Ford: Mustang News
#402
That was uncalled for...
Ok...I love it now...it grew all the way on me...I like everything about it...rims, front end, rear end (which ist too different)...
#405
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Meh, doesnt look as beefy as the old cobra did, like the one nicky pass has.
#408
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I saw the Vert at the LA auto Show.
This thing looked like a BEAST. pure and simple.
only thing I dont like is the Shelby logo on the upper left of the rear.
This thing looked like a BEAST. pure and simple.
only thing I dont like is the Shelby logo on the upper left of the rear.
#410
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Another update for those who may want to know.
A bone stock GT500 recently dynoed at 489 rwhp.
Assumming a 15% drive train loss, the actual hp for the car is not the 475 hp that Ford is
promoting, but it is actually closer to 575.
A bone stock GT500 recently dynoed at 489 rwhp.
Assumming a 15% drive train loss, the actual hp for the car is not the 475 hp that Ford is
promoting, but it is actually closer to 575.
#411
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Originally Posted by KRT-1
Another update for those who may want to know.
A bone stock GT500 recently dynoed at 489 rwhp.
Assumming a 15% drive train loss, the actual hp for the car is not the 475 hp that Ford is
promoting, but it is actually closer to 575.
A bone stock GT500 recently dynoed at 489 rwhp.
Assumming a 15% drive train loss, the actual hp for the car is not the 475 hp that Ford is
promoting, but it is actually closer to 575.
#412
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Originally Posted by KRT-1
Another update for those who may want to know.
A bone stock GT500 recently dynoed at 489 rwhp.
Assumming a 15% drive train loss, the actual hp for the car is not the 475 hp that Ford is
promoting, but it is actually closer to 575.
A bone stock GT500 recently dynoed at 489 rwhp.
Assumming a 15% drive train loss, the actual hp for the car is not the 475 hp that Ford is
promoting, but it is actually closer to 575.
#413
luvs redheads!
the convertible i am not really liking for the simple fact that i will see 35yr blondes driving it I think....screams girly car. Just my opinion.
I hope not.
Maybe 21 though..lol
I hope not.
Maybe 21 though..lol
#414
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Originally Posted by swift22
the convertible i am not really liking for the simple fact that i will see 35yr blondes driving it I think....screams girly car. Just my opinion.
I hope not.
Maybe 21 though..lol
I hope not.
Maybe 21 though..lol
#415
Fahrvergnügen'd
While this car is neat and all, it's going to weigh about 4000lbs ... I don't care if it has 500hp or not ... That's 500lbs more than a Corvette. The GT500 is all about a straight line I guess ... But even then it's not going to be all that fast considering that engine has to haul two tons around.
#416
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by swift22
the convertible i am not really liking for the simple fact that i will see 35yr blondes driving it I think....screams girly car. Just my opinion.
I hope not.
Maybe 21 though..lol
I hope not.
Maybe 21 though..lol
#417
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by ilitig8
Umm urr wrong, not even close, it was a yellow and black '73 Mach 1, the only other Mustangs in the original were a 69 Boss 302 and a first gen red coupe.
Ya your right, not sure why I was thinking it was a GT500. Similar design I guess...
#418
Moderator Alumnus
Originally Posted by Maximized
I have an 05 GT and know the history of Shelby Mustangs. I have been around Mustangs most of my life. The 60's Shelby's distinguished themselves from everyday 289s and 351 Fastbacks. The concept 07 GT500 Shelby was perfect. Ford messed around with the design and this one isn't agressive enough. Also, this GT500 probably won't be a collectors car. Ford stated they are going to produce quite a bit of the 07 GT500's.
And ya this GT500 is pretty boring looking... I'm not impressed either. I loved the concept though.
However the HP #'s look insane!
#419
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Originally Posted by SiGGy
The old GT350 and GT500 wasn't far off from a stock mustang. Just as this one isn't. Sure they distinuished themselfs from a mustang lover. The general public won't see it as major changes.
