Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) revealed today the new 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, the newest version of the legendary muscle car featuring an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling as well as improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever. As we said the new car carries an all aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque (a 10 hp incrase comparing it to the 2010 model). And this is not all, as the engine is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivers a better power-to-weight ratio, handling and steering precision, acceleration and an impressive fuel economy.
his new engine has its roots in the iconic Ford GT because the new 5.4-liter V8 is in fact an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. The 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, because it will deliver a fuel consumption of 23 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city (up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model). The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel.
New for 2011 is the SVT Performance Package designed for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Thiss\ package includes the all-new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, new and lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track. The 2011 GT500 also gets a new exhaust, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model.
The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower. Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance.
New for 2011 is an optional glass roof that also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. Other new convenience technologies include: Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps, MyKey programmable vehicle key, integrated spotter mirror and fold-down rear headrests.
The 2011 goes on sale in the spring. The coupe will sell for $49,495, including delivery charge.
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Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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