While its Detroit rivals are on the verge of bankruptcy, FoMoCo is out flaunting the fuel-economy gains of the high-performance 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and the racing stripes which are available for the first time on the convertible model.

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) helped deliver a more powerful 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 that makes a total of 540-hp with a maximum torque of 510 lb-ft. With the help of new gearbox enhancements and a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ration, the 2010 Shelby GT500 provides improved acceleration and a fuel-economy boost of 2 mpg over the outgoing model (or a total of 22 mpg).

The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 goes on sale this spring with prices starting at $46,325 for the coupe and $51,225 for the convertible.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

2010 FORD SHELBY GT500 PACKS MORE POWERFUL PUNCH, INCREASES HIGHWAY FUEL MILEAGE BY 2 MPG

2010 Ford Shelby GT500: Racing stripes are available for the first time on the convertible model of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

    – Ford”s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers a more powerful 2010 Shelby GT500 with horsepower increased 540, torque increased to 510 ft.-lb., downforce increased and drag reduced

    – New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, mean the 2010 Shelby GT500 will deliver improved acceleration performance, while providing better highway fuel efficiency ““ up 2 mpg compared with the outgoing model

    – Aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce; world-class materials and craftsmanship create the most unique GT500 interior yet

    – 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms this spring

SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2009 ““ The new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 delivers the most power and refinement ever for a Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang ““ and a few surprises, too.

“The new Shelby GT500 demonstrates Ford”s continuing commitment to high-performance vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “In addition to the numerous performance and refinement improvements inside and out, it”s also two miles per gallon more fuel efficient on the highway.”

“We”re proud of the many enhancements jointly developed by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team that we”ve incorporated into the new model,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”

Ford”s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang as the performance starting point and built from there. The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960s, takes those design cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each of which boasts a more-refined interior.

“Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang,” stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang”s leadership position and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable.”

“The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. “We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. This is the car that will do all of that.”

More horsepower, more refinement, more functionality

The combination of added horsepower, refinement and functionality makes the 2010 Shelby GT500 a unique high-performance car. It delivers more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing model, thanks in part to advancements pioneered on the GT500KR.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The redline is 6,250 rpm. The car”s aluminum power dome hood not only adds to the Shelby”s appearance, it helps cool the engine through a hood extractor.

The Shelby”s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system to reduce air restriction. This approach allows more air to be pumped through the engine, producing more power and increasing the engine”s efficiency. A cold-air intake feeds the coolest air possible directly into the air box, helping further increase horsepower. The intake necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been significantly upgraded, improving drivability and NVH. The discs on the 2010 Shelby GT500 are larger ““ 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm in diameter on the outgoing model ““ and made of copper and fiberglass to make them more robust. A unique component of the twin-disc system is the control of the intermediate disc. Rather than floating, it instead has six straps that control the engagement of the clutch, improving drivability.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 offers customers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears. Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the 2010 Shelby GT500 will turn lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, moving from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.

The Shelby”s distinct sounds will be apparent as always, though with new refinements, thanks to the work of the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team. A patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body helps keep unwanted noise in check.

“You still hear the supercharger but not so that it”s intrusive,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “It”s the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you”re driving something special, but you don”t want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

“We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It”s a nice balance; one isn”t overpowering the other,” said Baldori.

Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT”s signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.

Springs and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control. The team also stiffened the steering shaft.

“All our changes were about making the car respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” Hameedi said. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.”

The Goodyear F1 Supercar 19-inch tires have been upgraded, too. SVT members developed a “recipe” for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear”s team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.

The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates “blade” spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford”s stability control system, with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford”s Personal Safety System®.

Numerous aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned splitter, were made to the front end of the 2010 Shelby GT500.

The team worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible, said Baldori. They worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can”t go under the car. A lot of time also was spent sealing components such as the radiator and intercooler to get rid of all leak paths. The result is an increased downforce, reduced drag and improved overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Directing the air so it”s used most efficiently was a painstaking process that ultimately will be rewarding to customers. The design of the front fascia and the car”s “flush” hood helps focus air flow. The top grille focuses air into the radiator, with a rubber flap inside the engine compartment helping to seal the system. The lower grille helps cool the intercooler.

