Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang, with video!

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American revealed an all new GT350 at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale Arizona. The new car features a supercharged version of the brand spanking new 5.0 along with a host of performance goodies.

Unlike the GT500 (which is a factory Ford car), the GT350 is an upgraded aftermarket ride available through Shelby. Customers can order a 2011 Mustang and have it shipped to Shelby for upgrades, or they can deliver the car themselves. With the help of the supercharger, power is expected to be north of 500 horsepower.

Rounding out the go fast goodies are a Ford Racing Suspension, Baer brakes, Borla exhaust, Crager wheels, and more. All the body mods are Shelby, and white with Guardsman blue stripes is the only available color combination.

MSRP for the GT350 is $33,995. Of course, that doesn't include the car, which will cost you another $30,000 or so. While a GT350 that exceeds the cost of the GT500 may not seem to make a lot of sense, we expect there to be plenty of buyers anyway.


SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

"In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary's car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350's return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name."

The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the "small block" 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"

"Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby's history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll's performance standards," added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. "After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We're all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car."

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.

Update: Ford to produce limited run of Daytona 500 Mustang Pace Cars

Earlier we reported that Ford's 2011 Mustang would pace the 2010 Daytona 500. It was first thought that Ford would only produce one of the cars, and that it would be available in auction for one lucky person.

Ford announced today that they would be building 50 of the cars for public consumption. Each will feature the Daytona 500 paint scheme, special wheels, unique interior, and a host of parts from the Ford Racing catalog.

The actual pace car will be auctioned off at this week's Barrett-Jackson, and all proceeds will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

PRESS RELEASE:

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 19, 2010 – For the first time ever, American's favorite muscle car will pace 'The Great American Race.'

For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

"Having the opportunity to pace America's biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and class-leading fuel economy."

This latest version of Ford's legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.

The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.

The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.

"Everybody loves Mustang," Allison continued. "That was evident last year from the fan reaction when we announced it was going to be our new model in the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting later this year. This is just another way to showcase a true American icon in its most natural environment."

The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.

And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.

Another element that makes this year's pace car even more unique is that it will be auctioned off for charity before the actual race. Later this week (Jan. 23), the Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car will be offered at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, which is taking place in Scottsdale, Ariz. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, will be on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder.

All proceeds over the manufacturer's suggested retail price from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

2011 Ford Mustang to start at $22,995, pace Daytona 500?

With the 2011 Mustang, Ford has pushed power in both the V6 and V8 models up almost 100 horsepower respectively. Both have also received a host of significant upgrades that give them more ammunition in the reborn pony car wars of today.

With those type of improvements, one can only expect to see some type of price increase. Early word from the Mustang Source is that the V6 Mustang will base out at $22,995, which is a $750 increase over the '10 model but $500 cheaper than a V6 Camaro.

The GT will reportedly base at $30,495, (breaking the $30,000 barrier for the first time) which is $1,250 higher than '10 but $1,300 cheaper than an SS Camaro.

Also in Mustang news, the folks over at Mustang Heaven are telling us that the 2011 Mustang GT will pace the Daytona 500, which will be the first time a Ford has done so since the 1970 Torino GT.

Of course the pace car Mustang will get a Daytona red paint scheme with blue and white LeMans stripes. Lots of other random goodies will ensue as well. Ford only plans on building one, which will be offered up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, January 23rd.