Shelby Mustang

Shelby Mustang
Shelby GT500KR
Overview
Manufacturer	Shelby American
Production	1965–1970 2006–present
Model years	1965-1970 2007-present
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car
Platform	FR layout
Related	Ford Mustang

The Shelby Mustang is a higher performance variant of the Ford Mustang which was built by Shelby American from 1965 through 1967, and Shelby Automotive from 1968 through 1970. Following the introduction of the fifth generation Ford Mustang, the Shelby nameplate was revived in 2007 for new high performance versions of the Mustang.

1965–1970 GT350 and GT500

1965–1966

1965 Mustang G.T. 350 1966 G.T. 350
Shelby G.T. 350
Overview
Production	1965–1966
Assembly	Los Angeles, California
Powertrain
Engine	289 cu in (4.7 L) V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length	181.6 in (4,613 mm)

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, the cars were shipped to Shelby American, where they received the high-riser manifolds, had their stock Ford Falcon live rear axles replaced with heavy-duty Ford Galaxie rear axles, and were given larger, metallic-lined rear drum brakes and Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes.

The 1965 G.T. 350 was not built for comfort or ease of driving. Less than 30 "G.T. 350R" race-spec cars were built specifically for competition use under SCCA rules. The 1966 G.T. 350 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 G.T. 350s and 500s were largely styling modifications to a stock Mustang. By 1969 Caroll Shelby was no longer involved in the Shelby GT program, and the design was done in-house by Ford.

The 1965 and 1966 G.T. 350s 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

All 1965 G.T. 350s 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 GT 350 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 G.T. 350 was a side-exit dual exhaust with glass-pack mufflers. For this one year, the G.T. 350 also featured special 130 mph-rated Goodyear "Blue Dot" tires, named for the prominent blue dot on each sidewall. The 1965 G.T. 350 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 "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

1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

For 1966, the GT 350 lost its Mustang tag and was marketed simply as the Shelby GT 350. 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 GT 350s for 1966 began as 1965 Mustang K-Code Fastbacks. These cars were specifically ordered by Shelby American for conversion into 1966 GT 350s. 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. The Hertz rental company ordered 1,003 fastbacks, including two prototypes. Four convertibles were also produced, for a total of 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 US$670, the engine was rated at 440 hp (330 kW).

1966 Hertz models

Shelby struck a deal with the Hertz Corporation to produce a special line of G.T. 350s for rent that, after their rental-car lives were finished, were returned to Ford, refurbished, and sold to the public as "GT 350-H" models. Most Hertz cars featured 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. Hertz ordered the last 800 models 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.

1967–1968

1967 Mustang Eleanor from the 2000 Gone in Sixty Seconds

1967 GT 350 & GT 500 1968 Cobra GT 350 & Cobra GT 500
Shelby Cobra GT 500 and GT 350
Overview
Production	1967–1968
Assembly	1967: Los Angeles, California 1968: Ionia, Michigan
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door fastback 2-door convertible (1968)
Powertrain
Engine	289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 (1967 GT350) 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 (1968 GT350) 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (GT500KR)
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual

For 1967, the GT 350 carried over the K-Code high performance 289 with a 'COBRA' aluminum hi-rise. The GT 500 was added to the lineup, equipped with the 428 Police Interceptor. These later cars carried over few of the performance modifications of the 1965–66 GT350s, although they did feature more cosmetic changes.it had over 500 hp

In September 1967, production was moved to the A.O. Smith Company of Ionia, Michigan, under Ford control. Shelby American had substantially less involvement after this time.

For 1968, the Cobra name was applied to both models, and they were now marketed as the Shelby Cobra GT 350 and the Shelby Cobra GT 500. In February 1968, the Cobra GT 500-KR "King of the Road" debuted; under the hood was a 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 which was rated at 335 horsepower (250 kW).

The 1967 Shelby Cobra is featured in the 2000 film Gone In Sixty Seconds as 'Eleanor', the holy grail of Memphis Raines' car-jacking mission, and the Kenichi Sonoda manga Gunsmith Cats as the ride of main character Rally Vincent. In the sequel Gunsmith Cats Burst the car is blown up by a bomb, whereupon Rally replaces it with a Mustang II King Cobra rather than a Shelby.

