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| Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 |
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Ford Shelby Cobra GT500
The most powerful factory-built Mustang ever: the Shelby Cobra GT500, to go on sale next year. Created by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT), it nods to the Shelby Cobras and the GT500 of the past, and Carroll Shelby himself was involved as a consultant on the project. It features a 5.4-litre V8, supercharged and tuned for over 450 bhp and 450 lb ft of torque; this engine has been developed from that of the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R though the car shares its underpinnings with those of the all-new Mustang range.
Further modifications from the standard Mustang include revised shock absorbers, spring rates and anti-roll bars, though the basic front independent suspension and solid-axle three-link rear suspension with coil springs and Panhard rod remain. Brakes have been uprated too.
The GT500's styling has been influenced by that of the 2003 Mustang GT coupe concept, and the show car is finished in red paint with full-length white stripes and GT500 decals. It wears special Shelby and SVT badging and on the front grille, instead of the Mustang prancing pony there is a snake symbol. Snake logos are embroidered onto the red and black leather seats.
Motor Trend magazine reports that Shelby made a personal appearance to unveil the car, and that copies of its new issue - with the GT500 as its cover star - autographed by the race-tuning legend are already up for auction on eBay...
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| Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin |
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Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin
An SVT-tuned Explorer, the Sport Trac Adrenalin's 4.6 V8 is supercharged for 390 bhp and around 390 lb ft of torque. To go on sale in 2007, it has the first SVT six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, and four-wheel independent suspension; electronics include roll and yaw stability control, a necessary item given the bad press the Explorer has received in recent years and its reputation for being prone to rollover incidents. The Adrenalin is seen as being a niche vehicle; SVT spokesman Hau Thai-Tang says that it is "a sports sedan with a pick-up bed". It has come about in response to customer demand; chief designer Doug Gaffka added: "Over time, people love trucks and people want to treat trucks like they do cars. I don't think everybody that buys a truck, or buys an SUV, takes it off-road and uses it for what it's intended to be, so we need to upgrade to keep that customer happy."
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