The facts: an all-new aluminium-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine which produces 550 horsepower. The name: 2011 Shelby GT500. The verdict: it looks beautiful.
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The new V-8 engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process honoured by the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award. The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system helps to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.
New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar tires that Ford's engineers worked with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.
The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs. Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration to optimize the performance.
The addition of EPAS system makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking manoeuvres.
Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a lowered ride height of 11 millimetres in front and 8 millimetres at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling. The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminium wheels.
GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower. New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe's versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.
The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise and vibration. ■