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BC Lightning
06-12-2006, 10:42 AM
Something Special
First Drive: 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
By EDMUNDS.COM EDITORS
http://cdn.digitalcity.com/ch_autos/2007fordshelbygt500_200
See more photos here (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/future/2007/ford/shelbycobragt500/100496762/photos.html)



Admit it. You sat on your hands when the original 1965-'70 Shelby Mustangs went on sale. And you did it again when those cars were still going for less than $30,000 a few years back. Now you're just another one of those annoying types, sitting around telling "coulda-woulda-shoulda" stories. Well, my bitter friend, you've got at least one more chance to buy a sub-$50,000 pony car blessed by the man responsible for Ford's original Cobra, GT40 and GT500. The 2007 Shelby GT500 is about to enter a showroom near you, and it's easily the most powerful and best-performing factory Mustang ever built.

The boys at Ford's SVT reunited with Carroll Shelby to create this super Mustang, and if you think it bears more than a passing resemblance to the 1968 GT500KR, you're right (which we feel is a good thing, by the way). But unlike the original GT500 nameplate (a random number that came from counting off steps in Shelby's 1960s-era workshop), this Mustang's moniker has a basis in fact. Yup, the 5.4-liter V8 under that vented hood makes an honest 500 horsepower, along with 480 pound-feet of torque.

See more pictures of the Shelby GT500 here (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/future/2007/ford/shelbycobragt500/100496762/photos.html)

There's a little Ford GT in every GT500 we build
Those figures aren't too surprising when you consider that much of the GT500's engine comes straight out of the Ford GT (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/new/2006/ford/gt/index.html) parts bin. The GT used an aluminum block with a dry-sump oil system and an Eaton "screw-type" supercharger creating 13.5 psi of boost. For the GT500, supplier and cost concerns required the use of a wet sump, cast-iron block and "Roots-type" supercharger with 9 psi of boost. But the Ford GT's four-valve aluminum heads transferred over unchanged, as did many smaller items, such as the piston rings and bearings.

Directing that power is a Tremec six-speed manual transmission featuring dual 215mm cerametallic clutch plates. The cerametallic coating can withstand extremely high temperatures, and the dual-disc design increases the clutch engagement surface area without requiring free-weight leg training to operate smoothly. This is exactly the same unit Ford used in the 2005 Grand Am Mustang -- the car that won last year's championship its first year out -- so they figure it's been adequately stress-tested for the GT500's street duty.

As those engine numbers suggest, the GT500 moves out with exotic-carlike verve when you boot the throttle. Its deep well of torque, combined with a low-frequency exhaust wail and high-pitched supercharger whine, make you want to access those 500 ponies again and again. The triple synchros in 1st and 2nd gear give the transmission a positive, crisp feel when swapping gears, and the overall driving experience manages to be both civilized and brutal, depending on where you position the accelerator pedal. Ford expects the car to pull zero to 60 in the mid-4-second range, a number that jibes with our internal accelerometers.

Talk About It


Like the new Shelby Mustang? Talk to others and tell us what you think:

Muscle Car Forums (http://messageboards.aol.com/aol/en_us/articles.php?boardId=528650&func=3&channel=Auto)




Heavy metal, capable cornering
If there's a downside to this drivetrain, it's poundage. Ford lists the GT500's curb weight at 3,920 pounds in coupe form and 4,040 pounds for the convertible. That's about 400 pounds more than the equivalent Mustang GT (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/new/2006/ford/mustang/index.html). Much of that bulk comes from the drivetrain, which is about 350 pounds heavier than the GT's. This also means the weight gain is largely on the front half of the car, suggesting front-end flabbiness compared to the base Mustang's nimble character. Yet we're happy to report that Ford didn't sacrifice the GT500's cornering capabilities for the sake of straight-line acceleration.

The independent MacPherson strut front suspension is reworked with stiffer shocks, higher spring rates and an upgraded stabilizer bar. The solid-axle rear suspension uses upgraded springs as well, along with a Panhard rod to control wheel movement. Suspension settings on the GT500 convertible were left a bit softer to reduce chassis flex, but happily both Shelby models (as well as all 2007 and later base Mustangs) benefit from chassis upgrades in the firewall, transmission tunnel and frame rails.

