2011 Ford Shelby GT500 offered with optional SVT Performance Package
The Ford Shelby GT500 is more than fresh and full of vigor for 2011 model year, but the Ford Special Vehicle Team has more surprises. Especially for the numerous performance enthusiasts, the engineers at Ford have developed an optional SVT Performance Package. Fitted with the new astonishing performance pack, the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track, and has 7 per cent improved stopping distance versus the stock 2011 Shelby.
"More and more enthusiasts are putting their cars on the track to have some fun," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "It's a great way to enjoy the performance of your car in a safe environment. No one likes to run at the back of the field, so a track-oriented package is a smart option for the serious Shelby GT500 owner."
The SVT Performance Package is distinguished by new lightweight alloys - 19-inch in the front and 20-inch at the rear – wrapped in specially developed Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 high-performance tires. In addition to the improved tire performance, the GT500 SVT boasts newly tuned chassis, which responds more like a race vehicle. The front springs are 20.5 per cent stiffer than the base model, and the rear springs are 9.5 per cent stiffer. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear further improves the handling of the refined pony and gives it even more athletic stance.
"This car is track-ready. We really took the Shelby GT500 to the next level and went through every detail," said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. "It offers great cornering and racetrack performance and proven durability, and that's something we want our customers to appreciate."
Furthermore, the SVT Performance Package adds a unique Gurney Flap rear spoiler, which increases the rear downforce and improves the handling balance in high-speed corners. Front downforce has been increased by 25 per cent through improved cooling pack sealing and a new front underbody closeout panel. Grippy bushing stabilizer bars provide improved roll stiffness.
On the styling part, the vehicle gets narrower stripes, red performance shocks and removed shift knob stripes.
