Shelby Mustangs: Car review - Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR

The Ford Shelby GT500KR, revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, was released in the spring of 2008. The car is powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4-liter (330 CID) supercharged V-8 variation with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack. SVT and Shelby announced that 1,000 40th Anniversary Editions will be built for the U.S. in 2008, with another 571 units in 2009. This 1,571 production run matches that of the original 1968 GT500KR. In total, 1,746 units will be produced, with the extra 175 units going to other markets.

The Shelby GT500KR features a carbon composite hood with scoops and hood pins, a lowered front air dam, and 14-inch Brembo brand front brakes with functional cooling ducts. The suspension has been modified and tuned by Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing including unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR.

The GT500KR draws on styling features from the classic 1968 "King of the Road" GT500KR model, and the 2008 model includes "40th Anniversary" badging; both years will have silver paint with blue "LeMans" stripes, and Carroll Shelby signature embroidered seats. The GT500KR's price will be $79,995.

The GT500KR is featured prominently in the new Knight Rider television series on NBC. One of the main characters of the show is KITT, an advanced Artificial Intelligence housed in a GT500KR.

Specifications:

Front engine, RWD, 4 passenger, 2 door coupe
Supercharged DOHC 32 valve V8 engine
330 CID (5408 cc) displacement
Power: 540 hp (410 kW) (550 CV)
Torque: 510 ft.-lbs.
6 Speed Manual Transmission
3.73 differential ratio
18 x 9.5" Alcoa wheels on Goodyear F1 tires (front: P255/45ZR18 rear: 285/40/ZR18)
Tuned suspension by Shelby and Ford Racing
3,800 lb (1,700 kg) curb weight
107.1 in (2,720 mm) wheelbase
188×73.9×54.5 in (4.78×1.88×1.38 m)

Performance: