OFFICIAL! 2007 SVT Cobra Supercharged 4V 5.4 with 450+ HP! Pics inside!!

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The most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history will take to the street next year, following a unique collaboration between performance car legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT).




Ford took the wraps off the 450-plus horsepower Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car at the New Year International Auto Show March 23. Designed in the unmistakable image of Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra GT500 melds SVT's modern engineering with the big-block performance that made the original GT500 the king of the road.

"The all-new 2005 Ford Mustang is one of the hottest cars in many years," says Phil Martens, Ford group vice president, Product Creation. "Its chassis was engineered from the beginning to be the basis of a high-performance, world-class sports car from SVT, and the Shelby Cobra GT500 is it."

Carroll Shelby lends his support to SVT, adapting his earlier role as a senior advisor on the "Dream Team" that was assembled to develop and build the 2005 Ford GT.


Carroll Shelby, shown in the GT500 prototype.


"I've worked with the SVT guys for several years now, and I know they have the guts, the talent and the passion to deliver the best performance Mustangs ever," says Shelby.

A production version of the GT500 will go on sale in 2006, continuing the high-performance lineage of the SVT Mustang Cobra model line. It will be followed by a steady stream of performance products developed by SVT, possibly including a version of the production-intent Sport Trac Adrenalin, the industry's first performance sport-utility truck.

"SVT led the modern-day factory performance trend with the Mustang Cobra and the industry's first high-performance truck, the F-150 Lightning," says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Ford Advanced Product Creation and SVT. "Today, we're building on that pioneering vision with vehicles like the Ford GT, Shelby Cobra GT500 and Sport Trac Adrenalin – great performance machines that connect with enthusiasts in a way no other companies or vehicles can match."

The production GT500 will be
the first in a string of specialty Mustangs that SVT will help deliver. This will create Ford Motor Company's – and one of the industry's – broadest product portfolio, stretching from under $20,000 for the V-6 Mustang coupe to the 450-plus-horsepower GT500, each offering performance and value.

The GT500 and the production-intent Sport Trac Adrenalin teaser accelerate the wave of momentum at SVT since the launch of the 2005 Ford GT supercar. SVT also now will develop non-SVT branded Ford Division performance vehicles – including heritage-based performance Mustangs in the spirit of the 2001 Bullitt GT and 2003 Mach 1 – as it becomes more directly integrated into Ford's mainstream product development process.

Shelby Cobra GT500's supercharged 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 produces over 450 hp

Just as the original Shelby GT500 was the "step up" to big-block power from the GT350, the new Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 steps up to Ford's 5.4-liter "MOD" V-8. The result? The GT500 is the most powerful factory Mustang ever. Its supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 evolves from SVT's experience with supercharging the "MOD" engine to deliver more than 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.



Under the striped, powerdome hood lurks the most powerful factory Mustang engine ever with more than 450 hp, 450 lb.-ft. of torque.


The cast-iron-block, four-valve engine is force-fed an air-and-fuel mixture via a screw-type supercharger at 8.5 pounds per square inch of boost. Aluminum cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings sourced from the Ford GT program bring a high level of proven durability to the drivetrain, while upgraded cooling components promise longevity. "Powered by SVT" camshaft covers are the finishing touch to the engine.



"This version of the 5.4-liter V-8 has a higher horsepower rating than any other factory Mustang in history," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "It really delivers on the essence of two great names in Ford performance – a mix of SVT's modern-day experience with supercharging and the Shelby GT500's heritage of big-block power."

The engine has been further tuned from its first application in a Mustang, the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, a limited edition model of 300 units.

Helping to put the power of the GT500's supercharged V-8 to the pavement is a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. The evenly spaced gears mean less stirring is needed to find the "sweet spot" in keeping the revs "on cam" for power to pass, while at the same time making the most of the engine's broad torque curve. The heavy-duty transmission has proven itself a willing companion to V-8 power in Mustangs in both road and track environments, including the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra and the new race-winning Ford Racing Mustang FR500C.

Great power requires great control

The great Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s were anything but one-trick ponies. They earned their stripes on twisty roads and race tracks across America and Europe. The Shelby Cobra GT500 show car continues that legacy of all-around performance.

The GT500 starts with the solid 2005 Mustang underpinnings. The all-new Mustang's platform was designed from the beginning with performance derivatives in mind, providing an exceptionally rigid, well-engineered starting point for SVT chassis engineers.

