2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Full Photo Gallery

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

(Scroll Down Below Photo Gallery for Entire Press Release)

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is 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. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”

Increased power and increased fuel economy

The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is 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. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, 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.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise

For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, 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.

Added convenience content

New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

– Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
– MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
– Integrated spotter mirror
– Fold-down rear headrests

“Whether you’re looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track,” Capito says, “this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts.”

(Source: Ford Press Release)

Photo Gallery of Top 10 Sold at 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction and Number 1 wasn’t a Car

#10-1967 FORD MUSTANG CUSTOM FASTBACK – $253,000 (Lot #1287)

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company recorded more than $68 million in total sales during the 39^th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale last week.  The total is an 11 percent increase from Scottsdale 2009.  Top sellers included a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 for $671,000 and a 1964 Shelby Cobra that brought $478,500.  Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™,” the 2010 Scottsdale event featured nearly 1,200 collector vehicles all for sale at No Reserve and nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition TV coverage on SPEED. 

 The weather in Arizona had little impact on the auction, as no cars were damaged and all vehicles crossed the block as scheduled.  Despite the inclement weather of significant rain and wind and the associated challenges, more than 180,000 people braved the elements to attend the automotive lifestyle event. 

 “Even with the worst weather the Phoenix area has seen in decades, buyers, sellers and visitors from across the country enjoyed another incredible Scottsdale event,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson.  “With an 11 percent increase in sales, we showed that buyers have confidence in the market and are choosing Barrett-Jackson as the source to add to their collections.  What a great way to start the 2010 auction season.”

 “Barrett-Jackson remains the heartbeat and bellwether of car collecting,” noted Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson.  “From events like our downtown city of Scottsdale Road Rally and Ford Family Value Day benefiting Cox Charities to on-site ride and drives and various exhibitors, people come here to celebrate the automotive culture and the passion of the hobby.  But most of all, they love Barrett-Jackson because it’s all about the cars.  And with nearly 1,200 vehicles all selling at No Reserve, this year’s docket was our best ever.”

New bidders continue to make Barrett-Jackson their launching pad, with 40 percent of them first timers.  The consignor pool continues to have fresh faces, as 35 percent were selling at Barrett-Jackson for the first time.

 “The influx of new buyers and consignors at our events is why there is such a diverse mixture of cars at Barrett-Jackson,” explained Davis.  “Our top ten list includes a blend of classics, muscle cars, customs, new model year collector cars, Cobras and even an airplane.”

 Away from the auction block, the Barrett-Jackson lifestyle experience in Scottsdale was stronger than ever.  Sponsors Ford and General Motors hosted their popular ride and drives, while The Garage at Barrett-Jackson™ sponsored by Stone Rose Lounge provided an exclusive setting with drinks and music for attendees.  The evenings found The Garage at Barrett-Jackson packed with late night revelers enjoying this on-site hot spot.  It was also the venue for fashion shows, which have become a popular segment of the Barrett-Jackson event.  Auction goers were also treated to collector car seminars, health screenings, cooking demonstrations inside the Scottsdale Fairmont Lifestyle Pavilion and celebrity appearances by Lee Iacocca, Carroll Shelby and Jordin Sparks, among others.

 

#9-1970 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 FASTBACK – $275,000 (Lot #1283.1)

#8-2008 FORD MUSTANG FR500S FASTBACK RACECAR – $275,000 (Lot #1027)

#7-1952 WATSON ROADSTER CUSTOM BY BLASTOLENE – $280,500 (Lot #1292)

#6-1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD 2 DOOR HARDTOP – $286,000 (Lot #1289)

#5-2011 FORD MUSTANG GT GLASS ROOF COUPE – $300,000 (Lot #1295.1)

#4-1935 CADILLAC SERIES 40 FLEETWOOD IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE – $302,500 (Lot #1265)

#3-1963 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $401,500 (Lot #1303)

#2-1964 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $478,500 (Lot #1317)

