2011 Shelby GT500 | All-new all-alumlnium engine + SVT Performance Package



The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminium-block 5.4-litre supercharged V8 engine, which produces 410kw (550hp) and 691nm (510 ft.-lb) of torque, a 7kw (10p) increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 46kg lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

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 aluminium engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honoured the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award. The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. The 5.4-litre V8 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 46kg-lighter aluminium-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

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2011 Shelby GT500 | Interior

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 discolouration 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.

The genuine aluminium finish panels have a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors.  The pattern has been painstakingly tuned to compensate for the compound curvature of the instrument panels. In addition, the 'GT500' logo has been discretely engraved into the aluminium in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s. This unique aluminium finish panel is fully encapsulated by an exquisite soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) instrument panel with a shape that resonates with Mustang’s powerful heritage.  The center stack flows into the console and features a sub-flush shifter trim ring, flush cup holder door and lockable console stowage featuring the word 'SHELBY' engraved in its Satin Liquid Chrome release button. The Shelby GT500 features bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster, uninterrupted by the steering column. These rings will come in chrome for the Mustang and a Satin Liquid Chrome finish for the GT500. This finish is featured throughout the interior. An intricate cobra is etched into the center of the aluminium steering wheel badge. The Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen, and the familiar red 'SVT' logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuffplate. Shaker Audio Systems The optional 1,000-watt Shaker Audio System includes 10 premium Audiophile® speakers with four subwoofers - two door-mounted and dual 500-watt thumpers in the trunk - and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability. The available Shaker 500 includes two door-mounted subwoofers, eight speakers and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability. This 500-watt system is standardon the 2010 GT500.

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2011 Shelby GT500 | Technology



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 optimise 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 manouvres.

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 millimetres in front and 8 millimetres at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling. 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 rigidit.y 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 aluminium wheels. 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.

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2011 Shelby GT500 | Performance

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminium-block 5.4-litre supercharged V8 engine offering a weight savings of 46kg off of the outgoing cast-iron block. The weight reduction helps improve fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

The lighter aluminium block is reinforced with structural webbing, unique bulkhead chillers and strong six-bolt billet main bearing caps for high-performance durability in extreme conditions. Additional intercooler surface area helps drop intake air temperatures; the resulting cooler, denser intake air helps bump horsepower and torque for better performance. The 5.4-litre aluminium-block engine uses a Ford-patented Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) cylinder liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating containing nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing the cast-iron liners typically used in aluminium engine blocks. 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 atomised air, the melted steel wire is blown onto the engine cylinder bores, which have been specially machined to receive the coating. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidises, creating a composite consisting of both iron and iron oxide. PTWA coating offers improved overall performance and durability versus iron liners, 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 4kg versus a typical sleeved aluminium block.

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2011 Shelby GT500 | SVT Performance Package

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 tyres that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tyres 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.

Tyres make the difference The SVT Performance Package features the first application of the all-new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2, a tyre that offers superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a high-performance tread compound with more grip. SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop the new compound, and it’s only available on the 2011 Shelby GT500. The tyre is unidirectional, corner-specific – meaning the directional tread must match its specific location. The new ultra-high-performance compound is made of a proprietary blend of race-derived carbon black and high-stiffness polymers and resins that help deliver enhanced wet and dry handling performance on both the road and track. Asymmetrical, directional tread designs with massive tread blocks on the outboard side of the tyre help enhance dry cornering grip. Sweeping Aquachannel™ grooves on the inboard side of the tread help move water. An innovative multi-radius mould shape offers precise handling and smooth, even wear. Nineteen-inch forged-aluminium wheels in the front, which are 2.1kg lighter than the base Shelby GT500’s, complement the all-new wider 265/40R-19 front tyres. New 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels at the rear are 1.3kg lighter than the standard 19-inch wheel, and the new 3.73 rear axle ratio takes advantage of the new larger rear wheels and tyres. Little things add up As a result of the increased tyre performance, the chassis was tuned to respond more like a race car. The front and rear shocks were also tuned, adding control to work better with the chassis and tyre. The front springs are 20.5 percent stiffer than the base, and the rear springs are 9.5 percent stiffer, continuing an SVT performance tuning direction of adding more stiffness in the front and keeping the rear softer to aid acceleration traction. Roll stiffness also helps control cornering while on the track. A lowered ride height of 11 millimetres in front and 8 millimetres at the rear improves handling and gives the car an even sportier attitude. High-temperature dry shaft centre bearing bushing and shifter bushings – which are also on the base Shelby – ensure that no matter how hot the conditions get, the car will still perform at its best. A unique rear spoiler Gurney Flap was developed for increased rear downforce and improves handling balance in high-speed corners. Introduced by racing legend Dan Gurney nearly 40 years ago, the flap is essentially a tunable element on a low-drag spoiler. Front downforce has been increased 25 percent through improved cooling pack sealing and a new front underbody closeout panel. Grippy bushing stabiliser bars provide improved roll stiffness. Even with the stiffer springs, lower ride heights and increased damping, the ride remains very compliant, and the car can be easily driven on everyday roads due to SVT’s chassis tuning philosophy. Design cues are added to set the package apart from the base Shelby GT500. The over-the-top stripes are narrower, and the stripes on the shift knob were removed. The performance shocks also are painted red to further differentiate the package.

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2011 Shelby GT500 | Colours

2011 Shelby GT500 | Features, Options & Packages

2011 Shelby GT500 - Standard Features Mechanical: 5.4L DOHC V8 engine with 410kw (550hp) @ 6,000rpm & 691nm (510lb-ft) of torque @ 4,500rpm - 6-speed manual transmission - Supercharger with 9.0psi boost - 3.55:1 limited slip differential - 19" x 9.5" premium painted aluminium wheels - Brembo™ 14" vented front rotors with 4-piston calipers - 11.8" vented rear rotors with 2-piston calipers - SVT-tuned suspension with unique shocks and springs Safety/Security: Personal Safety System with dual-stage front airbags - AdvanceTrac electronic stability control - Belt-Minder front safety belt reminder - Front seat side airbags - Illuminated entry - LATCH (Lower anchors and tether anchors for child-safety seats) - Safety belt restraint system (manual 3-point shoulder and lap safety belt system for all seating positions) - SecuriLock passive anti-theft ignition system - Side-intrusion door beams - SOS Post-Crash Alert System - Tyre pressure monitoring system (excludes spare) Interior: Ford SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system - 6-way power driver seat with power lumbar - Leather-trimmed sport buckets with racing stripe and Alcantara trim - 6-gauge instrument cluster with MyColor illumination - Ambient lighting - Cruise control - Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Alcantara trim - Message centre with compass - Power door locks and windows with one touch up/down - Shaker 500 Audio System with AM/FM stereo, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 8 speakers, MP3 capability and 500 watt Exterior: GT500 badging - GT500 side rocker stripes -HID headlamps with autolamp - LeMans racing stripes - Power dome hood with heat extractor - Tyre mobility kit - Unique rear spoiler 2011 Shelby GT500 - Options & Packages Electronics Package: includes Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC), HD radio and hard-drive based, voice-activated Navigation System, featuring approx. 10gb of digital storage for pictures and music; include AM/FM stereo/single-CD/DVD and MP3 capability. SVT Performance Package: includes 3.73 limited slip differential, 19" x 9.5" painted forged aluminium wheels with P265/40R19 front tyres, 20" x 9.5" painted forged aluminium wheels with P285/35R20 rear tyres, unique front and rear springs, unique rear shocks, unique shift knob, unique Shelby stripes, unique bodyside stripes, unique spoiler with Gurney Flap, and underbelly aerodynamic shield. Glass roof (coupe only). Tape stripe delete (standard with Charcoal Black leather seats with Black raing stripes).