Using real-world experience gained during more than 12 years of building great-handling SVT Mustang Cobras, SVT engineers retune and upgrade key chassis components. Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars help the GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes.


Shelby Cobra GT500 features race-proven architecture shared with the Ford Racing Mustang FR500C.


The GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with "Reverse L" lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle.

This rear suspension design has been validated on the track by Ford Racing. The race-prepared Ford Racing Mustang FR500C was purpose-built from the base 2005 Mustang body structure and suspension geometry to run in the Grand-Am Cup series, a class of road racing for production-based cars. Competing against the best from Germany and Japan, a Mustang FR500C competed in and won its first ever race in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2005.

"SVT and Ford Racing will be working closer than ever as we go forward on future projects, especially Mustangs," says Thai-Tang, a Ford Racing alumnus who served as the race engineer for the Newman-Haas Racing team in 1993. "The Mustang FR500C racing program is an exact demonstration of the capability we engineered into the mainstream Mustang to be capable of. Now, we have both a Daytona victory and the return of the Shelby Cobra GT500 to showcase Mustang performance possibilities."

To match this power and handling ability, SVT fitted some of the biggest brakes in the business to the GT500. Fourteen-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors up front and 13-inch discs in the rear continue SVT's legacy of great-braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

The snake is back – Legendary looks with SVT function

The Shelby Cobra GT500 combines the dramatic design genes of the all-new Mustang with Carroll Shelby's legendary performance image to create an SVT Mustang that broadens the power brand's design approach and appeal.
1968 Shelby GT500 was one of many Mustangs that served as the design inspiration for the new Shelby Cobra GT500.



"The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts without brash styling cues," says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT vehicles. "The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look to expand SVT's reach to a much bigger audience."

The 2005 Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic Shelby Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a muscle car with attitude. Envisioning an SVT model, the team tested GT500 design cues on the Mustang GT coupe concept that was unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. In 2004, designers further developed the GT500 look on the Mustang GT-R, a race-bred concept with the dual purpose of foreshadowing SVT's Mustang design direction and Ford Racing's plans to return Mustang to road racing.

The GT500 now comes into full light, punctuated by the classic LeMans-style white stripes that race along the top of the show car's "SVT Red" paint from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960's Mustang transition when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs.


Shelby Cobra GT500's LeMans and tri-bar stripes inspired by classic Shelby designs, functional front splitter and air extractors inspired by aerodynamics of the 2005 Ford GT.


"The new Mustang has classic design cues from some of the best-looking Mustangs of all-time, including the Shelbys," says Keith Rogman, Mustang senior designer. "The design of the GT500 has been at the forefront of our minds since the outset of the entire Mustang program."

The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story but are not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. The reworked front fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood has heat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look and result in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings, creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.

The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT's integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons, the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.

Continuing the snake logo tradition of past-generation SVT Mustang Cobras, as well as late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. "GT500" is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name "SHELBY" is prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top if off, the "gas cap" medallion between the taillights reads "Shelby GT500" centered on the Cobra image.



The rear fascia incorporates strakes inspired by the 2005 Ford GT, and classic Shelby Cobra GT500 emblem in "gas cap" medallion.


The interior is completely wrapped in ebony black leather, including the top of the dash, door panels and center arm rest. Also wrapped in ebony leather are the shift lever, shift boot and parking-brake handle. SVT Red leather seat and door panel inserts provide a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performance enthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into the seat backs finish the package.

"We've taken leather design trends to a new level by using it on almost every exposed surface in the GT500," says Rogman. "Leather has long been a performance fashion accessory for enthusiasts, from jackets to racing gloves, so it perfectly matches all the other driving oriented cues."

The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steering wheel cap. Behind the wheel are titanium-faced gauges swapped in location so that the tachometer is dominant visually for the driver. The chrome accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts of the six-speed transmission.

SVT and Shelby: The Legends Grow

With the look and legend one would expect from Carroll Shelby and the kind of power and performance enthusiasts have come to expect from SVT, the GT500 show car points to a brand new era in Ford Motor Company's performance future.

"Carroll Shelby is truly a living automotive legend, a Ford performance legend," says Martens. "It's a dream come true to be able to put the Shelby name on a Mustang again."

