The joint project between Ford’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team) and Shelby promises to yield an instant collector’s item in the form of the Ford Shelby GT500, equipped with a 5.4 litre supercharged V8 engine producing 500 bhp. In homage to the classic Shelby GT500, the new model will be available in summer 2006 in both coupe and convertible body shapes.
Power and engineering
In keeping with Shelby tradition, the focal point of the new GT500 is what lies under the bonnet. The 5.4 litre V8 has been evolved from Ford’s wealth of experience, and is based on tuning of the manufacturer’s MOD engines. It boasts a “Roots type” supercharger, which force-feeds the engine with an air and fuel mix, and produces boost of 8.5 lb per square inch. The engine block is cast-iron, but a number of features are borrowed from the Ford GT project – the wide use of aluminium, four-valve cylinder heads, bearings and piston rings. All these factors improve the performance and lifespan of the drivetrain. The engine is finished with camshaft covers bearing the slogan “Powered by SVT”.
The engine’s power is transferred to the road with the aid of a six-speed manual gearbox. The evenly spaced gear ratios give the GT500 a rewarding drive and smooth transmission throughout the engine wide torque range.
The new GT500’s power and performance credentials require reliable, stable control mechanisms – starting with the tried and tested Mustang underpinnings, providing a rigid, highly-engineered basis for the development of the GT500’s chassis. Retuning and upgrading of the chassis was carried out by SVT engineers, and improvements include updated shocks, spring rates and stabilizer. These refinements allow the Ford Shelby GT500 to be just as confident at stopping and turning as it is at accelerating.
Exterior styling
The Ford Shelby GT500 does not look like a typical Mustang model. The front end is rather sinister and aggressive in design, featuring wide fascia openings and a large air splitter. The famous “Cobra” logo is visible on the upper intake, replacing the galloping horse found on other Mustangs. The front end’s dramatic character is completed by the slanting headlamp recesses. The prominent hood features leading edge heat extractors, improving both aerodynamics and airflow – as cool air passes over the hood, warm air from the engine is expelled through ducts integrated into the hood extractors.
Interior upgrades
The upgrades to the interior for the GT500 model are characterised by functionality and flair. The speedometer and tachometer have changed places to provide the driver with easier access to gear shift information. The front seats now offer additional side support to lock the driver in place during sharp cornering. The interior trim is available in Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black and Crimson Red – the latter option adding red to the seat surfaces and door panels. The impressive package is rounded off with the presence of the Cobra logo on the seat backs.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Mike Marino for www.sport-cars.org
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