As Jack Roush is in hospital recovering from his recent plane crash, the last car he made in collaboration with Ford and Carrol Shelby for charity, the SR-71 Mustang,  has been auctioned off for $375,000. As promised all proceeds goes to to the EAA’s (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles program. The car itself, which is a one-off, has an aircraft theme inspired by Lockheed Martin SR-71 “Blackbird”.

For official pictures and details of the SR-71 Mustang Click Here.

A few days ago we told you about this one-off aviation-themed Ford Mustang made in a joint project between Ford, Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush, which will be auctioned for Charity on Thursday, July 29 at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Now the company released official pictures of the finished car, and it looks really awesome! The paint job on this Mustang is inspired by the Lockheed Martin SR-71 “Blackbird”.

Press Release:

Two automotive icons, legendary racer and manufacturer Carroll Shelby, and world-renowned racer, engineer and designer Jack Roush, have come together in their first vehicle collaboration project to join Ford in creating a one-off 2011 Mustang, the aviationthemed
SR-71 “Blackbird.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles July 29 during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and all of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be held from July 26 to Aug. 1 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

The “SR-71” designation holds a dual meaning for the one-of-a-kind, fully-customized Mustang. First, “SR-71” refers to the car’s design and performance-inspired connection with the SR-71 Blackbird, the aircraft that holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular planes ever produced. Second, “SR” represents the first collaborative project between Shelby and Roush. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer led design for the project and Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak led the engineering effort. Ford Racing Performance Parts were also added to further enhance the exclusivity of the car. The sale of the SR-71 “Blackbird” will highlight an evening of festivities at the EAA Gathering of Eagles July 29 during AirVenture.

The group that will directly benefit from the auction proceeds is EAA’s Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.5 million young people since 1992, while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. “Ford Motor Company’s historic tie to aviation is no better represented than by the company’s commitment as a continued partner of EAA and AirVenture, a celebration of flight here in Oshkosh that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman and president. “Ford’s generosity in donating the Mustang SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ to the Gathering of Eagles further demonstrates a dedication to supporting aviation and inspiring aviation enthusiasts of all ages.”

In 2008, Ford’s inaugural vehicle specially-built in support of the Young Eagles, the one-of-a-kind Mustang AV8R, raised a record $500,000 for the charity. “The excitement around the 2008 AV8R, our first one-off Mustang ever produced, inspired us to push for another, first, the collaboration of Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush,” said Edsel B Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “This year’s SR-71 Blackbird is a special tribute to Ford’s lineage of performance vehicles, as well as to the promising innovators of EAA’s Young Eagles.”

Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1 million to support the Young Eagles. The Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” is Build #1 of 1 and presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors. The vehicle is based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 with the glass roof option. Ford Racing performance modifications (Supercharger, Handling Pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips) generate 100 additional horsepower from the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine. The special racing Handling Pack optimizes the performance experience and lowers the ride height by 1-inch.

From there, the car takes on a design personality similar to that of the original SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The Mustang’s stunning design theme includes black and gray matte exterior paint with harmonious SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing to reflect the car’s connection with its namesake aircraft, which made its inaugural flight in 1964, the year the first Ford Mustang came off the line. The “Blackbird” nickname is reflected in the car’s exterior paint treatment, complete with markings from the liquids which leaked and streaked until the plane came up to speed. A unique screen print glass roof design and exterior artwork reflect the unbridled spirit of the Ford Design team.

The interior cockpit will seat only two and includes a roll-cage, racing seats and fire extinguisher, The signatures of Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby are embroidered into the seats, and special gauges and instrument cluster graphics have been added.

Enhancing the value and allure of the vehicle, the Mustang SR-71 “Blackbird” will feature an appliqué autograph area capturing Roush and Shelby’s signatures and badging to further reinforce the uniqueness of the car. The vehicle will be on display at the Ford Hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh beginning July 26.
Additionally, Ford and EAA will give AirVenture attendees the chance to win a 2011 Mustang GT convertible and other cash prizes in a raffle, with proceeds benefiting the EAA Young Eagles program.
During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular “Ford Hangar” on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Ford activities will include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

