Awesome, Dan!!!! *slobber* =DD

-Mike

--
A happy kid behind the wheel of a 98 Mustang GT
Cold air intake
FRPP 3.73 gears
Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter
Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers (self-installed woohoo)
Hi-speed fan switch
255/60R-15 rear tires
Subframe connectors
Aluminum adjustable clutch quadrant

http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=1269&press_subsec
tion_id=421&make_id=92

I want one!!!

Erik D.
'94 white lightning
'01 white GT

Here is the full article plus a bunch of sweet pictures:

http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/News/shelbycob07/Shelbycob.htm

Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

More pics:

http://racergarage.com/shelbyGT500/

Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

Ford Shelby Cobra Gt500: Broadcast

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the name Carroll Shelby conjures up visions of hot-looking,
high-powered Ford Mustangs in your head, then you're just the person
the Ford Special Vehicle Team is trying to reach with the
450-plus-horsepower Shelby Cobra GT500 show car.

With a production version in store for 2006, this collaboration
continues more than 40 years of Mustang performance history, including
Shelby's guidance that also helped shape the Ford GT supercar.

"There's a special place in my heart for the Mustang," says Carroll
Shelby. "This new GT500 captures the essence of what we did back in the
60s, but is packed with modern performance engineering from the experts
at SVT."

The GT500 is a throwback to one of the greatest high-performance
Mustangs of yesteryear that wore the same name - but with all the
modern power and technology that SVT, Ford's in-house performance
engineering group, could work into the new-for-2005 Mustang. Its
supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 touts dual overhead cams and 32 valves -
good for more than 450 horsepower, channeled through a six-speed manual
transmission.

The new Shelby Cobra GT500 is clearly inspired by the classic '67
Shelby GT500.

The original 1967 Shelby GT500 featured a 428-cubic inch "big-block"
V-8 engine producing approximately 355 horsepower. The new GT500
features a 5.4-liter engine, which is nearly 100 cubic inches smaller
in size but produces 100 more horsepower. To get there, SVT
incorporated its experience in supercharging technology to give the new
GT500 the "big-block" feel, despite being smaller in size and more fuel
efficient.

Poking through the 19-inch wheels are brakes as big as a large pizza.
Redesigned front and rear fascias, heat-extracting vents in the hood,
and a "high-back" rear spoiler all lend to more aggressive look. The
GT500 is clearly a modern-day muscle car with performance worthy of its
bold racing stripes.

450-horsepower too hot for your trot? Mustangs also available with 210
or 300 horses

There's no question that a Shelby Cobra GT500 with more than 450
horsepower offers more performance than many people will ever need -
or want. It's not a car for everyone - even if the idea of owning a
high-performance Mustang is appealing. But not to worry as Ford dealers
already have a couple of other Mustang models to suit varying appetites
for power and driving needs: The entry-level model Mustang is far from
base with the strong 210-horsepower V-6 starting at under $20,000.

For more oomph, there's the Mustang GT, with a 4.6-liter V-8 that makes
a stout 300-horsepower - the most affordable sports car with that much
power on the market. Both are available as a coupe or a convertible.
When the GT500 hits the streets in 2006, there will be a Mustang at
every level of performance to fit any taste and budget.

---

Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

Ford Shelby Cobra Gt500: Enthusiast

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and Carroll Shelby have joined
forces to create a high-performance Mustang that fittingly carries the
Cobra GT500 name with great power, impressive handling and classic
Shelby design cues. The Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 will continue SVT's
legacy of high-performance Mustangs with a production version slated to
go on sale in 2006. Currently rated at more than 450 horsepower, the
GT500's final output will be announced when the production version is
unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

"With the new GT500, SVT engineers are developing a high-performance
Mustang that has not only won the blessing of Carroll Shelby himself,
but one that lives up to the best of what the GT500 badge represents to
enthusiasts," says Tom Jones, SVT chief program engineer. "The GT500
delivers on all the key ingredients expected of an SVT Mustang: big
power, great handling, awesome brakes, and of course, a distinct look."

The GT500 features the most powerful engine ever fit into a factory
Mustang, delivering more than 450 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of
torque. The GT500 will be followed by other SVT-engineered performance
products, possibly including a version of the production-intent Sport
Trac Adrenalin, the industry's first performance sport-utility truck.

Energized by the launch of the Ford GT supercar in 2004, Ford's
in-house performance brand also takes the reins of developing non-SVT
branded blue-oval models, including other performance Mustangs inspired
by the Bullitt GT and Mach 1.

"SVT is transforming itself with great new products and the
responsibility to apply its expertise to other parts of our performance
world," says Phil Martens, Ford group vice president, Product Creation.
"The Ford GT and GT500 are the foundation for the momentum SVT will
inject across more and more vehicles."

Classic big-block displacement and modern SVT engineering create most
potent factory Mustang

When the Shelby GT350 was introduced, it was instantly respected as a
performance car. Yet, it wasn't until Ford's famed 428 cubic-inch
big-block found its way into the GT500 that Mustang's reputation as a
true muscle car was firmly established.

While the Shelby GT350 (shown) was a respected performance car, it was
the big-block 428 Shelby GT500 that established Mustang as a muscle car

Shelby Cobra GT500 boasts the most power of any factory Mustang due to
the supercharged 32-valve 5.4-liter V-8.

To be true to that legacy, the Shelby Cobra GT500 had to possess
firepower competitive with the world's best performance cars. Following
the theory that "there's no replacement for displacement," SVT
engineers fit the new GT500 with a version of Ford's 5.4-liter "MOD"
V-8 engine. This is only the second time a factory Mustang has used the
5.4-liter engine, following the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R.

In addition to muscle car cubic inches, SVT engineers employed modern
performance technologies developed for the supercharged SVT Mustang
Cobra and the Ford GT. As a result, the GT500 features a cast-iron
block topped with the Ford GT's four-valve, aluminum cylinder heads.
These high-flow heads are paired with a screw-type supercharger, and a
water-to-air intercooler, for a broad torque curve all the way up to
redline. Higher-flowing heads help the engine "breathe" better for
increased power and fuel efficiency, while the addition of the
intercooler allows the supercharger to deliver a denser fuel-air
mixture to the cylinders, resulting in a more powerful charge for each
and every firing cycle. Also sourced from the Ford GT are the piston
rings and rod bearings, ensuring a high level of performance and
durability to the massaged V-8.

Track-tested, race-proven platform and suspension architecture

However, the ultimate factory Mustang isn't limited to just a power
upgrade. Shelby and Ford SVT are known for delivering balanced,
all-around performance - and the Shelby Cobra GT500 is no exception.

The development of the GT500 chassis started during the 2005 Mustang
program, when the basic geometry and chassis structure was tested and
validated on a number or race tracks. The result is solid chassis that
has won acclaim from media and customers alike. Mustang features a
revised MacPherson strut independent front suspension with lightweight
"Reverse L" lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear
suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod.

The Reverse L configuration improves lateral motion control and
steering response via a firm bushing located where the shorter leg
connects to the chassis. At the same time, a softer bushing on the
longer leg better dampens road shocks and longitudinal movement. The
revised three-link setup with coils helps maintain constant toe-in and
camber relative to the road surface, while the Panhard rod controls
side-to-side axle movement in relation to the chassis for improved
tracking.

Prior to his current assignment as director, Advanced Product Creation
and SVT, Hau Thai-Tang served as the chief engineer for the 2005
Mustang.

"During development of the new Mustang, plenty of time was spent at the
track ensuring the platform met our requirements for the Mustang, and
was capable of handling future performance derivatives," says
Thai-Tang. "Media and customer reactions have been extremely positive
in terms of chassis dynamics."