Our seat time in the GT500 included public road motoring as well as racetrack flogging, and it was at the track where we confirmed the Shelby's agile and willing demeanor. The confident and quick rack and pinion steering system, along with a liberal traction control system, effectively masked the car's 2-ton curb weight while allowing for a healthy bit of "slideways" action (think C6 Corvette's (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/new/2006/chevrolet/corvette/index.html) "Competition Mode"). Slowing the car was similarly worry-free, with Brembo four-piston calibers squeezing 14-inch vented rotors up front and 11.8-inch vented discs -- clamped by two-piston calibers -- in back (still more donor parts from the Ford GT program).

Mr. Shelby says, "Make it so"
A specific upgrade directed by Carroll Shelby himself had to do with the GT500's tire size. After driving a prototype, the Texas chicken farmer insisted on larger rolling stock to better manage the car's power and handling capabilities. One look at the car's 18-by-9.5-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear F1 rubber suggests he got his way. The 255/40 front tires contrast against the larger 285/40 rear tires to give the GT500 both functional and visual appeal.

Pimp my pony
Other bits of eye candy include the Shelby Mustang's larger front air intakes, wide Le Mans-style body stripes and requisite Cobra and GT500 emblems. Inside the cabin, buyers can stick with the basic charcoal black treatment or add red inserts to the seats and doors. All models feature a black leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter with contrasting red stitching, but an optional Performance Interior Trim Package will further dress up the instrument panel, center console and door armrests with leather inserts. This package also comes with an electrochromic, auto-dimming rearview mirror and aluminum pedal covers. Considering the $42,975 starting price for a GT500 coupe ($47,800 for the convertible) we'd expect higher-grade materials on the door panels and dash, but at least buyers will have the option to somewhat upgrade the interior's look and feel with this package (for an added cost).

Forty-three grand may seem a bit steep for a Mustang, but remember: This car's performance pedigree suggests it will easily challenge Corvettes and M3s (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/new/2006/bmw/m3/index.html), both of which cost substantially more. Of course, if you're still not convinced, you could always let yet another Shelby Mustang pass you by.

Just don't expect us to put up with any more "coulda-woulda-shoulda" stories.

BC Lightning
06-12-2006, 10:49 AM
forgot the link

http://autos.aol.com/article/power/v2/_a/something-special/20060609113009990001

tiffo60
06-12-2006, 10:50 AM
thats car defenitley has potential:cool:

Sandman
06-12-2006, 02:53 PM
It's going to be a wicked car. I've drooled over a lightning ever since the Gen 1 came out. My '04 is my dream truck, but this car will make me think about trading my truck in. It's the cover story this month for 50mustangandsuperfords, motor trend, and hot rod magazine. Motor trend quoted the base price for a coupe just a little lower. Just under $42k. 0-60 in 4.5 secs and 1/4 mile in 12.7 secs @ 116 mph.

Another link.
http://mustang50magazine.com/featuredvehicles/m5lp_0606w_2007_shelby_gt500_test_drive/

dboat
06-12-2006, 07:52 PM
just read an article in Car and Driver where the regular Corvette beats it in comparison.. not the Z06, just a regular Vette.. hmmm and the money isnt that much different either.

tiffo60
06-12-2006, 08:12 PM
just read an article in Car and Driver where the regular Corvette beats it in comparison.. not the Z06, just a regular Vette.. hmmm and the money isnt that much different either.

yeah but its only on about 9psi, add another 6 to 8 pounds of boost with good tune and traction and it will be a whole knew beast

BC Lightning
06-12-2006, 08:37 PM
yeah but its only on about 9psi, add another 6 to 8 pounds of boost with good tune and traction and it will be a whole knew beast

""screw-type" supercharger creating 13.5 psi of boost."

in the article the cobra they tested was making 13+ psi

tiffo60
06-12-2006, 08:41 PM
.


There's a little Ford GT in every GT500 we build
Those figures aren't too surprising when you consider that much of the GT500's engine comes straight out of the Ford GT (http://aolsvc.edmunds.com/new/2006/ford/gt/index.html) parts bin. The GT used an aluminum block with a dry-sump oil system and an Eaton "screw-type" supercharger creating 13.5 psi of boost. For the GT500, supplier and cost concerns required the use of a wet sump, cast-iron block and "Roots-type" supercharger with 9 psi of boost. But the Ford GT's four-valve aluminum heads transferred over unchanged, as did many smaller items, such as the piston rings and bearings.

Tex Arcana
06-12-2006, 10:10 PM
just read an article in Car and Driver where the regular Corvette beats it in comparison.. not the Z06, just a regular Vette.. hmmm and the money isnt that much different either.

