2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR - Overview - First Look

The new KR, like the original, is essentially a GT500 that's spent another hour or two swimming in the testosterone pool. The supercharged V-8 benefits from a new cold-air intake and a Ford Racing low-restriction exhaust. "We also tweaked the spark maps a bit," says Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. "Life is great with forced induction, because small spark changes bring big power increases." With no change in boost pressure, output is bumped to a target of 540 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, up from 500 horses and 480 pound-feet for the GT500. A six-speed manual will remain the standard and only transmission, the ceramic-metallic twin-disc clutch already rated to handle additional power (once in the hands of owners, few GT500s, Hameedi notes, remain at 500 horsepower for long). Still, the KR will get a new, lower 3.73 rear axle (versus the GT500's 3.31), which with the additional ponies should improve acceleration significantly (expect the KR to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds flat or less-Z06 territory).

The basic suspension will carry over from the GT500, albeit with stiffer springs and shocks, thicker anti-roll bars, and a brace across the front strut towers. "On the KR we're willing to trade ride comfort for enhanced body control and sharper turn-in," says Hameedi. In addition, ride height may be lowered slightly. "We're still finalizing the setup," says Gary Patterson (who, along with Ford engineers, will be wringing out KR prototypes at Las Vegas Speedway in the months ahead). The GT500's standard Brembo brakes also will serve in the KR, their performance enhanced via chrome-ringed front brake ducts. The production KR will ride on new 18-inch wheels supplied by Alcoa (the show car is wearing 20s).

Inside, the KR will be dressed as you'd expect a Shelby special to be: "Shelby"-embossed headrests, special graphics, logo floormats, "40th Anniversary" dash plate. The KR will also get a short-throw shift lever.

Exterior changes are more significant, the most obvious being the two hood pins and that large, functional hood scoop. "The GT500 has an aluminum hood, but for the KR we're looking at an all-new hood in carbon fiber," says Hameedi. "Yes, it's expensive, but this is a special car." The KR will also get a carbon-fiber front splitter, which Hameedi notes reduces frontal lift at speed.

Buyers will order the KR through Ford dealerships. The cars will begin life as GT500s (though with the lower 3.73:1 rear axle and short-throw shifter factory-installed) before being shipped to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for engine and other mods. Ford and Shelby will build just 1000 examples. The GT500KR is still too far off for final pricing, but given its fancy carbon-fiber body pieces and other refinements, it's a safe bet that it'll start in the mid-$65K range. (GT500 owners will be delighted to know that Shelby will also offer many of the KR's upgrades in aftermarket kit form.)

Naturally, we'll have test numbers for you the moment a production GT500KR is available. But why wait? It's already clear this new limited-edition Shelby will be the quickest production Mustang of all time. Go ahead and start hyperventilating now.