The base architecture was further validated by the race-prepared Ford
Racing Mustang FR500C, built ground up from the base Mustang body
structure and suspension geometry to run in the Grand-Am Cup series.
Out of the box, an FR500C competed in and won its first ever race in
the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2005.

Shelby Cobra GT500's architecture is shared with the track-tested,
race-proven FR500C, which won its debut Grand Am Cup race in Daytona.

"In terms of performance, the solid-rear-axle setup in the Shelby Cobra
GT500 has been proven in race competition this year with a Ford Racing
Mustang FR500C taking the checkered flag at Daytona," says Thai-Tang.
"First race, first win; not bad against the best from Germany and
Japan."

To create the GT500, SVT engineers are using real-world experience
gained during more than 12 years of building great-handling Mustang
Cobras to deliver the power brand's signature chassis tuning for a
balanced, performance-tuned ride that still maintains the compliancy
required for everyday driving. This includes SVT engineers
recalibrating the shock valves and spring rates for increased wheel
control and road feedback. A new shock tower brace and structural
"K-member" will deliver even crisper steering response. Finally, a
larger rear stabilizer bar will reduce body lean, adding to
sophisticated handling precision and performance.

To put a stop on all of this power and handling ability, SVT has
employed some of the biggest brakes in the business. The GT500 features
14-inch cross-drilled Brembo brake rotors up front clamped by
four-piston aluminum calipers. The rear features 13-inch discs with
two-piston calipers. Unique 19- x 9.5-inch aluminum split-five-spoke
wheels are wrapped in 255/45ZR-19 high-performance rubber to help
secure the GT500 to the road.

Nineteen-inch wheels, 255/45ZR19 tires and huge cross-drilled Brembo
brakes promise to put a stop to the GT500's fun.

Suspension designed to meet demands of SVT's customers

SVT has remained a viable specialty performance group within Ford for
more than decade because it has a unique connection with its customers.

"SVT communicates with its customers on a personal level rather than
using national advertising campaigns," says George Ayres, SVT sales and
marketing manager. "We think this approach gives us a unique advantage
in understanding our customers' needs to help keep improving SVT
products and business."

This constant interaction helps SVT product planners know and
understand the Mustang buyer and, consequently, how to deliver just the
right blend of performance and value.

Customer input on the way they use their vehicles drove the engineering
and hardware decisions on the Shelby GT500, including the solid-rear
axle. Long the preference of drag-racers because of dependability and
the ease of ring-and-pinion gearset changes, the solid-rear axle became
a viable choice when Ford suspension engineers were able to perfect the
design for optimized handling as well.

As a result, the GT500 is designed to meet the expectations of SVT's
most demanding customers, whether they measure performance in quarter
miles or in lap times.

Modern SVT-engineered Mustang with Shelby inspired performance and
looks

SVT engineers are working with Carroll Shelby to develop a balanced
performance car that delivers what enthusiasts want: outstanding
acceleration in tandem with excellent driving dynamics. Wrapped in
sleek Mustang sheet metal, the Shelby-inspired design cues - from the
trademark LeMans stripes to the aluminum hood with functional air
extractors - are only upstaged by the bark of the dual exhausts,
clearly inspired by the Shelby GT500 legacy.

---
Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

Ford Shelby Cobra GT500: Lifestyle

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Carroll Shelby painted two white stripes the entire length of a
Mustang in 1964, he not only introduced a dramatic styling cue, he
opened a new era of performance cars to the world. Today, Shelby again
stripes a new Mustang in collaboration with the Ford Special Vehicle
Team (SVT), creating the 450-plus-horsepower Ford Shelby Cobra GT500.

"We had a great relationship years ago, and here we are working on
projects together again," says Carroll Shelby. "I can't tell you how
proud I am. We came up with another winner in my estimation."

