Vehicle Description
Let's do some math. A word problem. One of 712 Shelby 500KRs
produced by Ford in 2009 is sent to Shelby Automobiles for final
assembly. While there, it becomes one of about 10 to receive the
additional UPFIT kit. How much horsepower is now on tap and how
much fun would that equal? The horsepower question we will answer
in a minute. The fun factor needs to be answered by the next owner.
Might that be you?
Out of those 712 produced by Ford this year, only 236 were coated
in Ebony Black with Satin Ebony stripes like this one. That's
pretty rare air and adds even further to its collectability. Form
follows function on these cars. The carbon fiber hood leads with
dual hood scoops to gather up all the air this car needs to breath
properly and hood pins are required prevent the beast within from
trying to jump out. The huge blacked out grill allows plenty of air
through to keep things running cool and it has a Shelby GT500KR
badge on it. Below the bumper a spoiler reaches down low to the
ground with air inlets directing cooling air to the brakes and fog
lights set into it for extra visibility in less than ideal
conditions. A rear diffuser along with a lip spoiler on the trunk
help keep the back wheels on the ground at speed, and those Black
Shelby Forged wheels not only look good but are strong enough to be
leaned on at speed.
The interior of this car is set up to be an office where you can
get down to some serious business, but it's also one that surrounds
you with plenty of comfort, convenience and safety items for your
driving pleasure. A sculpted door panel has a comfortable armrest
and one of the speakers for the Shaker 500 FM/CD/Satellite audio
system that pumps out the tunes. The bucket seats are very
supportive for spirited driving and are trimmed in leather with
Shelby KR500 logos embroidered into the seats and the headrests.
The leather wrapped steering wheel feels good in your hands and the
shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission falls easily into your
right hand. Gauges are clearly visible through the steering wheel
and Carroll has added a couple more on the dash to keep track of
Boost pressure as well as fuel and oil pressure. There is a plaque
between the air conditioning vents and Carroll Shelby's autograph
is on the glove box.
For full details of the standard equipment, plus the UPFIT
equipment on this car, please ask your salesperson for the
extensive documentation that comes with this car. A few of the
basic features will of course include the horsepower figures, but
this is a well-balanced car that is the result of attention to
detail in all the systems and components. The result is greater
than the sum of the parts. It is, however, all driven by a wonder
of mechanical engineering, tuned by Carroll Shelby, that generates
605 horsepower. That power flows back through a 6-speed manual
gearbox to a 3.73 limited slip differential with traction control
so you don't just spin the tires off under acceleration (unless you
want to). Shelby and Eibach developed a specially tuned coil over
suspension set up with matched sway bars to keep this car planted
on the ground and the antilock brake system works through huge
Brembo rotors and 6 piston calipers to haul this car down from
speed.
KR indeed. An undisputed Mustang King of the Road. Beautiful, rare,
and blazingly fast. And the icing on the cake, is that modern
technology enables it to be all that AND a safe and comfortable
street car. Maybe yours? Come on down, check it out, and maybe
drive it home.
