Unmistakable Cobra Styling
One glance at the Shelby GT500 shows this is not a typical Mustang. A sinister-looking front-end design includes wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional lower air splitter. The upper grille opening sports the famous Cobra logo, floating off-center in place of a centered galloping pony found on other Mustangs. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to the dramatic front appearance. New for 2008, optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps will be available for added visibility and safety.
The bulging hood has a set of matching heat extractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics. As air passes over the hood, hot air from the engine compartment is drawn out through venting attached to the extractors.
“The restrained, performance-oriented SVT design theme has become instantly recognizable to enthusiasts without the use of overly brash styling cues,” said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer. “The GT500 takes a huge leap forward by combining the modern Mustang muscle car with the classic Shelby performance look.”
The Mustang design team drew inspiration from classic 1967-68 Mustangs, the models that transformed the mild-mannered pony car into a true muscle car with attitude.
The production Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe is punctuated by the classic Le Mans-style white overbody stripes that race along the top from nose to tail. The stripes recall the Shelby Mustangs that marked another important 1960s Mustang transition, when Ford put it on track to becoming a racing legend. The GT500 nomenclature is prominent in the lower bodyside racing stripe, another cue from the classic Shelby Mustangs of yesteryear.
In a touch also borrowed from the GT500’s past, no Le Mans overbody stripes will be seen on the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible. The convertible version will sport a high-end cloth top similar to those found on pricier convertibles.
“There were no Le Mans stripes on Shelby’s original GT500 Convertible, so we decided to pay homage by not offering them on today’s convertible models,” says Gaffka. “We also went with a cloth top material as another measure of substance and exclusivity. The fabric used is the same used on the 2002-03 SVT Mustang Cobra, the Thunderbird, Jaguar and Ford’s other high-end convertibles.”
The unique rear fascia features lower strakes inspired by the Ford GT’s integrated rear airflow diffuser, and a rear spoiler reminiscent of a classic GT500. To mark the collaboration of two Mustang performance icons, the GT500 features both Shelby and SVT badging.
The fenders each sport an updated design of the famed Cobra emblem. The front grille houses an off-center snake in place of the standard running horse. “GT500” is emblazoned inside the side rocker stripes, and the name SHELBY is prominently written across the rear deck. The SVT logo can be seen on the wheel center caps, a signature SVT location, as well as on the doorsill plates. To top it off, the medallion between the taillights reads, “Shelby GT500” centered on the Cobra image.
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