#1-1929 HAMILTON METALPLANE H47 SERIAL #65 AIRPLANE – $671,000

(Lot #1307)

Source: Barrett-Jackson Press Release

Hennessey Performance Venom GT to Debut in Geneva

The VENOM GT will finally make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. If the artist renditions tell the story, this American Supercar will truly be a show stopper. If you have been keeping tabs on this supercar like I have, you probably can’t wait to see the actual photos. The VENOM GT is not only easy on the eyes but will also provide you with all the power you can handle and then some. Remember the VENOM GT is produced by Hennessey Performance Engineering who builds some of the world’s fastest and powerful vehicles.

Read the full press release from Hennessey Performance below.

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) will be unveiling its VENOM GT supercar to the public for the first time at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The VENOM GT will be powered by Hennessey’s specially-tuned version of the Corvette ZR1’s LS9 engine, which will be both supercharged and twin-turbocharged. With over 1,000 bhp of power on tap, and a curb weight under 2,500 lbs, the mid-engine VENOM GT will boast an astounding power-to-weight ratio of less than 2.5 to 1.

“It goes without saying that I am not the first Texan to come up with the idea of marrying a powerful American V8 with a light-weight British chassis,” says company founder, John Hennessey, referring to legendary tuner Carroll Shelby. “However, I am confident that automotive fans around the world will find our forthcoming VENOM GT to be every bit as earth-shattering as the 289 AC Cobra was back in the early 1960’s”.

The company currently has three orders for the VENOM GT, which is based on a radically modified Lotus Exige S chassis. Cost for the base vehicle with 1,000 bhp is $600,000 US Dollars.

About Hennessey Performance Engineering
HPE is one of the world’s premier automotive aftermarket tuners. The company, founded by John and Hope Hennessey, builds some of the world’s fastest and most powerful sports cars, muscle cars and sport-utility vehicles that have been praised by the automotive media as well as have set numerous world first’s and/or world records. HPE is located at Lonestar Motorsports Park in Sealy, Texas, (just west of Houston, Texas).

---

2011 Venom GT Specifications:
Vehicle Type:
• Mid-engine, rear-drive; 2-door, 2-passenger

Dimensions:
• Curb Weight: 2395 lbs

Engine:
• Hennessey 1000 HP V8 Twin Turbo System
• Dry Sump Oil System

Transmission:
• 6-speed Manual

Brakes:
• Front – 15 inch carbon rotors with 6-piston calipers
• Rear – 14 inch carbon rotors with 4-piston calipers

Power:
• 1000 bhp @ 6600 rpm
• 950 lb-ft torque @ 4,800 rpm

Estimated Performance:
• 0-60 mph: 2.2 sec.
• 0-100 mph: 4.9 sec.
• 0-150 mph: 7.9 sec.
• 0-200 mph: 14.5 sec.
• Top Speed: 262 mph

---

Purchase Details:
Base Price: $600,000 US Dollars

Build & Payment Schedule: Allow 9 month build time. A $200,000 US Dollar payment is due to confirm an order. A $200,000 payment due after 4 months. Final payment due upon completion.

Options:
• 1200 bhp Engine Upgrade (must use 98 octane fuel): $125,000
• Right Hand Drive: $24,500
• Air Freight Shipping: Call

Viva Las Vegas: Historic Ol’ Yaller VIII Race Car to Cross the Block at Barrett Jackson Las Vegas

Movie star car and celebrated racer, the 1961 Ol’ Yaller VIII, will be sold at No Reserve during the 2^nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Las Vegas Oct. 7-10, 2009. It is one of only nine Ol’ Yallers built by road racing icon, Max Balchowsky, from 1956-1963 and appeared in the 1964 movie, “Viva Las Vegas,” with Elvis Presley. The 2009 Las Vegas event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and feature approximately 500 collector vehicles on sale, posh lifestyle events and live, high-definition TV coverage from SPEED.