SVT engineers also went as far to block off specific diamonds in the front of the 2010 Shelby GT500″s distinctive grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.

A meaner, reskinned snake ready to take to the streets

The 2010 Shelby GT500 is the most-robust design and most-distinctive model of the new Mustang lineup. “The design we chose was a “˜flush” hood where the fascia defines the entire front of the vehicle,” said Hameedi. “That”s very hard to execute from an engineering standpoint, but it really sets the Shelby off as very different from the base Mustang.”

“This epitomizes the ultimate Mustang,” added George Saridakis, exterior design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500. “It”s all about power and expressing power.”

Saridakis said his team took a cue from the Shelby AC Cobra 427 with respect to the front grilles, which are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road.

Another obvious difference for the Shelby is the addition of racing stripes, which also will now be available on the convertible. “Racing stripes made their mark on 1960s-era Ford performance vehicles,” Hameedi noted. “That”s something we feel is a key part of the Shelby performance DNA ““ maybe more so than some of our competition.”

Rounding out the Shelby”s exterior modifications are the unique signature coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders, a more aggressive front splitter and lower-drag rear spoiler, which added to improved aerodynamic features. The spoiler is raked back aggressively to minimize drag, while an integrated Gurney Flap provides the downforce.

What”s inside counts with the 2010 Shelby GT500

The base 2010 Mustang received a powerful new interior design. For the GT500, the interior design team members challenged themselves to raise the bar even higher to create the ultimate Shelby Mustang interior.

Using genuine materials such as real leather in all seats, real aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara® suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel gave the appearance a precisely crafted, jewel-like yet functional feel. Customers can select racing stripes on the seats that match the exterior stripes.

The genuine aluminum 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 aluminum in front of the passenger as a nod to classic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.

This unique aluminum 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.

All 2010 Mustangs and Shelbys feature 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 aluminum 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.

“When customers drive this car, they”re not only going to be impressed by the performance and the Shelby heritage, but they”re going to see all these carefully designed details and know they”ve bought a well-crafted car,” Saridakis said.

Even the classic white shift knob ““ an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past ““ received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white. It also had to be specific to the Shelby. The answer was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters to create a one-of-a-kind knob. Like the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.

Wide suite of standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500

The 2010 Shelby GT500 includes several Ford innovations and industry-exclusive standard features, including:

    – SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities ““ plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.

    – 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.

    – Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer”s paired and operable mobile phone.

    – Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood. The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors ““ ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette.

Available options:

    – Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that provides users a unique, information-rich in-car experience. The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations. SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

This combination of outstanding performance coupled with a fresh, exciting, well-crafted interior intensely focused on improving the entire experience will make the 2010 Shelby GT500 even more sought after, and a fitting addition to a long and proud history.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring. The cars will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

- By: Kap Shah

FoMoCo has dropped the pricing info for the new 2010 Ford Mustang. Ford is quick to point out that rivals Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger start at prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,600 more than Mustang.

So what can you expect to pay for the new pony? The entry level V6 Mustang coupe start at $20,996 while the entry-level convertible starts at $25,995. The V8 powered 315-hp 2010 Mustang GT coupe and Mustang GT convertible start at $27,995 and $32,995 respectively. Of course if you want the 540-hp 5.4L V8 Supercharged 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe get ready to cash out $46,325. The 2010 GT500 convertible starts at $51,225.

The 2010 Ford Mustang will go on sale later this spring. You can check out all the options and packages in the press release posted after the jump.

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image galleries.

2010 Ford Mustang:

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

Press Release:

NEW 2010 FORD MUSTANG IS FAST, FUN, AFFORDABLE; PRICE STARTS UNDER $21,000 WITH UNSURPASSED 26 MPG

    -  The 2010 Ford Mustang features a more sculptured muscular exterior, an upgraded world-class interior, a host of must-have technologies and unsurpassed fuel economy of 26 mpg on the highway, all for the best value at a starting price of $20,995
    – The Mustang offers the broadest range of available power in its segment from the 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 to the GT featuring a 4.6-liter V-8, delivering 315 horsepower, up to the Shelby GT500″s 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 pumping out 540 horsepower
    – Mustang and Shelby GT500 are available as a coupe or convertible. An optional factory-installed glass roof is offered on the V-6 and GT premium models

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 19, 2009 ““ The fast, fun and affordable legacy that has defined America”s favorite muscle car for nearly a half century lives on in the new 2010 Ford Mustang, which incorporates an expert blend of design leadership, performance and technology at an exceptional value.

“More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world”s most beloved automotive and cultural icons,” said Ken Czubay, Ford’s vice president of U.S. Sales and Marketing. “Making sure this modern legend lives up to their expectations has been our driving force to create the best Mustang ever. Not only is this the best Mustang ever, it”s also the best bang for the buck for our customers.”

Available this spring, the new Mustang features a new exterior and interior design, upgraded materials and a long list of must-have technologies and standard safety equipment ““ such as Ford”s AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control system, all-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes and front and side air bags ““ for an affordable starting price of $20,995 (excluding destination and delivery) for the V-6 coupe and $25,995 for the convertible. The V-8 powered GT coupe base price is $27,995; the GT convertible starts at $32,995. The Shelby GT500 Coupe has a MSRP of $46,325, while the GT500 Convertible starts at $51,225.

Contenders Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger sport base sticker prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,600 more than Mustang.

Unparalleled Design
The new exterior of the Mustang delivers more muscular, athletic styling, with new sheet metal except for the roof, including a refined powerdome hood, new front fenders, a sweeping beltline and a new decklid design. Other exterior notables include new grille and fascia differentiation between the V-6 and GT models, new front and rear fascias, higher wheel arches and new LED sequential taillights.

Mustang”s interior is in a class all by itself, from the new one-piece soft touch instrument panel, chrome encircled gauges and a center console design that pampers the shifter for that perfect feel and level of control. Subtle or high-profile, all interior elements are defined by precise ergonomic accuracy and a faithful devotion to craftsmanship that even the most discerning performance car enthusiast will appreciate.

“Attention to detail is the bedrock of the new interior and what sets Mustang miles apart from the competition,” said Mustang Design Manager Gary Morales.

Industry Leading Technologies
Mustang further distinguishes itself from the pack with an all-inclusive list of standard and optional industry-leading technologies and safety features, including:

    – Ford SYNC® with 911 AssistTM, Vehicle Health Report (VHR), and new Traffic, Directions, and Information services
    – Voice-activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel LinkTM
    – Next-generation ambient interior lighting
    – Reverse Camera System
    – SOS Post Crash Alert System

Mustang comes standard with Ford”s AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control system, which complements the car”s standard all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system. A Sport Mode, available on the GT Premium and Shelby GT500, incorporates a unique calibration of the new AdvanceTrac system, letting the driver enjoy a wider range of Mustang”s performance capabilities.

Options Galore
Mustang is America”s best-selling convertible, thanks to features like a three-layer weatherproof power top. Mustang V-6 and GT models are available with convertible tops for an additional $5,000.

For a no-matter-the-weather “open” experience, Mustang also offers a factory-installed glass roof option for $1,995 on the V-6 and GT models.

The fixed glass roof is made of two layers of tinted privacy glass with a layer of transparent vinyl in between, which reduces vehicle cool-down time as well as infrared energy and ultraviolet (UV) rays. The roof, for example, filters 90 percent of the sun”s heat-generating infrared rays and 96 percent of burn-causing UV rays. A thick polyvinyl butyral layer further filters UV rays and helps muffle wind and traffic noise by as much as five decibels. For added privacy and protection, a manually retractable mesh sun shade comes standard.

