PDA

View Full Version : Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible



Duma
January 8th, 2006, 21:40
Specifications
Engine
Type: V8, Supercharged
Displacement cu in (cc): 330 (5409)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 475(354) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 475(644) / n.a.
Redline at RPM: 6250
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 255/45 ZR18 - 285/40 ZR18
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 187.6 × 73.9 × 55.7
Weight lb (kg): 4040 (1834)




http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/01/gt500conv07_01.jpg


http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/01/gt500conv07_02.jpg


http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/01/gt500conv07_03.jpg


http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/01/gt500conv07_inter.jpg





Ford Shelby GT500 Goes Topless: Convertible Version Added to SVT Lineup for 2007

The Ford Shelby GT500, one of the most anticipated and powerful cars coming in 2006, just got hotter with the announcement that a convertible version will join Ford’s line-up. With 475-horsepower on tap from its supercharged 5.4L V-8 engine, the Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible will be the most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang convertible in history.

Carroll Shelby, the legend behind the original Shelby Mustangs, joined the Ford SVT engineering team early in the program to put his stamp of approval on the convertible version and had nothing but praise for the effort.

“Convertibles often go against the pursuit of high-performance, but not this GT500,” said Shelby . “This Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible can go up against the best of them, and hold its own. It’s stiff, it’s fast, and I’m looking forward to cruising mine up and down the roads of Texas.”

Driving enthusiasts know all too well that the vastly increased weight and reduced structural integrity of some drop tops over their hard top derivatives sometimes force manufacturers to restrict performance capability. Often it’s a matter of a detuned engine or a softened suspension – that one must suffer for the sake of drivability or durability in convertible models.

The good news is that the same 475 horsepower V-8 engine powers the Ford Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible. And with the convertible’s added weight kept to a bare minimum, fewer suspension modifications are needed, meaning the handling you experience driving the convertible will be far closer to that of the coupe than ever before.

Considering where the convertible would require the most strength and how commonality with the coupe could be integrated into the car’s basic structure, engineers added strength into both models by designing body joints and rocker panels, for instance, which help solidify the convertible without excessive bracing.

As a result, the Shelby GT500 Convertible is less than 125 pounds heavier than the coupe. This enabled engineers to use the same suspension geometry, with chassis modifications limited to only slightly softer spring rates, sway bars, and damper tuning to fit the convertible’s character.

Exclusive Cloth Top Improves Appearance and Performance

The Shelby GT500 Convertible features a unique cloth convertible top, replacing the vinyl top of the Mustang GT Convertible. The GT500 will be only the second Mustang to feature a cloth top, first introduced on the 2003 SVT Mustang Cobra.

The cloth is similar to that used for high-end, exotic sports cars, providing an elegant visual upgrade to the GT500 convertible. In addition, the thicker fabric is not only more durable than vinyl, but creates a much tauter top resulting in a very quiet interior while driving with the top up.

For top-down driving, the Mustang’s convertible “floating” five-bow power top with z-fold construction tucks nicely into the boot, providing a more finished, tidy, top-down appearance.

The Snake is Back – Legendary Looks with SVT Function

The Shelby GT500 Convertible combines the dramatic design genes of the all-new Mustang with Carroll Shelby’s legendary performance image to create an SVT Mustang that broadens the power brand’s design approach and appeal.

“The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts,” says Doug Gaffka, design director, Ford SVT. “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.”

While the GT500 coupe’s exterior is punctuated by the classic Shelby LeMans-style stripes that race along the car from nose to tail, the convertible will be more subtle with just the side stripes along the rocker reading “GT500”.

Continuing the snake logo tradition of previous SVT Mustang Cobras, and 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-center 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 center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top if off, the “gas cap” medallion between the taillights reads “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image.

mi021le
January 9th, 2006, 07:13
its to heavy. 4k..... thats tomuch for a muscle car.when they went blown they gained 100 pounds. but now its a biger motor. so time will tell.

Benman
January 9th, 2006, 17:00
For me, the coupe has it.:0:

Ben:addict:

5000S old skool
January 10th, 2006, 00:25
5.4 liter supercharged?? 475bhp???? :confused: where did those 65 ponies go??? :confused:

Benman
January 10th, 2006, 00:52
Originally posted by 5000S old skool
5.4 liter supercharged?? 475bhp???? :confused: where did those 65 ponies go??? :confused:

No biggie... E55: 5.4 liters, 490hp... where did the 50hp go?

RS 6 4.2 forced induction: 450hp.;) :thumb:

Not bad power for a Stang, in fact best to date.:0:

Ben:addict: