Ford shelby GT drops it's top for 2008

I got this from Shelby's PR folks this morning -

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Contacts: Whitney E. Drake Scott Black
Ford Motor Company Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
313.323.8564 214.520.3430
wdrake@ford.com sblack@timepiecepr.com
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORD SHELBY GT DROPS ITS TOP FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR
DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2007 – The magic duo of Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby bring open-air
excitement to the road for the 2008 model year as the Ford Shelby GT returns with a new convertible
body style and a new standard color combination. Like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be
limited to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT will be available in coupe and
convertible from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible will be formally introduced to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts
at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.
“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll 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.”
In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing joined forces to create a retail version of The
Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called the Shelby GT. Fewer than 6,000 total 2007 Shelby GTs
were built and were only available in Performance White or Black.
• New convertible version of the Ford Shelby GT available beginning this summer
• New signature Vista Blue exterior with Shelby GT Silver stripes
• Production of 2008 Shelby GT aimed at 2,300 to assure exclusivity for collectors
• Ford Mustang is America’s top-selling convertible
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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 Mustang convertible is the number one selling convertible in the U.S.,” states Robert Parker, Ford
Division Car Marketing Manager. “Since the Mustang program never stands still, we wanted to continue
offering consumers what they want, and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT convertible.”
Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance
International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles
facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.
“The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we
brought the car back for the 2008 model year,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “The
enormous response to the Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer a drop top Shelby GT. And we
had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008.”
Every Shelby GT is built to perform and is the result of extensive development. Aerodynamics were key
to sculpting the powerful, unique front fascia with aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes
directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are positioned just before the rear
wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips and a Shelby badge is on the trunk lid.
“The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability to work together to deliver
some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever built,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing
Performance Group. “Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The
Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are
developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”
Under the hood, the engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to increase output of
the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe
crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a
five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed
automatic transmission is optional.
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The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway
bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height
was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis
structure.
The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich
gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have
supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness and the Shelby team will add a stylish light bar.
“The Shelby GT is for drivers,” says Boylan. “We enhanced the motor, the chassis and other bits to make
it a fun, balanced car that is equally at home on the street or track. It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers
great value for the price.”
Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built, available with manual or
automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a
matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles
production is scheduled to begin in August 2007.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or
distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and
more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford,
Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit
www.fordvehicles.com.
About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance
vehicles and related products. The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the
427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. The company has partnered with Ford Motor
Company to produce the Shelby GT, Shelby GTH and GT500KR, which are based on the Mustang. For
more information about Shelby Automobiles, visit www.shelbyautos.com.
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