2011 Shelby GT350 - the legend reborned
At the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala occasion, Shelby American has unleashed the 2011 Shelby GT350, a supercharged modern re-interpretation of the legendary 1960's Shelby GT350. The long anticipated Mustang-based pony car is finally here and ready to fulfill the dreams of the furious race heads.
Designed to be extra-light, brisk and powerful at the same time, the new Shelbi GT350 is based on the recently announced 5.0-liter V-8 2011 Ford Mustang GT. For creating this ultimate balanced performance pony car, Shelby American has teamed-up with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer. Enhancing or replacing every component of the factory vehicle, the renowned newcomer is true to the spirit of the original 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."
Visually, each GT350 will be finished in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes. Its aero package include unique hood with integrally-designed fully functional hood scoop, new front and rear fascias and front grille, front and side air intakes, and functional side rocker scoops. The new V-8 engine is packed with a Shelby-Ford Racing Supercharger and mated to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust unit. For the sharp and agile handling, the specialists at Shelbi have upgraded the white legend's suspension with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The proper road contact is ensured by a unique 19-inch Cragar wheels set with exclusive GT350 45th Anniversary center caps wrapped in Goodyear tires, Baer brakes with 6 piston kit in the front and 14-inch ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.
Inside, the new GT350 pays homage to the race game. Its stunning cockpit is further finished with A-Pillar mounted 3 gauge pack including oil pressure, fuel pressure and boost gauges, Shelby GT350 head rest, arm rest cover and Shelby GT350 dash plaque. Additionally, an exclusive 45th Anniversary embroidered front floor mat set and 45th Anniversary rear trim panel are available.
