2008 Shelby GT500KR

This is a pampered 2008 GT500KR. This car was owned by a Dallas car collector and kept in a climate controlled environment for mostof its life. If your looking for a babied, ow mileage collectable that is not priced in the stratosphere, ou have found it. This car has no issues and is, t it was, he day it came from Shelby.The new KR, ike the original, s essentially a GT500 that’s spent another hour or two swimming in the testosterone pool. The supercharged V-8 benefits from a new cold-air intake and a Ford Racing low-restriction exhaust. “We also tweaked the spark maps a bit,” says Jamal Hameedi, VT chief nameplate engineer. “Life is great with forced induction, ecause small spark changes bring big power increases.” With no change in boost pressure, utput is bumped to a target of 540 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, p from 500 horses and 480 pound-feet for the GT500. A six-speed manual will remain the standard and only transmission, he ceramic-metallic twin-disc clutch already rated to handle additional power (once in the hands of owners, ew GT500s, ameedi notes, emain at 500 horsepower for long). Still, he KR will get a new, ower 3.73 rear axle (versus the GT500’s 3.31), hich with the additional ponies should improve acceleration significantly (expect the KR to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds flat or less-Z06 territory).

The basic suspension will carry over from the GT500, lbeit with stiffer springs and shocks, hicker anti-roll bars, nd a brace across the front strut towers. “On the KR we’re willing to trade ride comfort for enhanced body control and sharper turn-in,” says Hameedi. In addition, ide height may be lowered slightly. “We’re still finalizing the setup,” says Gary Patterson (who, long with Ford engineers, ill be wringing out KR prototypes at Las Vegas Speedway in the months ahead). The GT500’s standard Brembo brakes also will serve in the KR, heir performance enhanced via chrome-ringed front brake ducts. The production KR will ride on new 18-inch wheels supplied by Alcoa (the show car is wearing 20s).

Inside, he KR will be dressed as you’d expect a Shelby special to be: “Shelby”-embossed headrests, pecial graphics, ogo floormats, 40th Anniversary” dash plate. The KR will also get a short-throw shift lever.

Exterior changes are more significant, he most obvious being the two hood pins and that large, unctional hood scoop. “The GT500 has an aluminum hood, ut for the KR we’re looking at an all-new hood in carbon fiber,” says Hameedi. “Yes, t’s expensive, ut this is a special car.” The KR will also get a carbon-fiber front splitter, hich Hameedi notes reduces frontal lift at speed.