2005 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500. Aug 07

The most powerful factory built Ford Mustang in history was first revealed at the New York motor show in 2005.
It was the result of a unique collaboration between performance car legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT).
Designed in the unmistakable image of Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra GT500 melds SVT's modern engineering with the big block performance that made the original GT500 the king of the road.
A production version of the GT500 went on sale in 2006, continuing the high-performance lineage of the SVT Mustang Cobra model line. The production GT500 was the first in a string of specialty Mustangs that SVT helped deliver.
Just as the original Shelby GT500 was the "step up" to big block power from the GT350, the new Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 stepped up to Ford's 5.4-litre "MOD" V8. The result? The GT500 was the most powerful factory Mustang ever. Its supercharged 5.4-litre, 32-valve V8 evolves from SVT's experience with supercharging the "MOD" engine to deliver more than 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.
The cast iron block, four-valve engine is force fed an air and fuel mixture via a supercharger at 8.5 pounds per square inch of boost. Aluminium cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings sourced from the Ford GT program brought a high level of proven durability to the drivetrain, while upgraded cooling components promise longevity. "Powered by SVT" camshaft covers are the finishing touch to the engine.
"This version of the 5.4-litre V8 has a higher horsepower rating than any other factory Mustang in history," said Jay O'Connell, SVT chief vehicle engineer. "It really delivers on the essence of two great names in Ford performance - a mix of SVT's modern day experience with supercharging and the Shelby GT500's heritage of big block power."
The engine has been further tuned from its first application in a Mustang, the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, a limited edition model of 300 units.
Helping to put the power of the GT500's supercharged V8 to the pavement is a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox. The evenly spaced gears mean less stirring is needed to find the "sweet spot" in keeping the revs "on cam" for power to pass, while at the same time making the most of the engine's broad torque curve. The heavy duty transmission has proven itself a willing companion to V8 power in Mustangs in both road and track environments, including the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R, 2004 SVT Mustang Cobra and the new race winning Ford Racing Mustang FR500C.
The great Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s were anything but one trick ponies. They earned their stripes on twisty roads and race tracks across America and Europe. The Shelby Cobra GT500 continued that legacy of all around performance.
The GT500 started with the solid 2005 Mustang underpinnings. The all new Mustang's platform was designed from the beginning with performance derivatives in mind, providing an exceptionally rigid, well engineered starting point for SVT chassis engineers.
Using real-world experience gained during more than 12 years of building great handling SVT Mustang Cobras, SVT engineers retuned and upgraded key chassis components. Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabiliser bars help the GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes.
Shelby Cobra GT500 features race-proven architecture shared with the Ford Racing Mustang FR500C.
The GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with "Reverse L" lower control arms, and a solid axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle.
This rear suspension design has been validated on the track by Ford Racing. The race prepared Ford Racing Mustang FR500C was purpose built from the base 2005 Mustang body structure and suspension geometry to run in the Grand-Am Cup series, a class of road racing for production based cars.
To match this power and handling ability, SVT fitted some of the biggest brakes in the business to the GT500. Fourteen-inch cross drilled Brembo rotors up front and 13-inch discs in the rear continue SVT's legacy of great braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 19-inch wheels wrapped in high performance tyres.
The Shelby Cobra GT500 combined the dramatic design genes of the new Mustang with Carroll Shelby's legendary performance image to create an SVT Mustang that broadened the power brand's design approach and appeal.
"The restrained, performance oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognisable to enthusiasts without brash styling cues," said Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT vehicles. "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."
The 2005 Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic Shelby Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild mannered pony car into a muscle car with attitude.
The GT500 features the classic LeMans style white stripes that race along the top of the car's "SVT Red" paint from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960's Mustang transition when Ford put it on the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs.
"The new Mustang has classic design cues from some of the best looking Mustangs of all time, including the Shelbys," said Keith Rogman, Mustang senior designer. "The design of the GT500 has been at the forefront of our minds since the outset of the entire Mustang program."
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 featured Shelby and SVT badging.
Continuing the snake logo tradition of past generation SVT Mustang Cobras, as well as 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 centre 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 centre caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the door sill plates. To top if off, the "fuel cap" medallion between the tail lights reads "Shelby GT500" centred on the Cobra image.
The interior was completely wrapped in ebony black leather, including the top of the dash, door panels and centre arm rest. Also wrapped in ebony leather were the shift lever, shift boot and parking-brake handle. SVT red leather seat and door panel inserts provided a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performance enthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into the seat backs finish the package.
With the look and legend one would expect from Carroll Shelby and the power and performance from SVT, the GT500 is an exceptional Mustang.