Yeah, but it wan't much of a difference, especially given how much weight the GT500 gives away. :d

dboat
06-13-2006, 05:37 AM
Yeah, but it wan't much of a difference, especially given how much weight the GT500 gives away. :d


True, but getting rid of that weight isnt going to be that easy...

Dana

skalywags
06-13-2006, 07:54 AM
don't forget the mark-up that people have been talking about, by the dealers as well. At first it'll probably be $50,000. seems steep for a Mustang. I can think of quite a few cars I would look at that would be that cost, or at least close to it.

WA 2 FST
06-13-2006, 08:47 AM
don't forget the mark-up that people have been talking about, by the dealers as well. At first it'll probably be $50,000. seems steep for a Mustang. I can think of quite a few cars I would look at that would be that cost, or at least close to it.

They will be well over $50k. It will be a great car, but good grief... 3944lb curb weight. Give me a break. It _needs_ 500 hp and 4/6piston Brembos to move/stop a car that heavy.

Mark #2
06-13-2006, 08:06 PM
They will be well over $50k. It will be a great car, but good grief... 3944lb curb weight. Give me a break. It _needs_ 500 hp and 4/6piston Brembos to move/stop a car that heavy.
Yeah and 2 year old z06s with 10k miles are less than $40K.

Tex Arcana
06-13-2006, 09:20 PM
True, but getting rid of that weight isnt going to be that easy...

Dana

Aw, come on now, it's not hard at all: toss the rear seat, toss the front seats and put in lightweight racing seats, dump the carpet, the padding, the trunk linings, and you should be able to shed some poundage. :d

tiffo60
06-13-2006, 09:37 PM
Aw, come on now, it's not hard at all: toss the rear seat, toss the front seats and put in lightweight racing seats, dump the carpet, the padding, the trunk linings, and you should be able to shed some poundage. :d

dont forget sway bars, spare tire,jack, ect.:D

Tex Arcana
06-13-2006, 09:40 PM
dont forget sway bars, spare tire,jack, ect.:D

Ya gotta have the sway bars, can't turn well without them. :cool:

tiffo60
06-13-2006, 09:45 PM
Ya gotta have the sway bars, can't turn well without them. :cool:

i was think 1/4 and 1/8 mile drags:hammer:

Tex Arcana
06-13-2006, 10:03 PM
i was think 1/4 and 1/8 mile drags:hammer:
In that case, you can pull the steering wheel, the steering box, the tie rods--hell, ditch the spindles for kingpins, that'll save 20lbs right there... oh, yeah, don't forget to spool the diff, that'll knock off 50lbs... ditch the brakes on the front wheels... the parachute'll add back only about 10lb... :tongue: :rll:

WA 2 FST
06-13-2006, 10:24 PM
Why don't we just turn it into a rail dragster...? One that still would weigh 3400lbs. :rll: I can definitely think of better cars for $50k.

Tex Arcana
06-13-2006, 10:30 PM
Why don't we just turn it into a rail dragster...? One that still would weigh 3400lbs. :rll: I can definitely think of better cars for $50k.

Aw, hell, you can get it lighter'n that.. who needs roll bars or even trusses?? :rll:

Honestly, I think they should've priced it lower. Especially since it has that stick axle in it.

dboat
06-14-2006, 06:34 PM
with all that stuff out of it.. it will then keep up with the Vette and wont be worth a crap as a daily driver.. I stand by my original statement..

Or just get a reg Stang and do your own mods a lot cheaper..

WA 2 FST
06-14-2006, 07:30 PM
If you could get one for low-40s, then it would be a different story.

Comparing it to a 2-seater is tough b/c a lot of people need a backseat, even if its hardly ever used. What's cool is that its performance _is_ close to a C6 Vette. That is impressive.

But the marked up price isn't, and the fact it needs 100hp more to come close to the Vette just shows how heavy of a car it is.

Motor Trend compared it to the GTO and the Charger SRT-8. Performance-wise it crushes both those cars (2+2 category), but it will also be significantly more $$, too.

I like the new Cobra. I just don't like its price. ;)

Tex Arcana
06-14-2006, 08:17 PM
with all that stuff out of it.. it will then keep up with the Vette and wont be worth a crap as a daily driver.. I stand by my original statement..

Or just get a reg Stang and do your own mods a lot cheaper..

