Shelby reveals 2011 GT500 Super Snake, with up to 800 hp

The 2010 Shelby Super Snake was the king of all Mustangs, pumping out an insane 750 horsepower in a factory-like package. But if you thought that it had too much power, apparently Shelby didn't agree with you. Because they have upped the ante to an astounding 800 for their 2011 Super Snake.

Of course, you can opt for lesser packages that produce a more mundane 660 and 750 horsepower, but why mess around with that? Other new bits for the 2011 model are anthracite wheels, side scoops, and white stripes. The package starts at $30,245 (sans Mustang) and can be built for you at Shelby's Las Vegas shop or any of their others around the country.



Press Release

Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will offer a Super Snake post title package for the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with new styling cues and an optional 800 horsepower tuned engine. Only 1,000 total Super Snake packages for the 2011 model year car will be built at the Shelby American facility in Las Vegas or one of the official Shelby Mod Shops, beginning in September of this year.

"Ford Motor Company did a marvelous job making the 2011 model year GT500 lighter and more powerful," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. "Our team applied its experience building Super Snakes over the past several years to offer a package that dramatically increases the new car's capabilities. And with the visual changes we've made, it will be a definite stand out on the road or track."

Just like the 2011 Shelby GT350, born on the proving grounds of the drag strip and road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Shelby American worked with companies like Ford Racing to create an even more aggressive suspension and engine package for the 2011 Super Snake.

"We extensively tested our mods for the 2011 model car before we decided the package was ready for the public," added Gary Davis, vice president of production and R&D at Shelby American. "For those who want more performance than the stock GT500 offers, the Super Snake will definitely meet their expectations."

For the 2011 model year, more power, a new anthracite wheel, white stripes and new side scoops are optional.

"We've only offered black stripes and chrome wheels on the Super Snake since we introduced the package a couple of years ago," added Davis. "With the serious advancements made to the 2011 model year, it was time to differentiate it from the previous generation car. So we added an 800 horsepower tune, optional wheel, side scoop and stripes to make it easy to spot the new Shelby Super Snake."

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:

• Ford Racing handling pack including dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars, and front strut tower brace
• 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
• Shelby/Ford Racing supercharger upgrade producing over 660 HP and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque
• Either a Shelby/Ford Racing or Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit producing 750 HP with upgraded drive shaft, billet twin 75mm throttle body and exclusive badges
• Optional Shelby/Kenne Bell 800 horsepower tune on pump gas
• Borla exhaust system
• An optional Shelby / Eibach handling pack is also available
• Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels in durabright or anthracite
• Short-throw shifter
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
• Front brake cooling ducts and behind the door side scoops
• Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby design and pins
• Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either matte black or matte white
• "Shelby" lettering across the rear deck lid
• "Super Snake" vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
• Optional two tone leather interior
• Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components

The price of the 750 HP package is $30,245 including installation but not the car. Each vehicle will be listed in the official Shelby registry. Complete Super Snake packages will only be available through Shelby American and its mod shops. Customers interested in a Shelby GT500 Super Snake should call (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.shelbyamerican.com.

Shelby wants to know what you want from them, shows new models including twin turbo GT500

After announcing that they would be focusing more on producing parts than entire cars, Shelby built a brand new speed shop in Las Vegas and has brought its manufacturing in house. And now they have posted a query on their website asking what you want from the company going forward. In the process, they have proposed a few new models including a V6 Mustang and a twin turbo Shelby GT500.

The twin turbo GT500 is code named 2010-04a, and features a setup that promises to exceed 1000 horsepower (at the wheels) and is based on the 2009 and prior model. Other goodies include an adjustable suspension to lay that power to the pavement, a 10 point roll cage, and a widebody kit.

The V6 Mustang is perhaps a model that is long overdue, as the sixer is actually a very potent motor in itself and the majority of Mustang sales feature the smaller powerplant underhood. This car is tentatively called the Shelby GTS, and is already a working prototype. The package features a number of visual upgrades and figures to cost between $9,000 and $12,000.

In addition to these two models, there are a pair of other concepts on the Shelby American site, as well as a repop Cobra concept.

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR revealed

Last year it was reported that Classic Recreations had signed a deal with Shelby to produce new versions of the 1967 Shelby GT500. At that time all we had was a few renderings of what the car would essentially look like. Now we have some pictures the company has released of the new/old Shelby.

New and old parts are mixed together to produce a true modern iteration of the '67. Modern rack and pinion steering, suspension, Baer brakes, and fiberglass panels bring the Shelby into 2010. A 545hp 427ci V8 will ensure that it is considerably faster than the original as well.

