Ford Motor Co. and Shelby Automobiles Inc. will build an additional 746 units of the Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) Mustang and extend the run into the ’09 model year to meet worldwide demand.
The original plan called for the production of 1,000 ’08 GT500KR Mustangs, but the response to the car has been “overwhelming,” says CEO Carroll Shelby.
“I’m glad we can share it with more Mustang enthusiasts,” he says in a statement. “This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we can deliver a Mustang that will compete with the best in the world.”
Of the additional 746 units, 571 will be allocated to U.S. customers, thus equaling the 1,571-unit production run of the original ‘68 Shelby GT500KR.
Like the ’08 model, the ’09 GT500KR Mustang boasts a 540-hp 5.4L supercharged V-8, a 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio, short-throw shifter and unique suspension tuning.
The exterior design was inspired by classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features a unique carbon-composite hood, wheels and striping.
