Another SEMA unveiling and this time it’s from automotive legend Carroll Shelby and his company Shelby Automobiles with the introduction of the 40th anniversary limited edition package for the GT500 Mustang. This package was brought about to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Shelby GT500 Mustang (1967-2007). It will be available in the first quarter of 2007, and be sold exclusively through Shelby Automobiles Las Vegas headquarters and a national dealer network.
The package features a wide range of components including carbon fiber lower front fascia splitter and mirror covers, aluminum hood grille inserts, deck lid SHELBY letter kit, sequential tail lamps, front and rear brake duct kits, Anniversary stripe package (convertible models), special optional 20” American Racing Shelby Razor wheels and various 40th Anniversary badging including side, grille and trunk badges.
The modifications on this limited edition Shelby are quite extensive and should cost a pretty penny although no prices have been annouced. If I was to guess at the cost of this upgrade I would say it has to be north of $5K without the 20″ wheels. According to a few sources only 1,000 of these packages will be produced to keep exclusivity to a minimum.
Interior Mods Include:
Consecutively numbered dash plaque
Special 40th Anniversary Shelby door sill plates with consecutive number
Special Floor mats
Shelby snake door handles
Dash mounted gauge cluster with three Carroll Shelby/Autometer carbon fiber gauges (boost, oil and fuel pressure)
40th Anniversary arm rest cover
Convertibles get a light bar with solenoid activated light system
Additional Features Include:
Consecutive number plate authenticating the package in the engine bay
Special billet aluminum caps and covers for power steering, radiator, brake master cylinder, windshield washer fluid bottle and oil dip stick
Shelby Signature Borla exhaust system
Shelby/Eibach suspension upgrade (coil over system)
These packages will not be installed on the assembly line but rather the GT500’s will be delivered to SAI’s new modification center in Las Vegas for complete assembly.
For detailed information check out the press release below. Enjoy…
Press Release: Shelby Automobiles Unveils Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Package for Shelby GT500 Mustang under the Guidance of Automotive Icon Carroll Shelby.
Shelby Automobiles, Inc.(SAI) a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), will celebrate the 40th anniversary (1967-2007) of the Shelby GT500 Mustang with a limited edition upgrade component package. The new package will kick-off a new Shelby Modification Center at SAI’s Las Vegas headquarters. Through the leadership of legendary racecar driver and Cobra creator Carroll Shelby, the limited Shelby GT500 40th Anniversary packages will include distinct visual elements and performance upgrades. The Shelby GT500 40th Anniversary package will make its debut at the Ford Motor Company Booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
“The Shelby GT500 has always had a mean street presence with power to back it up,” said Carroll Shelby, Chairman of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “We’ve added more performance and more in your face looks to the most powerful factory Mustang ever built.”
The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition packages will be installed at SAI’s new modification center. Customers will deliver their GT500’s to SAI’ World Headquarters where each vehicle will be customized with the anniversary package.
“Our Mustang business has expanded rapidly through the development and production of the Shelby GT-H and the upcoming Shelby GT,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “The mod center will allow us to do special exclusive cars for a limited group of customers and allow for continued research and development for mainstream production programs.”
If looks could kill:
The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition package includes a host of components to let others know that something special is prowling the streets. On the menacing outside components include carbon fiber lower front fascia splitter and mirror covers; aluminum hood grille inserts; deck lid SHELBY letter kit; sequential tail lamps; front and rear brake duct kits; Anniversary stripe package (convertible models); special optional 20” American Racing Shelby Razor wheels and various 40th Anniversary badging including side, grille and trunk badges.
Inside there is a consecutively numbered dash plaque, special 40th Anniversary Shelby door sill plates with consecutive number; floor mats; Shelby snake door handles; center dash mounted gauge cluster with three Carroll Shelby/Autometer carbon fiber gauges (boost, oil and fuel pressure); 40th Anniversary arm rest cover and for convertibles a light bar with solenoid activated light system.
The engine bay receives a consecutive number plate authenticating the package and installation from SAI and special billet aluminum caps and covers for power steering, radiator, brake master cylinder, windshield washer fluid bottle and oil dip stick.
Backing it up:
With 500 horsepower out of the gate, the Shelby GT500 can run like no other pony that ever grazed a field. The 40th Anniversary Package ups the ante with additional power by utilizing the Shelby Signature Borla exhaust system. The cat-back system is designed to maximize power and give a nice robust “big-block” sound.
Getting the power to the ground is one thing. Being able to utilize what you want when going into the corners is another. One key element to the 40th Anniversary package is the new Shelby/Eibach suspension upgrade for GT500. This new coil over systems allows for adjustability for both straight line and road course tracks. The new spring/shock combination lowers the front a maximum of 0.8-inch and the rear 1.6-inches for a very aggressive appearance and lower center of gravity. In addition bigger anti-way bars are included for reduced body roll. The result is flat precise cornering without a harsh ride.
“We have designed the 40th Anniversary to honor the special legacy of the GT500 and provide a limited few a very special car,” said Boylan. “This limited edition package is only the first for the mod shop and the first upgrades from SAI for the GT500. There is much more to come.”
Available in the first quarter of 2007, the 40th Anniversary Limited Edition will be sold exclusively through Shelby Automobiles Las Vegas headquarters and a national dealer network. Interested buyers can contact Shelby Automobiles at (702) 942-7325 or visit the company’s web site at www.shelbyautos.com for more info.
It’s back in crate form, the 5.0-liter 302 cubic inch V-8 which made it’s debut in 1969 is making a comeback. Ford is reviving the lengendary engine for the aftermarket with a new line of BOSS 302 crate engines that will go on sale in the first part of 2007. The suggested retail price for the BOSS 302 block is affordable at $1,759, while complete BOSS engines range from $4,650 to $10K for the 500 horsepower BOSS 331 cubic inch engines. All BOSS engines come with a 12 month/12K mile limited warranty.
The unvieling of these crate engines is being made at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this week and Ford has given the engine to four car builders so they can place the new BOSS 302 in their 2006 show vehicles. Read below for all the information and specs.
Press Release:
Ford today announced at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show that it is reviving the legendary 5.0-liter 302 cubic inch V-8 engine for the aftermarket with a new line of BOSS 302 crate engines, which will go on sale in early 2007.
Making its debut in 1969, the original BOSS 302 powered a limited production Mustang model sold for two years, which was known as the BOSS 302. The car got its name from the legendary engine that powered the Mustang to a Sports Car Club of American Trans-Am series win in 1970.
“The original BOSS 302 was a race winning engine. Sharing the DNA from the original BOSS 302, the new BOSS 302 begins with a block designed with racing in mind from the beginning,” said Jamie Allison, manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “Whether racing in a sealed engine class, building an all-out drag racing engine or looking for a street performer, the BOSS 302 block and engine family meets the needs of all Ford 302 enthusiasts at a price that is comparable to a performance-prepped stock 302.”
The new Ford Racing Performance Parts BOSS 302 line was conceived because there was an unmet need for engines built from a block stronger than original regular production 302 blocks but more affordable than full race-prepped blocks. The new BOSS 302 engine block features greater strength than most race blocks and offers a street-capable cooling system design, something that race specific blocks tend to sacrifice.
Despite its strength and capability, the new BOSS 302 line is surprisingly affordable because of its high volume production. And since it was designed within Ford Motor Company, the engine also benefits from the improved quality and durability that comes with a production type engine.
“The original BOSS 302 delivered less than 300 hp. Today, enthusiasts are making 500 hp street cars and they need a robust block. Race-specific blocks offer the strength required but cool poorly for street use and are very expensive for the average enthusiast,” says Allison.
Built from the all new BOSS 302 block, the BOSS crate engines feature performance and packaging that accommodate displacements from 302 to 363 cubic inches. Entry level engines feature the Ford Racing GT-40X Xtra Performance Turbo Swirl aluminum heads to retain stock exhaust locations and are rated at 340 and 345 hp. Higher performance versions include Ford Racing’s “Z”-head equipped 302 and 347 cubic inch engines rated between 360 and 450 hp, depending on configuration. The BOSS engine series is capped by a 500 hp 331 cubic inch engine that showcases the capability of the new block by breathing through all new ported Z-heads.
Features that separate the new BOSS 302 from its competition include:
4-bolt mains for lower-end stability at high power outputs
High-tin 41,000 PSI tensile strength iron alloy for ultimate strength
Nodular iron main caps for additional strength
Screw-in freeze plugs for additional more strength and stability
Front cross-over lifter oiling for high RPM valvetrain capability
Siamese bores with specifically engineered drillings between cylinders for maximum wall stability and gasket sealing with street capable cooling performance
The suggested retail price for the BOSS 302 block is and affordable $1,759, with BOSS engines ranging from $4,650 to $10,000 for the 500 hp BOSS 331 cubic inch engines. The engines come with a 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty.
Like the original Boss 302 that was engineered for Trans Am racing, the new BOSS 302 features trickle down performance from racing in the American Speed Association (ASA) Late Model circle track series. A sealed circle track version of a 347 cubic inch BOSS engine will be available both for ASA and NASCAR circle track racers in time for the 2007 season.
Debuting in four SEMA display vehicles, four premier car builders placed the new BOSS 302 in their 2006 show vehicles. All the builders chose to use a 302 cubic inch engine, staying true to the original namesake.
Featured builders are:
Dan Web – Award-winning hot rod creator is featuring a 390 hp BOSS engine in his 1933 Ford 3-window coupe.
Galpin Ford – Known for their “Galpinized” custom creations, they built a “retro-mod” 2007 Mustang featuring a 360 hp BOSS engine.
Chip Foose – Created the new “Powered by Ford BOSS 302” from a 1970 Mustang for the show Overhaulin’; public reveal at SEMA.
Hotrods and Horsepower – Created the SEMA Deuce, a commemorative vehicle for the 2006 SEMA show featuring a 360 hp BOSS engine.
For more information on these engines and other Ford Racing Performance Parts, visit: www.fordracingparts.com.
Not everyone can afford an original Chip Foose Stallion Mustang but most can afford the $27.99 for the almost realistic looking 2006 Stallion diecast model. This replica diecast model along with four others including a 67 Mustang Fastback, 70 Monte Carlo, 71 Chevelle, and Impression model were created for that sole purpose and are available through chipfoose.com. These diecast cars feature metal and plastic parts, opening hood, trunk & door, chrome wheels with real rubber tires. Models are 1/20 scale and are approximately 9″ long. For more photos and information on all five models click here.
You are probably saying to yourself, what the heck am I starring at. Well it’s my trunk in a nutshell or should I say the mess I call my trunk. I thought it would be interesting to do a blog entry on what I would find in my trunk and why. To get started I have to say I am no anal bastard when it comes to keeping my trunk clean but the rest of my car is another story. I feel the trunk of your car is truly the only place nobody really ever sees so why clean it when you don’t have to.
Ok on to the contents, if you have looked over the photo you will definately notice the golf clubs which by the way are King Cobra’s, and no I did not buy them just because I have a Cobra, it just worked out that way. Yes I do play but I am not the second coming of Tiger Woods in any way. You will also notice some unopened golf balls along with a few empty boxes from a tournament I recently played in. The next thing you are probably wondering why I have in my trunk is the Saw Zaw, no I am not some mass murderer going around hacking up my victims with an electric saw. I brought it home from work one day to cut some branches off my tree, that was 3 months ago and it’s still there. Another item is an unopened Corona bottle (mostly what I drink) which has been there about as long as the Saw Zaw, it’s a miracle it has not broken with the way I drive. A few things you can’t see in the pic is a ton of trash which probably layers the bottom of my trunk along with some oddball clothes and a pair of Soccer cleats (those stink). I don’t like to litter so I just pick up stuff from inside my car and throw it in my trunk to keep the appearance the interior of my car is clean.