And ya this GT500 is pretty boring looking... I'm not impressed either. I loved the concept though.
However the HP #'s look insane!
And ya this GT500 is pretty boring looking... I'm not impressed either. I loved the concept though.
However the HP #'s look insane!
The old school Shelby's could be easily distinguished from regular 289 Fastbacks. While Shelby made subtle changes, it really set the car apart from it's peers. The new GT500 doesn't really do that IMO. Yes you get a new bumper, rear spoiler, 18" wheels, heat extractors on the hood, and stripes. Other than that it looks like my 05 GT. I wish they would have gone more with the concept look. My other beef is the 3920 lb weight for the coupe.
#420
Senior Moderator
Ford Shelby GT-H unveiled (Hertz Mustang)
In a throwback to the famed Shelby GT350H “Rent-A-Racer” program from the 1960s, Ford, Shelby Automobiles and Hertz are partnering to produce a special run of performance-modified Ford Mustang GTs – designated Shelby GT-H, for “Hertz” – that will be available for rent later this spring exclusively through Hertz. Approximately 500 units will be available through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Forty years ago, Carroll Shelby and Hertz came up with a plan to help get a batch of high-performance, special-edition Shelby Mustangs into the hands of rental customers who also happened to be car enthusiasts. Today, the surviving Shelby GT350H Mustangs are among the most sought-after collector cars in the world. Ford and Shelby are hoping to relive that magic with this modern interpretation…
“Like the original Hertz cars, the Ford Shelby GT-H will be fun to drive,” said Carroll Shelby. “We started with a terrific Mustang and modified it with some Ford go-fast parts and gave it a distinct look for Shelby-style driving. Whoever gets the opportunity to rent one of these unique cars will get an experience of a lifetime.”
The 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang will be available at select airport locations that feature the Hertz Fun Collection including Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the car will be available in Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.
With the addition of the Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang into the Fun Collection, Hertz now offers 36 models that can be specifically reserved, ranging from mid-size to luxury cars, convertibles to SUVs and is the only nationwide car rental company able to allow customers to reserve the specific make and model vehicles at the time of reservation. More than 8,000 Fun Collection vehicles are available at 18 major airport locations in the United States.
“With 2006 marking the 40th anniversary of the Shelby GT350H joining the Hertz fleet, we’re thrilled to be bringing legendary Mustang driving excitement back to our rental customers,” said Walt Seaman, staff vice president, Worldwide Fleet, Maintenance, and Car Sales Operations for The Hertz Corporation. “The Shelby GT-H is a fun, powerful Mustang to drive, and will be a special part of the Hertz Fun Collection. As all cars in the collection are reserved by exact make and model, customers can rest assured that when they reserve a Shelby GT-H Mustang to drive, they will receive the Shelby GT-H Mustang upon arrival.”
Ford Racing Performance Group is supplying its popular Power Pack (FR1) to add a genuine 25-horsepower Ford performance kick to the 300-horse Mustang GT 4.6L V-8/Five-speed automatic transmission powertrain and an increase of 10 lb.-ft. of torque. The package includes Ford Racing’s 90mm Cold Air kit, the Muffler Kit, a new X-pipe similar to the one used on the new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, a performance calibration and a cat-back performance exhaust for that throaty sound that will make this car unmistakably a Shelby Mustang GT-H.
“Any Mustang that traces its roots to a Shelby GT350H has to boast increased performance and handling over its factory stock configuration,” said Cisco Codina, group vice president, Ford North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford Racing’s involvement with niche performance Mustang builds like this Hertz project is a natural for us as well as for Hertz and Shelby.”
To put that extra horsepower to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H also comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack (FR3) installed, including special-tuned dampers inspired from the FR500C, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace – plus a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for extra off-the-line acceleration.
Ford Racing will be working hand-in-hand with engineers and technicians at Shelby Automobile’s assembly facility in Las Vegas during the build-out of the GT-H for delivery to Hertz. With total production expected to number only around 500 units exclusively destined for Hertz rental fleets across the country, this special-edition Ford Shelby GT-H is sure to give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience like only Shelby and the Ford Mustang can deliver.
“This GT-H project has been terrific,” said Amy Boylan, president, Shelby Automobiles Inc. “My team here at Shelby Automobiles is very excited with what we have put together with Ford, and Hertz – a pony that not only has a special look, but can really run, too. Those who get to rent a GT-H in the coming months will have the opportunity to enjoy a car that looks, accelerates, handles and sounds the way a high-performance Shelby-ized Ford Mustang should. It will prove lots of fun for Hertz customers looking for some real driving excitement.”
Source: Leftlanenews
“Like the original Hertz cars, the Ford Shelby GT-H will be fun to drive,” said Carroll Shelby. “We started with a terrific Mustang and modified it with some Ford go-fast parts and gave it a distinct look for Shelby-style driving. Whoever gets the opportunity to rent one of these unique cars will get an experience of a lifetime.”
The 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang will be available at select airport locations that feature the Hertz Fun Collection including Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the car will be available in Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.
With the addition of the Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang into the Fun Collection, Hertz now offers 36 models that can be specifically reserved, ranging from mid-size to luxury cars, convertibles to SUVs and is the only nationwide car rental company able to allow customers to reserve the specific make and model vehicles at the time of reservation. More than 8,000 Fun Collection vehicles are available at 18 major airport locations in the United States.
“With 2006 marking the 40th anniversary of the Shelby GT350H joining the Hertz fleet, we’re thrilled to be bringing legendary Mustang driving excitement back to our rental customers,” said Walt Seaman, staff vice president, Worldwide Fleet, Maintenance, and Car Sales Operations for The Hertz Corporation. “The Shelby GT-H is a fun, powerful Mustang to drive, and will be a special part of the Hertz Fun Collection. As all cars in the collection are reserved by exact make and model, customers can rest assured that when they reserve a Shelby GT-H Mustang to drive, they will receive the Shelby GT-H Mustang upon arrival.”
Ford Racing Performance Group is supplying its popular Power Pack (FR1) to add a genuine 25-horsepower Ford performance kick to the 300-horse Mustang GT 4.6L V-8/Five-speed automatic transmission powertrain and an increase of 10 lb.-ft. of torque. The package includes Ford Racing’s 90mm Cold Air kit, the Muffler Kit, a new X-pipe similar to the one used on the new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, a performance calibration and a cat-back performance exhaust for that throaty sound that will make this car unmistakably a Shelby Mustang GT-H.
“Any Mustang that traces its roots to a Shelby GT350H has to boast increased performance and handling over its factory stock configuration,” said Cisco Codina, group vice president, Ford North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford Racing’s involvement with niche performance Mustang builds like this Hertz project is a natural for us as well as for Hertz and Shelby.”
To put that extra horsepower to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H also comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack (FR3) installed, including special-tuned dampers inspired from the FR500C, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower brace – plus a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for extra off-the-line acceleration.
Ford Racing will be working hand-in-hand with engineers and technicians at Shelby Automobile’s assembly facility in Las Vegas during the build-out of the GT-H for delivery to Hertz. With total production expected to number only around 500 units exclusively destined for Hertz rental fleets across the country, this special-edition Ford Shelby GT-H is sure to give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience like only Shelby and the Ford Mustang can deliver.
“This GT-H project has been terrific,” said Amy Boylan, president, Shelby Automobiles Inc. “My team here at Shelby Automobiles is very excited with what we have put together with Ford, and Hertz – a pony that not only has a special look, but can really run, too. Those who get to rent a GT-H in the coming months will have the opportunity to enjoy a car that looks, accelerates, handles and sounds the way a high-performance Shelby-ized Ford Mustang should. It will prove lots of fun for Hertz customers looking for some real driving excitement.”
Source: Leftlanenews
#421
Senior Moderator
#423
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Maximized
I wish they rented them in Chicago. I would rent one for track days instead of beating up my 05.
#425
Senior Moderator
Nice... Can you order a mustang with the FR1 (power pack) and FR3 (handling pack) factory installed ?? Then you'd just have to add the graphics to create your own hertz "clone"...
#426
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
Nice... Can you order a mustang with the FR1 (power pack) and FR3 (handling pack) factory installed ?? Then you'd just have to add the graphics to create your own hertz "clone"...
http://www.stangnet.com/Press-Releas...nce-packs.html
#427
Senior Moderator
Specs
Engine
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 281 (4606)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 325(242) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 330(447) / n.a.
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 235/55 ZR17
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 188.0 × 73.9 × n.a.
Weight lb (kg): n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: ~ 5
Top Speed mph (km/h): n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 281 (4606)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 325(242) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 330(447) / n.a.
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 235/55 ZR17
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 188.0 × 73.9 × n.a.
Weight lb (kg): n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: ~ 5
Top Speed mph (km/h): n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
#428
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There will be 500 at first, but probably 200 less in a few months after many get wrecked.
I bet there will be tons of "fine print" on that rental contract you sign.
I bet there will be tons of "fine print" on that rental contract you sign.
#429
Where do I stand in line to rent one?
I read that when Shelby did this with Hertz in the '60's, people would swap out the traction-loc performance rear ends from the Shelby to their lessor Fords. They'd swap carbs, trannies (that's transmission not sexual perverts), even entire engines.
Now I wouldn't be renting one to rip and replace go-fast parts but I would burn up an entire set of tires in an afternoon
I read that when Shelby did this with Hertz in the '60's, people would swap out the traction-loc performance rear ends from the Shelby to their lessor Fords. They'd swap carbs, trannies (that's transmission not sexual perverts), even entire engines.
Now I wouldn't be renting one to rip and replace go-fast parts but I would burn up an entire set of tires in an afternoon
#430
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I wonder what the rental rate will be on the Hertz Mustang GT? I know that the 350Z, Hertz rents them for $99/day and with the AAA discount around $79/day in Miami.
#434
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2007 FORD SHELBY GT500 OFFICIALLY RATED AT 500 HORSEPOWER
Featured Stories
Press Releases
* Ford Shelby GT500 officially rated at 500 horsepower, 25 horsepower higher than preliminary estimates
* The Shelby GT500 will go on sale this summer with more horsepower than any previous factory-built Mustang
DEARBORN, Mich., May 2 - The most powerful factory-built Mustang ever just got even more potent. Final certification testing of the Shelby GT500’s 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 shows it will produce 500 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque – 25 more horsepower than preliminary estimates.
“With 500 hp and the Shelby name, this car is an instant legend," said Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation & SVT programs. "This is the most powerful, most capable Mustang ever."
The Ford Shelby GT500's supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 is a result of Ford's experience in developing the modular V-8 and V-10 engine series. The engine is force-fed air via a "Roots-type" supercharger providing 9 pounds per square inch of boost. It borrows the four-valve cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings, from the Ford GT engine.
The 500 hp rating was obtained using the Society of Automotive Engineer's latest standard and was witnessed by an objective third party. The Shelby GT500's 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 will be built at Ford's Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
The right to purchase the first 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 was auctioned for $600,000, with the proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 goes on sale this summer.
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/relea...?release=23327
Featured Stories
Press Releases
* Ford Shelby GT500 officially rated at 500 horsepower, 25 horsepower higher than preliminary estimates
* The Shelby GT500 will go on sale this summer with more horsepower than any previous factory-built Mustang
DEARBORN, Mich., May 2 - The most powerful factory-built Mustang ever just got even more potent. Final certification testing of the Shelby GT500’s 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 shows it will produce 500 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque – 25 more horsepower than preliminary estimates.
“With 500 hp and the Shelby name, this car is an instant legend," said Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation & SVT programs. "This is the most powerful, most capable Mustang ever."
