Shelby GT500KR

Building on the high performance foundation of GT500, engineers from Ford SVT and Shelby Automobiles sought to build an even more powerful car: the Shelby GT500KR. Debuting as a 2008 model, the GT500KR, "KR" being an abbreviation for "King of the Road", pays homage to the original 1968 Shelby Mustang of the same name. To back up its name, the GT500KR features a host of new components and performance enhancements over a standard GT500. Under the hood, the GT500KR uses the same supercharged 5.4 L DOHC V8 as the standard GT500, but the KR's engine has been tuned to make 540 hp (403 kW) @ 6250 rpm and 510 lb·ft (691 N·m) of torque @ 4500 rpm, gains of 40 hp and 30 lb·ft of torque, respectively. While the Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission remains the same, the GT500KR also benefits from a more aggressive 3.73:1 final drive ratio. To improve handling and help offset the car's front-heavy weight distribution, the GT500KR features a Ford Racing strut tower brace and uniquely tuned struts, shocks, and springs. Finally, to maximize the GT500KR's performance gains, measures were taken to keep the car's weight in check. Through the use of things like a carbon fiber hood and a revised exhaust system, the overall weight of the GT500KR is actually 22lbs lighter than a standard GT500.^[18] For all of its performance enhancements and exclusivity as a limited production car, the GT500KR launched with a significant MSRP of $79,995.

2007 Shelby GT500 - GT500KR

For 2007, Ford's Special Vehicle Team launched the highly anticipated Shelby GT500, successor to the 2003/2004 Mustang SVT Cobra. The GT500 shares many of its basic design characteristics with that of the Mustang V6 and GT. In particular, the GT500 retains the same basic live axle rear suspension setup of the Mustang V6 and GT, though with some minor durability enhancements to handle the car's greater power. Thicker sheetmetal supports and extra welds can be found on the GT500 chassis as well as redesigned strut towers to accommodate a wider engine. A supercharged 5.4 L 32-valve DOHC V8 with an iron block and aluminum heads powers the GT500. The engine is mated to a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission and is rated to produce 500 hp (373 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 480 lb·ft (650 N·m) of torque @ 4500 rpm. A final drive ratio of 3.31:1 is standard in the GT500. Also standard are 18x9.5 inch wheels with P255/45ZR18 tires in the front and P285/40ZR18 tires in the rear. Stopping power is provided by Brembo 14-inch disc brakes with aluminum four-piston calipers in the front and 11.8-inch disc brakes with two-piston calipers in the rear. ^[13]

In spite of its high end features and strong performance, the GT500 failed to meet some automotive journalist's expectations^[14][15]. Car and Driver magazine, for example, though praising the GT500 for its ample horsepower and relatively smooth ride, criticized their test car for its heavy weight and, in particular, the nose-heavy weight distribution of 57.7% front and 42.3% rear (compared to the 52.5% front, 47.5% rear of a Mustang GT manual they tested).^[16] Nevertheless, in spite of their opinion on its drawbacks, Car and Driver drove a GT500 in their 2007 "Lightning Lap" road test and found that the car's on-track performance fell between that of theAudi RS4 and the BMW 335i with a lap time of 3:11.0 at Virginia International Raceway. ^[17].

Shelby GT500KR

Building on the high performance foundation of GT500, engineers from Ford SVT and Shelby Automobiles sought to build an even more powerful car: the Shelby GT500KR. Debuting as a 2008 model, the GT500KR, "KR" being an abbreviation for "King of the Road", pays homage to the original 1968 Shelby Mustang of the same name. To back up its name, the GT500KR features a host of new components and performance enhancements over a standard GT500. Under the hood, the GT500KR uses the same supercharged 5.4 L DOHC V8 as the standard GT500, but the KR's engine has been tuned to make 540 hp (403 kW) @ 6250 rpm and 510 lb·ft (691 N·m) of torque @ 4500 rpm, gains of 40 hp and 30 lb·ft of torque, respectively. While the Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission remains the same, the GT500KR also benefits from a more aggressive 3.73:1 final drive ratio. To improve handling and help offset the car's front-heavy weight distribution, the GT500KR features a Ford Racing strut tower brace and uniquely tuned struts, shocks, and springs. Finally, to maximize the GT500KR's performance gains, measures were taken to keep the car's weight in check. Through the use of things like a carbon fiber hood and a revised exhaust system, the overall weight of the GT500KR is actually 22lbs lighter than a standard GT500.^[18] For all of its performance enhancements and exclusivity as a limited production car, the GT500KR launched with a significant MSRP of $79,995.