1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500KR

Its initials KR stood for King of the Road, and to back it up the mid-year 1968 KR had Ford's new 428 Cobra Jet engine with Ram Air Induction and traction-lock 3.50 rear end all standard on the KR. Plus the 428 CJ option price was cheap compared to other high performance engines available at the time. Ford called the 428CJ its "bread and butter" performance engine that all could afford. The Cobra Jet engine was very successful at the drags and was Super Stock Eliminator Champ at the 1968 Winternationals beating expensive Hemi's etc. Shelby's 1967 GT 500 had led Ford's pony car with a Thunderbird 428 engine with two Four-barrel carburetors. The 1968 GT500 used a 428 Police Interceptor with single four barrel carburetor. Then in April '68, Ford unveiled an even-hotter version of the 428 Police Interceptor (more durable engine) with better breathing heads and much bigger exhaust manifolds and called the soup'd up 428 Cop Motor the 428 Cobra Jet. The 428CJ was offered in the Mustang, Cougar, Cyclone and Fairlane models. The GT 500-KR's 428 had the same suspiciously low 335-bhp rating as other Cobra Jets, but the total torque rating of 440 foot-pounds at 3400 RPM told the real story. Shelby's KR version had diecast aluminum cast with "Cobra Lemans" proudly broadcasting Ford's FE engine family victory over Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.

1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500KR Convertible

1969–1970

1969–1970 GT 350 & GT 500
1969 Shelby GT 500
Overview
Production	1969–1970
Assembly	Los Angeles, California
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door fastback 2-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine	351 cu in (5.8 L) V8 (GT 350) 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (GT 500)
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length	187.4 in (4,760 mm)

The GTs lost their Cobra tag for 1969 and once again were marketed simply as Shelby GT 350 and Shelby GT 500. The GT 350 and GT 500 for the 1969 model year received an extensive face lift, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches (100 mm). Ford was heavily involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having very little input. The GT 350 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 GT 350 and 500 models was actually undertaken, however unsold 1969 models were given 1970 vehicle identification numbers under FBI supervision. The 1970 models had two changes, a front chin spoiler and two black hood stripes. A total of 789 were re- VIN'd.

Even though production of Shelby GTs had ceased, a small numbers of 1971 and 1972 models were produced on the request of Belgian Shelby dealer Claude Dubois. Shelby agreed to build 14 1971/1972 Mustang based models which were marketed as the "Shelby Europa" and sold only in Europe.

1969 Shelby GT 500 SportsRoof

1973 Ford Mustang "Eleanor"
File:Original 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Eleanor.jpg Original 1973 Mustang Eleanor from the original 1974 film Gone in 60 Seconds
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1965-1973
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car/Muscle car
Body style	2-door fastback
Powertrain
Engine	351 Cleveland

1971–1973

'Eleanor' is the trademarked name given to a 1971 Ford Mustang (redressed as a 1973) for its role in the 1974 film Gone in 60 Seconds. "Eleanor" is the only Ford Mustang in history to receive star title credit in a movie. Whilst the Mustang from the original was an 1973 mustang Fastback, the One-of-kind custom 1967 mustang Fastback from the remake was listed by Hot Rod magazine as one of 100 most influential vehicles in the history of hot rodding for its February 2009 issue, citing how it brought non-car people's attention into cars as well as the numerous replicas built, this example was ranked 19th.

2006–2007 Shelby GT-H and GT

2006–2007 Shelby GT-H

2006-2007 GT-H
2006 Shelby GT-H
Overview
Production	2006-2007
Assembly	Las Vegas, Nevada
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe (2006) 2-door convertible (2007)
Powertrain
Engine	4.6l (281ci)
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length	183.2 in (4,653 mm)

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. With a modest power bump over the regular Mustang GT V-8 engine.

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 was provided with 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.

Only 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 Shelby GT-H Convertible

2007–2008 Shelby GT

2007-2008 Shelby GT
2007 Shelby GT
Overview
Production	2007-2008
Assembly	Las Vegas, Nevada
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe (2007) 2-door convertible (2008)
Powertrain
Engine	4.6l (281ci)
Transmission	5-speed automatic or manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length	183.2 in (4,653 mm)

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.

Production of the Shelby GT began in December 2006 and the car went on sale in January 2007. It was originally planned that up to 6,000 cars would be built.

The Shelby GT was offered based on strong demand from enthusiasts wanting Ford and Shelby to offer a retail version of the GT-H. Other differences include the deletion of the rear spoiler, a retro Shelby hood scoop in place of the CS6/8 Shelby hood, and silver versus the gold 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).

As a result of the popularity of the 2007 Shelby GT-H convertible rental car, Shelby offered the 2008 Shelby GT as a coupe or convertible in limited numbers. Based on requests from enthusiasts for a blue Shelby GT, Vista Blue became the signature color for the 2008 Shelby GT. The Vista Blue models were available as a coupe or convertible. A very limited number (100) 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. The Hertz Shelby GT-H attracted so much attention that Ford dealers and customers asked for a version of their own. Like the GT-H, the Shelby GT is modified at Shelby Automotive's factory in Las Vegas, Nevada, which distinguishes the GT-H and Shelby GT models from the GT500 in that the GT500s are produced entirely by AutoAlliance International.

2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT (2007)

A limited (100 units) version of Shelby GT coupe and convertible, were named after the Barrett-Jackson auction. They include 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$38,980.00 (including $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation).

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.

2007–2009 Ford Shelby GT500

Second generation
Shelby GT500
Overview
Production	2006–present
Model years	2007-present
Assembly	Flat Rock, Michigan
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe
Platform	Ford D2C platform
Powertrain
Engine	5.4 L 500 hp V8 5.4 L 540 hp V8 5.8 L 662 hp V8
Transmission	6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length	2007–09: 187.6 in (4,765 mm) 2010–: 188.1 in (4,778 mm)
Width	2007–09: 74.0 in (1,880 mm) 2010–: 73.9 in (1,877 mm)
Height	2007–09: 54.5 in (1,384 mm) 2010– Coupe: 55.6 in (1,412 mm) 2010– Convertible: 56.1 in (1,425 mm)

Production Year	Curb Weight (lbs.)	Horse Power (hp)	Torque (ft-lbs.)
2007-2009	3920	500	480
2010	3924	540	510
2011-2012	3820	550	510
2013	3852	662	631

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) <b> Honsel </b>500 hp (370 kW) supercharged V8. 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.

Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) also released a small series (687 units) of GT500 using the S/C from Saleen. These cars had the 5.4L engine and were equipped with a 3.55:1 final drive. The GT500 has 500 hp (373 kW; 507 PS) at 6000 rpm and 480 lb⋅ft (651 N⋅m) of torque at 4500 rpm.

2008–2009 Ford Shelby 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 will 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 $120,000.95

The GT500KR was featured prominently in the new Knight Rider television series on NBC. One of the main characters of the show was KITT, an advanced Artificial Intelligence housed in a GT500KR. Also, in the return of the show, KARR was also a GT500KR.

Specifications

• Front engine, RWD, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
• Supercharged DOHC 32 valve V8 engine
• 330 CID (5408 cc) displacement
• Power: 540 hp (403 kW; 547 PS)
• Torque: 510 lb⋅ft (691 N⋅m)
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 3.55 differential ratio
• 18 x 9.5" Alcoa wheels with unique Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires (front: P255/45ZR18 rear: 285/40/ZR18)
• 3,920 lb (1,780 kg) curb weight
• 107.1 in (2,720 mm) wheelbase
• 188×73.9×54.5 in (4.78×1.88×1.38 m)

Super Snake

2007 Super Snake

"Super Snake" redirects here. For the Shelby Cobra variant, see Shelby Cobra § 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 Bell twin-screw supercharged version with "over 725 hp" will also be available, without warranty and offer a 0–60 mph runs 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 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.

Prudhomme Edition Super Snake (2009–)

It is a limited (100 units) drag racing package for 2007–2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars, named after Don Prudhomme. The engine is rated 800 hp (597 kW) on race fuel or 750 hp (559 kW) on 93 octane pump gas. It includes a Whipple supercharger and 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 winning bid price of $275,000US (before buyer premium).

2010–2012 Shelby GT500

2010 Shelby GT500

2010 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 includes unique front and rear fascias, hood with functional vents and unique rear spoiler. The rear spoiler includes a functional Gurney flap. Along with new exterior colors, customers have the option of extending the exterior stripes onto the seats. Production was limited to 2000 units.

The 5.4 L engines's power output was increased to 540 horsepower (403 kW) and 510 lb⋅ft (690 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.

2011 Shelby GT500

Much like the 2011 V6 and GT Mustangs, the 2011 Shelby GT500 gets an engine update with an all-new 5.4 L aluminum engine which is 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 total number of Sterling Gray colored GT500s in 2011 was 492.

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.

2012 Shelby GT500

For 2012, a new Recaro seat option became available, otherwise everything else remained the same from the 2011. The Sterling Gray color was no longer available.

2011–2012 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 features 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 is a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers can have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they can deliver the car themselves. Automatics will be available for conversion as a naturally aspirated tune producing up to 440 horsepower, and manuals have the option of NA or fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger to produce 525 horsepower, or at the expense of the warranty, 624 horsepower, a Ford Racing suspension system (The first 100 are being 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 fits 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 will be the only available color combination for 2011 models. 2012 models will be available in other colors, but will lose the 45th Anniversary badge of the 2011.

Initial road tests of the GT350 by Motor Trend show impressive statistics. The 2011 Shelby GT350 hits 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) still 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). This means the 2011 Shelby GT350 was the fastest production Mustang in the Shelby history.

2013-2014 Shelby GT500

First unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the most potent Mustang ever (until 2014). The 354.6 cubic inches (5.811 L) V8 is supercharged to 15psi Boost increasing effective displacement to 11.6L of atmosphere. the 11.6L engine produces 662 bhp and 631 lb-ft of torque, and a claimed top speed of 202 miles per hour (325 km/h). The new GT500 weighs 3,850 pounds (1,750 kg), and was available starting May 2012.

The 2013 models have 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 has no grill, due to the massive amount of cooling required for the vehicle. Performance changes include 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 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 safely. Ford says the changes have resulted in a 14-percent reduction in drag and a 66-percent increase in front-end downforce. Also new for 2013 is a larger front anti-roll bar and retuned springs. An rpm-adjustable electronic launch-control function is standard, as is four-mode electronic stability control.

A Performance package is 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 can 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.

A Motor Trend magazine May 2012 road test provided a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds at over 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). By comparison the '13 GT500 is faster than both the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06.

Automobile-Catalog provided a 0-60 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 212 miles per hour (341 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 has a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour (249 km/h).

At the Barrett-Jackson auction in 2012, Shelby American announced the release of the GT500 Super Snake. The Super Snake boosts the 662 bhp to 850 bhp. 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 2014 model has a 5.8L 4-V V8 Supercharged engine that runs at 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque,.

Shelby 1000

Shelby 1000 engine

At the 2012 New York International Auto Show, Shelby American unveiled its newest car, the Shelby 1000. It requires a preexisting 2012 Shelby GT500, and the purchase of one of two packages; the Track S/C version or the Street Legal version. The Track Package delivers over 1100 horsepower, while the Street version delivers 920 horsepower. The packages are expected to cost approximately $150,000(Street Package) - $200,000(Track Package). The chassis has been significantly strengthened to handle the additional power. The 2013 model has been confirmed with up to 1200 horsepower and is for track use only. Top speed is estimated at 269 mph.

Controversies

Unique Performance

In 2002, Carroll Shelby partnered with Unique Performance in Farmers Branch, Texas, to manufacture continuation Shelby 427 GT500 "Super Snake" models. Other Shelby continuation Mustangs followed, including the GT350SR and GT500SR.

Unique Performance 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.

See also

• Ford Shelby Cobra Concept
• AC Cobra (Shelby Cobra)

External links

• Shelby Automobiles official page