Mustang also offers a wide selection of personalization options from the factory as warranty-friendly Genuine Ford Accessories, from exterior stripes to interior appearance features, wheel selections, communication and entertainment systems and more.

Plus, Mustang enthusiasts can now add Performance Packs available from Ford Racing, including a Power Upgrade Pack, Handling Pack, or SuperPack ““ all under warranty when installed by a Ford dealer.

Fuel Facts
The 2010 Mustang is jam-packed with unprecedented content, yet it weighs approximately 300 pounds less than the competing Camaro and Challenger. This leaner curb weight gives Mustang a competitive leg up in agility and contributes significantly to Mustang”s unsurpassed 26 mpg.

Mustang”s available engines, including the GT”s beefy 4.6-liter V-8, also are designed to use regular 87-octane fuel, allowing customers to save even more money at the pump, without sacrificing performance. Both Camaro and Challenger recommend premium grade gasoline.

Mustang also makes fill-ups more hassle-free with its standard Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Fuller system, a segment exclusive.

The Shelby GT500
For Mustang lovers who prefer the highest performance, the 2010 Shelby GT500 offers a 5.4-liter supercharged four-valve V-8 engine that pumps out 540 horsepower and 510 ft.-lbs. of torque. Thanks in part to a cold-air intake system, lower-restriction exhaust, new engine calibration and revised gearing, the 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers more power while also increasing fuel efficiency. The GT500 improves its fuel economy by 2 mpg on the highway for a rating of 14 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. Power is sent to the ground through a short-shift six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip 3.55 rear axle gear ratio.

New suspension tuning and aerodynamic improvements give the 2010 Shelby GT500 sharper handling, improved body control and better overall vehicle dynamics while still maintaining a good ride and handling balance. Forged and machined 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear F1 Supercar tires, combined with the revised suspension, gives the car a high level of grip.

New standard features for the 2010 Shelby GT500 include high-end items such as Alcantara® on the heavily bolstered sport seats, steering wheel, shift boot and hand brake; leather stripes stitched into the seats that coordinate with the exterior stripe color; Q-ball shift knob and aluminum interior trim that enhances the Shelby GT500 driving environment.

Both the 2010 Mustang and Shelby GT500 arrive in dealerships this spring.

2010 Mustang Reference Materials
Pricing Guide
Packaging Guide
Standard Equipment on 4.0-liter V-6:

Powertrain/Functional

    – 4.0-liter V-6 Engine
    – 5-speed Manual Transmission
    – Power Vented 4-wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
    – Remote Keyless Entry System
    – Rear-window Defroster
    – Easy FuelTM Capless Fuel Filler System

Exterior

    – LED Sequential Taillamps
    – LED High Mounted Stop Lamp
    – 17-inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
    – Convertible Top (Convertible Model)
    – Mini Spare Tire
    – Stainless Steel, Single Exhaust
    – Complex Reflector Halogen Headlamps
    – Dual Power Black Mirrors
    – Rear Quarter Mounted Antenna

Interior

    – Manual Air Conditioning
    – AM/FM Stereo with Single-disc CD Player and Clock
    – Audio Input Jack
    – Floor Console with Full Armrest and Locking Storage
    – Two Covered Cup Holders
    – Black Front Floor Mats
    – Driver Footrest
    – Chrome Accent 4-gauge Instrument Cluster and Register Vents
    – Dome Lamp (Coupe Only)
    – Lighted Bezel (Convertible Only)
    – Two Map Pockets, Back Side of Driver and Passenger Seats
    – Cloth Bucket Seats, 4-way Manual Driver, 2-way Manual Passenger (Split-fold Rear Seats on Coupe)
    – Tilt Steering Wheel with Cruise Control
    – Power One-touch-up/down Driver and Passenger Windows
    – Power Locks
    – Interior Trunk Release

Safety & Security

    – Dual-stage Front Airbags
    – Front-seat Side Airbags
    – Illuminated Entry
    – Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
    – LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
    – SecuriLock® Passive Anti-theft System
    – Personal Safety System®
    – AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
    – SOS Post Crash Alert System