2010 Shelby GT500

The 2010 Shelby GT500 was revealed by Ford through a press release on January 1, 2009 as a precursor to a public unveiling at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. As before, many of the basic design characteristics of the new GT500 are shared with that of the Mustang and Mustang GT. In particular, the GT500 gains the same exterior and interior updates as the 2010 Mustang and Mustang GT. Differentiating it from the Mustang and Mustang GT on the outside, however, is a unique front fascia with larger upper and lower grilles, a unique hood, large fog lights mounted in the lower front fascia (similar to the previous GT500), Shelby's signature cobra badges on the grille, front fenders, and trunk lid medallion (with Shelby lettering over the medallion), unique 19-inch wheels (18-inch on the convertible model), and a unique Gurney Flap rear spolier. Inside the GT500, a unique cobra disc on the steering wheel, shift ball, and seats with embroidered cobras are the only major elements that differ it from the Mustang and Mustang GT.^[24]

Mechanically the 2010 Shelby GT500 remains closely related to the 2007-2009 GT500, but the 2010 model has been upgraded with various features similar to or found in the 2008 Shelby GT500KR. A conical cold air intake and other enhancements to the GT500's supercharged 5.4 L DOHC V8 have resulted in an increase in output to 540 hp (403 kW) @ 6250 rpm and 510 lb·ft (691 N·m) of torque @ 4500 rpm; gains of 40 hp and 30 lb·ft of torque over the 2007-2009 GT500 respectively. The Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission returns for the 2010 GT500 but has been enhanced with larger clutch discs (250 mm versus the 215 mm discs used previously) and other measures to increase performance and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control. Additionally, the fifth and sixth gear ratios of the transmission have been changed from 0.80 to 0.74 and 0.63 to 0.50 respectively, contributing to an improvement in fuel efficiency that the 2010 GT500 enjoys over its predecessor. Complementing the transmission's gear ratio changes is a new, more aggressive 3.55:1 ratio rear axle which replaces the 3.31:1 axle used previously. And According to Inside Line driver's of the new 2010 Shelby can expect 0 to 60 times in 4.3 seconds from a stand still and 4 seconds flat with roll out. Elsewhere, the GT500's aluminum hood, in addition to be stylistically different from that of the Mustang and Mustang GT, features an air extractor that helps cool the engine. Various aerodynamic upgrades, such as the design of the front fascia and the aforementioned Gurney Flap spoiler, contribute to increased downward force and a reduced coefficient of drag. Suspension enhancements found in the GT500KR are used in the 2010 GT500 to improve handling and, specifically, provide better roll control. The 2010 GT500 features Ford's AdvanceTrac traction and stability control system standard with different settings to control the level of performance the driver desires.^[24]

The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be released in Spring 2009.

2008-2009 Ford Shelby GT500KR

The Ford Shelby GT500KR, revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, was released in the spring of 2008. The car is powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4-liter (330 CID) supercharged 2 V-8 Racing Power Upgrade Pack. SVT and Shelby announced that 1,000 40th Anniversary Editions will be built for the U.S. in 2008, with another 571 units in 2009. This 1,571 production run matches that of the original 1968 GT500KR. In total, 1,746 units will be produced, with the extra 175 units going to other markets.

The Shelby GT500KR features a carbon composite hood with scoops and hood pins, a lowered front air dam, and 14-inch (360 mm) Brembo brand front brakes with functional cooling ducts. The suspension has been modified and tuned by Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing including unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR.

Performance^[9]

§ 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.9-4.3

§ 1/4 mile: 11.92s @ 120 mph

The GT500KR draws on styling features from the classic 1968 "King of the Road" GT500KR model, and the 2008 model includes "40th Anniversary" badging; both years will have silver paint with blue "LeMans" stripes, and Carroll Shelby signature embroidered seats. The GT500KR's price will be $79,995.

The GT500KR is featured prominently in the new Knight Rider television series on NBC. One of the main characters of the show is KITT, an advanced Artificial Intelligence housed in a GT500KR. Also, in the return of the show, KARR is also a GT500KR.

Specifications^[9]

§ Front engine, RWD, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

§ Supercharged DOHC 32 valve V8 engine

§ 330 CID (5408 cc) displacement

§ Power: 540 hp (410 kW) (550 CV)

§ Torque: 510 ft·lbf (690 N·m).

