Have a FaceBook, Twitter, or other social networking account?

Link them to your fanatic account!

Add An Account

TAKE ME TO...
New Models
AUTOS: 2011 Shelby GT500 Gets Aluminum V8
Power raised to 550 supercharged horsepower from engine that loses more than 100 pounds.
SPEED Staff  |  Posted February 10, 2010   Dearborn, Mich.
Performance for the 2011 Shelby GT500 benefits from a new high-tech, all-aluminum V8. (Photo: Ford)
The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 loses weight and gains power by way of an all-new aluminum-block V8 engine that’s supercharged to deliver 550 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, a 10 percent gain over the iron-block V8 in the 2010.

The new engine sheds 102 pounds compared with the former Shelby GT500 powerplant, which equates to power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision, according to Ford.

Because of the improvement in fuel mileage, EPA estimated at 15 city and 23 highway, the 2011 Shelby GT500 becomes the first modern Shelby that escapes the federal gas-guzzler tax.

The Shelby is the latest high-performance offspring of Ford's Special Vehicle Team, which has been responsible for tweaking Ford vehicles for improved power and handling.

"The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement," said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. "All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics - from weight savings to improved balance."

High-tech metallurgy plays an important role in the new aluminum V8 in terms of precision and durability.

“The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks,” Ford says in a media release. “The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.”

Carroll Shelby, Ford’s performance guru since 1960s, said he approves of the latest development for the Shelby brand.

"Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders," said Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make."

The new engine has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT’s engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Tunnelheads, Pick Your Starters! Win Weekly! Win Monthly! Win The Championship!
speed_staff's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SPEED Staff

SPEED.com

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2012

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.