Shelby Cobra GT500 Returns

[911S Targa]

With more than 450 horsepower, the new Shelby Cobra GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang—ever.
Ford debuted another modern interpretation of an automotive classic, the all-new Shelby Cobra GT500, at the New York International Auto Show.

The new GT500 possesses classic Shelby design cues including dual stripes, aerodynamic body parts, and 19-inch wheels. In the performance department, the Shelby Cobra GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang ever built, with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that produces more than 450 horsepower, a 6-speed manual transmission and suspension tuned by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT).

http://autos.msn.com/as/minishow/article.aspx?contentID=4023097&s=NewYork2005&src=minishow

[Adam]

That'd be real nice if they ditched the live-rear axle...

[kaisen]

That'd be real nice if they ditched the live-rear axle...

Well, the supercharged Cobras (2003's) were known for grenading their diffs, and they were IRS. It's smart marketing for their intended market to go back to the 'bulletproof' live rear axle.

The live axle handles pretty well..... the LCA/Panhard/Torque-arm set up does a great job, and they launch much better on a dragstrip than most IRS. The unsprung weight sucks though.

No matter what your opinion of the Mustang (or Vette or Viper, etc.) todays horsepower wars are welcome. It makes the technologies cheaper to afford and apply to cars you actually like.

E

[dd74]

Can it handle, though?

[cegerer]

I've always loved Shelby Mustangs. A guy at the corner gas station had a brand new 1970 GT500. This was before I even had a drivers license. I remember watching him change the plugs one day and he had to pull the motor partway out for access. The factory rollbar was cool too. That car was awesome.

I'm defintitely going to check one these out .... possible replacement for the M3 when I'm ready to sell in a year or so!

[azasadny]

My friend and I restored a 1968 Shelby GT500KR back in '78-'80 and sold it for $18K back then to pay for college. He tried to buy the car back 15 years later and offered $65K and the guy wouldn't sell it. I can't wait to see the car, I work around the corner from the SVT bldg in Allen Park, MI, so hopefully I'll get an early glimpse!

[89911]

450hp just when gas is hitting all time highs. I bet they were hoping their timing would be better. I would still pick a Z06, its main competitor I would guess.