If you have a trunk full of goodies I would like to hear from you in the comments. I know the contents of my trunk have to be pretty mild compared to some people so post up and give me a good laugh. Please no Jimmy Hoffa references.
I was browsing youtube and came across this video of a Grabber Orange Shelby GT500 convertible doing some dragstrip duty. This one caught my attention because whoever was driving actually looks like he can drive. The driver hammers the Shelby off the line and gets some nice traction out of the hole. The Shelby ends up getting a 11.25 @ 126 mph. There was no description as to what mods this Shelby has but it is probably safe to say it’s not a stock Shelby. If anybody has anymore info post up in the comments.
Photos will have to speak louder than words because not much is known about this one-of-a-kind 1993 Mustang Mach III concept replica that I found on TheMustangSource.com forums. We do know it was built by by a gentleman named Dave Haymond who spent 10 years custom building each panel to make it look as close as possible to the original Mustang Mach III which was a concept back in 1993 before the SN-95 Mustang was introduced. More photos on the next page including a pic of the original Mach III concept.
At the 2006 Cruisin the Coast Auto Show in Biloxi, Mississippi, Car Crazy assistant editor John Breaux got ahold of Steve Saleen for a little Q&A on the upcoming 2009 Mustang.
Saleen admitted he spoke with Alan Mulally the new Ford Chief about the upcoming facelift and added power gains the GT and Cobra will receive in 2009. Saleen said Ford is hoping to add 50 horsepower to the already potent 300 hp Mustang GT and a mild 15 ponies to the GT500 for 2009.
When asked about the future Saleen models he said they are aiming to get 385 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque out of the base S281 3-Valve, 500 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque out of the S281 Supercharged model, and the S281 Extreme Mustang will get an additional 15 ponies to bring it up to around 565 horsepower with 535 lb-ft of torque. Prices for the 2009 models will relatively stay the same with maybe a minimal increase.
It’s nice to see the 2009 Mustang will get a signifigant bump in horsepower to compete with the new Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. I expect good times ahead for car enthusiasts.
It’s really getting comical around here with the release of all these special edition Mustangs so why not add another one to the fire. This week I have for you the Cragar Special Edition Mustang that will be available through select Ford dealers nationwide as a turn-key ride. The Cragar Mustang looks like something out of the 70’s era with it’s big hood scoop, side striping, air vents and stainless steel fastners.
The special edition Mustang comes with Cragar Big Blue large high-performance disc brakes and drilled rotors along with Cragar S/S 20×10″ wheels. The single mod in the engine department is a cold-air intake which is fed through the rather large hood scoop. For the ground pounding sound out back it’s a Cragar cat-back exhaust sytem. Cragar Special Edition interior accents including a shift knob and floor mats round out the inside of the car. Other goodies you receive when you buy the car are Cragar Special Edition hat, jacket, Cragar S/S key chain, and a free subscription to Hot Rod magazine. All parts carry a full Cragar warranty.
ROUSH performance has pushed the Shelby GT500 to the limit with the release of a new ROUSHcharger system that will boost overall power to 700 horsepower with their top kit. The ROUSHcharger system will come in three different kits with the first being just minor upgrades like a Cold Air Kit and new calibration which will give you an additional 45 horsepower. The next kit includes the 2.3L blower, 78mm non-removable pulley and new calibration which will add 120 ponies and 88 lb.-ft. torque. This kit will include a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and not void the factory warranty. The top package will include the 2.3L blower along with mods the owner must purchase separately like a 72mm or 76mm pulley and new calibration. These mods will push your GT500 to 700 horsepower as per the ROUSH engineers. Unfortunely this kit will void your factory warranty so think twice before choosing your kit.
