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2008 Shelby GT500 Mustang
2008 Mustang Shelby GT500: Ford's High-Performance Mustang Returns

By Jonathan Lamas, About.com

2008 Mustang Shelby GT500

Shelby Mustang GT500

Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Returning once again for 2008, the Ford Shelby GT500, based on the popular Shelby GT, is sure to turn heads wherever it travels. Inspired by the Shelby big-block Mustang of the 1960s, the GT500, which is a joint collaboration between Mustang customizer Shelby and Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT), truly is a performance-powered Mustang.

Key Features:

  • Supercharged 5.4-liter four-valve V-8 engine w/intercooler
  • 500 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Stainless steel dual exhaust
  • SVT tuned front and rear suspension- with unique dampers and springs
  • Tremec 6-speed manual transmission
  • Power four-wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes with ABS
  • Unique SHELBY badging on rear decklid
  • GT500 side stripes (convertible)
  • Over-the-top Racing Stripes and “GT500” side stripes (coupe)
  • P255/45ZR 18 (front) and P285/40ZR18 (rear) performance tires
  • Unique GT500 front and rear fascias and aluminum hood (with dual functional air vents)
  • Unique rear spoiler
  • 18 x 9.5-inch bright machined aluminum wheels
  • Shaker 500 Audio System (AM/FM stereo w/CDx6, 6-speakers &MP3)
  • Front seat side air bags; BeltMinder®.
  • Photo Gallery

Performance and Power

There are many ways in which the GT500 stands apart from other Mustangs. For one, it boasts a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine capable of outputting an estimated 500 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. If that’s not enough to win the hearts of performance enthusiasts everywhere, the GT500 features performance upgrades throughout. For instance, it comes with a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with Reverse-L lower control arms, backed by spring rates and an upgraded stabilizer for improved handling and stopping performance. Next, the GT500 is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, designed exclusively for performance driving. In fact, the car’s heavy-duty transmission is the same in design as the race-winning Mustang FR500C.

As for braking, the GT500 boasts four-piston Brembo calipers, each fitted to 14-inch Brembo vented rotors up front. It also features 11.8-inch vented discs in the rear. As for tread, it’s available with 18 x 9.5 inch wheels featuring 255/45ZR high-performance tires up front and 285/40ZR high-performance tires in back. Talk about one mean machine!

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