Carroll Shelby first put his name on a Mustang back in 1964 when he was asked to inject some high performance into the brand-new pony car. The result was the GT350R, a lightweight, handling-focused race car that earned the Mustang its first performance credentials. Subsequent Shelby Mustangs included a street version of the race car, the GT350, and what was known as the "rent-a-racer" Mustang, the GT350H, a joint project with the Hertz rental car corporation.

The ultimate Shelby Mustang of the era was the GT500KR, or "King of the Road." Powered by a big block 428-cubic inch "Cobra Jet" V-8, the GT500KR was one of the most powerful, and memorable, muscle cars of that period. Shelby Mustang production ceased in 1970 with a total volume of 14,559 units.


New Shelby Cobra GT500 follows legendary Shelby and SVT Mustangs, such as the GT500KR and 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R.


The Ford Special Vehicle Team brought performance back to Mustang in 1993. After 12 years and with nearly 80,000 high-performance Mustangs on the streets, and a total SVT vehicle production nearing 145,000 vehicles, SVT is primed for growth with the GT500 serving as the foundation for other performance Mustang projects.

By bringing together Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT, the company's commitment to performance becomes as powerful as at any time in its history - including the famed "Total Performance" days of the 1960s. From the Ford GT supercar, the GT500, to a rejuvenated Ford Racing Performance Parts program - performance and racing adds luster to its proud brand heritage.

"SVT has been and will remain the leader in performance vehicle engineering and marketing," says Martens. "SVT remains unique in offering the total performance experience. The return of Carroll Shelby to our performance family only strengthens our firepower."


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EXTERIOR/INTERIOR


A powerful wave of nostalgia comes rushing back with a single glance at the Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car. Strong visual cues had helped signal the serious performance potential of the great Shelbys of yesteryear. Now the GT500's striking face and unmistakable Shelby signature announce this thoroughly modern Mustang means business. Melding the Shelby look with SVT's designed-to-drive philosophy creates an aggressive, classic look with enhanced performance capabilities.


Shelby Cobra GT500's design inspired by the 1968 Shelby GT500, and builds on details introduced on the 2003 Mustang GT concept and 2004 Mustang GT-R concept.


"There's a huge backdrop in Ford's Design Studio covered with photos of our favorite Mustangs – many of them 1960's-era Shelbys," says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT vehicles. "When it came to designing the GT500, there's no question the 1967-68 Shelby Mustangs inspired us. We tried to recreate the surface language of the '68 Shelby GT500, yet do so in a way that adds to the modern design of the 2005 Mustang – much like Carroll Shelby enhanced the design of the '67 Mustang."

The 2005 Mustang design team also drew inspiration from classic 1968 Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a muscle car with attitude. Envisioning an SVT model, the team tested GT500 design cues on the Mustang GT coupe concept that was unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show.

In 2004, designers further developed the GT500 look on the Mustang GT-R, a race-bred concept with the dual purpose of foreshadowing SVT's Mustang design direction and Ford Racing's plans to return Mustang to road racing.

Classic Shelby design cues, including LeMans stripes, create instant identity

The GT500 now comes into full light, punctuated by the classic LeMans-style white stripes that race along the top of the show car's "SVT Red" paint from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960's Mustang transition when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend.

The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs. The use of contrasting color overbody stripes in auto racing was introduced when the first factory teams employed them on identically equipped and painted cars to help identify the different drivers.


The use of contrasting striping like GT500's LeMans-style stripes and body-side tri-bar were first introduced by factory race teams to distinguish drivers of identical cars.


Carroll Shelby adopted the stripes on his successful Cobra roadsters, and they quickly became part of his performance signature. Shelby striped all of his high-performance Fords to follow: the Daytona Coupes, Ford GT40s, Shelby Mustang GT350s and GT500s. To this day, Shelby's twin stripes are also associated with Ford performance, evidenced by those on the 2006 Ford GT supercar.

Taking a page from Carroll Shelby's work on the GT500s of the late 1960s, Ford's design team took aggressive forms and shapes already apparent on the Mustang and further honed them for the GT500's taut and race-ready appearance. A new front fascia, functional air splitter, larger grilles, hood-mounted air extractors, unique rear fascia and an integrated decklid spoiler are all designs cues that are pure Shelby.

Oversized grilles and functional air extractors designed for aggressive appearance and improved air management





Many Shelby Mustangs were raced – and raced hard. For the cars to consistently perform to their maximum potential, the engines needed to breathe as much cool air as possible. Shelby accomplished this on his cars by opening up the grille area and redesigning the lower valance pan to maximize airflow into the radiator. The Shelby Cobra GT500 employs that same idea with its reconfigured front fascia and oversized upper and lower grilles.





"The GT500's wide grille openings are imposing like a drop-jawed Cobra ready to strike," says Gaffka. "If you saw that look coming in your rearview mirror, it would make you move out of the way quickly."

The restyled fascia not only allows for larger grille openings for increased airflow but it gives a more angled, aggressive edge to the headlamp insets.

"The more aggressive fascia is actually a race-car design borrowed from the Mustang GT-R concept," explains Mustang senior designer Keith Rogman. "It works well with the overall look of the GT500 because racing has such a strong connection with Shelby."

Attention was paid to make the upper and lower grille openings above and below the front bumper as symmetrical as possible for a more unified look. The overall shape and form of both openings were designed in deference to the Shelby GT500 circa 1968 – and provide the show car with a face that is strikingly similar to its predecessor.

Ford GT lessons used to design GT500's functional air splitter, rear spoiler

Very modern air-management technology, however, is evident in the details of the GT500.

Forcing a large amount of cool air into an engine bay is only half the battle of performance cars. It is an equally difficult engineering task to get the hot air out without affecting form or function. To that end, the Shelby Cobra GT500's aluminum hood incorporates functional twin air extractors to help pull heated air out of the engine compartment and promote air circulation around hard-working components.

"The process we created while working on the body design of the Ford GT really helped us come up with the functional front air splitter and rear spoiler for the GT500," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "It was essential that they provide measurable downforce at high speeds without detracting from the classic design."

The functional front splitter is neatly integrated into the front fascia and helps limit airflow under the car at high speed. The science of air management also was applied to the rear of the GT500 where Ford GT wind-tunnel lessons were used to help design the "high-back," rear-decklid spoiler.

Modern SVT Mustang Cobra influence completes the GT500 design

The Shelby Cobra GT500 houses distinctive foglights in the lower outside corners of the front fascia – long a signature styling cue of Ford SVT vehicles. While original Shelby GT500s had driving lights set into the grille, the inclusion of the SVT style foglights indicates just how well traditional Shelby and modern SVT design elements work together.

Similarly, Gaffka's team decided to create a more modern rear fascia featuring diffuser-styled strakes and large cutouts for the dual chrome exhaust tips: "The rear fascia pays homage to the Ford GT supercar because the dramatic diffusers indicate serious high performance as part of the package."




Rather than incorporate the full-across taillamps of vintage Shelby Mustangs, Gaffka's team kept the traditional tri-bar Mustang taillamps in another nod to blending modern cues with the classic look. The taillamps are separated by a "gas cap" medallion that reads "Shelby GT500" centered on a Cobra image while bold "SHELBY" lettering stretches across the rear deck.

Cobra badge connects Shelby and Ford SVT

The Cobra snake logo featured on the rear medallion continues the tradition of both the vintage Shelby Mustangs and the modern SVT Mustang Cobras. It also commemorates the first time in thirty-five years a new Mustang has featured the Shelby name.




The rear badge mimics vintage Mustang gas caps and features a modernized Cobra logo.


Continuing the snake logo tradition of past-generation SVT Mustang Cobras, as well as late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. "GT500" is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes. The SVT logo can be seen on the center caps of the 19- x 9.5-inch aluminum wheels, a signature SVT location over the years, as well as on the doorsill plates.

"We spent a lot of time updating the Cobra logo," says Gaffka. "The design team was very passionate about painstakingly adding detailed snake scales and adding a sharper edge to the teeth to honor the original.

"The Cobra logo is the perfect icon for the GT500. It represents the history and performance of both Shelby and SVT. And, the Cobra badge shows the future of Mustang performance, melding Shelby and SVT into a thoroughly modern vehicle that still recognizes its legacy."

Comfort and style have a clear mission in the Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car: provide a well-appointed yet businesslike ****pit that clearly appeals to the driving enthusiast. While seating position and comfort are always top priorities for drivers, quality materials and craftsmanship are no less important. Just a single look or touch needs to convey instantly that this is one very special Mustang.

