The Reality Is Shelby Is Back, And The SVT-Engineered, 450hp GT 500 Hits The Streets Next Year-Get Ready To Worship!
It's a week before the New York International Auto Show in mid-March, and I'm getting off a plane in Detroit, Michigan. I've been summoned to see the latest creations from Ford's Special Vehicle Team. This is exciting enough, as the Internet was on fire with rumors that SVT was headed for the corporate scrap yard. After achieving such greatness with its last lineup of Cobra, Lightning, and Focus, it would be a good time to go out on top, but it seems there was plenty of fuel in the SVT tank, and the new management wasted little time in pouring in its own octane booster.
I had heard the rumors, but as I crossed the SVT threshold and saw Carroll Shelby discussing things with the SVT honchos, I knew. There are rumors, and there is reality. This was surreal. I'm too young to have appreciated Carroll in his heyday, but I know and respect what the man has done. Plus, we all know his inspiration and SVT were involved in the lust-worthy Ford GT. Ford and Shelby together again with the S197 Mustang? This had to be good.
Just how good, I didn't realize. As regular readers know, I haven't been the biggest fan of the '05's retro styling, but as I walked into the SVT dream garage, there it sat-the new Ford Shelby Cobra GT 500. We'll call it the GT 500. It was, as I'm sure it was for most of you, lust at first sight. The car is simply stunning, but even if it weren't the prettiest car, it has a blown 5.4. A blown 5.4 that is quite similar to the 550hp unit in the Ford GT. We are talking big power here, as the aftermarket potential for the 450-plus-hp GT 500 engine is obvious.
Certainly you've read all about the car by now, but suffice it to say it looks just as sweet in person. As for how it drives, we hope to tell you all about that soon.