§ 6-speed manual transmission

§ 3.73 differential ratio

§ 18 x 9.5" Alcoa wheels on Goodyear F1 tires (front: P255/45ZR18 rear: 285/40/ZR18)

§ Tuned suspension by Shelby and Ford Racing

§ 3,800 lb (1,700 kg) curb weight

§ 107.1 in (2,720 mm) wheelbase

§ 188×73.9×54.5 in (4.78×1.88×1.38 m)

§ Weight 4,000 lb (1,800 kg

§ Top Speed: 185+ mph

Performance^[9]

§ 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.9-4.3

§ 1/4 mile: 11.92s @ 120 mph (11.58 @ 122 mph (196 km/h) on drag radials)

Super Snake Shelby GT500 Mustangs

Starting in 2008, previous 2007 Shelby GT500 Mustangs could be sent to Carroll Shelby's Special Performance Plant in Las Vegas to be rebuilt into a Super Snake, for an additional cost of $27,995. The Super Snake will offer a 605 hp 5.4L Eaton TVS supercharged version with warranty. A Kenne Bell twin-screw supercharged version with "over 725 hp" will also be available, without warranty and a 0-60 [mph] time of under four seconds.^[10][11] The Super Snake is inspired by the 1967 GT500 Super Snake, a car made by Carroll Shelby for Goodyear Tires.

The Super Snake also comes with a variety of other performance, handling and cosmetic changes including badging, gauge pod, stripes, 20" Alcoa wheels, fibreglass ram-air Super Snake hood, stripes, carbon fibre front splitter and skirts, larger 6-piston Baer brakes, front and rear brake cooling ducts, complete track setup suspension, aluminum driveshaft, 3.73 differential gears and cat-back exhaust system.

As a side note, a Shelby Super Snake was the winner of Season 2 of BullRun on Speed Channel.

Enzo Ferrari

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12 cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It is currently one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production cars.^{[citation needed]} It was built in 2002 usingFormula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 775 kg (1,709 lb) is reached at 348.8 km/h (217 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm (4.1 in) bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The 2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant.

In 2004, Sports Car International named the Enzo Ferrari number three on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s.

Motor Trend Classic named the Enzo as number four in their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

Engine

Main article: Ferrari Dino engine#V12

The Enzo is a mid-engined car with a 43.9/56.1 front/rear weight distribution. The engine is Ferrari's F140 65° V12 with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Bosch Motronic ME7 fuel injection is used and the engine is naturally aspirated. It displaces 5998 cc (366 in³) and produces 485 kW (651 hp/660 PS) at 7800 rpm and 657 N·m (485 [ft·lbf of torque]) at 5500 rpm.^[6] The redline is 8000 rpm. The Enzo achieves 15 MPG, whereas the McLaren F1, one of the Enzo's main rivals, achieves 6 MPG.^[7]

Chassis

The Enzo has a semi-automatic transmission (also known as the F1 gearbox) using paddles to control an automated shifting and clutch mechanism, with LED lights on the steering wheel telling the driver when to change gears. The gearbox has a shift time of just 150 milliseconds. The transmission was a first generation "clutchless" design from the late 1990s, and there have been complaints about its abrupt shifting.^[6][8]

The Enzo Ferrari has 4 wheel independent suspension with push-rod actuated shock absorbers which can be adjusted from the cabin, complemented with anti-roll bars at the front and rear.^[9]

The Enzo uses 483-millimetre (19 in) wheels and has 381-millimetre (15 in) Brembo disc brakes.

Performance

The Enzo can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.14 seconds^[10] and can reach 100 mph (160 km/h) in 6.6 seconds.^[6] The ¼ mile (~400 m) time is from 10.8 to 11.2 sec at well over 130 mph (210 km/h) and the top speed is around 355 kilometers per hour (221 mph).^[11] It is rated at 12 miles per US gallon (20 L/100 km; 14 mpg_-imp) in the city and 18 miles per US gallon (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg_-imp) on the highway.

Despite the Enzo's extraordinary performance and price, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia (an improved version of Ferrari's current mid-range production car) is capable of lapping the Ferrari test track just as quickly as the Enzo.^[12]

Evo magazine tested the Enzo on the famed Nordschleife Circuit and ran a 7:25.21 lap time.