The Ford Shelby GT500's supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 is a result of Ford's experience in developing the modular V-8 and V-10 engine series. The engine is force-fed air via a "Roots-type" supercharger providing 9 pounds per square inch of boost. It borrows the four-valve cylinder heads, piston rings and bearings, from the Ford GT engine.
The 500 hp rating was obtained using the Society of Automotive Engineer's latest standard and was witnessed by an objective third party. The Shelby GT500's 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 will be built at Ford's Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
The right to purchase the first 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 was auctioned for $600,000, with the proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 goes on sale this summer.
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/relea...?release=23327
#435
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ENGINE SPECS
5.4-LITER V8
Manufacturing location: Romeo, Michigan
Configuration: Iron Block and Aluminum Heads
Intake manifold: Cast-aluminum with Roots-type supercharger and air-to-water intercooler
Exhaust manifold: Cast iron
Crankshaft: Forged steel
Throttle Body: Dual 60 mm, electronic
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Valve diameter: Intake: 37.0 mm; Exhaust: 32.0 mm
Pistons: Forged aluminum
Connecting Rods: Cracked forged steel I-beams
Ignition: Coil-on-plug
Bore x stroke: 3.552 x 4.165 in. / 90.2 x 105.8 mm
Displacement: 330 cu. in. / 5,409 cc
Horsepower: 500 hp @ 6,000 rpm (SAE Certified)
Torque: 480 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm (SAE Certified)
Compression ratio: 8.4:1
Redline: 6,250 rpm
Idle Speed in Neutral: 750 rpm
Engine control system: Spanish Oak PCM
Required fuel: Premium
Fuel Injection: Electronic returnless sequential
Oil capacity / type: 6.5 quarts / Motorcraft 5W-50 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Coolant capacity: 21 quarts
Peak Boost: 9 psi
#438
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Originally Posted by gavriil
This thing will totally fly. It will do 4.0 for the 60 I am guessing.
#440
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Shelby Mustangs: $20,000 over sticker
http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/05/17/...cnn_topstories
Shelby Mustangs: $20,000 over sticker
GT500 will not be released until later this month, but dealers pre-selling cars on the Internet get high prices.
May 19, 2006; Posted: 10:25 a.m. EDT (1425 GMT)
By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Ford hasn't yet announced the price of the 2007 Shelby Cobra GT500. But, whatever it is, buyers have already indicated a willingness to pay at least $20,000 more.
The Shelby Cobra GT500 is a version of the popular Ford Mustang equipped with a 500-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine. The original Shelby GT500s, made in the late 1960s by race driver turned sports car maker Carroll Shelby, are now highly coveted collectibles that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. (Far fewer of those cars were built than the approximately 8,000 per year a Ford spokesman says will be made of the new version.)
On eBayMotors.com, one Texas dealership is advertising a 2007 Shelby GT500 with a "Buy it now" price of $99,999. So far, no-one's paid that much, but bids in that auction were already over $65,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
The first 2007 Shelby GT500s are expected to arrive in dealerships at the end of May with most dealerships getting just one or two to sell.
Ford's sticker price for the car is expected to be about $40,000. Some dealers advertising on eBayMotors are asking for bids in terms of the amount over the sticker price the buyer would agree to pay.
Currently, bidders are offering to pay $20,000 or more over the car's sticker price.
Shortly after the GT500 was unveiled in April, 2005, an interested buyer went into Corey's Northgate Ford in Binghamton, N.Y. with a check for $1,000 for the right to buy a GT500 for sticker price whenever the car became available, said Scott Prancue, the dealership's general manager.
"Thank God I didn't take it," he said. "I would have been fired."
In early May, Prancue's dealership accepted a bid of $13,000 for the right to buy one of the cars at its full sticker price. Had the auction been held today, the price would almost certainly have been higher.
Buyers who are willing to pay $20,000 or more for the car are trying to get the first ones produced as those are always the most desirable, said John Aguire, Ford's brand manager for the GT500. While Ford sets suggested retail prices for its cars, the manufacturer cannot ultimately control the amount dealers will sell them for, he pointed out.
