Shelby Mustang GT, 2007 Mustang GT | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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Image credits: Shelby

Today, Ford debuts the all-new 2007 Ford Shelby GT through a behind-the-scenes look at the high-performance Mustang's development on its 'Bold Moves: The Future of Ford' web-based documentary (www.fordboldmoves.com). On Wednesday, Ford confirmed production of the Shelby GT as one of 9 new product introductions coming in the next 6 months for Ford and Lincoln Mercury. The Shelby GT will feature a 4.6-liter V-8 producing 325-horsepower and production will be limited in volume therefore assuring its exclusivity like all Shelby Mustang models.

'Our goal is to offer a steed for every need,' says John Felice, Ford brand general marketing manager. 'The new Shelby GT is a low-volume, extremely collectable Mustang for enthusiasts. It also offers a few more customers the opportunity to experience firsthand magic of Mustang and Carroll Shelby.'

The Shelby GT is the third modern Shelby Mustang produced through a collaboration of Ford and Shelby Automobiles. In addition to the 2007 Shelby GT500, Ford and Shelby created 500 copies of the Ford Shelby GT-H, which are available only through select Hertz rental centers.

'We have been overwhelmed at the number of people who want to buy a version of the Shelby GT-H,' said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. 'The Shelby GT will deliver the power and balanced handling of the Shelby GT-H, but with more performance potential, especially due to the available manual transmission.'

Modern Shelby Mustangs have proven to be extremely desirable among Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts. For example, in January an early production Shelby GT500 sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $600,000, with proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. On July 28, a Shelby GT-H was sold for $250,000 at the EAA AirVenture, with proceeds benefiting the Youth Eagles aviation education program.

Shelby-inspired performance, proven by Ford Racing

'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,' says Jamie Allison, manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. 'And, like every Shelby Mustang should be, the Shelby GT is ready to be both a weekday driver and a weekend warrior for track days.'

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.

Under hood, the Ford Racing Power Pack increases the output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, 4.6-liter V-8 to 325-horsepower, 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 V-8 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.

'The Shelby GT is great fun on the track,' continues Shelby. 'It's got the heart and soul of the Mustang GT pumped up with a strong motor, nimble chassis and great sound. It's one of those rare cars that's easy to drive really fast.'

Authentic Shelby design 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.

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.

Shelby GT models will begin as a stock Mustang GT assembled at AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for modification before delivery to Ford dealerships.

'The Shelby team in Las Vegas is excited about building the Shelby GT,' said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. 'With our friends at Ford, we are creating the next chapter in the Shelby legacy.'

Offering a steed for every need

'It's an exciting time to be a muscle car fan, as legendary names from the 1960's are being reincarnated in the marketplace,' says Felice. 'As the Shelby GT shows, Ford will continue to dominate the new muscle car wars just as we have done for over forty years. No other nameplate will be able to match the depth and breadth of options the Mustang offers.'

In support of Ford's 'steed for every need' strategy, Ford now offers four horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from $19,995 for a 210-hp V-6 Mustang coupe to $46,500 for a 500-hp Shelby GT500 convertible.

Ford has also introduced several special packages on Mustang further increasing its unique offerings, including the Pony Package and the California Special. And there are plans for more in the future.

In addition, Ford Racing offers a complete catalog of performance parts for Mustang fans, from custom wheels and exhausts to the complete, turn-key Ford Racing Mustang FR500C race car.

As a result, Ford offers Mustang enthusiasts the ability to buy, modify and drive the steed that perfectly fits their need.

For more information about Shelby Automobiles, Inc., and a sneak-peak of the build of the first Shelby GT prototypes, visit www.shelbyautos.com

Source - Ford

FORD SHELBY GT WINS TAWA'S SPRING CHALLENGE 2007

• 2008 Ford Shelby GT Mustang takes top prize for 'Car of the Year' in the 2007 Writer's Choice Awards. 66 vehicles from various manufacturers competed for top honors at the TAWA Spring Challenge.

vShelby and Mustang - Unbeatable at the 2007 TAWA Spring Challenge

Ford and Shelby once again proved to be a winning combination when TAWA announced the winner of the 2007 Spring Challenge. The 2008 Shelby GT Mustang was challenged by over 66 different models from all manufactures in the hill country of Austin, Texas and the Shelby GT won hands down.

With over 40 TAWA journalists driving 66 vehicles ranging from $16,000 to over $70,000 you definitely need to stand out in the crowd to win this top honor. In 2005, the Ford GT took the same top honors at this event.

