Ford Introduces Another Shelby Mustang

Well, its not like we didnt see it coming. After all, with the launch of the Ford Shelby GT-H being such a success and garnering much media attention and even a few magazine covers, it stands to reason that Ford would choose to produce a retail version. After all, it doesnt make much sense to make a popular car that people cant even buy.

So without further ado, Ford would like to introduce you to the Shelby GT. A carbon copy of the GT-H with a few small differences, Ford hopes the GT will bridge the massive gap in performance between the Shelby GT500 and the standard Mustang GT. While product details have yet to be announced, its presumed that the new car will benefit from the same Ford Racing Power Pack as the GT-H, which means the Ford Shelby GT will have the same 3.54 inch (90 mm) cold air intake, performance exhaust (including an X-pipe), and performance ECU tune providing 25 more horsepower than the standard Mustang GT. That brings the total to 325 horsepower (torque also increases by 10 lb-ft), which coincidentally, is still 175 horsepower off the 500 ponies the amazing GT500 lays down. The largest departure from the GT-H is rumored to be the transmission, which in the retail car should be a choice of automatic or manual, while all GT-Hs make do with the slushbox.

Such a wide disparity in performance from GT to GT500 might lead one to conclude that Ford may be mistaken in their bid to use this breathed-on Mustang GT to bridge the gap, and rightfully so. But while it may lag behind when it comes to the dyno rollers, a suspension pack featuring parts inspired by the FR500C race car means this new Shelby promises to be a worthy heir the old GT350s road-racing crown. Firmer dampers, lowering springs, thicker sway bars and a strut tower brace mean the Ford Shelby GT should be a worthy track day car, and no doubt many will see duty on the racetracks of North America. Finally, for those less legal races, Ford finished off the suspension with a rear end stuffed full of shorter 3.55 gears, for added performance off the line.

Of course, it just wouldnt be a Shelby Mustang without a few visual cues, and the new GT doesnt disappoint thanks to the same front fascia as the GT-H, even down to the billet grille. The hood, on the other hand, is unique. Photos show what appears to be a stock Mustang GT hood with hood-pins instead of the standard latch, and a small stick-on scoop replacing the GT-Hs power bulge. From this point back the GT and GT-H look almost identical, with photos of the new car showing the trunk devoid of the GT-Hs wing and of course forgoing the rental cars signature black and gold paint scheme. The production car will be available in white with silver stripes, or black with silver stripes, plus chromed alloy wheels.