In this WebRidesTV video we met up with Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer at Ford SVT, and got an in-depth look at the 2008 40th anniversary edition Shelby GT500 KR. The KR Mustang, for "king of the road", earns its crown by wearing the infamous Cobra and Shelby logos, denoting its superb performance characteristics. The base Ford Mustang GT500 is incredible in its own right, but the modifications made for the Shelby KR edition are extensive. The masculine, aggressive body is made further intimidating using a lowered and modified carbon fiber front valance and carbon fiber hood with dual scoop intake and extractor vent s. The intakes feed a 540 horsepower, DOHC, 32 valve 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, putting out 510 ft-lbs of torque! Those numbers equate to 0-60 times as low as 3.9 seconds, running quarter mile in only 11.9 seconds. The KR's looks draw heavily from the original 1968 KR, featuring the dual scoops on the hood, the "Shelby" badge just in front of the scoops, the integrated rear spoiler, and the Cobra badges found throughout the car. Other modifications include 14in Brembo disk brakes with functional vents, and 20 inch rims designed by the Shelby team in Las Vegas; although Jamal mentioned that the production version would only come with smaller but visually similar 18in wheels. The wheels and upgraded suspension package put the GT500 very low to the ground, giving it a lower center of gravity with impressive track abilities. The lowered air dam and rear spoiler keep the Mustang glued to the road as it puts all 540 horses to the ground. Although Jamal mentioned that the production version would only come with smaller but visually similar 18in wheels. Jamal went on to describe the GT500's place in the auto market, as the Challenger and Camaro prepare to debut in the near future, offering the first real competition for the Mustang. He also went on to discuss the collectability of the GT500KR, and the reality that only 1000 will be produced for 2008, and only 571 for 2009. This echoes the exact number of GT500 KR's that were produced in 1968. At $80,000, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR will not only be an exclusive ride, but an expensive one too.