The return of Shelby's stripes on a Mustang is one of a number of cues
that play on more than a century of performance history between SVT,
Shelby and the Mustang. The GT500 is based on the hot-selling 2005
Mustang that's won international acclaim for its magical blend of
classic 1960's Mustang design elements - like the fastback shape,
long hood and short rear deck - with a modern stance and proportions.

SVT, with Shelby's guiding influence, is employing its leading
factory-tuning expertise to bring power and performance to the GT500,
and will bring it to the streets with a production model that will go
on sale in 2006.

"When you take a car with the power and personality of the legendary
Shelby Mustangs and infuse it with the modern engineering expertise of
SVT - and back it all up with racetrack-proven performance - then
you understand the appeal of the GT500," says Hau Thai-Tang, director,
Advanced Product Creation and SVT. "No other company has a Mustang, and
nobody has the performance credentials of Carroll Shelby - SVT brings
them together to offer a performance car that nobody else can match in
terms of speed and emotion."

Shelby and SVT offer appeal across generations of Mustang enthusiasts

Unlike some cars that appeal only to a small group of enthusiasts, the
Shelby Cobra GT500 combines the reputation of Carroll Shelby and Ford
SVT to appeal to enthusiasts across generations.

Carroll Shelby first put his name on a Mustang back in 1964 when he was
asked to inject some high performance into the brand-new pony car. The
result was the GT350R, a lightweight, handling-focused race car that
earned the Mustang its first performance credentials. Subsequent Shelby
Mustangs included a street version of the race car, the GT350, and what
was known as the "rent-a-racer" Mustang, the GT350H, a joint project
with the Hertz rental car corporation.

The new Shelby GT500 is inspired by some of the most memorable Mustangs
of all time, classic Shelby Mustangs produced between 1964-1970.

The combination of classic styling and modern engineering makes the
Shelby Cobra GT500 appeal to all generations of enthusiasts.

The ultimate Shelby Mustang of the era was the GT500KR, or "King of the
Road." Powered by a big-block 428-cubic-inch "Cobra Jet" V-8, the
GT500KR was one of the most powerful, and memorable, muscle cars of
that period. Shelby Mustang production ceased in 1970 with a total
volume of 14,559 units.

For those that grew up during the '60s, even the original price for a
1967 Shelby GT500 of $4,195.00 was quite a stretch. Those lucky enough
to have experienced time behind the wheel of an original, or may have
been able to add one to their personal collections, are holding a piece
of automotive history. But for those who only have been able to lust
after the Shelby Mustang legend, they may now have another chance to
make their dream come true.

SVT brought performance back to Mustang in 1993. After 12 years, nearly
80,000 high-performance Mustangs and total production of nearly 145,000
vehicles, SVT has established a reputation for delivering some of the
most desirable high-performance Mustangs since the 1960s.

Those who grew up with posters of SVT Mustang Cobras and SVT F-150
Lightnings on their walls know that the SVT logo represents serious
performance. SVT owners consistently report back in owner surveys that
one of the top reasons behind their purchase decision is "SVT
reputation." SVT has built a performance credibility steeped in
consistent execution of performance capabilities in its products.

GT500 marries style of Shelby, engineering of SVT

It's easy enough to add racing stripes to a car but, to faithfully
uphold the legendary Shelby look of the GT500, SVT chose to completely
finesse the already aggressive lines of the 2005 Mustang from nose to
tail. In the power brand's tradition, these design changes emphasize
functional improvements to the car's performance capabilities.

"The classic Shelbys looked great but, at the end of the day, they
earned their stripes because they could perform," says Doug Gaffka, SVT
chief designer. "The Shelby look works perfectly with SVT and Mustang
because all three have performance at their core."

In addition to the famed overbody and lower bodyside stripes, unique
bodywork reminiscent of classic Shelby Mustangs and special Shelby
badging help bring the legacy to life on the GT500. A reworked front
fascia with functional air splitter provides improved airflow and
aerodynamics. Stylized headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look,
and new symmetrical upper and lower grilles provide larger air openings
for increased airflow into the engine bay.