"Today's Mustang Cobra buyer expects the kind of amenities and a level of comfort and fit and finish that simply weren't available during the Shelby heydays," says Doug Gaffka, chief designer, Ford SVT. "But we also know of enthusiasts who believe that a woodgrain dash doesn't belong in a 1970 Shelby GT500 – or any purposeful performance car. So we sought to exceed the expectations of both in the new GT500."

The GT500 interior design borrows from the 2005 Mustang's symmetrical instrument panel and square-arched "eyebrows" on each side of the center stack, paying tribute to the muscle car's 40-year heritage. The quality materials, precision craftsmanship and technical innovations translate perfectly to the higher-end SVT model.



The GT500 also shares the base architecture's solid structure, forming the basis for engineering a quiet interior. As a result, enthusiasts will enjoy more of the 450-plus horsepower, all-American V-8's throaty grumble and less of the wind and road noises that distract from enjoyment of long drives.

Time spent at race tracks to develop the 2005 Mustang pay off in the GT500's interior ergonomics. The steering wheel, shifter and pedals are all placed optimally for enthusiast driving, ideal for heel-and-toe performance shifting, thanks to the upfront engineering work. The seating position is more natural, supportive and comfortable for drivers – either for spirited track driving or for long stints along the twisties.

"We spent a lot of time developing the 2005 Mustang at race tracks because we knew enthusiast driving traits would benefit all versions of the car, not just the Shelby GT500," says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation and SVT. "These track tests were important for tuning the car and, importantly, for laying out key driving interfaces inside the car."

Lathered in black leather, even on the dash

The GT500 gives new meaning to the term "leather interior" as the dash, seat borders and door panels are completely wrapped in Black Ebony leather. Also wrapped in ebony leather are the shift lever, shift boot and parking-brake handle.


Shelby Cobra GT500 dash and door panels are wrapped in black leather, accented by red leather seat and door trim.


For visual contrast, the GT500 features satin-aluminum finished trim (rather than traditional chrome) and new "SVT Red" leather seat inserts and door-trim panels provide a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, creating a very special driving environment.

Mini-perforated leather seat inserts cover the GT500's extra-supportive bucket seats for a soft, supple hide that breathes, making for a more comfortable ride. As an added styling touch, Cobra emblems are embroidered on the front seatbacks.

When the driver takes hold of the steering wheel, he or she will instantly know this is a car made for the serious car enthusiast in part due to the substantial size and feel that enhances driver control.

"One change we made in the GT500 interior plays directly into the driver's hands – literally," says Gaffka. "We redesigned the leather-wrapped steering wheel so the grips are thicker and better positioned for enthusiast driving. And, of course, the airbag cover had to wear proper GT500 identification."

SVT-style, titanium-faced instruments and performance shifter keep driver connected

High-performance driving involves keeping track of a myriad of visual inputs, and that includes the regular monitoring of engine and other vehicle system functions. As such, the GT500 has a unique instrument cluster specially designed for the needs of an enthusiast driver.

To enthusiasts, a tachometer is at least as important as a speedometer, and a full array of gauges is a must. As such, the positions of the tachometer and speedometer are reversed on the GT500, making the tachometer the dominant gauge visibly for the driver. Also, the voltmeter gauge is replaced with a boost gauge that monitors the performance and health of the supercharger.


The unique gauge cluster places the tachometer in the dominant position, along with a new supercharger-boost gauge and titanium finish.


The reorganized gauge faces feature a unique titanium-colored finish, with white lettering – a unique performance cue SVT pioneered on the original Mustang Cobra. At night, the color of the illuminated letters can be modified by the MyColor™ color-configurable instrument panel.

The system consists of three light-emitting diodes – green, blue and red – projected through "light pipe" fittings located on the sides of the speedometer and tachometer. At the driver's command, these pipes mix various combinations of the three primary colors to create more than 125 unique background color options for the gauges.

The center stack is well designed and uncluttered for easy use of the radio, climate control and other switchgear with minimal driver distraction. The highlight of the driver's ****pit is the substantial leather-wrapped shifter for the six-speed manual transmission. Reviews of similarly equipped 2005 Mustang GTs promise enthusiasts will appreciate the shifter's short, smooth shifts just as much as its visual importance.

The space race – Ample accommodations assure comfort, room for gear on long drives

The GT500 shares the base architecture's larger dimensions that open more space inside the cabin while providing an aggressive stance and a foundation for great driving dynamics. The benefits include more room for the driver and front- and rear-seat passengers for more comfort on long trips. Importantly, the trunk is more than 10 percent larger to hold more travel gear.

