2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 KR

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.