(continued from the previous page)
The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000
degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray
gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially
machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of
melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating
a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.
"Ford's
Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced
technologies - and this comes from aerospace. It's the same technology you would
find on aircraft engines," said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader.
"We've invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers
improvements in power and performance and fuel economy."
The new engine
also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an
evolution of the GT 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 Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the
world's most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this
supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive," said Kerry Baldori,
SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. "The aluminum-block
engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and
durability our customers demand."
Increased Fuel Economy
The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive
package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas
guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will
deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.
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.
Fuel
economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS
and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.
SVT Performance
Package
New for 2011 is an SVT Performance
Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500
for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle F1
SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop,
the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise
handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.
The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear
axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and
coupe. 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.
Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford's
stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of
the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle
configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.
SVT has
worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering
system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500
driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers
quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding
roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.
Slotted brake
dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal
box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11
millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude
and improved handling.
More Engine Sound, Less Road Noise
For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness)
improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010
Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional
sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional
sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to
reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces - all resulting in the driver hearing
more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.
The Shelby
GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral
stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been
stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened,
while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary
crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.
The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to
be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along
with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get
standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.
GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011,
roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch
exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.
Added Convenience Content
New for 2011 is an optional glass
roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and
without compromising the coupe's versatility, headroom or climate-controlled
environment.
The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric
material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar
light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass
features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.
Ford Shelby GT500: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications