The importance of the internet in building up pre-launch interest in a new car is being further confirmed by Ford revealing the development process of its new Mustang-based Shelby GT on its “Bold Moves: The Future of Ford” web-based documentary at: www.fordboldmoves.com.
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The Shelby GT, with 325hp, 4.6-litre V8, arrives in US showrooms in the first quarter of 2007, joining the 5.4-litre, 500-horsepower Shelby GT500.
The Shelby Mustangs have proven extremely desirable: The first publicly available GT500 sold for $US600,000 in January and the only GT-H sold to the public (the other 499 went to the Hertz rental fleet) commanded $250,000 in late July, both at charity auctions.
Last Wednesday, Ford confirmed production of the Shelby GT as one of nine new product introductions coming in the next 6 months for Ford and Lincoln Mercury.
It’s one of a number of new or revived traditional ‘muscle cars’ destined for launch over the next few years, despite soaring petrol prices in the US.
“Our goal is to offer a steed for every need,” said Ford brand general marketing manager John Felice. “The new Shelby GT is a low-volume, extremely collectable Mustang for enthusiasts.”
The GT is the third modern Shelby Mustang produced through a collaboration of Ford and Shelby Automobiles. As well as the GT500, the pair built 500 units of the GT-H, available only to rent through Hertz for the moment. Imagine the queue when they’re sold off…
“We have been overwhelmed at the number of people who want to buy a version of the GT-H,” said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. “The GT will deliver the power and balanced handling of the GT-H, but with more performance potential, especially due to the available manual transmission.”
The Shelby GT will be offered only as a coupe (the donor regular production Mustang is also sold as a convertible), and only in two exterior colours, white or black, both accented by silver LeMans-style racing stripes – a signature detail of classic Shelby Mustangs.
In more internet marketing, enthusiasts are being offered a look at the build of the first Shelby GT prototypes at www.shelbyautos.com.