Shelby once again has proven you can have fun driving this great icon and still get good gas mileage. The Shelby GT surprised many journalists as it took the curves in the hills of Austin and was especially sure footed with lots of power to boot at 330 hp. The black and silver Shelby GT with a retro hood scope and lower stance won the hearts of many writers attending the event.

Listening to Mustang Sally on the Shaker 500 audio system is a force to be reckoned with while cruising through the hills of Austin.

Mustang has always been a vehicle with great value. This includes the V-6 model which gives customers great style, performance and gas mileage. Mustang owners in Texas have made the Mustang number one in the segment for many years. Customers may choose from many different packages like the Mustang Pony, Mustang Outlaw, Mustang GT, Mustang Warriors in Pink, Shelby GT, Shelby GT 500 and coming soon the Shelby Mustang GT 500KR King of the Road. Your choices are endless and so is the fun you can have when you experience Mustang ownership.

Source - Ford

The Mustang was introduced at the 1965 New York World's Fair, Mustang Mania instantly swept the country, and a new automotive market segment was created - the 2+2 or better known as the 'ponycar.' Though its mechanical underpinnings descended from the Falcon, the Mustang was completely different. It was a compact, tight, clean package weighing in at a modest 2,550 pounds - a departure from the ever-enlarging American cars of the day. The classic long-hood short-rear-deck combined with a forward-leaning grille, elegant blade bumpers, sculptured body sides, fully exposed wheel openings and restrained use of bright trim gave the car a unique look that belied its affordability. Its looks were backed up with power, providing three optional V8 engines with up to 271 horsepower. Other options included automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, styled chrome wheels and air conditioning. Not surprisingly, the entry-level modes were a minority of the production.

To say that the first Mustang was a success is an understatement. Following the introduction, the Mustang was on the cover of both Time and Newsweek. A week before introduction, Ford ran ads with the air times for the first television commercials, which all three networks broadcasted simultaneously. Mustang was selected as the Official Pace Car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500, and more than 22,000 orders were taken the first day. By its first anniversary, over 418,000 Mustangs had been sold, breaking the all-time record for first year sales of a new nameplate.

The original platform was used, with numerous modifications, up to 1973. The Pinto-based Mustang II was built from 1974 until 1978. A new fox body platform began in 1979 and was largely unchanged through 1993. In 1994 the SN-95, a modified version of the Fox body, debuted and was produced until 2004. The 2005 Mustang is built on the first entirely new platform in 25 years.

1964 1/2 - 1973 The Growing Years - In More Ways Than One.

Until 1967, Mustang had this new market all to itself. For 1965 a new 2+2 Fastback model added as was the GT Equipment Group. Both performance and aesthetically minded, this group included front disk brakes; grille-mounted fog lights, 5-gauge instrumentation, GT stripes and badges and special dual 'trumpet' exhaust outlets. 1966 brought a huge shot in the arm to the ponycar moniker - the first Shelby GT 350. Built on the 2+2 Fastback by famed racer/car builder Carroll Shelby, these cars featured race-tuned engines and suspensions. By mid-1966, Mustang passed the one-million sales mark.

On the track, the Mustang name was quickly establishing itself in many motorsports arenas. In 1965, Mustang assumed the role as Ford's rally car. Carroll Shelby, famed builder of the Cobra, created race-ready cars for SCCA's production class B competition against the likes of Chevrolet's Corvette and the Jaguar E-Type. Shelby's goal was accomplished when the GT 350 took the B-Production Championship from Corvette. Shelby Mustangs were also successful in the world of drag racing. Ford campaigned several highly modified A/FX altered Mustangs equipped with 427 'Cammer' motors in National Hot Rod Association drag racing events. 1966 brought the creation of the SCCA Trans Am professional racing series for V-8 sedans of 305 cubic inches or less. Mustang took the Trans Am Manufacturers' Cup in 1966. The Shelby GT 350 repeated the previous year's success as B-Production Champion.

