"The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has becomeinstantly recognizable to enthusiasts without brash styling cues," saysDoug Gaffka, SVT chief designer. "The GT500 takes a huge leap forwardby combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelbyperformance look to expand SVT's reach to a much bigger audience."
The 2005 Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic 1968Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into amuscle car with attitude. Envisioning an SVT model, the team testedGT500 design cues on the Mustang GT coupe concept that was unveiled atthe 2003 North American International Auto Show. In 2004, designersfurther developed the GT500 look on the Mustang GT-R, a race-bredconcept with the dual purpose of foreshadowing SVT's Mustang designdirection and Ford Racing's plans to return Mustang to road racing.
The GT500 now comes into full light, punctuated by the classic LeMans-style white stripes that race along the top of the show car's "SVTRed" paint from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangsthat marked another important 1960's Mustang transition when Ford put iton the track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature isprominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from theclassic Shelby Mustangs.
"The new Mustang has classic design cues from some of the best-lookingMustangs of all-time, including the Shelbys," says Keith Rogman, Fordsenior designer. "The design of the GT500 has been at the forefront ofour minds since the outset of the entire Mustang program."
The Shelby design elements alone are enough to tell the GT500 story butare not the only visual cues that set this Mustang apart. The reworkedfront fascia features a functional air splitter and the unique hood hasheat-extraction ducts, combining to provide improved airflow andaerodynamics. Revised headlamp insets offer a more aggressive look andresult in symmetrical upper and lower grilles with large air openings,creating a visual connection to vintage Shelby Mustangs.
The unique rear fascia features strakes inspired by the Ford GT'sintegrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of aclassic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performanceicons, the GT500 features Shelby and SVT badging.
Continuing the snake logo tradition of past-generation SVT MustangCobras, as well as late-model Shelby Mustangs, the fenders each featurean updated design of the Cobra. For the first time on any SVT Mustang,the front grille features an off-center snake in place of the standardrunning horse. "GT500" is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, andthe name "SHELBY" is prominently featured across the rear deck. The SVTlogo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, aswell as on the doorsill plates. To top if off, the "gas cap" medallionbetween the taillights reads "Shelby GT500" centered on the Cobra image.
The interior is completely wrapped in ebony black leather, including thetop of the dash, door panels and center arm rest. Also wrapped in ebonyleather are the shift lever, shift boot and parking-brake handle. SVTRed leather seats and door panel inserts provide a marked contrast tothe rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performanceenthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into theseat backs finish the package.
"We've taken leather design trends to a new level by using it on almostevery exposed surface in the GT500," says Rogman. "Leather has longbeen a performance fashion accessory for enthusiasts, from jackets toracing gloves, so it perfectly matches all the other driving orientedcues."
The Shelby GT500 script and Cobra image are repeated on the steeringwheel cap. Behind the wheel are titanium-faced gauges swapped inlocation so that the tachometer is dominant visually for the driver. Thechrome accessories inside the cabin have been replaced with a satinaluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicelypositioned for quick, positive shifts of the six-speed transmission.
SVT and Shelby: The Legends Grow
With the look and legend one would expect from Carroll Shelby and thekind of power and performance enthusiasts have come to expect from SVT,the GT500 show car points to a brand new era in Ford Motor Company'sperformance future.
"Carroll Shelby is truly a living automotive legend, a Ford performancelegend," says Martens. "It's a dream come true to be able to put theShelby name on a Mustang again."
Carroll Shelby first put his name on a Mustang back in 1964 when he wasasked to inject some high performance into the brand-new pony car. Theresult was the GT-350R, a lightweight, handling-focused race car thatearned the Mustang its first performance credentials. Subsequent ShelbyMustangs included a street version of the race car, the GT-350, and whatwas known as the "rent-a-racer" Mustang, the GT-350H, a joint projectwith the Hertz rental car corporation.
The ultimate Shelby Mustang of the era was the GT-500KR, or "King of theRoad." Powered by a big block 428-cubic inch "Cobra Jet" V-8, the GT-500was one of the most powerful, and memorable, muscle cars of that period.Shelby Mustang production ceased in 1970 with a total volume of 14,559units.
The Ford Special Vehicle Team brought performance back to Mustang in1993. After 12 years and with nearly 80,000 high-performance Mustangs onthe streets, and a total SVT vehicle production nearing 145,000vehicles, SVT is primed for growth with the GT500 serving as thefoundation for other performance Mustang projects.
By bringing together Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT, the company'scommitment to performance becomes as powerful as at any time in itshistory - including the famed "Total Performance" days of the 1960s.From the Ford GT supercar, the GT500, to a rejuvenated Ford RacingPerformance Parts program - performance and racing adds luster to itsproud brand heritage.
"SVT has been and will remain the leader in performance vehicleengineering and marketing," says Martens. "SVT remains unique inoffering the total performance experience. The return of Carroll Shelbyto our performance family only strengthens our firepower."