Design Vision

·         Modify a new 2011 Mustang GT glass roof coupe.
·         Design led by Darrell Behmer, Mustang Chief Designer.
·         Engineering led by Dave Pericak, Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer.
·         Exterior paint in unique non-production matte and silver treatment with SR-71 cues.
·         Harmonious paint and graphic treatment could include: Blackbird accents, fluid discharge markings, abstract Air Force Star and Bar, LM Skunk Works elements, glass roof etching treatment, etc.
·         Interior modifications planned include: performance gauges, modified nav screen & instrument clusters, racing seats & steering wheel, rear seat delete, roll cage, IP badging, unique sill plates & floor mats
·         Performance modifications could include:  Ford Racing Super Charger, Handling Pack, Tuned Exhaust, Exhaust Tips, and SVT Track Pack wheels in custom paint.
·         Pursuing rear seat delete approach to accentuate cockpit environment.
·         Lower a minimum of 1 inch.
·         Autograph areas to capture Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush signatures and badging to reinforce the unique nature of this build.

Engine & Performance

·         Provide a truly unique and highly valued vehicle to excite enthusiasts and collectors.
·         Amplify the legendary connections associated with this project: Carroll Shelby, Jack Roush, Lockheed SR-71, and Ford Mustang.
·         Go beyond the automotive connections – Shelby as USAF flight instructor, Roush P-51 pilot.
·         Generate enthusiasm and bolster opinion among the 580,000 AirVenture attendees – car vs. plane races, Shelby GT350/500 vs. Roush Stage 3/427R.
·         Expand impressions through integration in EAA website, PA announcements, auto and aviation industry publications, and on-site promotion.
·         Showcase Ford/Roush/Shelby relationships and collaboration to support EAA Young Eagles.
·         Further cement Ford Motor Company as the leading partner in AirVenture through our deep and unwavering support of EAA objective to provide funds for youth interested in aviation careers.  Three FMC vehicles have raised $1 million for the Young Eagles – the Mustang AV8R raised $500,000 in 2008, the AV-X10 generated $250,000 in 2009, and the Mustang GTH raised $250,000 in 2006.

Thanks ashoush for the tip!

Carroll Shelby has teamed up with an old buddy of him, Don ‘The Snake’ Prudhomme and these fellas prepared an old school tuning package for the Mustang Shelby GT500 and the goal of this project is to make a dragster for everyday use! You can have it on every GT500 from 2007 to 2010 models. The 5.4 supercharged V8 in this car produces 800 hp on race fuel while on regular petrol it still can kill you with 750hp! Furthermore it’s equipped with adjustable racing suspension, racing exhaust system and 5 point racing belts. By default it comes with dragster wheels and tyres but can order ordinary ones as well.

They actually say the idea behind this car is what they used to do in 60′s, driving the dragster to the drag strip, doing mind blowing times and then driving it home again! and that’s the coolest idea I’ve recently heard in the whole auto industry! This package comes with a $100,000 price tag plus the cost of GT500! Ouch!

Press

Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc.. (CSBI.PK) has returned to drag racing with a limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the Shelby GT500 Mustang. (CSBI.PK) has returned to drag racing with a limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the Shelby GT500 Mustang. Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme unveiled the program during a private reception at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme Unveiled the program during a private reception at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. The drag racing inspired 800 horsepower post title package was a collaboration between Shelby Autos and Don Prudhomme, who successfully drove a top fuel car for Carroll Shelby in the 1968 NHRA season. The drag racing inspired 800 Horsepower post title package was a collaboration between Shelby Autos and Don Prudhomme, who successfully drove a top fuel car for Carroll Shelby in the 1968 NHRA season.

Each year, the Automobile Club of Southern California holds a dinner to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on the first night of the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals. Each year, the Automobile Club of Southern California holds a dinner to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on the first night of the O’Reilly Kragen NHRA Winter Nationals. In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the first race that Mr. In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the first race that Mr. Prudhomme drove for Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Autos team unveiled the new drag racing package that they developed together over the past year. Prudhomme drove for Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Autos team Unveiled the new drag racing package that they developed together over the past year.

“Don is an exceptional drag racer and I’m proud that he drove my first Top Fuel car in 1968,” noted Carroll Shelby. “Don is an exceptional drag racer and I’m proud that he drove my first Top Fuel car in 1968,” noted Carroll Shelby. “By leveraging Don’s experience, we turned a really good car into a great drag racer that will beat up on the MOPAR and bow tie brigade right out of the box.” “By leveraging Don’s experience, we turned a really good car into a great drag racer that will beat up on the Mopar and bow tie brigade right out of the box.”

The program is a post-title package for 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars already in the hands of owners. The program is a post-title package for 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars already in the hands of owners. To create the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake, Shelby Autos pumps up the 5.4L supercharged engine to produce 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. To create the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake, Shelby Autos pumps up the 5.4L Supercharged engine to produce 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. The Shelby includes a Kenne Belle 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. The Shelby Belle Have includes a modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end, a five-point safety harness and a Impact Borla side exhaust system. A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires are included to improve traction during launches; optional street tires are available. A front and rear adjustable BMR drag racing suspension and tires are included to improve traction during launches; optional street tires are available. For a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics, side lower rockers are incorporated. For a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics, lower side rockers are incorporated. Only 100 total packages at $100,000 (not including car) will be offered. Only 100 total packages at $ 100,000 (not including car) will be offered.

“Working with Don on this project was a great experience for our design team,” noted Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Working with this project on Thursday was a great experience for our design team,” noted Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “Carroll and Don earned their stripes in competition over the years, so we had to build a car that would continue their racing domination. “Carroll and Don earned their stripes in competition over the years, so we had to build a car that would continue their racing domination. Our Prudhomme Edition GT500 Super Snake builds on that legacy and gives Shelby enthusiasts today a way to rule the quarter mile in their town.” Our GT500 Super Snake Prudhomme Edition builds on that legacy and Shelby enthusiasts today gives a way to rule the quarter mile in their town. “

By the mid-1960s, Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme were both at the top of their respective games. By the mid-1960s, Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme were both at the top of their respective games. Prudhomme was one of the winningest Top Fuel drag racers in the country. Prudhomme was one of the winningest Top Fuel drag racers in the country. Shelby was a racer-turned-builder of Cobras, GT40s and Mustangs who won endurance and road racing championships worldwide. Shelby was a racer-turned-builder of Cobras, Mustangs and GT40s who won endurance and road racing Championships worldwide. His company even offered drag racing packages for privateers to compete in their Cobra or Shelby Mustang on the strip. His company even offered drag racing packages for private eers to competitive in their Cobra or Shelby Mustang on the strip.

“The Snake” and the Cobra’s creator teamed in 1968 for an NHRA ride. “The Snake” and the Cobra’s creator TEAMED in 1968 for an NHRA ride. Prudhomme’s Ford Cammer-powered rail made its debut as “Shelby’s Super Snake at the 1968 Winternationals. Prudhomme’s Ford-powered rail camstar made its debut as “Shelby’s Super Snake at the 1968 Winter Nationals. He won the race and drove the rest of the season under the Shelby banner. He won the race and drove the rest of the season under the Shelby banner.

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme’s successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times. Thursday “The Snake” Prudhomme’s successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times. He was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. He was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. In 1994, he began managing his own racing team, which won the Top Fuel championship in 2002 and 2003. In 1994, he began managing his own racing team, which won the Top Fuel championship in 2002 and 2003. Prudhomme was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000. Prudhomme was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991 and the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

“It’s been a great opportunity to work with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this amazing program,” added Prudhomme. “It’s been a great opportunity to work with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this amazing program,” Prudhomme added. “I’m honored that Carroll gave me this honor to build a car that’s true to his legacy and my efforts to move them across the finish line first. “I’m honored that Carroll gave me this honor to build a car that’s true to his legacy and my efforts to move them across the finish line first. The car can be tuned to deliver over 800 horsepower on race gas, which should pretty fast. The car can be tuned to deliver about 800 Horsepower on race gas, which should pretty fast. It’s well sorted out package that is capable of dusting the competition in the Shelby way.” It’s well sorted out package that is capable of dusting the competition in the Shelby way. “

The Prudhomme Edition Shelby GT500 Super Snake is intended to be truly a road and track car. The Prudhomme Edition Shelby GT500 Super Snake is intended to be truly a road and track car.

“The thing I really think is cool about this car is that you can drive it both on the track and on the street,” added Prudhomme. “The thing I really think is cool about this car is that you can drive it both on the track and on the street,” Prudhomme added. “It reminds me of how drag racing used to be back in the day when we would drive our cars to the drag strip, race them, and drive them home at the end of the day. “It reminds me of how drag racing used to be back in the day when we would drive our cars to the drag strip, race them, and drive them home at the end of the day. That’s maybe the neatest thing about this car.” That’s maybe the neatest thing about this car. “

Carroll Shelby should be proud of this. Ford released details of the most powerful factory Pony, 2010 Shelby GT500 before official debut at Detroit Motorshow this month. It will hit the showrooms in Spring. First things first, GT500 features a 5.4-liter DOHC V8 with supercharger and intercooler, great recepie, which develops 540 Horsepower and 510 ft-lbs. of torque. This is actually the pinnacle of what Ford’s SVT unit can achieve.

It comes with a six speed twin-disc proper manual gearbox which suits the car very well, because you do not want stupid paddle shifters in a muscle car with supercharged engine, that would ruin the whole experience. Ford says it has a refined suspension which unlike previous versions CAN live up to the performance it delivers, so the handling is expected to be as good as the way GT500 looks. Interior features a lot of upgrades as well. There are plenty of leather and alcantara as well as aluminum panels, and a very nice satellite entertainment system. I particularly like the chubby steering wheel.

Mustang Shelby GT 500 will be available in both Coupe and Convertible variants and either way this is one of the coolest cars money can buy next year. Just look at it! It is packed with passion and enthusiasm, the macho aggressive style, white stripes, a massive engine and a perfect interior with great sound system and a brilliant gear knob and of course Shelby name and Cobra batch on it! What else could you want from a car! This is one desirable car. I don’t care if it still corners like a dog or despite what they say about better fuel efficiency, it max 5 mpg or so, I like this car because it is enormous fun, it has heritage, and it is focused on one thing, Driving Pleasure!

[View with PicLens]

detailed details is press relese below!

• Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 increased to 540 horsepower, torque increased to 510 foot-pounds, downforce increased and drag reduced
• New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency
• Aggressive new exterior design features, new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet
• 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring

The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang – and a few surprises, too.

“The 2010 Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford’s continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, the 2010 Shelby GT500 is an estimated 2 miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway.”

“We’re proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we’ve now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobras from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.

“Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang,” stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang’s leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable.”

“The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. “We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that.”

More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality
The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine expected to produce 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car’s aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby’s appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.

The Shelby’s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine’s efficiency.

A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger – 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model – and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust.

A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.

The Shelby’s distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.

“You still hear the supercharger but not so that it’s intrusive,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “It’s the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you’re driving something special, but you don’t want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

“We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It’s a nice balance; one isn’t overpowering the other.”

Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT’s signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.

Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control.

The team also stiffened the steering shaft.

“All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” Hameedi said. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.”

The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a “recipe” for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear’s team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.

The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates “blade” spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System.

Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

“We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible,” Baldori said. “We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths.

“The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we’ve increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Shelby GT500.”

Directing the air so it’s used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car’s “flush” hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler. SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500’s distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.

A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets
The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Mustang lineup. “The design we chose was a ‘flush’ hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle,” Hameedi said. “That’s very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very, very different from the base Mustang.”

“This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang,” added George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. “It’s all about power and expressing power.”

Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.

Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. “Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles,” Hameedi notes. “That’s something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA – maybe more so than some of our competition.”

Rounding out the Shelby’s exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features, round out the exterior modifications. “We wanted the spoiler raked back aggressively to minimize drag, but we also have an integrated Gurney Flap that provides the downforce,” Saridakis said.

What’s inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500
The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.

Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. “You’ll definitely know you’re in a Shelby,” said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, Shelby GT500.

The genuine aluminum finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the “GT500” logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.

This unique aluminum finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang’s powerful heritage. The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word “SHELBY” engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button.

All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red “SVT” logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate.

“When customers drive this car, they’re not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they’re going to see all these carefully designed details and know they’ve bought a well-crafted car,” Saridakis said.

Even the classic white shift knob – an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past – received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.

Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500
The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including:

• SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
• 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
• Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.
• Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.

Available options:

• Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring. The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.