With the introduction of Chevy's Camaro, Pontiac's Firebird, and Ford's sister division 2+2, the Mercury Cougar, the rest of the industry both brought serious competition to the Mustang and further legitimized the 2+2 'ponycar' market. Ford foresaw the coming competition, and designed the 1967 Mustang to accommodate its 390 cubic-inch V8. In addition to the mechanical changes, the Mustang was restyled inside and out. This began the era of the growing Mustang, as it gained a couple inches in length and width nearly every year until 1973. A GT 350 H was introduced, a special edition made specifically for Hertz Rent-A-Car outlets. Stories of 'Rent-A-Racers' being returned with telltale signs of racing use are still told today. The options list grew as well, and Ford's largest engine quickly went from the 390 to the 428 Cobra Jet. Shelby also upped the ante with the GT 500 in 1967 and the GT 500 KR ('King of the Road') in 1968. The GT 350 also continued on. In racing, despite new competition from the Camaro, Plymouth Barracuda, and Mercury Cougar, Mustang again won the Trans Am Manufacturers' Cup. Capping the year, Shelby's GT 350 once again took the SCCA B-Production crown. Perhaps the most famous Mustang of the time was the 1968 Highland Green 390 Mustang fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. Many still consider the final chase scene to be the best ever filmed.

The car again grew larger and heavier in 1969, and the grille sprouted four headlights. Also introduced in 1969, the Boss 302 - brain child of former GM designer Larry Shinoda - was a special version of Ford's 302 cubic-inch engine with larger canted valve heads for better efficiency and more power. The rarest Mustang by far was the Boss 429, built for the sole purpose of qualifying the new 'Semi-Hemi' engine for NASCAR racing. Only 857 Boss 429 Mustangs were built. More competition arrived in 1970 with the Dodge Challenger and a redesigned Plymouth Barracuda. The Boss 429 was discontinued after only 499 copies were made. 1970 also marked the end of the GT 350 and GT 500.

1970 would be Ford's last year for factory-sponsored racing until the 1980s. The Trans Am series boasted the most competitive field ever in both the driving talent and the cars. Ford's Boss 302 team, led by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer, took on AMC's Mark Donahue, Camaro driver Jim Hall, Pontiac's Jerry Titus, Dan Gurney's All American Racers and their Plymouth Barracuda, Sam Posey in the all-new Dodge Challenger. The competition was fierce and well matched throughout the series. In the end, the Mustang team was triumphant allowing Ford to go out on top.

By 1971, the car had become nearly 8 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the original 1965 model. Mustang was now a full-fledged muscle car, moving beyond the 2+2 market niche it created. The Grande and Mach 1 returned, however, the Boss 302 was replaced by the Boss 351. Engine choices ranged from six cylinder economy to the mighty 429 Super Cobra Jet V-8. Many forces converged by 1973 that signaled a change from the fast-and-furious start of the 2+2. Soaring gas and insurance costs and the addition of emissions and safety equipment brought the muscle car era to an end, and Ford began positioning the Mustang as a luxury car. The end of 1973 would begin a hiatus for both the V-8 engine and the convertible.

1974 - 1978 A Mustang Trapped in a Pinto's Body.

Lee Iacocca, then president of Ford and instrumental in the design of the first Mustang, had long been unhappy with Mustang's direction. The car got progressively bigger and sales dipped. Any questions about returning to a smaller Mustang were answered by the first OPEC oil embargo in 1973, which spurred an immediate run on fuel-efficient cars. The Mustang II was introduced mid year in 1973 as a 1974 model. Built on the Pinto platform, the Mustang II was substantially smaller than the prior model and even smaller than the original. Rack and pinion steering and front disk brakes were made standard. Engine choices were limited to a 2.3 liter four cylinder and a 2.8 V-6. This would be the first year for a four and the only year without an available V-8. The coup and fastback would soldier on without the convertible - which would not return for twelve years. The Mach 1 continued on, but had dropped from nearly 7 robust lines (429 cubic inches) to 2.8 liters and 105 horsepower. The formula seemed to work, however - Mustang II got over 20 MPG and sold 385,000 for the model year.

1975 brought the return of the 302 (5.0 Liter) V-8 however at only 122 horsepower. Other than increasing this to 139 horsepower in the Cobra II, most changes through 1978 were limited to trim and option packages. After its initial year, sales remained consistent at around 150,000 to 190,000 and earned the marque a new lease on life.

1979-1993 The Speed of a Horse with the Smarts of a Fox.

Based on the Ford Fairmont, the 'Fox' body would be the longest running platform in Mustang history. As an example, the doors of a 1979 can be interchanged with those of a 1993. The Fox body also brought modern design and a renewed commitment to performance. A 2.3 Liter four cylinder was again standard with upgrades of a turbocharged four, 2.8 Liter V6 and 5.0 Liter V8. Mustang paced the 1979 Indianapolis 500 and nearly 370,000 units were sold.

