It's Official: 2010 Shelby GT500

Following closely behind the coattails of the 2010 Mustang debuted at the LA Auto Show just weeks ago, and battling the bailout madness comes the refined and renewed 2010 Shelby GT500. The 2010 Mustang saw updates to its physique, interior, and prowess when compared to the current (2005 – 2009) S197 platform, and the 2010 GT500 is going to take those updates to the next level. With more power, more refinement, more excitement, the 2010 Shelby GT500 takes cues from the GT500KR and delivers them in a way only Ford’s SVT division can provide. StangNet.com is proud to present to you with this exclusive look at the new 2010 Shelby GT500 in an array of images and of course, the official Press Release from Ford Motor Company.  If you feel like closing this window now and NOT looking further, you’d better check your pulse.

What's that we see?  Well, on top of a new Cobra power dome extractor hood (say that three times, fast), the finer eye can spot the venomous SVT snake relocated to the starboard side of the grille.  Why?  Because the new cold-air intake snorkel placement is designed to get the maximum volume of dense, cool air to produce the ultimate flow of power and effective efficiency.

On the side profile, we see the same characteristics on the body as the 2010 Mustang, but wait, what's that?  19 inch wheels on a Ford Mustang straight out of Dearborn?  Yes, it is.  Wrapping those road-ripping wheels is a specially formulated Goodyear F1 Supercar tire, making sure all that legendary power stays where it belongs...on the aggregate.

From this perspective, we can see that the GT500 side stripe matches up with the Ford GT font and style; a truly unique spice to an already appetizing recipe in the 2010 GT500.  We are really digging these new 19" GT500 wheels.  We just might have to pick us up a set...

This shot is one of our favorites and is quite poster-worthy.  This elevated angle gives us a good glimpse at the new heat extracting hood and just how menacing the updated 2010 front facade is on the GT500 with the updated front splitter.

And here we are again; caught staring at the 19s again.  Check out the SVT center caps adorning the sleek euro-style wheels.  Is SVT making a comeback with this branding statement?  Rumors have rumbled about a potential Taurus SHO, so what else can we expect from the Ford performance think tank?

The remainder of the shots we've brought you are of the 2010 Shelby GT500 convertible and all of its applique.  Pay special attention, however, to the interior angles and views we see in the following shots.  A fully updated interior from the 2010 Mustang bleeds into this thoroughbred SVT snake.

In case you missed it, amidst all of the eye candy and electronic madness on display, we wanted to point out one bright shining star we liked a lot on the inside of the 2010 GT500; the striped shifter knob.  Yeah, it's a light touch and it isn't a major go-getter in terms of sales and panache, but every racer at heart can tell you how many times he's looked down at the reins and wanted something more...something more appealing and something more attractive.  Ford hit the mark here with the striped Shelby shifter knob.

Keep reading for all of the finite and official details straight from Ford in the Press Release on the following page.