Or you can order up a 780hp supercharged option as well. Either way power is routed through a Tremec tranny and 9 inch rear end.





SHELBY GT500CR PROTOTYPE MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN VEGAS

Classic Recreations 1967 G.T.500CR makes first public appearance in Las Vegas the same weekend as the NASCAR Shelby American Race

Yukon, Okla. (Feb 25th, 2010) - Less than four months after custom coachbuilder Classic Recreations announced the Officially-Licensed 1967 Shelby G.T.500CR continuation car program at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the first prototype made its debut in the same city but with a very different setting.

Details of the reborn supercar have been a closely guarded secret, but on February 25th, 2010, the first GT500CR prototype was photographed near the Shelby American facility in Las Vegas, prior to an all-Shelby weekend where car owners and NASCAR fans gathered to celebrate the legendary mark during the NASCAR Shelby American GT350 stock car race.

The G.T.500CR is the first official 1967 Shelby Mustang continuation car ever built, and each hand-built vehicle features a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) engine, model specific bodywork, custom paint and hand-stitched upholstery.
Every has an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the Shelby World Registry. The prototype that appeared in Las Vegas is the 545 horsepower Performance Model, featuring a fuel injected, naturally aspirated engine, modern coil-over suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and more.

About Classic Recreations

Classic Recreations founder Jason Engel, and his company's team of skilled technicians and craftsmen, have been modifying and custom fabricating high-performance vehicles for more than 10 years. Each built-to-order G.T.500CR takes approximately four months (nearly 2,500 man hours) of painstaking assembly. Find out more about how to get your own hand built vehicle at www.1967fastback.com.

Video: Hear the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500's aluminum soundtrack

In case you missed all the details of the 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and it's reveal yesterday, you can find it here.

And if you are curious as to what the new car sounds like, we have two spankin' new videos for you to check out, one of the coupe and one featuring the convertible. Press play to hear all that glorious supercharged sound.

2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (officially) revealed!

Details surrounding the updated 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 have been one of the worst kept secrets in Detroit. Pretty much every detail about the car has been leaked out over the course of the last few weeks. This does not, however, make the car any less amazing and drool worthy.

At the heart of the new GT500 is an aluminum block, which (combined with other weight saving features) shaves a hefty 120 pounds off the already heafty car's nose. The SVT team has opted not to use an aluminum block until they could make one as strong as an iron block, and now they have. The block is created using a Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) process which Ford engineers developed to lower weight as well as improve efficiency and power output. Power is up 10hp to a total of 550 hp and the same 510 lb-ft of torque as the previous model.

The rest of the weight loss can be attributed to new, lighter wheels that save 4.7 pounds each in the 19 inch fronts, and 2.8 pounds in the 20 inch rears. Rear gears are more aggressive at 3.73:1. These wheels are wrapped in the latest generation Goodyear F1 supercar tires. The suspension has also been tweaked, with 20.5 percent stiffer front springs and 9.5 percent tighter rear springs.

Also for 2011, the convertible version of the GT500 has been heavily tweaked. The main complaint about the previous ragtop version was that it was more of a cruiser that lacked structural integrity. For 2011, much effort has been put into making the convertible more rigid and a better performer.

While straight line performance has jumped up a tenth of a second in the quarter mile, fuel economy has also improved. The new GT500 is up 1 mpg to 15 city and 23 highway, which seems slightly insignificant until you realize that it is enough to take the dreaded gas guzzler tax away from the previous car.

The new, tweaked and improved 2011 GT500 will go into production this spring with an on sale date in the summer. Check out the press release below for all the details.

2011 FORD SHELBY GT500 GOES LIGHTWEIGHT WITH ALUMINUM ENGINE, OFFERS ULTIMATE IN HANDLING

With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500® with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology

For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax

The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2010 – Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

"The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement," said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. "All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance."

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine
The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

"Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make."

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

"Ford's Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It's the same technology you would find on aircraft engines," said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. "We've invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy."

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

"The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world's most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive," said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. "The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand."

Increased power and increased fuel economy
The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades
New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

"One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe," said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. "Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride."

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content
New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe's versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:
Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
Integrated spotter mirror
Fold-down rear headrests
"Whether you're looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track," Capito says, "this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts."

Classic Recreations reveals specs of it's Shelby GT500CR Mustang

At SEMA Classic Recreations announced that it had reached a deal with Shelby to build a continuation version of the legendary Shelby Mustang GT500. Not much was know at that time regarding any sort of specifications of the car.

