Video: John Doe Learns How To Drive A Shelby Cobra

Here’s a great driving scene from Fox Network’s TV series, “John Doe” starring Dominic Purcell. In a few words, the series is about the life of John Doe, a mystifying man who possesses knowledge of literally everything in the world yet has no memory of who, or even what, he is. In this clip, which is dubbed in Italian, John Doe "learns..." how to drive a Shelby Cobra 427 like a pro on the streets of Seattle.

Via: Motorpasion

Shelby’s 725Hp GT500 Super-Snake Images Slither Into The Net

If any of you happen to attend the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet in Tulsa this weekend, take a good look at these photos because this is what Ford has in store for you: the 2008 Shelby GT500 Super-Snake. While we were kind of chilled out when we learned that the Super-Snake package which will boost your GT500’s output to either 600 or 725Hp will also inflate your bank account by $28.000 / €20.700 (excluding the cost of buying a GT500) we have to admit that it looks scorching hot. -Click “Read More…” below for more photos

Via: Jalopnik , Source: MustangEvolution

2008 Ford Shelby GT Coupe & Convertible - Official

Another day, another version; a cliché phrase that fits Mustangs like a glove. Today we have the 2008 Shelby GT that succeeds the 2007 Shelby GT (retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe). Unlike the ‘07 GT that was offered exclusively with a coupe body, the 2008 model will also be available as a convertible. Apart from that, the only other significant difference has to do with the exterior paint job. While the ’07 GTs were offered in Performance White or Black the ‘08 versions will be available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes.

There are no changes under the hood as the ’08 GT continues using the tweaked 319Hp 4.6 V8. Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built -a number significantly lower than the 6.000 units of the ’07 model, with sales staring this August. Prices will be announced at a later date. -Click “Read More…” for the press release and the image gallery

Via: Motorpasion , Source Ford

FORD SHELBY GT DROPS ITS TOP FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR

• New convertible version of the Ford Shelby GT available beginning this summer
• New signature Vista Blue exterior with Shelby GT Silver stripes
• Production of 2008 Shelby GT aimed at 2,300 to assure exclusivity for collectors
• Ford Mustang is America’s top-selling convertible

DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2007 – The magic duo of Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby bring open-air excitement to the road for the 2008 model year as the Ford Shelby GT returns with a new convertible body style and a new standard color combination. Like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT will be available in coupe and convertible from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible will be formally introduced to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.

“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don’t will be left behind staring at its tailpipes.”

In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing joined forces to create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called the Shelby GT. Fewer than 6,000 total 2007 Shelby GTs were built and were only available in Performance White or Black.

For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.

“The Mustang convertible is the number one selling convertible in the U.S.,” states Robert Parker, Ford Division Car Marketing Manager. “Since t he Mustang program never stands still, we wanted to continue offering consumers what they want, and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT convertible. ”

Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

“The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008 model year,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “The enormous response to the Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer a drop top Shelby GT. And we had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008.”

Every Shelby GT is built to perform and is the result of extensive development. Aerodynamics were key to sculpting t he powerful, unique front fascia with aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are positioned just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips and a Shelby badge is on the trunk lid.

“The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever built,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. “Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”

Under the hood, the engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure.

The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness and the Shelby team will add a stylish light bar.

“The Shelby GT is for drivers,” says Boylan. “We enhanced the motor, the chassis and other bits to make it a fun, balanced car that is equally at home on the street or track. It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers great value for the price.”

Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built, available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007.

2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – Details Released

Another day, another iteration of the Mustang. This time it’s Shelby who has released the first official details on the GT500 Super Snake. Based on the Shelby GT500 the Super Snake package adds a heap of stuff on the Stang including a Shelby Supercharger that pushes the 5.4L V8’s output from the stock 500Hp to 600Hp, 6-piston caliper brakes, a Shleby short throw shifter, Eibach coil over suspension, a Super Snake Hood and Carbonfiber mirror covers and rocker panels.

As you’d expect, nothing comes for free. Once you buy a stock Shelby GT500 ($40.930 /€30.300 if the dealer sticks with the official price-list…) you’ll need to extract another $28.000 / €20.700 off your bank account for the Super Snake package. That’s a total of $68.930 / €51.000 in the best case scenario that you pay $40.930 for the GT500. Mmm, think we’ll pass on this one. -Click “Read More…” below for the Super Snake Package details

Via: Autoblog.com

2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Package Parts

Performance
Shelby Supercharger Upgrade 600- 725+
Cold Air intake
Shelby/Baer 6 piston caliper bake system
Shelby short throw shifter
Shelby/Eibach coil over suspension
Shelby/Eibach sway bars
Borla cat-back exhaust system

Exterior

• Shelby Super Snake Hood
• Carbon fiber front fascia splitter
• Carbon fiber mirror covers
• Carbon fiber rocker panels
• Shelby deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging on front grille and front fenders
• Sequential tail lights
• Super Snake striping
• Front brake duct kit
• Rear brake duct kit