Underhood, the GT500 features the most powerful engine ever fit in a
Mustang by the factory. The 5.4-liter, supercharged V-8 developed by
SVT delivers more than 450 horsepower, and 450 foot-pounds of torque.
SVT engineers also developed the chassis, building on 12 years of
experience tuning high-performance SVT Mustang Cobras. The result is a
marriage of classic muscle-car styling and modern engineering.

GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever to come from the factory.

Shelby Cobra GT500 a product of Mustang and SVT enthusiast lifestyles

For 40 years, Mustangs have held the title of America's favorite
performance car. More than eight million have been sold since its
introduction in 1964. Along the way, the Mustang has become a lifestyle
in and of itself, inspiring Mustang car clubs across the world.

Likewise, the SVT Owner's Association (SVTOA) has helped Ford SVT
transcend a simple logo to become an integral part of enthusiasts'
lives. With more than 25,000 members in nearly 50 chapters across North
America, SVTOA holds the standard car-club fare of local
dealer-supported car shows and cruises. But, SVTOA provides another
very important ownership function: honest to goodness track time.

With the view that the best way to enjoy a high-performance vehicle is
to learn to drive it in high-performance situations, a series of SVTOA
"On-Track" events helps to introduce interested SVT owners to the joys
of amateur road racing.

SVTOA "On-Track" events allow customers to celebrate the performance
lifestyle.

Held on private race tracks across North America, SVTOA "On-Track"
events help drivers exercise their car or truck in ways that wouldn't
be possible on public roads. Some of the events even become vacation
destinations for the entire family. This kind of club experience goes
beyond the typical weekend show or once-a-month get-together. More than
just the celebration of a car, being a member of SVTOA and driving at
the limit on a road-racing course is the celebration of the car
enthusiast lifestyle. Like SVT products themselves, it all centers on a
passion for driving.

Although it's true that club membership and track racing doesn't appeal
to all owners, one thing that is universal is a love of Ford
performance vehicles. The Shelby Cobra GT500 will fit nicely in this
family of loyal Ford performance enthusiasts.

---

Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

One more :).

http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=1269&press_subsec
tion_id=421&make_id=92

Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

And a correction! I reread my original post and it looks like I'm
quoting from Motor Trend. The quote is from the Ford Media release
*not* the Motor Trend article. My apologies for any confusion.

Dan
2003 Cobra convertible
With some stuff and things

Hey Dan, isn't this the same Eaton Roots blower as you've got on your
car?  http://racergarage.com/shelbyGT500/ShelbyCobraGT500Show_15.jpg

The reason I ask is because the Motor Trend story speaks of a "twin
screw" blower, and to me that means a Whipple, not a Roots style as
used in the '03-04 Cobra, the GT, and the Lightning.  I just wonder
which one they'll be using, because they're totally different animals.

Here's Ford's problem with a high dollar King of the Road Mustang:
http://racergarage.com/shelbyGT500/ShelbyCobraGT500Show_44.jpg

This photo shows a $19,000 V6, a $25,000 GT, and a $??,??? GT500, and
they all look the same.

Here's Ol' Shel himself, sitting in the last GT500 in the universe that
doesn't have his signature on the glovebox door:
http://racergarage.com/shelbyGT500/Shelby_testdrive.jpg

180 Out

Another link:
http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169354&page=1

I'll Keep my 70 Shelby GT350!
hoovie

all i can say is...  DAYUM!

=)

Dan wrote in message
<1111555514.295755.64150@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>...

2 questions:

-    are they building it in the convertible?
-    will it be as tunable and upgradable as the 03/04's (i read the 05's-up
utilize a drive-by-wire, variable cam setup, and that is not as condusive to
upgrades)

chris
04 comp orange cobra vert

Dan wrote in message
<1111555514.295755.64150@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>...

Nice, but how much is this thing going to cost?

Also any news about performance #'s?

Thanks
Musty