2008 Mustang Shelby GT

The Shelby GT, commonly touted as the performance enthusiast’s Mustang, returns to the Mustang lineup in 2008. First introduced in 2007 as a retail alternative to the popular Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H rental racer, the Shelby GT starts its life in Flat Rock, Michigan as a specially equipped Mustang GT. It is then sent from the Ford factory to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas, Nevada where it is customized. When the transformation is complete, the vehicle is sent to dealerships as a true Shelby GT Mustang, complete with its Shelby badge on the trunk lid.

Key Features

• New signature Vista Blue exterior with Shelby GT Silver stripes
• New convertible version of the Ford Shelby GT
• Production aimed at 2,300 to assure exclusivity for collectors

New Features for 2008

In 2008, the Shelby GT will sport several new features. For starters, the Shelby GT will drop its top, as a convertible model enters the line up. The popularity of the Mustang convertible prompted the designers to consider a rag top version of the popular Shelby GT. The ability to go for a cruise in a Shelby GT with the top down is sure to delight Mustang enthusiasts everywhere. As with all Mustang convertibles, it will feature supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness. It will also feature a prominent light bar.

Exterior Enhancements

Next up is a completely new color scheme for the 2008 Shelby GT. In 2007 the vehicle was only available in Performance White or Black colors. In 2008 the Shelby GT returns in Vista Blue with Silver stripes to match. This new exterior scheme gives the Shelby GT a bad boy look, often reserved for vehicles on the race track.

As for body styling, the Shelby GT sports a hood scoop that was featured on the famed Shelby Cobra roadster. This, in combination with the Shelby GT’s prominent lower air dam, sends the message of, “Don’t tread on me!” to other cars on the road. It also sports side scoops that are positioned near the rear wheel arches.

Guide to the Shelby Mustang

• Shelby Mustang - An Overview
• 1965 Shelby GT350
• 2008 Shelby GT500
• 2008 Shelby GT500KR
• 2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

A Powerful Mustang

The 2008 Shelby GT is also equipped with a Ford Racing Handling Pack. This set up features special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars, and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. The result is improved acceleration power and better handling capabilities. In addition, the Shelby GT features a lowered overall ride height so it can hug the road tightly. It is also equipped with a front strut-tower brace that adds additional strength to the chassis structure.

Interior Stylings

Pricing

Final Take

For the power-hungry enthusiast, Ford will offer the Shelby GT500 in 2008, as well as the Shelby GT500KR ‘King of the Road’ Mustang. The GT500 will be available in larger quantities (an estimated 10,000 units) than the standard Shelby GT. The 500KR will be very limited, with an estimated 1,000 units scheduled for production. Both the GT500 and GT500KR will feature engines capable of outputting more than 500 hp. The 500KR is being touted as the most powerful production Mustang ever to hit the streets.

2008 Ford Mustang Preview

What's New for 2008

2008 Bullitt Mustang

2008 Mustang Shelby GT

2008 Mustang Shelby GT500

2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Source: Ford Motor Company