Shelby GT500 convertible available in 2006 

Shelby GT500 convertible available in 2006

Yup, you heard it right.

The most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history will take to the streets next year (mid 2006), following a unique collaboration between performance car legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT).

Early this year, Ford took the wraps off the 450-plus-horsepower Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car at the New York International Auto Show. Designed in the unmistakable image of Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra GT500 and the SVT's modern engineering boasting of the big-block performance that made the original GT500 the king of the road is bound to make any car enthusiast drool. Just take a look at these specs:

A supercharged DOHC 5.4-liter V-8 with at least 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, similar to the 550-hp engine that powers the Ford GT, will likely rumble menacingly under the hood of the Shelby. Coupled with that engine will be a six-speed manual transmission. Unlike the previous-generation Mustang Cobra, the new Shelby will not get an independent rear suspension. Instead, the solid rear axle from regular-duty Mustangs gets tweaked and tuned by SVT. Changes to the suspension include new springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars designed to make the most of the larger, wider 19-inch wheels and tires. Slowing the Shelby GT500 will be 14-inch front brakes and 13-inch rear brakes by Brembo.



Still breathing there?

Meanwhile, I have to go and order Ford bumpers for my Focus at Ford Parts Online for now while I wait for this Legend to come alive again.