LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Goes Lightweight With Aluminum Engine, Offers Ultimate In Handling

1:30p ET February 8, 2010 (PR NewsWire)

With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500(R) with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology

For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax

The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling

Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

"The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement," said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. "All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics - from weight savings to improved balance."

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

"Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make."

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

"Ford's Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies - and this comes from aerospace. It's the same technology you would find on aircraft engines," said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. "We've invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy."

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

"The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world's most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive," said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. "The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand."

Increased power and increased fuel economy

The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle(R) F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac(R), Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise

For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces - all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

"One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe," said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. "Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride."

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content

New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe's versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps

MyKey(TM) programmable vehicle key

Integrated spotter mirror

Fold-down rear headrests

"Whether you're looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track," Capito says, "this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts."

Anonymous

It's getting there.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

Yeah, it's still going to be on the heavy side but this could certainly make it more competitive against at least a base model Corvette, bridging the gap slightly in both handling and acceleration.

I'm still more curious about/interested in the base model 2011 Mustang GT though, I wonder just how far into the 12s it can get in bone stock trim.

Blakbird24

iTrader: (24)

They're finally on the right track with this car. Stop adding power, start reducing weight and other bullshit. It's got a great motor with plenty of power, lets work on the rest of the car.

I'm starting to really like this car.

violent_celerity

FINALLY made it an aluminum block.. should have had it from the start.. 100 lbs of the front end is going to make it handle much much better too. maybe now itll be able to hang with a base model vette.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

good news but how much will it add to its price? maybe not much since it wont have a GG tax which is excellent.

WSsick

iTrader: (13)

I don't say this often, but the Mustang line up is looking pretty attractive.

Detoxx03

iTrader: (14)

Its looks somewhat attractive but not enough for me to jump ship

USMC Devil Dog

Mustang has it going on! Just wish the Challenger was priced more aggressively

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

hmmm a boat of a camaro or a mustang that finally has the ***** and lower weight...

Juicy J

iTrader: (5)

The weight off the front end will show significant improvements in handling. Ford really is getting the right idea performance wise(finally) for the Mustang line up. This really sounds like a cool car, as does the base GT model.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I agree. For years they offered a good pony car but there was often something faster available (well, not always, between 2003 and 2007 they were actually the only game in town LOL) but now they just might be delivering the complete package. Kudos to Ford for that.

Sharpe

iTrader: (7)

Good read.

I really like the Mustang lineup and have said so before, but is the car only 102 lbs. lighter? Not that 102 lbs. is nothing, it's a good start, but even up front it's not really something to trumpet from the mountaintop. And, 10 fwhp increase? Woo-hoo.

All that said, I still really like the car and realize it's their job to market their cars and this is how it's done. It's better than the last one and that's hard as hell to do in these times!

Sarge_13

iTrader: (1)

Well think about it, pretty much the only thing they did to lose weight was switch from a cast iron block to the aluminum one. 102lbs from that alone is impressive IMO.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

I'm hoping that it's more than just the 102 pounds that was reduced from the block change, maybe they also found a few other areas to possibly remove some more?

Blakbird24

iTrader: (24)

The last thing this car needs is more power. With the world in the state it's in, we need to stop increasing power and start improving the car itself. We are falling back into the "typical american car" trap - too heavy? ok just add some more power! But with more power comes inherently worse fuel mileage. So now we have these 4000lb plus cars with 500hp+ running 13's. Instead we need to work on weight reduction and handling. I think Ford is headed in the right direction, and with the next iteration of the Camaro moving to the Alpha platform, GM will be going that way too. At least I hope.

proporio

They have increased power and mpg and have decreased weight.
Nothing wrong with a little more hp.
The handling should be improved also with the weight reduction, especially with the weight being taken from the front end.

I have to agree with others, the new stang lineup is looking very good.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

The power (LS3, Hemi, these new Ford/mod motors etc.) is already there, the key now is to reduce the weight without pissing off the safety ***** too much.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

im always in favor of more power. you can never have enough. now i hope carmakers can figure out ways to reduce weight without increasing cost. at least not substantially.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

you can shave off hundreds of pounds if youre willing to ditch all the stupid *** "safety" ****