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Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500If you're a Shelby fan, you may know that Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500 was the first Mustang to carry the famous "Cobra" name. While there were other Mustang Cobras over the years, including the less than spectacular Mustang ll models and the much more impressive SVT Cobra pony cars, fresh from the engineers in the Special Vehicle Technology department, the GT500 disappeared until 2007. GT500 HistoryThe First Shelby GT500 made its appearance a a 1967 model and boasted a big and powerful 428 cubic inch V8 engine, producing an underrated 355 horsepower and 420 pounds of big block torque. Click the link for more 1967 Shelby information . 1968The 1968 GT500 boasted a styling update and a new assembler. While the originals began life in Los Angeles, the new 1968 models were relocated a little closer to Ford's home at the A.O. Smith Company's Michigan assembly plant. 1969The 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, along with the new '69 Mustang, brought major styling changes. Shelby's version, extended both ends of the vehicle, making it longer and more serious. 1970The 1970 Model, signaled the last year of the Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500 until some 37 years later. Little more than a sell off of the remaining 1969 models, it was nonetheless a car worth coveting.... 2007 Shelby GT500The year 2007 marked the 40th anniversary and return of the Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500. Naturally, the muscular pony car couldn't just have any engine, even though the 2007 Mustang GT engine produced a very respectable 300 horsepower. GT500 Super SnakeCaroll Shelby, never a man to sit on his laurels, told his engineers that he wanted something even better than the "standard" Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500. A car so good, that it would blow the doors off anything out there. What developed, was the venomous 2007 GT500 Super Snake , a limited edition, enhanced car that produced 600 - 750 horsepower, depending on whether a warranty was important to you. ( 750 hp = no warranty) The amazing fastback Mustang featured a heavy assortment of Ford Racing parts, improving handling, braking,cooling, while adding distinctive styling to further set it apart from the pack. 2008 To 2009Following up with a one-two punch, the 2008 and 2009 Shelbys were similarly impressive. But 2010 brought a new beast which not only increased power, but incredibly, was more fuel efficient. ( who says you can't have your cake and eat it too ? ) But probably the crown achievement for the 2009 model was the awesome 2009 GT500KR king of the road. With a 5.4 liter supercharged engine pumping out 540 horsepower, it was truly an American Supercar. 2008 Shelby GT500 Super SnakeThe , 2008 GT500 Super Snake was actually, a carryover 2007 Shelby, but considering the performance and handling of this amazing package, the fact that little could be done to improve the beast, says a lot about just how good this car really is. 2010 and 2011It's amazing, just how far the venerable small block Ford V8 has come. With the introduction of the Ford Coyote engine, an all new 5.0 liter V8 boasting a factory stock 412 horsepower. But if you're name is Shelby, that's just not good enough. While a 5.0 liter V8 is "sufficient" for the basic Ford Mustang, the Shelby has had the larger and more potent 5.4 liter V8, capable of producing more gut wrenching torque and high horsepower output. Not fettered by a need for modesty, the Ford SVT team and Shelby engineers, created an all aluminum 5.4 version of the cast iron engine, featuring new Plasma TRansferred Wire Arc technology cylinder lining. Instead of sleeving, this system coats the cylinder walls with a tough durable surface that reduces weight and reduces friction. The resulting improvements, push horsepower up to 550 and torque up to a big block territory 510 lbs. With improvements in braking, suspension and tune, these pony cars bear little resemblance to Ford's secretary's car. |
