badging.
The Super Snake includes special CSM badging, Shelby floor mats, sill plates, a dash-mounted gauge pod made from carbon fiber and stuffed with AutoMeter gauges, Ford Performance short-throw shifter, an upholstery upgrade, racing seats, five-point racing harnesses, Shelby valve covers, and a carbon-fiber latch cover.
Routing the power are 3.73 gears and new half shafts, both from Ford Performance. The tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sport wrapped around staggered 20-inch WELD Racing Super Snake wheels. Also, for the first time, the Super Snake will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Under hood options include an upgraded intercooler and cooling kits for the differential and transmission.
Shelby American has for the first time provided right-hand drive version Super Snakes to the UK and Europe through official distributor Bill Shepherd Mustang, and also to Australia, introduced by Mustang Motorsport.
2017 50th Anniversary edition
In January 2017, Shelby American introduced the 50th Anniversary edition Shelby Super Snake based on the 2017 Mustang GT, and having a limited production run of 500 units. The 50th anniversary edition has different fascia and wheels than that of the Mustang GT version, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds along with having a quarter mile time of 10.9 seconds.
2016 Ford Shelby GT350
For 2016, the GT350 has a 5.2 L flat plane crank V8 engine, known as Voodoo producing 526 hp (392 kW) and 429 lb?ft (582 N?m) of torque. The GT350 is more track focused than the GT500, and was benchmarked against the Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Porsche 911 GT3, and BMW M4. Notable features are track-focused chassis tuning, significant aerodynamic changes to include lowering the hood around the engine, two piece Brembo brakes, MagneRide damping option, light weight Tremec six speed manual transmission, Recaro seats, and various weight reduction efforts. Specifically, it has a carbon fiber reinforced polymer radiator support that directs cooling channels for various components.
Additional options, such as larger alloy wheels, navigation system, rear backup sensors, a rear backup camera, blind spot monitoring, security system, remote vehicle starter system, SHAKER PRO Surround Sound Premium Sound System, premium leather seating surfaces, sunroof and HID front headlamps are available. Interior color schemes, such as Coral Red and Saddle, are available in addition to the standard black interior color scheme.
GT350R
At the 2015 North American International Auto Show a more refined, hardcore and limited production version of the GT350 was unveiled called the GT350R, it still has the GT350's 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine, producing the same power output as the GT350, but items like the air conditioning, stereo, trunk floorboard, all the carpeting, the rear seats, and the backup camera have been removed. The GT350R is also equipped with carbon-fiber wheels that each weigh approximately 15 pounds less than the aluminum wheels on the GT350. Overall, the GT350R is 130 lb (59 kg) lighter than the GT350. A larger splitter and rear wing help improve downforce, with the wing drawing the car's weight balance more rearwards. A Torsen limited-slip differential with a 3:73 axle ratio helps improve handling further. Serial #001 was sold at the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction for US$1,000,000 with the proceeds to benefit the JDRF.
Ford offered a back-seat option for the GT350R a while after it entered production.
The GT350R is one of the 10 best 2016 cars picked up by the Car and Driver magazine.
GT350R-C
As with previous production-based Mustang race cars, Multimatic Engineering was engaged by Ford Performance to develop a complete race-only version of the S550 Shelby GT350R. The resulting competition derivative, the GT350R-C, features safety equipment and roll-over protection homologated to FIA and IMSA specifications; Bosch MS5.0 ECU and ABS controller; MoTeC instrumentation and datalogging; adjustable anti-roll bars; Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers and other competition upgrades.
Though delayed until the third race of the 2015 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the GT350R-C was competitive right away: having earned pole position for its debut race, the GT350R-C won the next two rounds, and took three wins overall in its debut season.
Success continued into 2016, as privateer team C360R finished behind the sole entry of factory-supported team Multimatic Motorsports for a 1-2 GT350R-C finish.
2016 Shelby Terlingua
Shelby American offered a limited run of 50 Shelby Terlingua Racing Team Mustangs based on the 2015-16 Ford Mustang GT in 2016. The Shelby Terlingua is Shelby American's most track-inspired Mustang and is built as a tribute to the Terlingua Racing Team® and their 1967 Trans Am Championship.
Modigications for the Terlingua include a Whipple supercharger mated to the new Mustang GT 5.0 L V8 engine producing over 750 hp (560 kW) and an exclusive Eibach sway bar and adjustable coil overs. Terlingua also includes Ford Performance's upgrades like halfshafts, a short throw shifter and the aggressive sounding Borla Exhaust with black tips. The car also added the Brembo big brake kit for race track proven performance, and with 20" WELD racing wheels, tons of Shelby-designed carbon fiber components and the distinct Terlingua Racing Team badging.
2016 Ford Shelby GT-H
On the 50th anniversary of Rent-a-Racer program, Ford, Hertz and Shelby introduced the 2016 Shelby GT-H. Based on the 5.0L V8 Mustang GT, Shelby enhanced the Mustang with Ford Performance components including suspension, exhaust and wheels, along with Shelby design cues like polycarbonate hood and stripes. Beginning Memorial Day, 140 2016 Shelby GT-H's are available for rent as modern-day "Rent-A-Racers" through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select U.S. airport locations.
There are several logos and emblems spread throughout the body. "GT-H" logos are featured on the grille, rear faux gas cap and on the trunk lid. Further, Shelby replaced the standard front splitter and rear spoiler with elements made with carbon-fiber. The hood is also specially crafted with vents and a big bulge at the center, same as the Shelby GT. The exterior upgrades is a set of 19-inch aluminum wheels which are wrapped in high-performing Michelin rubber (255/40s at the front and 275/40s at the rear.
The interior of the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H is based on the standard Mustang GT. Only a few features sets the two models' interior styling apart. They include "GT-H" logos on the headrests, customized sill plates featuring "Hertz Shelby GT-H" lettering and a numbered plaque on the dash. The floor mats also feature "GT-H' logos.
The engine features a cat-back exhaust system from the Ford Performance. This specifically gives the model a throatier sound. A "Shelby-GT-H" engine plaque is also added as well as an engine cap kit. The chassis has also been updated via the Ford Racing Handling Pack which helps deliver a race-like driving experience. The package adds lowered springs, special-tuned dampers and revised sway bars.
2017 Shelby GTE
Shelby American introduced the all new Shelby GTE on 2 August 2016, at their website. Same as the Shelby GT, GTE Is also available for both V8 or Ecoboost engine. The "E" of GTE stands for "enhanced", the power of the V8 version is 456 horsepower, 21 more than ordinary Shelby GT. The power increases come in part from the Ford Performance catalog, with V8 models getting the factory-approved Power Pack; EcoBoost models, in contrast, get a Shelby-specific engine tune. GTEs also get the Ford Performance Handling Pack and cat-back exhaust as well as Ford Performance 19-inch wheels wrapped in tires of Shelby's choosing. GTE also gets its own specific hood, grille, rocker panels, and rear spoiler.
Other variants & replicas
Eleanor Mustang
The Eleanor is a customized Mustang featured in two movies, Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) and Gone in 60 Seconds (2000). In the 1974 movie, it is a 1971 Ford Mustang that was redressed as 1973 model, while in the 2000 movie it was a custom Dupont Peper Grey 1967 Mustang Fastback depicted as a Shelby GT500. The 2000 model featured a nitrous oxide system.
Classic Recreations
An automotive restoration company licensed by Shelby named Classic Recreations has built several CR Shelby Mustang (1966-68 models). The sought after 1967 Shelby G.T.500CR (67-68 models) and the 1965 Shelby G.T.350CR (65-66 models) are the most common models built by Classic Recreations.
Models:
- Shelby G.T.500CR 545
- Shelby G.T.500CR 900S
- Shelby G.T.350CR (1966)
- Shelby G.T.500CR 525 Limited Edition
Awards and recognition
- Yahoo Autos 2016 Epic Ride of the Year
Controversies
Unique performance
In 2002, Carroll Shelby partnered with Unique Performance which was reported to have been mismanaged and performed poorly with numerous customer complaints regarding false claims as to specifications and parts, poor workmanship and failure to deliver.
On November 1, 2007, Unique Performance (constructing both Shelby and Chip Foose licensed Mustangs and Camaros) was raided by the Farmers Branch Police Department due to VIN irregularities (cars which have a number of VINs in various locations had VINs removed and moved illegally) and subsequently declared bankruptcy with all assets including numerous body shells and cars in construction auctioned off ending production.
Denice Halicki and Gone in 60 Seconds
The 2000 remake of the movie Gone in 60 Seconds featured a custom 1967 Mustang 'Eleanor'. Carroll Shelby started to produce his own version of Eleanor, but Denice Halicki, widow of the original Eleanor's creator, filed suit against Carroll Shelby for infringing on the "Eleanor" trademark and copyrighted image. In 2008, Halicki won her case against Carroll Shelby.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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