That's where I'm leaning, there's some mad power coming out of those 3v-4.6's. Met a guy with a red GT with the Saleen twinscrew blower kit on his, and he's delivering 575hp to the wheels. :eek2: Nothing to sneeze at there, and the car is better balanced. ;)

02BOLT
06-14-2006, 10:22 PM
I just received the latest issue of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, and there is a huge write up on the car in there, including a drag test(12.25 @ 117mph...stone stock:eek: ). Anyway, it is stated by Jim Campisano in the article, that the first few may well be going for over sticker, BUT they will be making upwards of 8,000 PER YEAR, for the next FIVE years. That's 40,000 units folks. So, while the initial run may bring ridiculous prices, they will come back down to earth as soon as the supply catches up with the demand.....and you know, at 8000 units per year, that won't take too long.

I just can't wait to see one...dropped...with some HRE's, long tubes, pulley, filter, and programmer. I realize the car is a pig in terms of weight, but those biotches are still gonna haul serious ass....and I'm sure I'll spill Dr. Pepper all over myself, the first time I see one on the road.:D

Tex Arcana
06-14-2006, 10:29 PM
I just received the latest issue of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, and there is a huge write up on the car in there, including a drag test(12.25 @ 117mph...stone stock:eek: ). Anyway, it is stated by Jim Campisano in the article, that the first few may well be going for over sticker, BUT they will be making upwards of 8,000 PER YEAR, for the next FIVE years. That's 40,000 units folks. So, while the initial run may bring ridiculous prices, they will come back down to earth as soon as the supply catches up with the demand.....and you know, at 8000 units per year, that won't take too long.

I just can't wait to see one...dropped...with some HRE's, long tubes, pulley, filter, and programmer. I realize the car is a pig in terms of weight, but those biotches are still gonna haul serious ass....and I'm sure I'll spill Dr. Pepper all over myself, the first time I see one on the road.:D
Which month is it?? I just subscribed, and I'm still waiting for my first. :(

BTW, you see their ad for Ford Truck Performance mag?? On newsstands NOW!

http://i6.tinypic.com/14eanh0.png

WA 2 FST
06-14-2006, 10:51 PM
I just received the latest issue of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, and there is a huge write up on the car in there, including a drag test(12.25 @ 117mph...stone stock:eek: ).

Which means at the fastest track in the land it is no faster than my 350rwhp Z06 was in my hands (relative novice compared to Evan Smith and the other MMFF drivers) down here in Texas (12.36 @ 116.xx on stock tires). With a novice driving at an average track, the Shelby will be a 12.6-12.7 car @ 114-115 at best. Not shabby, but for 500hp... its not great.

Yep, there is tons of potential with it. I have no doubt. Like you, I will certainly do a double-take when I see one in person on the street. :) I know there will be plenty running high-10s (and maintaining street manners) once they are modded.

skalywags
06-14-2006, 11:10 PM
Which means at the fastest track in the land it is no faster than my 350rwhp Z06 was in my hands (relative novice compared to Evan Smith and the other MMFF drivers) down here in Texas (12.36 @ 116.xx on stock tires). With a novice driving at an average track, the Shelby will be a 12.6-12.7 car @ 114-115 at best. Not shabby, but for 500hp... its not great.

Yep, there is tons of potential with it. I have no doubt. Like you, I will certainly do a double-take when I see one in person on the street. :) I know there will be plenty running high-10s (and maintaining street manners) once they are modded.
and how much was the Z06?
I like the Cobra, and yes ut'll be like the GT way overpriced with markups at first. But then toward the end it'll be like the last Cobra, with incentives. Maybe I will eventually get one, if they allow me to use the A/Z plan.

WA 2 FST
06-14-2006, 11:22 PM
My Z06 was $45k out-the-door brand new. Sure that was 4+ years ago, so in today's $$ it would have cost more (actually no it wouldn't b/c a 400hp C6 is in the mid-40s as well). But it took Ford til '07 with the mod motor to run mid-12s with a bone stock car that doesn't cost $200k FMV. <yawn>

I reiterate... I think the Cobra is cool. I also think it is at least 400lbs too heavy to compete in anything _but_ a straight line and even at that we know it takes lots more power, the heavier the vehicle is. This will induce more parts breakage (primarily drivetrain issues) down the road. Would I rather be racing a 550rwhp 3600lb '04 Cobra, or a 600rwhp 4000lb '07 Cobra? Assuming the drivetrain parts are of equal strength, the '04 will be more reliable. Throw a 450-475rwhp 3100lb car into the equation? That's a no-brainer.

