Ford Shelby GT: More Pictures & Information Released

Following last week's foreplay, Ford came out today with a pack of pictures and more info on the forthcoming Mustang Shelby GT.

The retail version of the Mustang Shelby GT-H (available only through select Hertz rental centers) features a 4.6 liter V8 producing 325 hp and it will occupy a niche between the Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500 both in performance and appearance. It will only be offered as a coupe and in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black and production will be limited to less than 10,000 models in volume.

Leaving aside Ford's weird sense of "limited production models", the Shelby GT will hit dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2007.

Press Release

Exterior Cues: The Shelby GT will be offered only as a coupe, and only in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black. Both colors are accented by silver LeMans-style racing stripes - a signature detail of classic Shelby Mustangs. The LeMans stripes extend over the hood, roof, and trunk, and are complemented by matching side stripes with "Shelby GT" nomenclature.

The powerful face of the Shelby GT features a unique front fascia, with a more aggressive lower air dam. The brushed-aluminum grille is accented by an offset Mustang logo. In addition, the Shelby GT has a new hood scoop that comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster.

The side profile features chrome-finished 18 inch wheels and unique side scoops just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames the larger dual exhaust tips, and is topped by Shelby badging on the trunk lid.

Interior Cues: Inside, features include "Shelby GT" logo floor mats and custom sill plates with Shelby GT nomenclature. In addition, the Shelby GT features an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as matching tag underhood. This tag features the CSX number, which is recorded in the Shelby Automobiles registry.

Chassis Modifications: The Shelby GT driving dynamics are fine tuned with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, which was developed by the same engineers that developed the Ford Racing FR500C, which won the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship. New coil springs drop the overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half for a more aggressive stance and reduced body roll.

Stiffer dampers and front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and body control. To showcase the key performance modifications, Ford Racing painted all the key suspension components, including the damper, spring, and swaybar Ford Racing Blue.

A front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure, and P235/55ZR18 high-performance tires maximize the benefits of the chassis upgrades.

Upgraded V8 Engine: Under hood, the Ford Racing Power Pack increases the output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, 4.6 liter V8 to 325 hp, and 330 pound-feet of torque. The Power Pack includes a 90 millimeter cold-air intake and a new performance engine calibration for improved response. The high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V8 exhaust note. A shorter rear-axle ratio is installed to capitalize on the Shelby GT coupe's extra power, especially accelerating off the line. For Shelby GT models equipped with a manual transmission, a Hurst short-throw shifter is installed for more precise shift action.

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