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The much
talked about 2008 Ford
Shelby GT is now
officially
launched by Ford, as Ford
Mustang and Carroll Shelby once
again
bring open-air excitement to
the road with the return of
the
Ford Shelby GT this time,
coming with a new convertible
body
style and a new standard color
combination.
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT
convertible is being formally
introduced
to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts
at the annual Mid-America
Ford
Performance and Shelby Meet,
which opens today in Tulsa,
Okla.
And like all Shelby Mustang
models, production will be
limited
to assure exclusivity for
collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT
coupe
and convertible will be
available from select Ford
dealers
beginning in August 2007.
In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll
Shelby and Ford Racing
collaborated to create a retail
version of The Hertz
Corporation
Shelby GT-H coupe called the
Ford Shelby GT. Not more than
6,000
2007 models of the vehicle were
produced, with every
vehicle
available only in Performance
White or Black.
For 2008, the highly-coveted
Shelby GT is available in a
new
striking paint combination of
Vista Blue with Silver stripes
and
the choice of two body styles,
coupe or convertible.
Shelby GT models start out as a
specially-equipped Mustang
GT
assembled at the AutoAlliance
International 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.
Each Shelby GT is built for
performance. Extensive
development
has been made in each model,
with aerodynamics as a key
factor
to the car's powerful, unique
front fascia with an
aggressive
lower air dam. The hood scoop
comes straight from the
famed
Shelby Cobra roadster while
unique side scoops are located
just
before the rear wheel arches.
The rear fascia frames dual
exhaust tips, and a Shelby
badge graces the trunk lid.
Jamie Allison, Ford Racing
Performance Group Manager says
that
the partnership between Ford
Racing and Shelby demonstrates
the
company's ability to work
together to deliver some of the
most
exciting Mustang's ever built,
"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."
And the numbers? First check
out what's under the hood --
the
engine is improved 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 enables 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.
Also in the offing is 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. To
reduce
body roll the overall ride
height was dropped 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.
Around 2,300 Shelby GT coupes
and convertibles are set to
be
built for model year 2008,
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. Pricing
will be
announced as vehicles arrive at
dealerships.
About Ford Motor Company Ford
Motor Company, a global
automotive
industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures
or
distributes automobiles in 200
markets across six
continents.
With more than 280,000
employees and more than 100
plants
worldwide, the company's core
and affiliated automotive
brands
include
Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover,
Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo,
and
Mazda parts. The company
provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit
Company. For more
information
regarding Ford's products,
please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll
Shelby,
Shelby Automobiles, Inc.,
manufactures and markets
performance
vehicles and related products.
The company manufactures
authentic continuation Cobras,
including the 427 S/C, 289
FIA
and 289 street car component
vehicles. The company has
partnered
with Ford Motor Company to
produce the Shelby GT, Shelby
GTH and
GT500KR, which are based on the
Mustang. For more
information
about Shelby Automobiles, visit
www.shelbyautos.com.
About the author:
Kraig Johanssen is a native of
Connecticut and holds a degree
in
Software Engineering. He now
works at a software
development
firm in Alabama. His love for
writing and great interest on
cars
makes him a proficient
contributing author to various
automotive
magazines.
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