$7.25 Million…..A New Record for an American Car

 

The championship-winning 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 has made history again, selling for a record-breaking $7.25 million at Mecum’s inaugural Monterey Auction on August 15, 2009.

That price tag sets the record for the highest price paid for an American car at public auction. 

High performance collector car specialists Mecum Auction promoted the Daytona Cobra Coupe – American racing’s Crown Jewel – for months leading up to the auction.  “Selling this amazing piece of American race history at our first Monterey auction has been the crowning achievement of my career and Mecum Auction’s 22 years of selling collector cars,” said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auction.  

“This hand-built car beat the fastest cars in the world and has now added another ‘win’ to its list of accomplishments.  It certainly finished in record form again.”

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against the dominating Ferrari in the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship for GT race class.  An experimental coupe body designed by Peter Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph.  That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental (prompting Shelby to adopt the name), and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.  Driving the car – and America – to victory was legendary race car driver Bob Bondurant. 

Bondurant drove the Daytona Cobra Coupe across the Mecum auction block as it set the new high-bid record.

 “Truly the best part about auctioning the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe has been sharing the stories of its amazing history with millions of people across the country,” Mecum said.  “This race car’s greatest moments and its legacy as America’s world champion will be cherished for generations to come.”

Mecum’s Monterey Auction took place on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course.  In addition to the Shelby Daytona, Mecum offered an eclectic mix of more than 200 cars ranging from a 1931 Rolls-Royce to a 2007 Saleen S7.     

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 22 years, offering more than 5,000 collector cars per year – more than any collector car auction company in the world.  Auction information and results are available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

 

The New Shelby Daytona Coupe…Bringing Back A Legend

The long-awaited new CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe MKII with a number of improvements, upgrades and new features has arrived in the USA. The new model will be allocated CSX9000 series chassis numbers and will come complete with a Shelby-issued MSO certificate and Chassis tag.

“The new CSX 9000 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will replace the SPF Daytona Coupe and this famous marque will in future only be marketed as a Shelby product,” says Lance Stander, President of Shelby Distribution USA of Irvine, CA.

The new models are available with a fiber glass body or aluminum-body.

“Every CSX 9000 series Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will be listed in the Shelby World Registry, making this new addition to Carroll Shelby’s stable of sports cars a collector’s dream. The new Coupe will feature Shelby signature door handles and seat covers, and the stopping power for the powerful Coupe will be provided by Shelby branded brakes.”

Asked how the Coupe had had progressed from a Shelby-approved replica of the original World famous Shelby Cobra Daytona CSX2000 series Coupe, that in 1965 won the World Manufacturers Championship, Stander said market requirements had demanded that the new model be upgraded and improved in a manner that would make it worthy of the Shelby appellate.

“A sports car with the heritage and image of the Coupe begged for improvements and new features to make it a worthy contender in the market in which it already is one of the most sought after contenders. This awareness led to the development of the CSX 9000 series,” says Stander.

In order to increase the clearance between the driver’s head and the roof as well as between the driver’s left hand and the A-post, the seats were repositioned and the steering wheel moved over to the right. This created a much more comfortable seating environment.

New external door handles do not mar the sleek look of the coachwork and facilitates entry without the use of a remote key, and the doors are fitted with electric windows.

The side air intakes behind the doors now form part of the rear panel behind the B-pillars with an added quarter vent style window. In addition to improved interior air flow, visibility has been significantly improved.

Gear heads will be delighted with the improved front and rear independent suspension.
This development includes the replacement of the rose joints with ball joints, and the new design facilitates the adjustment of camber, caster and toe adjustment up front, as well as easy camber and toe adjustment at the rear.

To eliminate noise, the front and rear anti-roll bars have been redesigned, the chassis has been stiffened and a new fuel tank with internal baffles incorporates a swirl pot design.

To improve oil cooling the oil cooler has been separated from the radiator and fitted in an area with adequate air flow, the radiator core diameter has been increased and more efficient radiator fans are fitted.

“With the high ambient temperature in most of the USA in summer, and the congestion on our roads, adequate engine and oil cooling are “must haves” in an auto that is as comfortable cruising along at 20 mph or when hugging the corners at well over a 100 mph!” remarked Stander.

In keeping with modern design, the heater and climate controls for the air-conditioning have no cables and are operated via servo units, the side muffler pipes have been increased in diameter to ensure a deeper rumble, and the wheel wells have been adapted to accommodate 18 inch, deep dish Shelby Cobra style rims.

“Although the new Coupe shares all the visual magic of the original, the new CSX 9000 series is just so much more sophisticated and will have enormous appeal in the market for full-blooded American retro-styled sports cars,” said Stander.

The first two new Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes have already been delivered. The order book is filling up fast, and Shelby dealers are now taking orders for later deliveries. Production will initially be limited to two units per month.

The MSRP of the fiber glass bodied CSX 9000 is $89,900.00 TKM and the aluminum-bodied model will be offered at $195,900.00 TKM. Orders can be placed by following this lead to the Shelby dealers’ web site.

BARRETT-JACKSON & SHELBY AUTOS TO AUCTION THE 800 HP PRUDHOMME EDITION GT500 SUPER SNAKE CONCEPT CAR

Two American racing legends, Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, will be on stage when Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), sell the original concept car for the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake Shelby GT500 Mustang on Oct. 9, 2009. The rare Shelby concept car will be sold at No Reserve during Barrett-Jackson’s second annual Las Vegas Collector Car Auction, taking place Oct. 7-10, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. 

 “Concept cars and prototypes are sought by collectors because they represent a historical milestone and so few are offered to the public,” said Barrett-Jackson Chairman/CEO Craig Jackson. “Barrett-Jackson has become the premier venue for these types of vehicles. This is the first time that Shelby Autos has sold one of its concept cars at auction and we’re pleased that Carroll and Don plan to be on stage for such an important occasion.”

 Racing legends Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme joined forces to build the ultimate street legal dragster. Shelby is the only man to ever win the 24 hours of Le Mans as a driver, team owner and manufacturer and was twice named “Sports Car Illustrated’s” Driver of the Year. Prudhomme’s successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times and he was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. 

 “Don Prudhomme is one fast son of a gun who knows how to burn up the quarter mile,” stated Carroll Shelby. “In 1968, he drove a Shelby Super Snake dragster in NHRA for me. Last year, we decided to build a car together for grassroots racers who want a Shelby for the drags.  This is the concept for that program and it’s a very fast car.”

 Shelby Automobiles announced its limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the GT500 Mustang at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif., earlier this year. 

 “In the 1960s, Shelbys ruled the road courses and terrorized the drag strip,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This car was built in the same spirit as the Cobra ‘Dragon Snake’ that made Shelby a feared name on the quarter mile. The Prudhomme Edition concept is a real piece of history and a very exclusive car.”

 The Prudhomme Edition Super Snake is powered by a 5.4-liter, supercharged engine that produces 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. Only 100 total Prudhomme Super Snake post-title packages are being offered by Shelby Autos to current GT500 owners. The package features:

·         A Kenne Belle supercharger and modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end

·         Five-point impact safety harness and roll bar

·         Borla side exhaust system

·         A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires

·         Lower side rockers

 “I’ve really enjoyed working with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this program,” added Prudhomme. “When I was a kid, we’d drive our cars to the drag strip, race them and drive back home.  We designed this car to do the same thing, and do it very, very well.”

 According to Shelby Autos president Amy Boylan, “This Shelby is truly special. While most concept cars can’t be driven, this one is street legal and can be enjoyed on the road. That makes it a rare Shelby and concept vehicle.”

 In addition to the live auction, attendees can review the impressive vehicles for sale, enjoy exhibitors offering an array of merchandise and play the Barrett-Jackson slot machines for a chance to win a new car. For those who can’t attend, SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of all auction days.