Shelby American announces new ‘King of the Road’ Mustang
GT500KR Mustang will come with more than 900 horsepower
ByLarry Edsall - December 16, 2021
Only 60 units of the new Shelby GT500KR with more than 900 horsepower will be available for US customers for each of the next three years | Shelby American photos
As part of the 60th anniversary of Shelby American taking place during 2022, the company has announced it will produce a limited run of its “King of the Road” GT500KR Mustangs, which Shelby says will produce more than 900 horsepower on 93-octane fuel.
“This is only the third time in history that a version of the Shelby GT500 has carried the ‘King of the Road’ name,” the company said in its announcement.
“The first time was in 1968 when the Shelby GT500KR was powered by the new 428 Cobra Jet V8 that was conservatively rated at 335 horsepower. It was equipped with a modified suspension, redesigned front and rear end, custom fiberglass hood and Cougar taillights.
“Shelby added a functional roll bar and wood-rimmed steering wheel. Offered in both fastback and convertible, Ford dealers sold 1,570 GT500KR models in 1968 (1,053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles).
“In 2008, Ford and Shelby brought back the Ford Shelby GT500KR. Its supercharged V8 produced 540 horsepower (40 more than the standard GT500) and included a short-throw shifter, 3.73:1 rear axle and unique wheels, tires and suspension settings. A special composite hood with push button hood pins, unique stripes and badges distinguished the KR.
“A total of 1,000 cars were produced that year; demand was so great that Ford and Shelby agreed to build an additional 712 cars for 2009.”
First of the new KR Mustangs will be up for bidding at Barrett-Jackson’s January auction
“We’re committed to ensuring the third-generation model is worthy of the iconic ‘King of the Road’ crown,” Shelby American president Gary Patterson is quoted.
“Our program team includes experts at Ford Performance and key suppliers, as well as specialists like Shelby GT500 factory development driver Billy Johnson. We announced the program launch today and we’ll show the car to the public at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January. From its initial design to final performance specs, the Shelby GT500KR will live up to the name.”
The first production unit will be up for auction to benefit charity at Barrett-Jackson in January, the news release added. Proceeds from that sale will go to the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.
Compared with the Ford Shelby GT500, the KR offers more than 140 additional horsepower, a “dry” carbon-fiber hood, new wheels and tires, suspension tuning, interior trim, and more.
Shelby American said it will produce 60 of the KR cars per year for three years for the US with another 45 per year for overseas markets.
“The current Shelby GT500 already has amazing capabilities,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American vice president of operations and chief of research-and-development.
However, he added, with the new KR, “We’re taking it to an entirely new level for the extreme driver. We integrated a new supercharger and coolers, then tuned the 5.2-liter V8 to churn out 900 plus horsepower on pump gas. The KR has more aggressive adjustable springs, Ford Performance sway bars and a new aggressive suspension tune. The exhaust was reworked to be even bolder and we sliced 30 pounds off with an ultra-light dry carbon-fiber hood that delivers even more cooling. An optional wide-body version is even available.”
“This is just the start of our milestone celebration,” Patterson added. “In addition to updates to our current lineup, we plan to announce three more significant vehicle programs. The incredible Shelby GT500KR is just the beginning of an amazing year.”
The KR package adds around $55,000 to the $72,900 price of the Shelby GT500, Shelby American said.
Article courtesy of Classiccars.com