"The tallest drivers in our customer base have not been fully happy with previous Mustangs," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "We've addressed that in this all-new car, while maintaining the '****pit feel' essential to a driver's car. But we wanted to improve comfort for passengers, too. The extra cabin space makes a world of difference on long drives."

Together, these changes help make the Shelby Cobra GT500 a driver-oriented car that possesses style and comfort – and no woodgrain in sight.





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POWERTRAIN


Just as the big-block GT500 from 1968 was a step up from the GT350, the Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car's 450-plus-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 is a step up from the 4.6-liter V-8 used in the previous-generation SVT Mustang Cobra.

In fact, the 5.4-liter, 32-valve, supercharged V-8 configuration is similar to that of the 2005 Ford GT supercar, offering the right combination of classic Ford big-block power and modern technology. Using the Ford GT as a blueprint, SVT has given the GT500 more total horsepower than any factory Mustang in the muscle car's celebrated 41-year history.

"We are applying our Ford GT engine experience to the GT500 to bring over 450 horsepower to a much bigger enthusiast audience," says Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "It really delivers on the essence of two great names in Ford performance – a mix of SVT's modern-day experience with supercharging and the Shelby GT500's heritage of big-block power."

The result: More than 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.


Under the bulging powerdome hood lurks the most potent factory Mustang engine ever: A supercharged, 5.4-liter, 450-hp
V-8.


Engine upgraded for supercharger's power increase

With the stout cast-iron, 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine as a starting point, the Shelby Cobra GT500 adds a screw-type 8.5-pounds-per-square-inch supercharger and water-to-air intercooler.

But, adding forced-induction power is more than just a bolt-on proposition. The engine's internals need upgrading for the sake of strength and durability. To that end, the Shelby Cobra GT500's powerplant benefits from unique connecting rods and forged pistons to handle the extra strain on the lower end of the block.

An all-new intake manifold helps to efficiently channel the supercharged fuel-air mixture into the cylinders. The low-profile manifold design also effectively packages the entire induction system under the GT500's special air-extraction hood. Fuel comes from a dual-bore electronic throttle body borrowed from Ford's 6.8-liter truck engine program. To manage heat produced by more than 450 horses, a larger radiator and increased-capacity cooling system also are installed.

Aluminum, high-performance Ford GT heads tout "Powered by SVT"




While supercharging is a key element in the Shelby Cobra GT500's ability to generate so much horsepower, another major contributing component is the design of the cast-aluminum, four-valve cylinder heads sourced from the Ford GT supercar.


Cast "Powered by SVT" coil covers finish the four-valve heads sourced from Ford GT.


Developed specifically for supercharged applications, these high-performance heads use high-flow ports and specially calibrated dual-overhead camshafts to deliver optimum engine "breathing" along with surprisingly good fuel efficiency and emissions. Also borrowed for use in the GT500 are the Ford GT's proven piston rings and connecting rod bearings.

To enthusiasts, the real beauty of any performance car rests with its engine. That idea certainly wasn't lost on Carroll Shelby because Mustangs that bore his name have traditionally brought his unique sense of style and personality right into the engine compartment. One Shelby signature feature – special finned valve covers embossed with "COBRA Powered By Ford" – soon became the envy of so many Ford V-8 owners that they quickly became one of the best-selling dress-up accessories on the market.

With that in mind, the GT500 is equipped with special "Powered by SVT" finned cam covers to hint at the beauty of 450 horses lurking in the engine below. Mated to the Ford GT four-valve cylinder heads are unique exhaust manifolds that help to better scavenge spent gases out of the cylinders and into the custom-tuned mufflers and dual-exhaust system.

Strong transmission for powerful engine

Few transmissions exist in the marketplace today that can handle the torque loads generated by the supercharged GT500, so SVT engineers are opting to stick with the proven heavy duty performance of the T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. The T-56 first appeared in the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V-8 with 385 horsepower, and later in the supercharged 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra whose DOHC 4.6-liter produced 390 horses. For the Shelby Cobra GT500 show car, the T-56 will be geared to make the most out of the supercharged 5.4-liter's broad power band.