Thanks to the latest press release below, we have much more information on the GT500CR Mustang. Three models will be offered: the Intro, Performance, and Venom.

The Intro comes standard with a 427ci V8, 150hp nitrous kit, upgraded suspension and steering, Tremec 5 speed tranny, and Baer brakes.

The Performance model ups the ante with better seats, bigger wheels, and a coilover suspension.

The top of the line Venom sports an intercooled supercharger that nets the car 780hp, along with lots of other performance upgrades.

PRESS RELEASE:

Custom coachbuilder Classic Recreations has released preliminary technical details and package specifications for the G.T.500CR, a 1967 Shelby continuation vehicle that was announced opening day of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. All three G.T.500CR models will feature a hand-built 427 cubic inch (7.0L) engine, model specific bodywork, custom paint and hand-stitched upholstery. Every car will have an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

The G.T.500CR will be offered in three models. The "Intro" model is powered by a 545hp fuel injected 427, built in-house at Classic Recreations using top-shelf performance parts and Mass Flo digital fuel injection. A 150hp NOS nitrous oxide system provides extra power when needed. Upgraded suspension and power rack and pinion steering modernize the car's handling, and a Tremec five speed manual transmission sends the power to ZR rated tires on 17x8" Shelby 427 wheels over front and rear cross drilled Shelby/Baer brakes. Inside, the driver will find a custom stereo, climate control and Carroll Shelby Signature seats, gauges, console, and floormats. The exterior is available in five different color schemes and features authentic Shelby Performance parts, such as lights, emblems and a real Shelby Le Mans racing gas cap.

The "Performance" model has all the features of the "Intro", including the 150HP Nitrous system, rack and pinion steering and 160mph speedometer, plus Carroll Shelby Scat Rally series 1000 seats, larger 17x9.5 rear wheels and a Total Control front and rear coilover suspension system for modern sports car handling.

The "Venom" maintains the authentic Shelby look of the "Intro" and "Performance" models, but boosts horsepower to 780hp with an F1-R Intercooled ProCharger supercharged engine. The interior is upgraded with a 200mph speedometer and racing-style bucket seats. The "Venom" also boasts suspension and chassis upgrades as well as 17x11" rear wheels and wider ultra high performance Goodyear tires. Model line specifications and details are subject to change.

Classic Recreations building Shelby GT500CR

Carroll Shelby himself has commissioned Classic Recreations to relaunch a continuation version of one of the most famous muscle cars of all time, the 1967-68 Shelby GT500 Mustang. The very shop that is behind the Eleanor, one of the more famous modern muscle cars of our time.

Not many details are know at this time. Obviously power will be incredible, and you can expect the usual suspension and interior/exterior upgrades to bring the GT500CR into the modern era. Each car will have an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

PRESS RELEASE

Internationally recognized custom coachbuilder expands offerings to include officially licensed Shelby GT500CR continuation vehicles.

Yukon, Okla. (Nov 3, 2009) – Classic Recreations, a noted bespoke coachbuilder known for exotic Mustang supercars that have been shipped all over the globe, has been granted a license by Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. to build an iconic continuation car based on classic 1967 and 1968 Mustangs: the Shelby GT500CR.

"I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to work with a legend like Carroll Shelby," said Classic Recreations owner Jason Engel. "We pride ourselves on building the finest coachbuilt muscle cars in the world, and I'm thrilled that this new opportunity will allow us to build some of the fastest and coolest supercars on the road today. Other shops build cars. We sit down with a client, listen to their fantasies, and then turn those into reality."

Every Shelby GT500CR will be built with authentic Shelby Performance parts and with input and oversight from Carroll Shelby Licensing and Shelby Automobiles technical staff. Each car built at the Classic Recreations facility will leave the shop with an official Shelby serial number, badges and will be included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry. More details on the new model will be released shortly.

"We are still working out a few details, but I know Shelby fans will love the new car," Engel said. "It retains the most iconic Shelby elements everyone loves with modern performance and supercar level horsepower. Then add the panache of having a real Shelby GT500CR complete with a serial number and the man's name right on the rocker panel. For Mustang fans, you absolutely can't beat that."

Classic Recreations is the first custom car builder to receive an official license to build the new GT500CR model.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 dyno tested, lives up to it's 540hp rating

It's no surprise that the new GT500 is fast, but it's also no surprise that someone was going to throw the thing on a dyno to confirm rated horsepower. It's a practice that's been going on for many many years, back to when manufacturers underrated power numbers to keep insurance cheap for car buyers.