1981 saw the addition of the T-Roof Convertible and 1982 brought the return of the GT with a revised 5.0 High-Output V-8 rated at 157 horsepower. Ford's resurgent racing program blasted out of the gates with International MotorSports Association (IMSA) GT racing, where the turbocharged Miller Mustang, driven by Klaus Ludwig, came within a 10th of a second of winning its first race over the dominant Porsche 935 Turbos. Ludwig was only getting started. He handed the vaunted Porsches defeat with back-to-back victories at Brainerd and Sears Point. Elsewhere, Tom Gloy put a Mustang in the Trans-Am winner's circle for the first time in a decade when he won the 1981 season finale at Sears Point. In SCCA road racing, Mustang became the first domestic car ever to win the Showroom Stock national championship when Ron Smaldone drove his turbo Mustang to victory at Road Atlanta.

The big news for 1983 was the mid-year introduction of the first true Mustang convertible in a decade, which accounted for 20,000 sales in the short 6 month season. On the performance front, the 5.0 V8 bumped up to 205 horsepower. For Mustang's 20th Anniversary, in 1984, Ford offered the most interesting line up in years. The GT was back in hatchback and convertible, and a new European-inspired Mustang SVO debuted. Developed by the Special Vehicle Operations department, the limited edition model was powered by a fuel injected intercooled 175 horsepower four cylinder engine. The SVO also featured unique exterior appointments, an upgraded interior, and was also the most expensive model.

By 1984, Ford had staked out the IMSA GTO series as Mustang turf. Jack Roush, the Carroll Shelby of the eighties, came on the scene with hot racers. A Roush-prepared Mustang won the GTO class in the three-hour IMSA 1984 season finale at Daytona. It was the beginning of Mustangs reign as the king of GTO. The following February, Mustang won the GTO classes at Daytona 24 Hours - the first of three consecutive victories in the season-opening marathon.

Mustang received a facelift for 1985, and horsepower continued to climb. The 5.0 H.O V-8 was increased to 210, and the SVO squeezed 205 horsepower out of a 2.3 liter engine. This would be the rarest SVO model as only 1,954 were built. The V-8 switched to fuel injection in 1986, the year that restyling of both the interior and exterior, and a bump in the GT horsepower to 255. The Roush Mustangs carried on the winning tradition in 1986 with eight more GTO wins and another manufacturers' title. In drag racing, Rickie Smith drove his Motorcraft Mustangs to the semifinals or better at all 11 races on the International Hot Rod Association schedule, and took the IHRA Pro Stock world championship.

1998 was a pivotal year in Mustang history. Ford planned to change the Mustang to a front wheel drive derivative of the Mazda MX-6. An uprising in the Mustang enthusiast community ensued, as did some pointed questions from the automotive press. Thousands of letters decrying the idea of a 'Maztang' or 'Musda' beseiged Ford's product planners and the new car went on to be the Probe. Ford scrapped the idea at the last minute, cementing the Mustang heritage for the future. The decision however locked in the Fox platform for the next five years.

From 1989 to 1992 changes were limited to wheel and tire combinations and the introduction of 'Special Edition' models in non-standard colors. 1993 would be the final year of the original Fox body Mustang. Ford re-introduced the Cobra, rated at 235 horsepower and distinguished by unique front and rear bodywork. 107 Cobra R models were built which included track tuned suspension and deleted the rear seat, radio, fog lights and other components to reduce weight.

1994-2004 Refining the Breed.

Mustang celebrated its 30th Anniversary with an all new body and interior for 1994, calling on design cues from the Mustang's first decade. The 2.3 liter four was retired and the 3.8 V-6 became the base engine. The GT retained the 5.0 V-8 and the SVT Cobra returned, now with 240 horsepower. The Mustang Cobra served as pace car for the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and a limited series of the Rio Red pace car replicas were sold.

Mustang was an immediate hit and remained unchanged while Ford continued to fill orders. Another Cobra R was released, this time with a 300 horsepower 351 cubic inch (5.4 liter) V-8 and Tremec 5 speed manual transmission The R model was sold nearly race-ready with a revised suspension and fuel cell. The rear seat, radio, air-conditioning, power windows and seats were deleted to save weight. Only 250 units were built which became instant collector's items.

In 1989 the Trans-Am series was again attractive to American muscle, though the cars only look like a Mustang - the underpinnings were that of a purpose-built race chassis built to modern motorsports standards. The Mustang dominated in 1995, 1996, 1997 and again in 1999. Ironically, the 1999 driver, who had switched to a Jaguar, kept the classic Ford pushrod V-8 underfoot and kept winning.