Optional Equipment on 4.0-liter V-6:

    – Security Package
          o Active Anti-theft System
          o Wheel Locking Kit

Optional Equipment on 4.0-liter V-6 Premium: Exterior Sport Appearance Package

    – Lower Tape Stripe
    – Decklid Spoiler

V-6 Pony Package

    – 18-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels
    – Body-color Exterior Mirrors
    – Unique Grille
    – Fog Lamps
    – Pony Fender Badge
    – Auto Headlamps
    – Premium Floor Mats with Embroidered Tri-bar Pony Logo
    – Decklid Spoiler
    – Unique Lower Tape Stripe
    – Unique Chrome Exhaust Tip

Electronic Package

    – Voice-activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ (Includes 6-month Complimentary Subscription)
    – Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control

Comfort Package

    – 6-way Power Passenger Seat
    – Heated Front Seats
    – Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass

Security Package

    – Active Anti-theft System
    – Wheel Locking Kit

    – 18-inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
    – HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Headlamps, Late Availability
    – Glass Roof
    – Convertible Boot
    – Tape Stripe Delete
    – Reverse Camera System

Standard Equipment on GT:

Powertrain/Functional

    – 4.6-liter V-8 Engine
    – 5-speed Manual Transmission
    – Brakes ““ Power with 4-wheel vented discs
    – Remote Keyless Entry
    – Rear Window Defroster
    – Engine Cover
    – Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Fuller

Exterior

    – LED Sequential Tail Lamps
    – 18-inch Wide Spoke Painted Aluminum Wheels
    – Black Chrome Pony in Grille
    – Auto Headlamps
    – Rear Spoiler
    – Fog Lamps
    – Dual Bright Rolled Exhaust Tips
    – Mirrors ““ Body Color, Dual Power
    – Rear Quarter Panel Mounted AM/FM Antenna

Interior

    – Air Conditioning ““ Manual
    – Audio ““ Premium AM/FM stereo w/ Single CD & Clock
    – Audio Input Jack
    – Console ““ Full armrest with locking storage
    – Two covered cupholders
    – Footrest ““ Driver
    – Instrument Cluster ““ Chrome accent four-gauge cluster and register vents
    – Lamps ““ Center High Mounted Dome (Coupe Only)
    – Lighted Bezel (Convertible Only)
    – Power Points (2)
    – Seats ““ Cloth Bucket, 2-way Manual Passenger, 4-way Manual Driver
    – Steering Wheel ““ tilt w/ speed control
    – Windows/Locks ““ Power 1-touch Up/Down Driver and Passenger Windows
    – Interior Trunk Release

Safety & Security

    – Dual Front Air Bags
    – Driver/Passenger Side Impact Airbags
    – Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
    – LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) System
    – SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft (PATS)
    – Personal Safety System for Driver and front Passenger
    – Advance Trac® with Electronic Stability Control® (ESC)
    – SOS Post Crash Alert System

Optional Equipment on GT:

    – Security Package
          o Active Anti-Theft
          o Wheel Locking Kit

    – 3.73 Rear Axle Package (GT Coupe with Manual Transmission only)
          o Performance 3.73 Axle Ratio
          o Dual Piston Front Calipers with Performance Brake Pads
          o Recalibrated Electronic Stability Control® (ESC)

Optional Equipment on GT Premium:

    – Security Package
          o Active Anti-Theft
          o Wheel Locking Kit

    – Comfort Package
          o 6-Way Power Passenger Seat
          o Heated Front Seats
          o Auto-dimming Mirror with Compass

    – Electronics Package
          o Voice Activated Navigation
          o SIRIUS® Travel Link™ with complimentary 6-month subscription (N/A in AK & HI)
          o Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control

      3.55 Rear Axle (GT Premium Coupe with Manual Transmission only)

      3.73 Rear Axle Package (GT Coupe with Manual Transmission only)

    – Performance 3.73 Axle Ratio
    – Dual Piston Front Calipers with Performance Brake Pads
    – Recalibrated Electronic Stability Control® (ESC)

