TRICK PONY

© All photos by Harvey Schwartz

ONE TRICKED-OUT PONY By Harvey Schwartz

This all-new Shelby GT is the result of dealers and customers clamoring for even more Shelby Mustang magic. While the 500-horsepower GT500 represents the ultimate in Shelby Mustang performance, the Shelby GT is positioned as a more dynamic, engaging version of the Mustang GT. With sharp reflexes and a track-ready suspension, the Shelby GT is an everyday driver that's tuned for command performances at the track. Production is limited to just under 6,000 copies this year, assuring its exclusivity like all Shelby Mustang models.

Shelby GT models begin as a stock Mustang GT assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan. They are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas, Nevada for modifications before delivery to Ford dealers. 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 and riveted to the hood. The aluminum hood is secured with stainless steel pins. This bolder and more aggressive look is taken right from the track. The Shelby GT is offered in just two exterior colors: Performance White or Black. The white car has polished wheels and the black car has black wheels. All Shelby GTs are accented in silver Le Mans-style racing stripes, a signature detail of classic Shelby Mustangs. The Le Mans stripes extend over the hood, roof and trunk and are complemented by matching side stripes with 'Shelby GT' graphics.

The side profile also features unique side scoops just before the rear wheel. The rear fascia frames larger round dual exhaust tips with a Shelby badge in the middle of the lower trunk lid, while a diffuser under the bumper is for better control managing the air exiting the car. Inside there are Shelby logo floor mats and custom sill plates with Shelby GT lettering. The dashboard features satin aluminum trim for a more sporty look. The pedals are available with a bright aluminum finish. In addition, the Shelby GT features an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood. This tag features the CSM number, which is recorded in the Shelby American World Registry. The standard Shaker 500 sound system is awesome, but you might not want to crank it all the up and miss the terrific throaty V8 sounds coming out the back. The Shelby GT builds on the expertise of Ford Racing, the experience of Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team to deliver an incredible driving experience that is unmistakably Shelby. Like every Shelby Mustang, the Shelby GT is ready to be an everyday driver and a weekend warrior on the track.

Under the hood is a Ford racing Power Upgrade Package that increases output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, 4.6 liter V8 to 319 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The Power Upgrade Package includes a 90 mm cold-air intake and a new performance engine calibration system for improved response. The high-flow dual exhaust system features an X-pipe crossover that offers better power delivery and a louder throaty V8 roar. To put that extra horsepower to the ground, the Shelby GT comes with wheel-well stuffing 18x8 aluminum wheels wrapped with BF Goodrich 235/50ZR18 g-Force T/A performance tires. Added to this Ford's Racing Handling Pack are specially tuned dampers inspired by the Grand Am Cup championship-winning FR500C race car. Also included in the Pack are unique front and rear sway bars, and a 3.55: ratio limited-slip rear axle for extra off-the-line acceleration. A Ford Racing dual-tubular strut tower brace adds additional strength and rigidity to the chassis structure. The new coil springs drop overall ride height by 1-1/2 inches for a more aggressive stance and reduced body roll. To showcase the key performance modifications, Ford Racing painted all the key suspension components-dampers, springs and sway bars.

The Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for quick and precise shift action. The Hurst shifter is so much fun to use and it makes you feel more an integral part of the car. Your hand is always covering the round white ball shifter when not turning the leather wrapped/tilting steering wheel. A five-speed automatic is optional. Behind the wheel it feels like you are in total control of the direction with split-second response to your feedback, whether putting the pedal to the medal or turning the racecar-inspired 3-spoke steering wheel. It's such a positive feeling when you are in total control of a sports car with racecar instincts. This race-bred Mustang gets to 60 mph from a standstill in just 5 seconds. "The Shelby GT is great fun on the track or on the streets" says Carroll Shelby. "It's got the heart and soul of the Mustang GT pumped up with a strong motor, nimble handling, and a great sound. It's one of those race cars that's easy to drive really fast." The all-new Ford Shelby Mustang GT is less expensive and lighter than the more powerful supercharged 5.4 liter GT500 version, but just as much fun and exciting to drive. The Shelby GT upgrade package is $7,390.00 and definitely worth it if you want more from your Mustang GT. © Words supra and pictures by Harvey Schwartz

SIDEBAR COMMENT The Shelby GT is designed to do four things exceedingly well: Look good, sound good, go fast, and attract attention. It delivers on all four counts - even in its automatic transmission version. Ordinarily, one would have to approach paying exotic car prices for this kind of deliverance. That the Shelby GT can do this at under $40,000 makes it something of a hot rod bargain. And, yes, it carries Ford Motor Company's full warranty. SUMMARY JUDGMENT As much fun as its bigger brother, the GT500, but quite a bit more affordable. For more information about Shelby products, go to shelbyautos.com More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at autofotos.com

SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2007 Shelby GT Price: $39,180.00 Engine type: 4.6 liter, 3-valve, all-aluminum V8 with Ford Racing's 90mm cold air kit, performance mufflers with X-pipe, Ford Racing Performance Engine Management Re-Calibration Horsepower: 319 at 5,750 rpm Torque: 330 lb-ft. at 4,500 rpm EPA mileage specs: 16mpg/city, 23mpg/highway Drive configuration: Front engine/rear-wheel-drive Transmission type: Five-speed manual using a Hurst short-throw shifter linkage with performance 3.55:1 axle ratio and limited-slip differential Front suspension: Front-Reverse-L independent MacPherson struts, 35mm tubular stabilizer bar with Ford Racing coil springs dropping ride height 11/2in., Ford Racing front strut tower brace Rear: 3-link sold axle with Ford Racing high-rate coil springs, specially tuned shocks, Panhard rod and 22mm solid stabilizer bar Wheels/tires: 18X8 aluminum wheels, 235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce T/A high-performance tires Brakes: Front-13-in. vented rotors, twin-piston 43mm floating aluminum calipers Rear-12.2-in. vented rotors, single piston 43mm floating iron calipers ABS Overall length: 187.6 in. Overall width: 73.9 in. Overall height: 54 in. Curb weight: 3,362 lbs. manual transmission 3,546 lbs. automatic transmission 0-60: 5.1 seconds