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HOME
New SVT Performance Package
readies
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 for the Track
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An optional SVT Performance Package
highlights the new 2011 Ford Shelby GT500®, available on both coupe
and convertible models, making it racetrack ready
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The optional package features the
all-new next-generation Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires only
available on the 2011 Shelby GT500, offering incredible dry traction
and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired
ultra-high-performance tread compound
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All-new lightweight 19-inch
forged-aluminum wheels in the front complement all-new tires, with
new 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels at the rear
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2010 – The new 2011
Ford Shelby GT500 has a surprise in store for true performance
enthusiasts – an optional SVT Performance Package. One lap around
the racetrack, and drivers will feel the difference.
Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0
seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test
track. Cars with the optional package will be able to pull 1.0
lateral g, with stopping distances improved by 7 percent versus the
base 2011 Shelby.
“More and more enthusiasts are putting their cars on the track to
have some fun,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American.
“It’s a great way to enjoy the performance of your car in a safe
environment. No one likes to run at the back of the field, so a
track-oriented package is a smart option for the serious Shelby
GT500 owner.”
Tires make the difference
The SVT Performance Package features the first application of the
all-new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2, a tire that offers superb
dry traction and precise handling, complete with a high-performance
tread compound with more grip. SVT engineers worked directly with
Goodyear to develop the new compound, and it’s only available on the
2011 Shelby GT500. The tire is unidirectional, corner-specific –
meaning the directional tread must match its specific location.
“We wanted to couple the improved weight distribution and the
improved handling of the vehicle with the new tire, and with that
offer the customer one of the most advanced summer tires from a
manufacturer,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer.
“That led us down a road to the new tire. It’s instantly
recognizable with an all-new tread pattern and construction.”
The new ultra-high-performance compound is made of a proprietary
blend of race-derived carbon black and high-stiffness polymers and
resins that help deliver enhanced wet and dry handling performance
on both the road and track. Asymmetrical, directional tread designs
with massive tread blocks on the outboard side of the tire help
enhance dry cornering grip. Sweeping Aquachannel™ grooves on the
inboard side of the tread help move water. An innovative
multi-radius mold shape offers precise handling and smooth, even
wear.
“These tires are as close as you can get to a race car tire,” said
Eric Zinkosky, SVT technical specialist. “We have a tire that’s way
more capable, with better grip, is firmer and more race-oriented.
From there, we tuned the chassis around it. The tires told us what
we had to do.
“We took some lessons from the Shelby KR program and applied them to
these tires,” he added. “That was our first attempt at a similar
compound, and we learned a lot and rolled those lessons into the new
Shelby to provide an even better tire.”
Nineteen-inch forged-aluminum wheels in the front, which are 4.7
pounds lighter than the base Shelby GT500’s, complement the all-new
wider 265/40R-19 front tires. New 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels at
the rear are 2.8 pounds lighter than the standard 19-inch wheel, and
the new 3.73 rear axle ratio takes advantage of the new larger rear
wheels and tires.
Little things add up
As a result of the increased tire performance, the chassis was tuned
to respond more like a race car. The front and rear shocks were also
tuned, adding control to work better with the chassis and tire. The
front springs are 20.5 percent stiffer than the base, and the rear
springs are 9.5 percent stiffer, continuing an SVT performance
tuning direction of adding more stiffness in the front and keeping
the rear softer to aid acceleration traction. Roll stiffness also
helps control cornering while on the track.
A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters
at the rear improves handling and gives the car an even sportier
attitude. High-temperature dry shaft center bearing bushing and
shifter bushings – which are also on the base Shelby – ensure that
no matter how hot the conditions get, the car will still perform at
its best.
“This car is track-ready. We really took the Shelby GT500 to the
next level and went through every detail,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT
global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “It offers
great cornering and racetrack performance and proven durability, and
that’s something we want our customers to appreciate.”
A unique rear spoiler Gurney Flap was developed for increased rear
downforce and improves handling balance in high-speed corners.
Introduced by racing legend Dan Gurney nearly 40 years ago, the flap
is essentially a tunable element on a low-drag spoiler. Front
downforce has been increased 25 percent through improved cooling
pack sealing and a new front underbody closeout panel. Grippy
bushing stabilizer bars provide improved roll stiffness.
Even with the stiffer springs, lower ride heights and increased
damping, the ride remains very compliant, and the car can be easily
driven on everyday roads due to SVT’s chassis tuning philosophy.
Design cues are added to set the package apart from the base Shelby
GT500. The over-the-top stripes are narrower, and the stripes on the
shift knob were removed. The performance shocks also are painted red
to further differentiate the package. “This car has great handling
and dramatically improved performance, and that should come out in
better lap times and improved braking,” said Zinkosky.
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