Interior

• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque
• CSM consecutively numbered plaque in engine compartment
• Super Snake door sill plates with CSM number
• Light bar with solenoid activated brake light (Convertible)
• Shelby floor mats
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby Signature Carbon Fiber faced gauges (boost,fuel pressure,oil pressure)
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent
• Satin door lock knobs

Tires and Wheels

• 20″ Shelby Alcoa wheels (bright silver finish 20X9 front 20X10 rear)
• Pirelli P-Zero Nero 255/35ZR20 front 275/35ZR20 rear

Technorati: Ford, Shelby, Shelby+GT500+Super+Snake, Ford+Mustang, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Smart Fortwo - Shelby Mustang GT500 Eleanor Replica!

What will they think of next; Fiat 500's dressed as Porsche's and Smart Fortwo's like Nicolas Cage’s 1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor in the movie “Gone in 60 seconds”! Ok, agreed; this is more like “Circumcised in 60 seconds” but this mini would definitely score triples AAA’s in a head turner contest. Entitled Smart Eleanor GT 50% the prototype was created in 2004 by Thalondesign, a tuning company based in Stockholm, Sweden. And no, Thalondesign didn’t proceed to any mechanical alterations leaving the stock, 60Hp 0.8-liter 3cylinder turbocharged engine safe and sound in the rear deck. -Click “Read More…” below for more images along with a video

Source: Thalondesign , Via: Caradisiac

Technorati: Shelby+GT500, Ford+Mustang, Smart+Fortwo, Replica, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR: 540Hp "pony" coming to NY Show

The king is (long) dead, long live the new king: due to go on sale in spring 2008, Ford’s reincarnation of the “King of the Road” Shelby draws its inspiration from the original '68 GT500 KR and it will be produced in only 1.000 units. Under its delicious carbon composite hood scoops the 2008 KR features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that pack 540 “ponies”. There are no performance figures out yet but details are expected to come out closer to the opening of the NY Show. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and a high-res image gallery

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR:

Launching next spring, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR model features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Shelby GT500KR coupe comes with a custom carbon composite hood with scoops and stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts and large 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has been modified with an emphasis on race-inspired handling.

Drawing inspiration from the classic 1968 KR model, the Shelby GT500KR also features 40 th Anniversary exterior badging, unique striping and a distinctive interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats and a 40 th Anniversary numbered dash plaque.

UPDATE: FULL PRESS RELEASE

MORE MUSTANG POWER: FORD SHELBY GT500KR ‘KING OF THE ROAD’ RETURNS IN 2008

• Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and Shelby collaborate on a new ‘King of the Road’ Mustang with the 2008 Shelby GT500KR.
• Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning.
• Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.
• Shelby GT500KR arrives in spring 2008 in an exclusive run of only 1000 units.

DEARBORN, Mich., March 30 - Ford and Shelby Automobiles are at it again, this time in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR. To be unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR—the most powerful Mustang to date—will once again mark Mustang as ‘King of the Road.’

“I’m proud to once again be a part of an historical moment, bringing back the ‘King of the Road’ Mustang, and collaborating with Ford SVT and Ford Racing” said Carroll Shelby. “I’m committed to continuously upping the ante when it comes to performance, and it’s great to be doing it with Ford.” “The return of the Shelby GT500KR further establishes Mustang as the true king of the pony car segment,” said Robert Parker, manager of Ford Car Brand. “With the unveiling of the new KR we are staying true to the promise we made our loyal Mustang fans to continue Mustang’s prowess by bringing new, exciting and more powerful Mustangs to market.”

Forty years ago, at the 1967 New York Auto Show, Ford introduced the most powerful Shelby Mustang ever. Like every Mustang that bore the name ‘Shelby,’ the GT500KR carries with it its own unique story.

The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR was a mid-year introduction, based on the 1968 Shelby GT500. Ford added ‘Cobra’ to the Shelby’s moniker to help usher in the beginning of a new performance era at the company. The Cobra name referred to the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that was planted under the KR’s custom fiberglass hood. It was the engine that would once again vault the Mustang to the head of the pack.

Ford conservatively rated the 428 CJ at 335-horsepower, but in reality it made more than 400-horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. The KR model was also equipped with a modified suspension and was offered both in fastback and convertible models. Ford dealers sold 1,570 GT500KR models in 1968, 1053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles.

While the name ‘King of the Road’ may have been the perfect fit for the world’s most powerful Mustang, it also provided Shelby the chance to steal the thunder from cross-town rival General Motors. As the legend goes, Shelby learned that GM was planning to introduce a high-performance model and call it ‘King of the Road.’

Since he had always wanted to use the name, and as one to never miss an opportunity, Shelby set his organization in gear, registering the name and designing new badging for the Cobra Jet-powered Mustang, christening it the GT500KR, and bringing Ford’s ‘King of the Road’ to market before GM ever got a chance to apply the name to their product.

Thoroughbred Pedigree
Just like its 1968 namesake, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR builds on the strong foundation of the Shelby GT500. Packing 40 more horses under its custom-designed carbon composite hood, the GT500KR is the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced.

The modern Shelby Mustang line-up started with the 2007 Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible. With the recent launch of the 2007 Shelby GT, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR becomes the third production high-performance Mustang brought to market through the relationship of Shelby Automobiles and Ford. Ford and Shelby Automobiles also partnered up with Hertz to produce a special limited run of 500 Shelby GT-H “rent-a-racer” Mustangs available only for rent.

The 2007 Shelby GT500 has been one of the most successful vehicle programs in the 14-year history of Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and that success has opened the door for more performance collaborations with Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing. Working together, these three performance powerhouses are driving Mustang momentum on the street and on the racetrack. Dealers cannot keep the cars on their lots, customers are clamoring for more, and racers are bringing home championships.

Shelby Mustangs have already achieved some impressive highlights showcasing an enthusiast demand that is unmatched in the business:

• The first 2007 Shelby GT500 available to the public sold for $600,000 dollars at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

• 2007 Shelby GT VIN#1 also went for $600,000 at charity auction, this time at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction (and the winning bidder also took the opportunity to purchase VIN#2 at MSRP).

• Shelby GT-H coupes auctioned off to Ford dealers after completion of Hertz rental duty consistently average $50,000, with high auction bids of $90,000.

The Shelby GT500KR will be produced in an exclusive run of 1000 units and will begin arriving in Ford dealers in the spring of 2008.

Crowning the New “King of the Road”
Doug Gaffka, Ford SVT chief designer, and his team worked closely with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team to make certain the new KR was crafted in the spirit of the original Shelby muscle car.

“This was a great effort between Ford and Shelby Automobiles,” said Gaffka. “The Shelby team and I were in constant contact melding Carroll’s classic design cues with some modern concepts and ideas and finessing them into the design of the new KR.”

Gary Davis, vice president of production and product development for Shelby Automobiles, played a key role in defining the look of the custom designed carbon composite hood for the GT500KR. His knowledge of the original GT500KR helped sculpt a modern interpretation of the original’s bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.

Side stripes are true to the original KR right down to the font used for the ‘GT500KR’ lettering, while the classic LeMans-style striping that races down the center of the car has been deleted between the leading forward edge of the hood scoops and the front of the hood, accenting the scoops and giving the KR its distinctive face. “That was Shelby’s idea,” said Gaffka. “It’s a special touch that adds some down-the-road differentiation. There will be no doubt that it’s a ‘King of the Road’ Mustang that’s filling up your rearview mirrors.”

The show car wears exclusive, Shelby-designed 20-inch, forged, polished aluminum wheels with special custom center caps, mounted on Pirelli rubber. Production models will arrive with an 18-inch version of the design.

Each KR model is identified by special 40th Anniversary KR badges on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. A special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.

The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.

The KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment
Just like its namesake, the 2008 ‘King of the Road’ packs a walloping dose of Ford performance power under its massive composite hood scoops. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is treated to a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540 and torque to 510 ft.-lbs., thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit.

Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping of the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500’s 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.

Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the KR’s suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby’s own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets.

“The production Shelby GT500 was maximized to deliver the perfect balance between ride and handling,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer, Ford SVT. “In that same ride versus handling continuum, the KR will lean heavier towards all-out handling while still making it drivable on the street.”

Chassis engineers worked closely with the engine department in a holistic approach to the development of the KR, tuning the suspension to best optimize the engine enhancements.

“We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole,” stated Gary Patterson, vice president of operations for Shelby Automobiles. “The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note, and handling should all gel together to deliver a total driving experience.”

The GT500KR will feature unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the precision handling package.

Mustang Momentum Cannot be Stopped
Unwilling to wait for the impending pony car war to heat up, Ford is extending Mustang’s leadership position by feeding the enthusiast demand for more models, features, performance parts, and special editions. Ford has committed to at least one new Mustang ‘feature’ vehicle per year. For 2007, it is the Shelby GT, and for 2008, there will be at least two including the Shelby GT500KR and the previously announced Mustang Bullitt. Ford’s ‘Steed for Every Need’ strategy currently offers four horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from $19,995 for a 240-hp V-6 Mustang coupe to $46,500 for a 500-hp Shelby GT500 convertible.

Ford has also introduced several special packages on Mustang further increasing its unique offerings, including the Pony Package and the California Special. In addition, Ford Racing offers a complete catalog of performance parts for Mustang fans, from custom wheels and exhausts to the complete, turn-key Ford Racing Mustang FR500C race car.

As a result, Ford offers Mustang enthusiasts the ability to buy, modify and drive the steed that perfectly fits their need.

Technorati: Ford+Shelby+GT500+KR, New+York+International+Auto+Show, NYAIS, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures