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2008 Shelby GT500KR - The King of the Road returns!
King of the Road Shelby GT500KR will be making a return in the spring of 2008 — just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original. Only 1,000 of these special Mustangs will be built, and they will definitely be the fastest ones yet! The team at SVT is tweaking the 5.4L supercharged V-8 with new calibrations, a cold-air induction kit and 3.73:1 final drive ratio. The KR will be rated at 540hp/510lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Mustang ever.
The suspension has been recalibrated to give improved steering feel and crisper handling. An underhood cross-brace is added to improve chassis stiffness, which also helps the steering feel. Visual changes include a new carbon composite hood with scoops patterned after the original KR’s and new Shelby-designed wheels. The show car is equipped with 20-inch rolling stock, while the production version sticks with 18-inch versions of the same design. The lower front valence features a pair of air intakes leading to functional ducts to cool the front brakes.
The Cobra badges will get special 40th Anniversary branding and an individually numbered plate will sit in the center of the dash to remind everyone that this car is one of only 1,000 units. There will be no convertible model and pricing won’t be announced until closer to production almost a year from now, although you can probably expect an MSRP somewhere close to $50,000 and retail prices well above that.
PRESS RELEASE:
2008 Shelby GT500KR
* Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and Shelby collaborate on a new ‘King of the Road’ Mustang with the 2008 Shelby GT500KR. * Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. * Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping. * Shelby GT500KR arrives in spring 2008 in an exclusive run of only 1000 units.
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