New York motor show

Shelby’s wildest ’Stang

Want a Mustang with some kick? The new Shelby GT500KR is the most powerful, driver-focused version of Ford’s coupé ever

Auto Express Car Reviews

12th April 2007

Debuting at New York, the supercar caused a real stir with its Le Mans stripes, Cobra badging and tuned supercharged V8. And it should make an even bigger impression when it comes here in 2008. KR stands for King of the Road, and the newcomer – based on the existing GT500 – shares its name with one of the last Shelby-tuned Mustangs to be built in the Sixties.

Under the bonnet, Ford’s Racing package sees the ECU and air intake system uprated. As a result, the 5.4-litre V8 offers 540bhp and 691Nm of torque – up from 500bhp and 641Nm in the standard GT500. Driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with a modified rear axle ratio, the tweaked engine should give 0-60mph in four seconds and a 155mph top speed.

Only 1,000 examples of the GT500KR will be made, of which a handful will be available to UK buyers, priced around £50,000.