by John Fossen
The 2008 Shelby GT500KR will be the most
powerful Mustang ever. Go to Fordvehicles.com.
DEARBORN, Sept. 21, 2007 -- The legendary Carroll Shelby gave the new 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR a thumbs up during a recent test drive at the Dearborn Development Center. The former race car driver and car builder is collaborating with Ford on a modern version of his 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR, which is due out next spring.
"He saw the few things that I still have to do in terms of getting the understeer balance correct," said Eric Zinkosky, vehicle dynamics supervisor, Ford Special Vehicle Team. "But generally he liked everything we have done, especially since we had been tuning the car for less than two weeks at the time he experienced it.
"He liked the new exhaust sound, the more powerful engine and the grippier tires."
The 2008 Shelby GT500KR is equipped with a 540-horsepower, 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 and other performance upgrades, making it the fastest production Mustang ever.
The new "King of the Road" Mustang is part of Ford's commitment to one new Mustang feature vehicle per year. For 2007, it is the Shelby GT, and for 2008, there will be at least two, including the Shelby GT500KR and the previously announced Mustang Bullitt.