The full press release is below and will give a few more details but not much. These parts should be out in December sometime. More info check out RoushPerformance.com.
Press Release:
Owners of the new Ford GT500 are a proud group – proud of the car and proud of the 500 horsepower that comes with the stock engine. But the engineers at ROUSH Performance, the leader in Ford powertrain development and all things high-performance, are ready to unveil a new ROUSHchargerTM that can boost the performance over the edge with up to 700 horsepower.
The GT500 ROUSHchargerTM will be offered in three different kits. The simplest upgrade is the addition of a Cold Air Kit with new calibration which nets 45 horsepower.
The next step is including the 2.3L blower in a package which adds 120 horsepower and 88 lb.-ft. torque while keeping a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. This warranty will not void any offered by the factory. This kit includes the ROUSHchargerTM, a 78mm non-removable pulley and new calibration.
For those living on the wild side, a non-warranty version will also be offered for off-road use, and this version is anticipated to push the GT500 engine to a mind-boggling 700 horsepower, 200 more than the stock engine. Customers will have to purchase a 72mm or 76mm pulley separately, and this version does not include an upgraded calibration. Other modifications may be necessary in order to maximize the horsepower gains.
Our engineers have really pushed the envelope with this ROUSHchargerTM and I think it is a credit to them to get as much as 200 horsepower more out of the GT500 engine,” said Jack Roush. “We are expecting that there will be a certain number of Shelby owners who intend to keep their car in stock condition, but there are also going to be those who want to push that envelope and have bragging rights over their friends. From mild to wild, we can help them get where they want to go with horsepower. It all depends on if they want the peace-of-mind of having a warranty, or go right to the edge and let it all hang out.”
The GT500 ROUSHchargerTM is a new derivative design from the current roots-style applications currently on the market and features a considerable improvement in both airflow and efficiency. The bottom line is the more airflow, the more power. Noteworthy is that this is the first application that will be incorporating this new technology, both on the OE and aftermarket side.
The cold air intake kit considerably reduces pressure drop across the stock air box and filter element. It comes with a high-flow, large 6-inch conical filter and the rotomolded airbox seals to the hood to reduce leakage. Again, the bottom line is less loss equals more airflow which results in more power.
The things I find in the Mustang section on Ebay get better and better. This time a Shelby GT500 owner in the DFW metroplex has taken it upon himself to let you drive his car if you can pony up $50 for a quarter mile run down a private airport runway. The GT500 you get to drive is a coupe that is black with silver stripes and black interior with red inserts.
I have to say this is a brillant business idea with prices of GT500’s in the $50K-$60K range, not many people can afford the luxury of owning one. The owner has a few ground rules one being the Traction Control button stays on for the whole ride and burnouts are extra, but at least he will let you smoke em if you got the cash. Proof of insurance, a valid drivers license and your signature is all you need to do to drive the car.
If you are interested than check out his ebay auction or give him a call directly at (214) - 578 - 1309 or email him texasfootwear1@comcast.net to drive his Shelby GT500. There will also be a site dedicated to this but it’s not up as of writing this (DriveMyShelby.com).
ROUSH performance has pushed the Shelby GT500 to the limit with the release of a new ROUSHcharger system that will boost overall power to 700 horsepower with their top kit. The ROUSHcharger system will come in three different kits with the first being just minor upgrades like a Cold Air Kit and new calibration which will give you an additional 45 horsepower. The next kit includes the 2.3L blower, 78mm non-removable pulley and new calibration which will add 120 ponies and 88 lb.-ft. torque. This kit will include a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and not void the factory warranty. The top package will include the 2.3L blower along with mods the owner must purchase separately like a 72mm or 76mm pulley and new calibration. These mods will push your GT500 to 700 horsepower as per the ROUSH engineers. Unfortunely this kit will void your factory warranty so think twice before choosing your kit.
