Shelby enthusiasts have waited nearly four decades for this moment (yes, it’s really that important if you know cars). Meet the new 2011 Shelby GT350, a supercharged version of the new 5.0L V8 2011 Ford Mustang.

“In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary’s car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350’s return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name.”

Performance wise, the 2011 Shelby GT350 is upgraded over a standard 2011 Mustang GT in almost every way. The most significant upgrade, however, is under the hood. The 5.0L V8 features a supercharger from Ford Racing helping the GT350 produce more than 500-hp (official specs have yet to be released). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Stopping power comes from a Baer brake system, which features 6 piston kit in the front and 14″ ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

In term of pricing, a starting MSRP of $33,995 doesn’t sound all that bad – well, at least until you realize that it doesn’t include the price of a new 2011 Mustang GT.

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

2011 Shelby GT350:

Press Release:

SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the “small block” 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.

“The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity,” said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. “Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19″ modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package”

“Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby’s history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll’s performance standards,” added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. “After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We’re all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car.”

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14″ ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby’s Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.

- By: Kap Shah

The Mustang’s favorite tuning firm Shelby Automobiles has unveiled its new Super Snake package for the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500. The new Super Snake package, to be built in limited numbers, offers enhancements that gives the 2010 Shelby GT500 better handling, styling and higher output ranging from 630-hp to 725-hp.

The prices for the 630-hp package starts at $29,495 (not including the 2010 Shelby GT500) and $33,495 for the 725-hp package. Exclusivity of each unit will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built at the Shelby’s Las Vegas facility starting later this August.

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

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake:

Press Release:

LAS VEGAS – June 26, 2009 – Continued demand for a “Super Snake” post title package has led Shelby Automobiles to unveil a new program to turn a limited number of 2010 Ford Shelby GT500s into Shelby super cars. The Super Snake package will include enhancements to the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500’s handling, styling and power; output ratings will range from 630 to over 725 horsepower. Exclusivity will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built at the Shelby Autos facility in Las Vegas or one of the Mod Shops, beginning in August 2009.

“We take great pride in engineering fast, fun cars that people love to drive,” said Carroll Shelby. “Over the past 12 months, my team of hot rodders was hard at work on a Super Snake package for the next generation GT500. Every lesson we learned kicking the competition around on the track over the past two years has been poured into this new car to keep Shelby owners out front.”

Born on the drag strip and road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford Racing and Shelby Automobiles dialed in an even more aggressive suspension and engine package for the 2010 car.

“Since we introduced the Super Snake package for the GT500 in 2007, this Shelby has become the pinnacle of current generation muscle cars,” added Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “While the stock GT500 is a fine car, serious enthusiasts know that they can come to us to make their Shelby even better. For those who crave a harder edged Shelby, this is your car.”

The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:
• Ford Racing handling pack including Dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars, and front strut tower brace is standard for the Super Snake
• Ford Racing Supercharger upgrade kit producing over 630 HP and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque
• Borla exhaust system on the 630 HP Ford Racing Super Snake Package
• 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
• Either a Shelby/Ford Racing or Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit producing 725 HP with upgraded drive shaft, billet twin 75mm throttle body and exclusive badges
• JBA exhaust system on the 725 HP Super Snake Package
• An optional Shelby / Eibach handling pack is also available
• Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels
• Short-throw shifter
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
• Front brake cooling ducts
• Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby design
• Shelby signature Super Snake stripes
• “Shelby” lettering across the rear decklid
• “Super Snake” vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
• Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components

Customers interested in bringing their 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 to one of the Shelby Mod Shops for transformation should contact Roger Sorel with Shelby Automobiles at (702) 942-7325. The price of the 630 HP package is $29,495 and the 725 HP package is $33,495 including installation but not the car. Each vehicle will be listed in the official Shelby registry.

Complete Super Snake packages will only be available through Shelby Automobiles; some products comprising the package will be offered by Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing later this year.

- By: Omar Rana

In a celebration of the inaugural Shelby 427 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation will auction off a Ultimate Shelby 427 GT500 with a Super Snake Package on eBay Motors. The auction starts today and will end on Feb. 19, 2009.

The winner will receive a 2009 Shelby GT500 in torch red with a Super Snake package and No. 427 of the Limited Edition Shelby 427 packages. The car produces over 605-hp with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. The winner will also get a VIP weekend at the Shelby 427 race on March 1, 2009, including two private Shelby suite tickets.

Bidding started at $427 and is currently at $66,766 with a total of 6 bids. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. Click here to bid if you’re interested – it’s for charity!

Make the leap for the press release and the high-res image.

2009 Shelby 427 GT500 Super Snake:

Press Release:

Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation to Auction 2009 Shelby 427 GT500 Super Snake on eBay

Package Includes VIP Weekend at Shelby 427 NASCAR Race in Las Vegas

The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation will celebrate the inaugural Shelby 427 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race by auctioning the Ultimate Shelby 427 GT500 Package on eBay starting today. The auction, which will end Feb. 19, 2009, includes a new torch red 2009 Shelby GT500 upgraded with the Super Snake package and No. 427 of the Limited Edition Shelby 427 packages. The winning bidder will also receive a VIP weekend at the Shelby 427 race on March 1, 2009, including two private Shelby suite tickets to enjoy the action. Money raised from the auction will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation, which helps children worldwide battle life-threatening illnesses while promoting the importance of organ and tissue donation.

“This is the ultimate Shelby package for the ultimate Shelby fan,” said Jenni Shreeves, director of the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. “Not only will the winning bidder get the keys to a brand new Shelby GT500 Super Snake, they’ll spend race weekend in Las Vegas with Mr. Shelby and his team. Most importantly, the money raised will help us continue our mission to give children around the world a second chance at life.”

The 2009 Shelby GT500 being offered on eBay is fitted with the legendary Super Snake package, which includes multiple suspension and engine upgrades as well as design enhancements. Under the hood is a Ford Racing Supercharger upgrade kit that produces over 605 horsepower and 590 ft.-lbs. of torque. Mr. Shelby’s personal autograph and race-related add-ons highlight the Limited Edition Shelby 427 package added to the muscle car.

Additional amenities of the Ultimate Shelby 427 GT500 Package include a meet and greet with Mr. Shelby, private Shelby factory tour and tour of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For more information on the auction, please visit www.ebay.com/shelby.

• •  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:

Carroll Shelby and Restoration Hardware will join forces to auction off a 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS from Mr. Shelby’s personal collection. The eBay auction will kick-off on Dec. 2nd with bidding starting at $100,000. Proceeds from the sale will go to Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation which helps children around the world battle life-threatening illnesses. The organization also promotes the importance of organ and tissue donation.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS pays homage to the experimental “Green Hornet.” Power comes from a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The car also features a Cobra Jet manifold exhaust system, Edelbrook Aluminum Heads, Shelby Intake manifold, Shelby Water Pump, Shelby Valve Covers and Legendary Autometer Customized Gauges.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS comes with the standard interior in Deluxe Black, original seatbelts and the original ‘68 Cobra Steering Wheel. The custom Shelby is on display at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Click through for more photos.

1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS: