2008 Shelby GT500KR

Highlights ::

Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and Shelby collaborate on a new 'King of the Road' Mustang with the 2008 Shelby GT500KR.

Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning.

Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.

Shelby GT500KR arrives in spring 2008 in an exclusive run of only 1000 units.

Bringing back a tradition ::

Ford and Shelby Automobiles are at it again, this time in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR. To be unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR-the most powerful Mustang to date-will once again mark Mustang as 'King of the Road.'

'I'm proud to once again be a part of an historical moment, bringing back the 'King of the Road' Mustang, and collaborating with Ford SVT and Ford Racing' said Carroll Shelby. 'I'm committed to continuously upping the ante when it comes to performance, and it's great to be doing it with Ford.' 'The return of the Shelby GT500KR further establishes Mustang as the true king of the pony car segment,' said Robert Parker, manager of Ford Car Brand. 'With the unveiling of the new KR we are staying true to the promise we made our loyal Mustang fans to continue Mustang's prowess by bringing new, exciting and more powerful Mustangs to market.'

Doug Gaffka, Ford SVT chief designer, and his team worked closely with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team to make certain the new KR was crafted in the spirit of the original Shelby muscle car.

'This was a great effort between Ford and Shelby Automobiles,' said Gaffka. 'The Shelby team and I were in constant contact melding Carroll's classic design cues with some modern concepts and ideas and finessing them into the design of the new KR.'

Gary Davis, vice president of production and product development for Shelby Automobiles, played a key role in defining the look of the custom designed carbon composite hood for the GT500KR. His knowledge of the original GT500KR helped sculpt a modern interpretation of the original's bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.

Side stripes are true to the original KR right down to the font used for the 'GT500KR' lettering, while the classic LeMans-style striping that races down the center of the car has been deleted between the leading forward edge of the hood scoops and the front of the hood, accenting the scoops and giving the KR its distinctive face. 'That was Shelby's idea,' said Gaffka. 'It's a special touch that adds some down-the-road differentiation. There will be no doubt that it's a 'King of the Road' Mustang that's filling up your rearview mirrors.'

The show car wears exclusive, Shelby-designed 20-inch, forged, polished aluminum wheels with special custom center caps, mounted on Pirelli rubber. Production models will arrive with an 18-inch version of the design.

Each KR model is identified by special 40th Anniversary KR badges on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. A special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.

The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.

Specs ::
5.4-liter supercharged V-8 producing an estimated 540-horsepower and 510 ft.-lbs. of torque

Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack featuring revised calibration and cold air intake system

6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio

Ford Racing performance exhaust system

Unique performance suspension tuning: springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars

Shelby-designed 'GT500KR' 20-inch wheels (18-inch version for production)

Ford Racing short-throw shifter and front strut tower brace

Unique carbon composite hood featuring classic Shelby 'KR' design

Front brake cooling ducts

'Shelby' lettering across the front edge of hood and rear decklid

40th Anniversary badges on the front quarter panels

Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats

Official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate

Rating :: 8/10

Send This To A Friend