GT500 to produce 500 HP, 480 TQ

[Brett]

http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=23017


:eek :eek :eek :eek

[6 Shooter]

2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 SVT 5.4L Supercharged Whipple
http://planetmustang.com/svtshelbygt500cobra/images/ShelbyCobraGT500Show_14_HR.jpg

2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 Images (http://planetmustang.com/svtshelbygt500cobra/indexpage1.htm)

I wonder what HP a Supercharged Z06 would be pumping...

[6 Shooter]

http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept1small.jpg (http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept1large.jpg)
http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept1large.jpg (http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept1large.jpg)

The Ford Shelby GT500, one of the most anticipated and powerful cars coming in 2006, just got hotter with the announcement that a convertible version will join Ford's line-up. With more than 450-horsepower on tap from its supercharged 5.4L V-8 engine, the Shelby GT500 convertible will be the most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history.

Carroll Shelby, the legend behind the original Shelby Mustangs, joined the Ford SVT engineering team early in the program to put his stamp of approval on the convertible version and had nothing but praise for the effort.

"Convertibles often go against the pursuit of high-performance, but not this GT500," said Shelby. "This GT500 convertible can go up against the best of them, and hold its own. It's stiff, it's fast, and I'm looking forward to cruising mine up and down the roads of Texas."

Driving enthusiasts know all too well that the vastly increased weight and reduced structural integrity of some drop tops over their hard top derivatives sometimes force manufacturers to restrict performance capability. Often it's a matter of a detuned engine or a softened suspension - that one must suffer for the sake of drivability or durability in convertible models.

The good news is that the same 450-plus horsepower V-8 engine powers the GT500 coupe and convertible. And with the convertible's added weight kept to a bare minimum, fewer suspension modifications are needed, meaning the handling you experience driving the convertible will be far closer to that of the coupe than ever before.

In designing the Shelby GT500 convertible, Ford SVT engineers were able to start with the same solid chassis structure that benefits the 2005 Mustang convertible. Ford engineers designed the coupe and convertible simultaneously, yielding a convertible with twice the torsional stiffness of the previous generation.

http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept2small.jpg (http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept2large.jpg)
http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept2large.jpg (http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept2large.jpg)

Considering where the convertible would require the most strength and how commonality with the coupe could be integrated into the car's basic structure, engineers added strength into both models by designing body joints and rocker panels, for instance, which help solidify the convertible without excessive bracing.

As a result, the GT500 convertible is less than 125 pounds heavier than the coupe. This enabled engineers to use the same suspension geometry, with chassis modifications limited to only slightly softer spring rates, sway bars, and damper tuning to fit the convertible's character.

Shelby 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 convertible steps up to Ford's 5.4-liter "MOD" V-8. The result? The GT500 convertible is the most powerful factory convertible 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.

Exclusive Cloth Top Improves Appearance and Performance
The Shelby GT500 convertible features a unique cloth convertible top, replacing the vinyl top of the Mustang GT convertible. The GT500 will be only the second Mustang to feature a cloth top, first introduced on the 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra.

The cloth is similar to that used for high-end, exotic sports cars, providing an elegant visual upgrade to the GT500 convertible. In addition, the thicker fabric is not only more durable than vinyl, but creates a much tauter top resulting in a very quiet interior while driving with the top up.

For top-down driving, the Mustang's convertible "floating" five-bow power top with z-fold construction tucks nicely into the boot, providing a more finished, tidy, top-down appearance.

The snake is back - Legendary looks with SVT function.
The Shelby GT500 convertible 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.

http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept.html (http://thegt500source.com/2005/articles/convert.30sept.html)

[Pseudomind]

Now I wonder what the MSRP will be without any mark up? $150K plus as a minmum is my low end guess.

;shrug

[Brett]

Now I wonder what the MSRP will be without any mark up? $150K plus as a minmum is my low end guess.


Oh wow, I had no idea it would be anywhere close to that much. If that's the case, I'm not nearly as impressed.

I was thinking it would be cheaper than the Z06?;shrug The last Cobra, which had 425 horsepower, was around 40k I think.

[6 Shooter]

I was thinking it would be cheaper than the Z06?;shrug The last Cobra, which had 425 horsepower, was around 40k I think.Brett - I'm pretty sure ur estimate is closer.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

[Pseudomind]

OK I was thinking of the other model, Ford GT, which I believe it is the Cobra something which is around the $150K range. This one is expected to be in the $40K+ range.

http://www.albany.beepbeep.com/Global/story.asp?S=4486102

This one is in the $150K (Ford GT) range when all is said and done.

http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/ford_gt.asp

[Brett]

Ok, yeah, you were thinking of the GT, a completely different car.

So anyway, a mid-40k$ 500 hp Mustang? That is one serious, bang for the buck contender...... These HP wars are getting crazy. So much for the hallowed 60's eh?

[JBsC5]

40 grand for the coupe..

45 g's for the convertible.

Dealer markup not included...

[Brett]

Hmmm, I really thought this would be more shocking to everyone.

I mean, this is the first serious contender Mustang in just about....ever. I mean, 500 horsepower for ~45k? Does anyone see GM upping the LS2's horsepower sooner than we expect?

[DarkShark]

40 grand for the coupe..

45 g's for the convertible.

Dealer markup not included...

Ahhhh... just like the Solstice!:eyerole

[Brett]

Ahhhh... just like the Solstice!:eyerole

QFT. It's not like GM cars never have dealer markup (Z06?).

[vadim]

I mean, this is the first serious contender Mustang in just about....ever. I mean, 500 horsepower for ~45k? Does anyone see GM upping the LS2's horsepower sooner than we expect?
Today I got Car & Driver in the mail, with Corvette (not Z06) vs Ford Shelby GT500 comparison... From the article:

And the Corvette seats, in a word, stink. They offer zero lateral support ... The seats feel flimsy, too, and the leather is so slippery the driver is constantly sliding into an inadvertent slouch.
So with 100 less hp, problematic 2nd-to-3rd upshift, stinky seats, $10000 more expensive (as tested), and heavy variable assist steering - you'd think horsepower alone won't help Corvette...

But Corvette still smoked GT500 in almost all performance tests! And was declared a winner overall :L

PS Did I mention that 'Vette also showed a better mileage? ;)

[Brett]

But Corvette still smoked GT500 in almost all performance tests! And was declared a winner overall

Wow. Well that's good news. What kind of numbers did the 'stang put up? And what price did they put it at?

[vadim]

Wow. Well that's good news. What kind of numbers did the 'stang put up? And what price did they put it at?

Let's see... GT500 base is $41950 / $45000 est as tested, weights 3896 lb, 0 to 60 in 4.3 sec, 0 to 100 in 10.3, 1/4 mile in 12.9 @ 112, 70 to 0 in 172 ft, and top speed is governed at 155.

[Brett]

Wow. Unimpressive.

I thought the new Stang weighed around 3400. 3900 pounds for the GT500? What a pig!

[Dirtfarmer]

But Corvette still smoked GT500 in almost all performance tests! And was declared a winner overall :L

I'm not surprised, after all it's just a mustang. ;)

I need to get that Car & Driver. Thanks for the tip.

[Brett]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11152/2006-chevrolet-corvette.html

The C6 won by 20 points! (that's a lot in a C&D comparo)