Ford Mustang Shelby GT : 2008

Carroll Shelby and the Mustang and Ford Racing folks are getting together to offer their pony-on-steroids in a convertible version for 2008.

In addition to the drop-top Shelby GT, both coupe and convertible models will be offered exclusively in Vista blue with silver stripes for 2008. All 2007 models were painted either white or black.

Shelby GT models begin as a specially equipped Mustang GT assembled at Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan, plant. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation into Shelby GTs.

At the Shelby shop, the cars get additional aerodynamic pieces, including a unique front fascia and large lower air dam, a hood scoop that is also used on Shelby Cobra roadsters and unique side scoops.

Under the hood, the engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing power package that pushes the 4.6-liter V8 to 319 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The car comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

A Ford Racing handling package adds specially tuned dampers, stabilizer bars and a 3.55:1-ratio rear axle. The 2008 models ride on 18-inch wheels shod with high-performance BFGoodrich g-Force tires.

About 2300 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built for 2008 (with most of those likely being convertibles). The cars go on sale in August through Shelby-authorized Ford dealers, priced at $9,500 more than the base Mustang GT for the coupe, $11,800 for the convertible (prices include $1,000 gas-guzzler tax).

(source: Autoweek)