And some things never change. 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords strapped a 2010 Shelby GT500down and the results were better than expected. The Mustang belted out a stout 478.53 horsepower and 470.43 lb-ft torque at the rear wheels on a hot and muggy day in Florida. The traditional calculation of allowing a 15% loss of power through the drivetrain puts flywheel horsepower at over 560hp.

Lead designer shares early sketches of the Mustang Shelby GT500

Keeping pace with the flurry of activity surrounding the debut of the 2010 Ford Mustang has left out some interesting details surrounding it's design and what might have been.

Lead Designer Rob Jensen keeps his very own blog at www.RobJensenDesign.com, and he recently sat down with the folks at www.idsketching.com for an interview. He revealed some nice details about the current Mustang's design process, and offered some good advice to those trying to get in the industry.

The best part is that he handed over some early sketches of the GT500 that shows the gestation that the new pony car went before they settled on the final design.

Shelby unleashes 800 hp GT500 Super Snake Prudomme Edition

Last night at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, Carroll Shelby and Co. unveiled what is by far the most radical Mustang ever built for the street.


Named after Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, who drove a top fuel car for Shelby in the 1968 season, the new Shelby features a 750 horsepower (over 800 on race fuel) version of the GT500's 5.4-liter V8 thanks to an upgraded Kenne Bell supercharger.

Other modifications include a custom fiberglass full tilt front end, a Shelby rear drag wing, eight-point roll cage, six-piston front brakes, rear seat delete, coilover springs, custom Bogart wheels, and much more.

Pricing comes in at $99,995 to upgrade a car, or $149,995 for a complete car. Production will be limited to 100 examples. And did we mention that it's street legal?

PRESS RELEASE:

Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK) has returned to drag racing with a limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the Shelby GT500 Mustang. Carroll Shelby and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme unveiled the program during a private reception at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. The drag racing inspired 800 horsepower post title package was a collaboration between Shelby Autos and Don Prudhomme, who successfully drove a top fuel car for Carroll Shelby in the 1968 NHRA season.

Each year, the Automobile Club of Southern California holds a dinner to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on the first night of the Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals. In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the first race that Mr. Prudhomme drove for Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Autos team unveiled the new drag racing package that they developed together over the past year.

"Don is an exceptional drag racer and I'm proud that he drove my first Top Fuel car in 1968," noted Carroll Shelby. "By leveraging Don's experience, we turned a really good car into a great drag racer that will beat up on the MOPAR and bow tie brigade right out of the box."

The program is a post-title package for 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars already in the hands of owners. To create the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake, Shelby Autos pumps up the 5.4L supercharged engine to produce 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. The Shelby includes a Kenne Belle modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end, a five-point Impact safety harness and a Borla side exhaust system. A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires are included to improve traction during launches; optional street tires are available. For a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics, side lower rockers are incorporated. Only 100 total packages at $100,000 (not including car) will be offered.

"Working with Don on this project was a great experience for our design team," noted Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "Carroll and Don earned their stripes in competition over the years, so we had to build a car that would continue their racing domination. Our Prudhomme Edition GT500 Super Snake builds on that legacy and gives Shelby enthusiasts today a way to rule the quarter mile in their town."

By the mid-1960s, Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme were both at the top of their respective games. Prudhomme was one of the winningest Top Fuel drag racers in the country. Shelby was a racer-turned-builder of Cobras, GT40s and Mustangs who won endurance and road racing championships worldwide. His company even offered drag racing packages for privateers to compete in their Cobra or Shelby Mustang on the strip.

"The Snake" and the Cobra's creator teamed in 1968 for an NHRA ride. Prudhomme's Ford Cammer-powered rail made its debut as "Shelby's Super Snake at the 1968 Winternationals. He won the race and drove the rest of the season under the Shelby banner.

Don "The Snake" Prudhomme's successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times. He was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. In 1994, he began managing his own racing team, which won the Top Fuel championship in 2002 and 2003. Prudhomme was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000.

"It's been a great opportunity to work with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this amazing program," added Prudhomme. "I'm honored that Carroll gave me this honor to build a car that's true to his legacy and my efforts to move them across the finish line first. The car can be tuned to deliver over 800 horsepower on race gas, which should pretty fast. It's a well sorted out package that is capable of dusting the competition in the Shelby way."

The Prudhomme Edition Shelby GT500 Super Snake is intended to be truly a road and track car.

"The thing I really think is cool about this car is that you can drive it both on the track and on the street," added Prudhomme. "It reminds me of how drag racing used to be back in the day when we would drive our cars to the drag strip, race them, and drive them home at the end of the day. That's maybe the neatest thing about this car."