KEY POINTS:
Ford's iconic Ford Shelby GT Mustang will be available as convertible for the 2008 model year.
The Carroll Shelby-designed Mustang will be limited to just 2300 vehicles, maintaining exclusivity for collectors hoping to end up with an ultra-desirable, big money vehicle like the famed GT500 of old.
"The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first," says Shelby.
"Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that's tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don't will be left behind staring at its tailpipes."
Fewer than 6,000 2007 Shelby GTs were built and were only available in Performance White or Black.
For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.
The striking colour scheme is set off with 18-inch polished rims wrapped in 235/50/18 BF Goodrich gForce tyres, and is stuck to the road with a Ford Racing handling pack consisting of tuned-dampers, uprated swaybars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle.
It comes standard with a Hurst shifter-equipped five speed manual transmission, although a five-speed auto is an option.
The 4.6 litre V8 has undergone a few tweaks to beef up power output to 240kW with 447Nm.
Production of the 2008 Shelby GT will begin in August.
There are importers in New Zealand who bring in special models like the Shelby GT and Ford GT and convert them from left hand drive. It is likely there will be a few seen on Kiwi roads.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
