> FORD SHELBY GT500 GOES TOPLESS: CONVERTIBLE VERSION ADDED TO SVT LINE-UP
> FOR 2007
> Most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history
> Unique cloth top features material found on much more expensive,
> exotic cars
> Supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 produces over 450-horsepower
> Hits showrooms in summer 2006
>
>
> 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.
>
>
> 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.
>
>
> “The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become
> instantly
> recognizable to enthusiasts,” says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT.
> “The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang
> muscle
> car with the classic Shelby performance look to expand SVT’s reach to a
> much bigger audience.”
>
>
> While the GT500 coupe’s exterior is punctuated by the classic Shelby
> LeMans-style stripes that race along the car from nose to tail, the
> convertible will be more subtle with just the side stripes along the
> rocker
> reading “GT500”.
>
>
> The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story but
> are
> not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. The reworked front
> fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood has
> heat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow and
> aerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look and
> result in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings,
> creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.
>
>
> The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT’s
> integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a
> classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons,
> the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.
>
>
> Continuing the snake logo tradition of previous SVT Mustang Cobras, and
> late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of
> the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille
> features
> an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. “GT500” is
> emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name “ SHELBY ” is
> prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the
> wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill
> plates. To top if off, the “gas cap” medallion between the taillights
> reads
> “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image.
>
> FOR 2007
> Most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history
> Unique cloth top features material found on much more expensive,
> exotic cars
> Supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 produces over 450-horsepower
> Hits showrooms in summer 2006
>
>
> 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.
>
>
> 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.
>
>
> “The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become
> instantly
> recognizable to enthusiasts,” says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT.
> “The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang
> muscle
> car with the classic Shelby performance look to expand SVT’s reach to a
> much bigger audience.”
>
>
> While the GT500 coupe’s exterior is punctuated by the classic Shelby
> LeMans-style stripes that race along the car from nose to tail, the
> convertible will be more subtle with just the side stripes along the
> rocker
> reading “GT500”.
>
>
> The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story but
> are
> not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. The reworked front
> fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood has
> heat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow and
> aerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look and
> result in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings,
> creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.
>
>
> The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT’s
> integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a
> classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons,
> the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.
>
>
> Continuing the snake logo tradition of previous SVT Mustang Cobras, and
> late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each feature an updated design of
> the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang, the front grille
> features
> an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. “GT500” is
> emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name “ SHELBY ” is
> prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the
> wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill
> plates. To top if off, the “gas cap” medallion between the taillights
> reads
> “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image.
>
oke:
