Mustang Shelby Cobra GT 500 2006

Mustang Shelby Cobra GT 500 2006

The project has Shelby as godfather, at least in photographs, as Ford engineers doubtfully need to hear anecdotes from an octogenarian car maker from the 1960s... The new Mustang Cobra is inspired by the GT 500 competition with which Shelby demonstrated at the time (the 1960s) great capacity as a competition team leader.

Ford dedicated full-time the efforts of its SVT (Special Vehicle Team) competition division. This Ford annex works in a similar way as AMG does for Mercedes Benz, SVT prepared other Mustang in the past and one of the most powerful and fastest pick-up in the world, the F-150 Lightning.

On the platform of the 2005 Mustang GT, the GT 500 was developed, a model that combines the contemporary engineering of SVT on the chassis, an engine that exceeds 450 horsepower and a styling work that evokes the 1967 Mustang Fastback in every detail.

The engine, with cast block and aluminum heads, is a supercharged V8 MOD, its 5,400 cm3 and 32 valves make it capable of delivering more than 450 HP. It is a derivative of the V8 present in the revamped GT 40 that Ford recently launched on sale as its sporting top. The transmission is manual 6-speed transmission.

As a result of such a powerful engine, the chassis had to be carefully studied to make it safe. Its rigidity gives it a somewhat predictable character in extreme conditions and allows a comfortable ride in urban management.

The inverted McPherson front suspension adds to the aforementioned rigidity. The rear beam has a suspension with three arms and a torsion bar. For the moment of braking it has ventilated disc brakes Brembo on each of its wheels with 19-inch wheels.

The interior features leather armchairs and chrome elements reminiscent of its ancestor. The aluminium details bring it closer to the present and provide a very sporty atmosphere in the passenger compartment.

As Ford set out to face the near future by reviving the glories of its past, they have decided to include not only the characteristic features in the bodywork, but also the symbols, such as the chrome cobra on the grill and sides of the GT 500.

The release to the market is announced for 2006. Ford and SVT are expected to introduce in 2007 a high performance pick up called Sport Track Adrenalin, which will replace the F-150 Lightning.

© Adrián Blanco 2005 - Reproduction in whole or in part without explicit consent of the author is prohibited. —

History of the Mustang

A brief and brief history lesson for those who are beginning to get to know the Mustang.

At the end of 1964 Ford introduced the Mustang into its hardtop and convertible versions. A small car among the colossus of that time. It was a 2 + 2 car, meaning that it comfortably accommodated two people but could eventually travel 2 more in the rear seats.

It was basically a car for a ride and daily use, for the young public who could access a vehicle of very innovative design at reasonable price. It had V8 and V6 engines.

Only by 1967 came GM's slow response to Ford's unexpected success. GM introduced the Camaro and the Firebird. That same year I saw a whole range of Mustang options: short, medium and long tail (fastback). There was the GT, the Shelby GT 350 and the Shelby GT 500.

Ford's little pony had been transformed into a wild horse with motorizations of up to 500 horsepower, not to mention severe maneuverability problems, as it was not born for that. His success in local races allowed this feverish growth.

By the year 70, the Boss and Mach versions appeared, also with a waste of power. Until like every car in the US suffered the oil crisis of the 1970s. Changes in the laws of fumes and the high price of oil vexed its yield.

It was only in the mid-80s that it began to regain its shape. The 1990s saw him reborn and in 2005 he consolidated himself as an American icon. 2006 will surely set a new precedent in its history.

© Adrián Blanco 2005 - Reproduction in whole or in part without explicit consent of the author is prohibited. —