Was just up there today, and this thing is even more gorgeous in person. Here are my impressions and some things the SVT guys said (take it for a grain of salt, because each one, was telling things a little different)

1.The larger Cobra badges look great.
2.The front splitter will not make it as currently designed. Sits too low to the ground. No clearance for driveways.
3. The hood will definatly change. The guy said they have like 3-4 working hood prototypes.
4.They haven't decided on Painted or Vinyl stripes. Evidently there is some issue with the Shelby lettering and the stripes. Its pretty sure it will be standard, with a stripe delete.
5. The rims will possibly change.
6.2-3 year contract with Shelby as of now.
7.Only a few color choice the first year, with more available later.
8.Possibly a convertible, after the first year or two.
9. "A business case has been presented" When asked about the GT350
10"No comment" When asked about the SVT Fusion. Not NO, just no comment.
11. Weight distribution, 53-47

 

Thanks for the info. It is beautiful in person and like you said, it all has to be taken with a grain of salt until the production model is released.

 

nice report - thank you for sharing

 

Here's some more solid info:

18x9" wheels standard, no option for any others. They will look just like the show car's wheels and will be rapped in 255s up front and 285s out back.

There will be a convertible available the first model year, though they haven't decided if it will be available at launch or not.

 

[attachmentid=23448]Got back today from Carlisle. The pictures don't do the car justice. It is much, much better looking in person. I like the slightly understated look of the car without all the extra scoops and bulges proclaiming "Look at me, I'm a muscle car." It would still look good without the stripes (although I have absolutely NO intention of removing the stripes from the one I buy). It is the same color as the 2000 Cobra R that was parked next to it, a kind of bright orange-red. I didn't pay much attention to the Cobra-R as last week I spent 1/2 hour closely examining one and talking with the car's owner at a show in North Carolina.

The car has the exact same ground clearance as the Cobra-R which is to say without changes to the production vehicle, you aren't getting it over those speed bumps in the neighborhood or even up into your driveway. The first big pothole would probably take some of the undercarriage off. It is 1/2 inch to an inch lower at the top of the hood than the Cobra-R.

The car had 255x19 tires which are at the limit of the rear wheel well. To fit 285's in the rear they will have to flare the wheel well or do something else, otherwise they will stick out. There was virtually no brake dust on the wheels or dirt on the side skirts, so I doubt this car has been driven much farther than in and out of the trailer.

The hood was down, the windows were closed and the doors locked. With the sun angle it made it very difficult to see inside and photography of the inside was impossible. I have read that the seat backs have stitched cobra emblems but I didn't see any markings on the seat fronts or backs. Because of the difficulty seeing in, they may have been there but try as I may I couldn't see any and unless someone else has seen them, I am doubtful as to their existance.

The SVT person I spoke to was extremely tight lipped. He said he was not permitted to discuss ANY details about the car. He said the car would begin production in 14 months and be available for order in 12 months. He said production would be limited to maintain exclusitivity and every Shelby made took away a mustang from the mainstream production. I don't see why Ford would care if they sell a mustang as a V-6, GT or a Shelby but it probably has something to do with moronic bean-counting.

 

The 285s line up perfectly with the fenders. It's a perfect fit.

 

I have to disagree it was not the same color as the Cobra R, which was Performance Red. I owned that color, and it was different than the Shelby.

 

Thanks for the update. I can hardly wait!! :worship: :worship:

 

You're right they are a little different, the Shelby is a little more orange. I have problems with the colors red and green, so subtle shadings often escape me.

 

[attachmentid=23507]

You're right they are a little different, the Shelby is a little more orange. I have problems with the colors red and green, so subtle shadings often escape me.

 

Great info! Thanks ArkAngel.

 

I spoke to a dealer here in Vancouver yesterday, and he pretty much confirmed most of what you said. A few other things he said:

There will only be four colors offered in year one: Black, white, blue and red. None will be metallic.

Yes, the car will have 255s up front and 285s in the rear on 18" wheels.

He claims the Shelby lettering won't make it to the production vehicle.

Side airbag option is being dropped to save weight.

The leather interior (dash and door panels) won't make it to production - it will be the same hard plastic found in the GT and V6.

14" brakes probably won't make production.

 

Not that info from a dealer can be trusted, but I would seriously be pissed if the interior leather trim was changed and I think with all that power the brake specs would be required.

 

Why would you not have Shelby lettering on a Shelby GT500? Sounds like this dealer is getting his information from Negrodamus (Chappelle Show Reference). lol