2007 Ford Shelby GT offers yet another dose of Shelby Mustang magic
The names "Shelby" and "Mustang" are steeped in a rich automotive history. Ford Motor Company is bringing the legend back to life with the introduction of the Shelby GT500, the fastest production Mustang ever, and the return of the Shelby GT-H "Rent-a-Racer," available through select Hertz rental centers.

Now another Shelby pony car joins the herd. The all-new Shelby GT will feature a 4.6-liter V-8 producing 325 horsepower and will be limited to fewer than 10,000 models, assuring its exclusivity like all Shelby Mustangs.

"We have been overwhelmed at the number of people who want to buy a version of the Shelby GT-H," says Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles Inc. "The Shelby GT will deliver the power and balanced handling of the Shelby GT-H but with more performance potential, especially due to the available manual transmission."

The Shelby GT driving dynamics are fine-tuned by the same engineers that developed the Ford Racing FR500C, winner of the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship. The Ford Racing Handling Pack includes new coil springs that drop the overall ride height by an inch and a half for a more aggressive stance and reduced body roll. Stiffer dampers and front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and body control. As a nice touch for enthusiasts wanting to showcase the key performance modifications, Ford Racing painted all the key suspension components, including the damper, spring and swaybar, in Ford Racing Blue.

A front strut-tower brace adds strength to the chassis structure, and 235/55ZR18 high-performance tires maximize the benefits of the chassis upgrades.

Under the hood, the Ford Racing Power Pack increases the output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, 4.6-liter V-8 to 325 horsepower and 330 foot-pounds of torque. The Power Pack includes a 90-millimeter cold-air intake and a new performance engine calibration for improved response. The high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. A shorter rear-axle ratio capitalizes on the Shelby GT coupe's extra power, especially accelerating off the line. For Shelby GT models equipped with a manual transmission, a Hurst short-throw shifter is installed for more precise shift action.

"The Shelby GT is great fun on the track," says Shelby. "It's got the heart and soul of the Mustang GT pumped up with a strong motor, nimble chassis and great sound. It's one of those rare cars that's easy to drive really fast."

The Shelby GT will be offered only as a coupe, and only in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black. Both colors are accented by silver Le Mans-style racing stripes — a signature detail of classic Shelby Mustangs. The Le Mans stripes extend over the hood, roof and trunk, and are complemented by matching side stripes with "Shelby GT" nomenclature.

The Shelby GT features a front fascia with a more aggressive lower air dam. The brushed-aluminum grille is accented by an offset Mustang logo. The new hood scoop comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster.

The side profile features chromed, 18-inch wheels and unique side scoops just before the rear wheel arches. A rear fascia frames the larger dual exhaust tips and is topped by Shelby badging on the trunk lid.

Inside, features include "Shelby GT" logo floor mats and custom sill plates with Shelby GT nomenclature. In addition, the Shelby GT features an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as matching tag under the hood. This tag features the CSX number, which is recorded in the Shelby Automobiles registry.

The all-new Shelby GT's 4.6-liter, 325-horsepower V-8 and racing-tuned suspension come wrapped in either a black or a white Mustang coupe with unique grille and fascia. The silver Shelby stripes run across the Cobra-style hood scoop and down the deck lid under the spoiler. Customer's can opt for an automatic or manual transmission.