2011 Ford Shelby GT500 gets new SVT toys
2011 Shelby GT500
Today, the Ford cast & crew officially unveiled the 2011 Shelby GT500 in all its detailed glory. This time around, however, the latest GT500 has a few more niceties included and some even sweeter options to choose from. For 2011, the GT500 gets the aluminum block, supercharged 5.4-liter V8 power plant and starts just under $49,500, delivered. So aside from this standard hoofbeat, the 2011 GT500 also gets the chance for a SVT Performance Package to be applied to raise the performance bar even higher. We’ve teased about what this package includes…so what’s it got to ante up? How much bang for the buck has Ford packed into this latest Mustang offering? Keep reading to find out.
So, just where do we start with the 2011 Shelby GT500′s new SVT package? How about from the ground up! It’s a good base, because Ford’s spent some decent time and invested in the research to find tires that are racetrack-proven in the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G tires. These tires come ready to provide supreme grip & handling on the road and track and are compiled using a race-inspired, ultra-high-performance compound.
Just how well do the new shoes (et al) help the SVT-equipped GT500 perform? Try up to 3.0 seconds faster (each lap) than the 2010 Shelby GT500, while pulling a 1.0 lateral G, and a 7% shortened stopping time. That’s impressive.
“More and more enthusiasts are putting their cars on the track to have some fun,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It’s a great way to enjoy the performance of your car in a safe environment. No one likes to run at the back of the field, so a track-oriented package is a smart option for the serious Shelby GT500 owner.”
Next up, we have a new set of rims all around, with 19″ forged-aluminum wheels in the front which are 4.7 pounds lighter compared to the the base Shelby GT500’s and do well to serve ahead of the now wider 265/40R-19 front tires. Out back, the two all-new 20″ forged-aluminum wheels 2.8 pounds lighter versus the standard wheels, and underneath, the new more aggressive 3.73 rear axle helps leverage the power to the ground.
What we’re left with in the 2011 GT500 is a care with “near” racing tires, a tuned suspension, stiffer springs, a lowered & sportier ride height, and a whole new attitude on having a blast at the track on race day.
“This car is track-ready. We really took the Shelby GT500 to the next level and went through every detail,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “It offers great cornering and racetrack performance and proven durability, and that’s something we want our customers to appreciate.”
Topping off the masterpiece of Shelby goodness is the unique rear spoiler Gurney Flap, developed for supplemental downforce, further enhancing balance in the corners at speed. Dan Gurney introduced the design almost 40 years ago, and the design has proven a timeless addition to many cars on the track today. Why? The low-drag spoiler brings on the downforce and ultimately ensures confidence in handling.
So there it is, folks. A $3500 package, blessed by the SVT division at Ford, optionally offered for the 2011 Shelby GT500, is set to make waves with the serious Shelby race enthusiasts.
Not bad, Ford. Not bad at all.
::listens intently:: what was that? oh, oh yes, you’re right, the rumored Z28 DID just get punked!!! yes, well, way to go ford. I wonder how big a down payment I need on a 2011 track pack GT500 to end up with a 400 a month car payment……………
You would have to put down a grip of cash for payments in the $400 range…
I put down $24,000 and my 2011 GT500 SVT packaged car is $650/month.
Options:
Electronics package
Glass Roof
SVT package
Stripe delete
Dealer had a $10,000 mark up over the MSRP, I talked them down to $4,000 over MSRP.
MSRP: $57,799
Dealer markup: $10,000 (I’m in Hawaii and they tend to do that)
Paid $61,799 +fee’s +added road hazard protection for Wheels/glass + GPS tracking if stolen + electronic rust thingy.
Total Car Loan for 72 months at 5.75% = $650/month (that stings but I have a smile on my face every time I drive, which is daily!)
Yeah, but…but….it’s supercharged. No fair, it doesn’t count. Lol
I would do a stripe delete option and add my own, thicker ones. what were they thinking?
but the svt pack sounds great. add a kenne belle or whipple unit and you are done.
No glass roof please. it totally negates the saved weight on the alum engine.
I agree with Fan…delete those stripes, makes the car look like an import…
As the owner of a 2010 GT500, I can tell you with less weight and better tires, this car should scream!!! The 2010 is a terror on the streets, but the 2011 should put them all to shame. I agree with all above on the stripes, I really like to wide ones.
With the new aluminum 5.4 engine the GT500 is bound to be a huge hit on the street and on the track. Ford is kicking butt like it should.
I like the stripes, just please paint them.
I just bought a brand new( so to speak ) ’11 Shelby and LOVE it.True story: This car was won by a man,who lives in the same town as me,through the McDonald’s “Monopoly” game giveaway.He drove it straight home,from the local dealer it was delivered to, and parked it in his garage.After he,and his wife,took it for a couple of SHORT joy ride’s through their neighborhood ( accumulating only 64 mile’s in the 1 month that they owned it ) they decided to sell it as it wasn’t really their type car and it was taking up room in the garage.
They listed it on E/Bay and it didn’t sell.I found out about it and went and looked at.Fell in love and bought it cash.It’s dark gray with “matte” black stripe’s.I’m the talk of town and turn head’s everywhere I go.This car IS a beast.The “G-Force” when you drop the hammer is breathtaking.And to hear the Supercharger whine…That’s a beautiful tune……………Get one if you can,you’ll be glad you did!