"I'm not surprised at how high demand has been," he said.
Dealers who are auctioning the rights to buy the cars are just trying to get a fair market value for them, said Prancue.
While it's not unusual for certain trendy cars to sell at prices higher than the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the amounts over the sticker price are usually a few thousand dollars at most. There have been cars that have regularly sold for tens of thousands of dollars over their suggested retail price, but those have been exotic cars with prices well over $100,000 to begin with.
Ownership of the the first 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 available for sale was purchased for $600,000 at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. in January. Proceeds from that sale went to charity.
The GT500 benefits from its relationship to the original, highly collectible Shelby cars as well as to the current Mustang, which has turned out to be a hit for Ford in its own right.
Still, actual selling prices will eventually come down to something at least closer to the sticker price, said Jim Hossack, of the automotive industry consulting firm AutoPacific.
"It's a handful of people willing to pay that much," he said.
Gallery:
2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500
GT500 will not be released until later this month, but dealers pre-selling cars on the Internet get high prices.
May 19, 2006; Posted: 10:25 a.m. EDT (1425 GMT)
By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Ford hasn't yet announced the price of the 2007 Shelby Cobra GT500. But, whatever it is, buyers have already indicated a willingness to pay at least $20,000 more.
The Shelby Cobra GT500 is a version of the popular Ford Mustang equipped with a 500-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine. The original Shelby GT500s, made in the late 1960s by race driver turned sports car maker Carroll Shelby, are now highly coveted collectibles that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. (Far fewer of those cars were built than the approximately 8,000 per year a Ford spokesman says will be made of the new version.)
On eBayMotors.com, one Texas dealership is advertising a 2007 Shelby GT500 with a "Buy it now" price of $99,999. So far, no-one's paid that much, but bids in that auction were already over $65,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
The first 2007 Shelby GT500s are expected to arrive in dealerships at the end of May with most dealerships getting just one or two to sell.
Ford's sticker price for the car is expected to be about $40,000. Some dealers advertising on eBayMotors are asking for bids in terms of the amount over the sticker price the buyer would agree to pay.
Currently, bidders are offering to pay $20,000 or more over the car's sticker price.
Shortly after the GT500 was unveiled in April, 2005, an interested buyer went into Corey's Northgate Ford in Binghamton, N.Y. with a check for $1,000 for the right to buy a GT500 for sticker price whenever the car became available, said Scott Prancue, the dealership's general manager.
"Thank God I didn't take it," he said. "I would have been fired."
In early May, Prancue's dealership accepted a bid of $13,000 for the right to buy one of the cars at its full sticker price. Had the auction been held today, the price would almost certainly have been higher.
Buyers who are willing to pay $20,000 or more for the car are trying to get the first ones produced as those are always the most desirable, said John Aguire, Ford's brand manager for the GT500. While Ford sets suggested retail prices for its cars, the manufacturer cannot ultimately control the amount dealers will sell them for, he pointed out.
"I'm not surprised at how high demand has been," he said.
Dealers who are auctioning the rights to buy the cars are just trying to get a fair market value for them, said Prancue.
While it's not unusual for certain trendy cars to sell at prices higher than the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the amounts over the sticker price are usually a few thousand dollars at most. There have been cars that have regularly sold for tens of thousands of dollars over their suggested retail price, but those have been exotic cars with prices well over $100,000 to begin with.
Ownership of the the first 2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 available for sale was purchased for $600,000 at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. in January. Proceeds from that sale went to charity.
The GT500 benefits from its relationship to the original, highly collectible Shelby cars as well as to the current Mustang, which has turned out to be a hit for Ford in its own right.
Still, actual selling prices will eventually come down to something at least closer to the sticker price, said Jim Hossack, of the automotive industry consulting firm AutoPacific.
"It's a handful of people willing to pay that much," he said.
Gallery:
2007 Ford Shelby Cobra GT500