    – 18-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels
    – 19-inch Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels
    – 19-inch Premium Painted Luster Nickel Aluminum Wheels
    – Spoiler Delete
    – Rear Video Camera (Requires Decklid Spoiler)
    – HID Headlamps (Late Availability)
    – Req. Security Package, N/A with Daytime Running Lights
    – Glass Roof (N/A with Stone Interior)
    – Shaker 1000 (N/A with Electronics Package)

Standard Equipment on Shelby GT500:

Mechanical

    – Brakes ““ Power 4-wheel discs with ABS (Brembo four-piston Front Calipers)
    – Engine ““ 5.4-liter Supercharged 4V V8 w/cold-air intake system and low restriction exhaust
    – Transmission ““ Tremec 6-speed Manual w/3.55 rear axle ratio

Safety & Security

    – Personal Safety System™ (seat belt pre-tensioners, load limiting retractors, dual stage front air bags, driver seat position sensing & crash severity sensing)
    – AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
    – Airbags ““ Dual Stage Front
    – Airbags ““ Side Impact
    – Keyless Entry ““ Remote
    – LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) system
    – Lighting ““ Illuminated Entry
    – Anti-Theft Perimeter Alarm (incl. perimeter inclination & intrusion alarms)
    – SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft (PATS)
    – Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
    – Advance Trac® Electronic Stability Control® (ESC)

Exterior

    – Badges ““ “Shelby GT500″ badging on faux gas cap & “SHELBY” badging on rear decklid
    – Exhaust ““ Dual Stainless Steel with 4-inch Tips
    – Headlamps ““ Quad Reflector w/integral park/turn lamps
    – Hood ““ Aluminum hood (w/ large single heat extractor)
    – Fog lamps
    – Power Mirrors
    – Over-the-top “racing stripes” and “GT500″ side stripes
    – Rear Spoiler ““ SHELBY rear decklid
    – 18 X 9.5-inch Aluminum Wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Tires (P255/45ZR18 Front & 285/40ZR18 Rear ) Convertible Only
    – 19 X 9.5-inch Aluminum Wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Tires (P255/40ZR19 Front & P285/35ZR19 Rear) Coupe Only

Interior

    – Center Console ““ Armrest with Locking Storage
    – Climate Control ““ Manual
    – Two Covered Cupholders
    – Door Locks ““ Power
    – Floor Mats ““ 1st Row w/ Silver perimeter stitching and “GT500″ embroidered logo
    – Lighting ““ Ambient Lighting w/MyColor™ 125 color gauge backlighting
    – Seats ““ Leather sport buckets w/ racing stripes coordinated to exterior stripes and Alcantera® accents. Also 6-way Power Driver’s Seats with Power Lumbar and adjustable headrest
    – Steering Wheel ““ Tilt Leather and Alcantera® w/ Unique Thumb Pads
    – Windows ““ Power, Driver & Passenger Global Open Controls
    – Shifter ““ Short-throw with unique Q-ball shift knob

Functional

    – Shaker 500 System with 8 speakers (AM/FM Stereo/CDx6 MP3 Capable) & Audio Input Jack
    – Ford SYNC™
    – SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
    – Cruise Control
    – Easy Fill Capless Fuel Filler
    – Auto Headlamps
    – Instrument Cluster: 6 gauge instrument cluster SVT graphics; brushed aluminum accent cluster and air registers. Also includes message center with compass
    – Pedals: Bright Clutch, Brake and Accelerator
    – 2 Power Points
    – Interior Trunk Release
    – Rear Window Defroster

Optional Equipment on Shelby GT500:

    – Voice Activated Navigation ““ Dual Zone Automatic
    – Temperature Control ““ Integrated audio and data
    – Satellite radio ““ Park & Play (plays/reads audio and video discs) ““ Music Jukebox (CD “ripping” capability)
    – Shaker 1000 Audio System ““ AM/FM Stereo w/In-Dash CDx6, MP3 & 10-Speakers (Not available with
    – HID Headlamps (late availability)
    – Tape Stripes Delete ““ Top and side stripe delete
    – Weathershield Full Vehicle Cover, w/Shelby Script & Cobra Logo

• “¢  2010 Ford Shelby GT500: Ford kicks off the new year with a bang.
• “¢  Supercharged 5.4L V8 produces 540-hp and 510 lb-ft torque.
• “¢  Twin-disc clutch 6-speed manual has been upgraded.
• “¢  Will be in dealerships in spring 2009.