However, I'm really glad Ford stuck with it and built the car. Whether they actually produce it for 4-5 years only time will tell, but at least it has made it to production while the rest of SVT has been neutered.

Sandman
06-15-2006, 09:26 AM
Which month is it?? I just subscribed, and I'm still waiting for my first. :(

BTW, you see their ad for Ford Truck Performance mag?? On newsstands NOW!

http://i6.tinypic.com/14eanh0.png

I have that issue. It is labeled "Fall 05" for the month. It says to display until December 6, 2005. I don't think you are going to get it.
It has some pretty good write ups in it.

wesman
06-15-2006, 12:02 PM
I just received the latest issue of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, and there is a huge write up on the car in there, including a drag test(12.25 @ 117mph...stone stock:eek: ). Anyway, it is stated by Jim Campisano in the article, that the first few may well be going for over sticker, BUT they will be making upwards of 8,000 PER YEAR, for the next FIVE years. That's 40,000 units folks. So, while the initial run may bring ridiculous prices, they will come back down to earth as soon as the supply catches up with the demand.....and you know, at 8000 units per year, that won't take too long.

I just can't wait to see one...dropped...with some HRE's, long tubes, pulley, filter, and programmer. I realize the car is a pig in terms of weight, but those biotches are still gonna haul serious ass....and I'm sure I'll spill Dr. Pepper all over myself, the first time I see one on the road.:D

That's the key, they're making 8-9k a year. I was seriously considering one, and I'm not a Mustang guy at all. THe new look has grown on me and I've been thinking about something to replace the 350Z. I think I'll keep on waiting, the weight of this thing and the # of units are both wayyyy to high.

The new Dodge Challenger Concept or new Camaro look pretty dman cool, we'll see how they do.

--wes

Tex Arcana
06-15-2006, 04:39 PM
I have that issue. It is labeled "Fall 05" for the month. It says to display until December 6, 2005. I don't think you are going to get it.
It has some pretty good write ups in it.
DAmmit, that thoroughly evacuates--and MMFF sent me an email THREE DAYS AGO telling me about this!! Oh, and I got my first issue, finally--July's. DAmmit, I bought that two weeks ago!! :flaming: I'm-a gonna b1tch!

02BOLT
06-17-2006, 06:08 PM
Which means at the fastest track in the land it is no faster than my 350rwhp Z06 was in my hands (relative novice compared to Evan Smith and the other MMFF drivers) down here in Texas (12.36 @ 116.xx on stock tires). With a novice driving at an average track, the Shelby will be a 12.6-12.7 car @ 114-115 at best. Not shabby, but for 500hp... its not great.

Yep, there is tons of potential with it. I have no doubt. Like you, I will certainly do a double-take when I see one in person on the street. :) I know there will be plenty running high-10s (and maintaining street manners) once they are modded.

Actually, they had to run it at Milan Dragway in Michigan(which from what I understand, is a pretty average track), versus their normal test venue in Jersey(Old Bridge Township). Evan Smith is notorious however, for getting some rediculously low times out of stock cars. I just thought it was cool that it can be done.

I agree with you in saying that the cars will probably run mid 12's in stock form on average. Also, according to the article, the car is very difficult to hook up on the stock tires. I also agree with you in that the cars are too heavy, but if you can get a 4800lb(w/driver) L into the mid-low 12's with a much less efficient top end(heads & blower), with a chip(programmer), pulley, and filter.....then the 600 lb less, GT500 ought to straigt up rock!

Plus, as I said before, IMO, that car is gonna look sick lowered with some serious wheels, and phat-ass rear tires!:tu: Just my opinion.

I just hope I can afford to get into one before they quit making them.

WA 2 FST
06-18-2006, 09:01 PM
Plus, as I said before, IMO, that car is gonna look sick lowered with some serious wheels, and phat-ass rear tires!:tu: Just my opinion.



I agree 100% :)

WA 2 FST
06-20-2006, 09:30 PM
Anyone know when they are actually going to hit the showroom floors? I would like to go see one when they come out.

02BOLT
06-21-2006, 07:00 PM
Anyone know when they are actually going to hit the showroom floors? I would like to go see one when they come out.

From what I understand, Job 1 was the first week of June. So, I'd look for them to start hitting local showrooms sometime around mid-July to August maybe. Just a guess on my part though.