1996 ushered in Ford's long-anticipated modular engine program, which saw replacement of the venerable 5.0 with a 4.6 liter overhead cam V8 with 225 horsepower on tap. The Cobra utilized a dual overhead cam aluminum block version rated at 305 horsepower. A limited edition 'Mystic Cobra' was built with color shifting paint that changed from black to green to purple to gold as the light hit the car. The paint alone cost about $2,000.00 per car. The Mustang carried over basically unchanged from 1997 and 1998.

Mustang's 35th year was marked with a new sharp-edged body. The base V-6 was now rated at 195 horsepower (more than the original 5.0 H.O. of 1982). The GTs 4.6 was upgraded to 260 horsepower, while the dual cam Cobra was now pumping out 320. One of the benefits of the redesign was the inclusion of a fully independent rear suspension on the Cobra, the first for a production model. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix marked the occasion by making Mustang the spotlight car of the America car show.

For 2000, the only Cobra for the year was a new R model. Wilder than any previous Mustang, the R featured a dual overhead cam 5.4 liter monster rated at 385 horsepower. A six-speed gearbox and 18-inch wheels and tires moved the power to the ground. Outside, the R was immediately recognizable by its domed hood, front air dam and rear wing spoiler. Only 300 Cobra Rs were built. The remaining Mustangs carried over from the prior year.

SVT was back with a new Cobra in the spring of 2002. Once again SVT topped their previous efforts with a supercharged dual cam 4.6 that Ford rated at 390 horsepower. Testers found this number to be greatly understated, as the actual output was closer to 425. The Cobra models also carried a SVT 10th anniversary badge.

The Mach 1 returned as a special edition for 2003 for the first time since 1978, and featured a functional ram air 'shaker' hood scoop and a modern interpretation of the Magnum 500 wheels used on the original 1969 models. The GT and base models continued unchanged.

2005 A new beginning with a nod to the past.

Built on its own platform which borrows slightly from the Lincoln LS, the body shape combines styling cues from some of the most memorable Mustangs of the past. From the front, 1967-1969 Mustangs come to mind. The side quarter windows recall the 1966 Shelby GT 350 and the rear retains the tri-part tail lights and faux gas filler which was a Mustang trademark from 1964-1/2 to 1973. On the performance side, the GT now comes with a three valve per cylinder 4.6 with 300 horsepower. The base motor is now a 4.0 rated at 210 horsepower. Ford has previewed the 2007 Shelby Cobra GT 500 which is slated for late 2006. As shown, the GT 500 includes a supercharged 5.4 liter engine rated at 450 horsepower making it the most powerful Mustang ever built.41 years have passed since April 17, 1964. As in the beginning, Mustang stands alone having outlived all of the challengers created in its wake, and have revolutionized an entire segment of the American automotive market. Its fans can expect many more happy years for the original ponycar.

Source - PVGP

2007 Shelby Mustang GT
Year	2007
Make	Ford
Model	Mustang GT
Tuner	Shelby
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Production Years for Series	2005 -
Combined MPG	0.00

Engine
Engine Configuration	V
	90-degree
Cylinders	8
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	4.60 L \| 280.7 cu in. \| 4600.7 cc.
Valves	24 valves. 3 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain	SOHC
Horsepower	300.00 HP (220.8 KW) @ 5750.00 RPM
Torque	320.00 Ft-Lbs (433.9 NM) @ 4500.00 RPM
HP / Liter	65.2 BHP / Liter
Redline	6250
Compression Ratio	9.8:1
Fuel Feed	Fuel Injected
	Electronic Returnless Sequential Fuel Injection
Block	Aluminum
Head	Aluminum
Ignition System	Coil-on-plug, high-thread-insert spark plugs
Intake Manifold	Composite shell-welded single runner, charge motion control valves
Exhaust Manifold	Cast iron
Throttle Body	55-mm dual-bore electronic
Pistons	Hypereutectic aluminum
Connecting Rods	Cracked powdered metal with floating wristpins

Standard Transmission
Transmission	Manual

Dimensions
Standard Payload	0.00
Doors	2

Suspension
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

Steering
	Rack and Pinion with Power Assist
Steering Overall Ratio	15.7:1

Tires / Wheels
Tires	P235/55ZR18
Wheels	chrome-finished 18-inch wheels

Vehicle Spotlight

2007 Shelby Mustang GT