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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS


BODY
Construction Unitized welded steel body, aluminum hood


ENGINE
Type V-8

Manufacturing location Romeo, Michigan

Configuration Iron Block and Aluminum Heads

Intake manifold Cast-aluminum with screw-type supercharger and air-to-water intercooler

Exhaust manifold Cast iron

Crankshaft Forged steel

Throttle body Dual 55 mm, electronic

Valvetrain DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Valve diameter Intake: 37.0 mm
Exhaust: 32.0 mm

Pistons Forged aluminum


Connecting rods Cracked forged steel I-beams

Ignition Coil-on-plug

Bore x stroke 3.552 x 4.165 in. / 90.22 x 105.8 mm

Displacement 330 cu. in. / 5,409 cc

Horsepower More than 450

Torque 450 lb.-ft

DRIVETRAIN

Layout Rear-wheel drive

TRANSMISSION

Standard (Type) T-56 6-speed manual

Gear ratios

1st 2.97

2nd 1.78

3rd 1.3

4th 1.0

5th .80

6th .63

Final drive 3.31
SUSPENSION

Front Reverse-L independent MacPherson strut, 34-mm tubular stabilizer bar

Rear Three-link solid axle with coil springs, Panhard rod, 24-mm solid stabilizer bar

BRAKES

Type Four wheel power disc

Front Brembo 14-inch vented and cross-drilled disc, four-piston aluminum calipers

Rear Brembo 13-inch vented and cross-drilled disc, two-piston calipers

TIRES AND WHEELS

P255/45R19 tires and 19 x 9.5-in machined aluminum wheels

EXTERIOR

Wheelbase 107.1 in.

Overall length 188 in.

Overall width 73.9 in.

Overall height 55.7 in.

Track width, front/rear 61.9 in. / 62.5 in.

Ground clearance 5.71 in.
INTERIOR

Seating capacity 4 passenger

Headroom

Front row 38.8 in.

Second Row 36.3 in.

Legroom

Front row 42.7 in.

Second row 30.3 in.

Shoulder room

Front row 55.4 in.

Second Row 45.0 in.

Hip room

Front row 53.6 in.

Second row 45.2 in.

Cargo Volume 9.7 cu. ft.


Hell ya
 
Last edited by a moderator:

DaleM

ATACMS changing the game!
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SVTP OG 4 Life
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FlahDah man.
Count me in for one official orgasmic event! I need a smoke.
 

Narcosynthesis

Knees in the Breeze!
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I'll wait for the early adopters to get theirs at markup and then buy one two years later for invoice. :)

Ford hits another homer with this one, even a thread on the corvetteforum had good reviews, and they rip apart mustang when ever they get the chance, lol.
 

Mr. Mach-ete

Liberals Suck
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Apr 13, 2004
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Holy crapamundo! :bowdown: . I will work till I drop to add that to my stable. That is the badest thing I have ever seen come out of Ford that is made for the person of average means! I can't even imagine what that beast will sound like with some headers and Borlas...count me in!!!! :rolling: :beer: :pepper: :banana: :rockon: :coolman: :rolling:
 

JoeNashville

Ghostrider
Established Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
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On Two Wheels
JB said:
price and weight, please :)

What he said.

Of course we already know that the price tag comes with a tube of K-Y for when they bend you over the desk for the "market value adjustment". :-D

Ford Shelby Cobra GT500? I see SVT badging all over it. Shouldn't it be the Ford SVT Shelby Cobra GT500?

Kinda like when the Nascar boys start naming off all their sponsors in front of the camera...
 
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JB

beautiful loser
Established Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2002
Messages
9,666
Location
Michigan
flyn high again said:
...Shelby lettering will add some $$$.

I've heard Shelby say in a couple different interviews that he knows that he's in the final phase of his life's work and he wants to go out with a bang

I'm hoping he is feeling somewhat charitable and goes easy on Ford, so that they can keep the price as low as possible :p
 

Blk_C5_FRC

New Member
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Joined
Jul 17, 2004
Messages
242
Location
San Diego
CarpetCityCobra said:
What he said.

Of course we already know that the price tag comes with a tube of K-Y for when they bend you over the desk for the "market value adjustment". :-D

That car is sweet... Exactly what I hoped they will build. EXACTLY. Price guesstimate will be 45k with the early ones over 50k. Plus it looks like its a pulley away from being the some power output as the GT. Ford stepped it up a notch (altough, I still dont think it will outrun the new z06). Grey with black stripes anyone?
 

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