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Northern California Shelby GTs Offered in Grabber Orange
New
convertible version of the Ford Shelby GT available beginning this summer
New signature Vista Blue exterior with Shelby GT Silver stripes
Production of 2008 Shelby GT aimed at 2,300 to assure exclusivity for
collectors
Ford
Mustang is America’s top-selling convertible
The magic duo of Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby bring open-air excitement
to the road for the 2008 model year as the Ford Shelby GT returns with a
new convertible body style and a new standard color combination. Like all
Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited to assure exclusivity
for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT will be available in coupe and
convertible from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible will be formally introduced to Shelby
and Ford enthusiasts at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet,
which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.
“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said
Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an
everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a
well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don’t will be left
behind staring at its tailpipes.”
In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing joined forces to
create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called
the Shelby GT. Fewer than 6,000 total 2007 Shelby GTs were built and were
only available in Performance White or Black.
For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new paint
combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body
styles, coupe or convertible.
“The Mustang convertible is the number one selling convertible in the
U.S.,” states Robert Parker, Ford Division Car Marketing Manager. “Since
the Mustang program never stands still, we wanted to continue offering
consumers what they want, and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT
convertible.”
Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled
at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The
cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for
transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.
“The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year,
especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008
model year,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “The
enormous response to the Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer a
drop top Shelby GT. And we had so many requests for blue that we decided
to make it our signature color in 2008.”
Every Shelby GT is built to perform and is the result of extensive
development. Aerodynamics were key to sculpting the powerful, unique front
fascia with aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes directly from
the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are positioned
just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust
tips and a Shelby badge is on the trunk lid.
“The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability
to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever
built,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group.
“Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts.
The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together,
Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche
performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”
Under the hood, the engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade
Package to increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330
lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers
better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes
standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst
short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic
transmission is optional.
The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with
special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle
assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height
was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds
additional strength to the chassis structure.
The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance
P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all
Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have supplemental bracing to give
the car additional stiffness and the Shelby team will add a stylish light
bar.
“The Shelby GT is for drivers,” says Boylan. “We enhanced the motor, the
chassis and other bits to make it a fun, balanced car that is equally at
home on the street or track. It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers
great value for the price.”
Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built,
available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an
authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag
under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby
Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007.