Happy New Year - what a way to kick off 2009. Ford has just dropped all the details on the brand spankin’ new 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and this time Ford’s Special Vehicle Team delivers more power, more torque and better performance in a more refined package.

Using the already aggressive design of the 2010 Ford Mustang, Ford has made numerous aerodynamic upgrades including a new front end that optimizes air flow along with a new lower-drag rear spoiler. Ford has also added racing stripes this year on both the coupe and convertible models. Of course, Shelby’s exterior modifications are rounded off with the signature Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders.

Follow the jump to read more and to view the high-resolution image gallery.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

The inside of the 2010 Shelby GT500 upgrades the new interior design of the 2010 Mustang with two-tone genuine leather seats, aluminum trims on the instrument panel and Alcantara inserts on the seats and steering wheel (which this year gets an aluminum GT500 logo engraved into the center). Other interior goodies include the bright 360-degree rings surrounding the gauge cluster (seen on the 2010 Mustang) finished in Satin Liquid Chrome, a Shelby Cobra in the startup on the navigation screen, a red “SVT” logo with new ambient lighting and the classic white shift knob.

Ford says that the SVT team “used the gains made on the 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustangs as the performance starting point and built from there.” The Shelby GT500KR’s 540-hp supercharged 5.4L V8 was thrown in the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500. However, the aggressive new exterior design enhances performance through a new power doom hood that helps cool the engine through a hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and a “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce. Shelby’s open-element air induction system features a conical air filter instead of a flat-panel closed system. Working along with a cold-air intake, that allows the 2010 Shelby GT500 to produce more power and increase the engine’s efficiency. Acceleration is improved with upgrades to the twin-disc clutch on the 6-speed manual transmission – which are now larger and are made of copper and fiberglass. Driving dynamics have been further enhanced with SVT’s chassis tuning, optimized spring and dampers and a stiffened steering shaft. The AdvanceTrac feature allows the driver with several performance options. The “on” mode helps with ever-day normal driving while “Sport” mode lets drivers loosen-up on the track.

Of course, when you buy a car like the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, sound matters. While you may want people to know that you’re driving something powerful, you don’t want that noise filtering into the interior. The Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) team used a patented resonator placed between the air filter and engine throttle body that helps keep noise out of the interior.

The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 coupe rides on new 19-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear F1 Supercar tires while the convertible sits on 18s. The 2010 Shelby GT500 will hit dealers later this spring. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Standard features on the 2010 Shelby GT500 include:

SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft.  The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities ““ plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees. 
911 Assist:  When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
Vehicle Health Report (VHR):  SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes.  That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer”s paired and operable mobile phone.
Ambient Lighting System with MyColor™ allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle to suit their mood.  The enhanced MyColor system features seven base colors ““ ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green.  Customers also can create 125 custom colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette. 

Available options include:
Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™ is an industry-leading technology that will provide users with a unique, information-rich in-car experience.  The suite of data services includes up-to-the-minute real-time traffic data with accident and incident information for 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations.  SIRIUS Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

Joining the first production 2010 Chevrolet Camaro at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction will be a 2010 Ford Mustang GT, a Shelby GT500 and the new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

Ford will auction all three cars at the auction that will run from January 11 to the 18. The 2010 Shelby GT500 will also make its debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show starting January 11. Proceeds form the sale of the 2010 Mustang GT will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

You can check out the full list at the Barrett Jackson Web site.

2010 Ford Mustang:

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: