Jalopnik: Shelby GT500KR

Replacement Carbon-Fiber Hood For Shelby GT500KR: $20K?!

John Krewson — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EDT

One customer found when he hit an animal with his GT500KR how pricey it's snout is: hood $18,400; hood pins $632; front spoiler $3392. Shelby's since offered an interesting explanation — and lowered those prices. Here's what happened.

According to Shelby, their carbon-fiber hood is the only CF hood in regular production (we're guessing the ZR-1's polycarbonate panel disqualifies it from consideration?) and that all the required federal testing and so on adds to the cost. Also, evidently, keeping the prices high — and demanding all damaged KR parts be returned before new parts are shipped — prevents just anyone from slapping a KR hood or other parts on their base Mustang.

Whatever their rationale, the fan forums went understandably nuts. In response, the price of the hood will be reduced to $9,700 and Shelby is reconsidering the prices of other carbon-fiber components. We love the KR, but that still seems like a lot of money for Ford parts.

[Spokentorque.com, Team Shelby via Autoblog]

Who Chromes A Shelby GT500KR?

The Auto Insider — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST

If we could imagine the perfect stereotype of the kind of guys who would chrome their $80,000 Shelby GT500KR, this group is exactly who we'd come up with.

Here's the sad, sad story of how a Shelby GT500KR turned into a shaving mirror and overall emblem of vehicular douchebaggery. Also, out of curiosity, can someone answer three questions for us — first, is the dude with the hat talking with marbles in his mouth. Second, is that a sheik? Third, does the guy with the hair neck know he's supposed to be speaking English?

[via Streetfire.net]

Make It Stop: NBC Orders Up Four More Knight Rider Scripts

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EDT

At this point, we're wondering if NBC is captained by a board of masochists, as news comes down the pipe they've ordered up four more Knight Rider scripts from the show's writers. Mind you, they're just scripts, not necessarily full episodes...yet. If you've watched the show religiously, you're a sturdier breed of television consumer than we are, as we've given up on the thing. We've driven the blacked-out Mustang Shelby GT500KR, and that's going to remain the highlight of the show for us. Well, that and the day we hear the show gets the axe. [THR via Autoblog]

Even Ford Thinks Knight Rider Has Too Much Ford

Andrew Stoy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:15:00 EDT

The Detroit Free Press tells a tale of product placement gone slightly awry in the new Knight Rider. We know KITT is a Shelby GT500KR, but apparently KITT is also able to transform into any of a variety of other Ford models, like the F-150, ostensibly for stealth purposes. In other words, KITT is a GT500KR when Michael Knight needs to look cool, and a Fusion or Escape when he's trolling for hookers. But how many Ford vehicles is too many? Apparently the movie provided a clue: "Even Ford said it was way too much in the two-hour (movie)," said executive producer Gary Scott Thompson. "But unfortunately, it's a show about a car." Wow, with a plug like that, we can't wait to set the DVR. [Freep]

Michigan Woman's Mustang Becomes Real KITT

Mark Arnold — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Just in time for the September 24th premier of NBC's new Knight Rider show, the local NBC news affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan has found ~~a great way to shamelessly promote the show~~ a woman claiming that her recently sold Mustang GT was bought to be turned into a real-life example of KITT for the show. Deb Fralick had to sell her beloved Ford Mustang GT for $19,000 after faced with bills from a life-threatening illness and several visits to the Mayo Clinic. We're not exactly sure how much time her car will actually spend on-set, as right now it's said to be in the Toronto area on a promotional tour.

Fralick said of the car "I just turned 50. So it actually made me feel like I was 18 again." Now, she's cruising around in an early '90s Buick Regal GS, which is good transportation but hardly a Mustang GT. Fortunately, if her now KITT-ified Mustang ever goes back up for sale she gets first dibs. [WOODTV]

Shelby GT500KR Road Trip, Chapter IV: Death Valley Car Spy Photographers Are NOT Fooled By Manufacturer Plates

Ray Wert — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EDT

It was the Wert-spotting by Jalopnik reader Nick outside the Shelby HQ gave us an idea for our run through Death Valley yesterday on our Shelby GT500KR Road Trip. Would the car spies spending the summer months in the Valley of non-Life find the GT500KR with manufacturer plates a compelling enough target to shoot — perhaps thinking it to be some kind of development mule? After a quick 150 mile jaunt through the Valley's 110-degree temperatures yesterday afternoon, we found the answer to be "No."

KGP's Glenn Paulina radioed in late yesterday he spotted us winding our way through Mud Canyon but wasn't fooled by our manufacturer plate. Instead, he was too busy looking for other M-plated Fords in case it was part of a test group. And despite the shot above, Brenda Priddy wasn't fooled either— she'd seen the posts about our plans to hit the Valley — but she did take a moment out of her spy shooting day to run us down, catching up to us in the Super-Stang after pulling us over to warn us to drink lots of water in the hot desert sun. Maybe next time we'll strap garbage bags to the taillights Winding Road-style.

Follow along at our tag page for our full ~~three-day~~ four-day Shelby GT500KR Road Trip!

Wert Spotted In GT500KR At Shelby HQ

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EDT

Jalopnik reader Nick M. didn't expect to see the Shelby GT500KR Road Trip in person when visiting the Shelby HQ on the long road between California and Texas. Nick was shocked to see the bright blue GT500KR in person and grabbed some photos of the car next to another Shelby Stang. Of course, he also snuck in a photo of his own super Mustang in with the others. If you see a Blue-and-White KR crossing this great land of ours please sure to take a picture and drop us a line.

Shelby GT500KR Road Trip, Chapter III: Fresh Alien Jerky Is Much Better Than, You Know, Cow Jerky

Ray Wert — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:28:43 EDT

Actually, we realized at some point it was "Alien" brand beef jerky, but you know, for like a minute there...we thought we were gonna dig into some extraterrestrial hide. But, we still thought it worthy of a shot. We're almost to Vegas — we'll save any more updates until the morrow.

Location: Baker, CA
Miles: 187.5 Miles
Drive Time: 5 Hours, 9 Minutes

Follow along at our tag page for our full three-day Shelby GT500KR Road Trip.

Shelby GT500KR Road Trip, Chapter II: What's Your Favorite Beef Jerky?

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:54:53 EDT

As one noted member of the auto press guild told me today, "you can't have a Mustang road trip without beef jerky." He's right. I went with the Carne Asade — what about you?

Although I pulled over for the jerky, it was nice to give my ass a moment of relief from the pains of the road. The Shelby GT500KR's got a helluva lot of horsepower, but no padding's going to protect your rear for long in that car's seat. And I thought the Z06 was a pain in the rear. But, whatever, who cares? You don't buy this car and all its horses for the benefit of your seat bottom.

By the way, L.A. traffic really sucks. It took me over three hours to make it outside the mess of traffic that is the greater Los Angeles area. Looks like we'll be running straight through to Vegas tonight. But fear not, we'll head down to Death Valley tomorrow morning — and do a run from one end to the other and back.

I'll check in again when I get to Las Vegas, baby, Vegas.

Location: Barstow, CA
Miles: 118.3 Miles
Drive Time: 3 Hours, 59 Minutes (I hate LA traffic)

Follow along at our tag page for our full three-day Shelby GT500KR Road Trip.

Shelby GT500KR Road Trip, Chapter I: Ready, Set, Buy A Whole Lot Of Crap And Go!

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:40:00 EDT

Well, we're about to take off on our Shelby GT500KR Road Trip outside of Los Angeles and we decided we needed to stock up on supplies first. We've got what we're bringing for the trip below the jump. Let us know if we forgot anything. Remember, we need to make it through Death Valley — a place we've never been to, but Brenda Priddy says is a comfortable place to hang out — all the way to Vegas and then down through Phoenix to Dallas. Obviously we'll be stopping for food and sleep. Who do you think we are, Alex Roy* ?

1 - Cobra XRS 9540 (The Valentine's too rich for our blood)
6 - 1-liter bottles of water
4 - Cans, Rockstar
3 - Packages, Jolt Gum
2 - AAAA batteries for cheap-ass Jabra headset
2 - Bags, chips
1 - Bottle, sunblock
1 - Package, David Sunflower seeds
1 - 100-Watt Power Inverter
1 - Sprint EV-DO card (or whatever the hell their proprietary technology is)
1 - Full tank of gas

See ya guys outside of Death Valley. Somebody call the police if you haven't heard back from us by like, midnight tonight, k?

What Would You Do With A GT500KR?

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EDT

You already knew one of us was out here in sunny Southern California after our little photographic fun with all three new American muscle cars in one photo for the very first time. But that wasn't the only reason we were out here on America's Left Coast. The other reason? The 2008 Shelby GT500KR. We've been given the keys to the only super 'Stang in Ford's media fleet to drive longer than any other car outlet's gone in the car to date. We'll be taking this 580 HP über-muscle car on a 1,779 mile trip from LA to Dallas. Along the way we'll stop in Las Vegas and Phoenix, liveblogging the entire way. Follow along with us at our Shelby GT500KR Road Trip tag. Although this now begs today's question of the day, what would you do and where would you go with the GT500KR and a full tank of gas?

First Video Of KITT Valmorphanizing Into A Ford F-150 FX4 Pickup Truck

Ray Wert — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:36:49 EDT

Somewhere between "Morphing" and "Transforming" is the very Team America-ish "Valmorphanization." That's the term we feel best using to describe what KITT's doing in this one minute clip from the new Knight Rider TV show premiering September 24th on NBC. As you'd expect, KITT is apparently fitted with a current Ford lineup-limiter, only letting him "valmorphanize" into Ford products. Which explains why he's able to "valmorphanize" into a Ford F-150 FX4 pickup truck rather than the more appropriate "Ranchero" form factor we hoped for when we heard about his plethora of new looks yesterday.

Now we're only left wondering when Ford comes out with a special "Knight Rider" edition F-150. Like the Harley-Davidson version, we're assuming the truck bed won't be big enough to hold KITT. Also, note the Shelby cobra that's part of the TV show's logo. We wonder how many ads Ford had to buy to get that level of a boa constrictor-like grip on the creative process? [Knight Rider]

2008 Shelby GT500KR Hits The Dyno, Gets 50 More Horses Than Ford Claims

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:20:00 EDT

The ponycar fanboys at 5.0 Mustangs and Super Fords took a Shelby GT500KR press car, strapped it down on a Dynapack chassis dyno, hit the gas and recorded a monster 509 HP and 467.7 lb-ft of torque. When you factor in driveline losses, that means the King of the Road is putting out 590 HP and 550 lb-ft. That's significantly more power at the flywheel than Ford is letting on to.

Those kind of numbers are usually reserved for the elite, which explains the car's $80,000 price tag, plus whatever the dealer thinks he should add for his, you know, trouble. [5.0 Mustangs and Super Fords]

Buy A 2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR Now For Just...$154,991!

Ray Wert — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:30:00 EDT

At almost $80,000, the sticker price on the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR was already on the high side of ridiculous, but we knew Ford would sell every one of these purported "King of the Road" 'stangs to pony car fan-boys. With that kind of demand, you'd expect to see a little bit of margin dropped on top of the already steep price by dealers looking to milk the fans dry, but little did we know to what extent. Until we saw the following EBay auction by a Houston, Texas dealership.

The dealership, LoneStar Ford, is offering a brand-spanking new GT500KR for the bargain basement buy it now price of just $154,991. We'll give you a moment to let that sink in. You done? For the math-impaired, that's approximately a $75,000 mark up to the sticker price. Good luck with that, guys — you've officially made us want to throw up over this truck-axled super-powered 'stang. But if for some crazy reason you want a piece of this action, better hurry because you've only got two more days left to slap down your cash. [EBay via Carscoop]

Unique Performance Assets Going Up For Auction, Again

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Though Unique Performance the company may be dead, the drama lives on. At least until Doug Hasty goes to jail, if that's what ends up happening. We mentioned earlier that an auction of Unique Performance equipment netted more than a million dollars, which was unfortunately only enough to cover taxes and not screwed over employees. But wait, there's some hope. More items are going up for auction for a second round.

These items include "approximately 40-Mustang fastback shells, body parts, tools, lifts." This is going to be another online auction currently scheduled for June 24, 2008 at 10:00 am. We're waiting for full details to be released, but in the meantime check out the auction website for more information. (Thanks Cameron!) [67MustangBlog.com]

2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR, Reviewed

Ray Wert — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EDT

While we haven't had a chance to drive the new 2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR, others have. Our friends at Popular Mechanics spent some time behind the wheel of the new Shelby GT500KR and have come away with some driving impressions of the purported "King of the Road." After reading their final take on the KR as well as those from other outlets, we're beginning to think maybe "Prince" might have been a better name for it. Unless of course "King" is being used to mean "King's Ransom" — then the naming convention makes sense given the stratospheric $80,000 price for a ridiculously high horsepower car with a solid axle and a propensity to only go in a straight line. While we'd never call this Mustang a "Sally" and we'll obviously stop short from saying the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR sucks, we're pretty sure there's better cars you could probably buy for the money. But that's just our take on it. Check out the full review from the Mechanics who are quite Popular here:

2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR Test Drive: Does Ford's 540-hp Monster Live Up to Limited-Edition Hype?

KITT Shelby Mustang GT500KR Pair Sells For $300,000

Mark Arnold — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:24:40 EDT

Just when you thought you'd seen the last of KITT, it's back — at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach. We wonder if this means there won't be a full television series based on the movie after all. Yes, these were the actual cars used in the made-for-NBC movie. That means that these actually aren't even GT500KR models, but a pair of dressed-up Mustang GTs "inspired by the GT500KR." Though for the final bid of $300,000 for both the "Attack-Mode" and normal KITT, Ford included the rights to buy an actual GT500KR at MSRP. Just don't get too worked up about the wretched excess, because all the money is ~~being written-off~~ going to charity. [Barrett-Jackson]

Barrett-Jackson: First 2008 Shelby GT500KR Goes For $550,000

Ray Wert — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:13:54 EST

The one-off glass-roofed 2008 Shelby GT500KR that's the first off the we showed you this past week, just went for a final sale price of $550,000 after bidding started at a mere $100,000. This despite a custom Fender Stratocaster with a pretty matte black case and all the money going to Edsel Ford's juvenile diabetes charity. We're a wee bit underwhelmed — despite Dr. McDreamy driving it up to the auction block. OK, we're kidding — nowe we're wondering what this bodes for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 #01 that'll be hitting the auction block shortly as the Muscle Car Wars continue to heat up. Maybe if they'd offered it up with Will Arnett it might've made a bigger difference. Nah, probably not. Full BJ from BJ after the jump. Oh, and you want to know who bought it? That's right — Ron Pratte. That man loves Carroll Shelby.

For the first time in the nearly 40 years, Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automobiles are partnering to build the Shelby GT500 KR in 2008. This new model of the popular Ford Mustang represents a new chapter in the history of the Ford Mustang and the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. When unveiled at the New York Autoshow in 2007, the car became an instant classic. On January 19th, the first GT500 KR offered for sale to the public will roll across the auction block. This 540hp limited edition Mustang will be one of approximately 1,000 built and the first and only car offered with a new "segment exclusive" feature that will be unveiled during the auction. All proceeds from the sale of this car will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Over the last three years Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised over $1.8 million dollars for charity through the auction of Ford Motor Company Products. This new model will give the winning bidder an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause while making automotive history.

Barrett-Jackson: Ford, Shelby to Auction One-Off Glass-Roof Shelby GT500KR on Saturday at the Big BJ

Ray Wert — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:53:00 EST

Looks like Ford's puckering up to take on every inch of the big BJ auction this weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona. Highlighting their car-love for the weekend will be their auction of a one-of-a-kind 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR with one of them new-fangled Mustang glass roods everyone's been talking about. We would like to thank Ford for claiming their rightful place in the lead of the "muscle car wars" — but we would like to remind them, as we reminded Dodge a month or so ago, that the use of our trademark and patent-pending term is exclusively prohibited. So pay up. We'll take cash, or a GT500KR of our own. Don't make us call our lawyers and get all cease-and-desist on your non-independent rear suspensions. Also, Pontiac may have something to say about headlining the press release with driving being in any way exciting. Full press release below the jump — including some love from Dr. McDreamy.

ONE-OF-A-KIND 2008 FORD SHELBY GT500KR DRIVES EXCITEMENT AT BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION ON SATURDAY
* Ford and Shelby Automobiles to auction one-off Shelby GT500KR featuring a full glass roof to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
* Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey to auction off his No. 156 Ford Mustang FR500C, which the star raced in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge series

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 17, 2008 - A one-of-a-kind 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR will go on the block at this year's Barrett-Jackson auction: the only "King of the Road" model to feature a full glass roof. Continuing a Ford and Shelby tradition of charitable giving, proceeds from the auction will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

"Barrett-Jackson is an ideal venue to launch and sell Ford's premier models," said Robert Parker, Ford car marketing manager. "It's the ultimate platform for selling the world's most remarkable cars, and we've created a unique GT500KR just for the occasion."

Barrett-Jackson will feature an unprecedented stable of muscle cars, led by a vintage Mustang from each year in which performance legend Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company produced the street-ripping 1960s classics. The highlight of the crop will be Mr. Shelby's personal 1969 GT500 convertible, followed by a pristine 1967 GT500 originally gifted by Carroll to his son, Mike Shelby.

Muscle car enthusiasts are sure to tune in on SPEED TV this Saturday to watch Ford continue to lead the muscle car wars.

Shelby GT500KR with Glass Roof

The 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR on the block at Barrett-Jackson is a unique rendition of the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever. Shelby GT500KR production began in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, Carroll Shelby's 85th birthday. The one-of-one ebony black GT500KR up for auction will feature the same full glass roof that is being offered as an option on the 2009 V-6 Mustang and Mustang GT models only.

The glass roof provides a third roof option for customers and responds to their growing desire for more natural light. The glass is tinted, which reduces both infrared rays and vehicle cool down time by 50 percent. Production of large sunroofs has increased nearly 200 percent in North America since 2003, according to Just-autos.com.

While the Shelby GT500KR coupe features racing stripes over the roof, the unique glass roof on the auction model features stripes etched directly into the glass.

"Barrett-Jackson will be a rare opportunity for one lucky bidder to own a Shelby GT500KR with a glass roof, a car no one else can even buy," said Carroll Shelby. "It's been too long, but I'm very excited to have the 'King of the Road' back."

"Only Ford Motor Company and Shelby American have sold more genuine Ford-powered Shelby vehicles than the Barrett-Jackson auction over the past 35 years," said Craig Jackson, president and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. "I'm proud that Ford and Carroll Shelby chose to sell a one-of-a-kind 2008 Shelby GT500KR coupe at our auction, where only the finest, authentic Shelby vehicles are offered to the public."

Patrick Dempsey's Ford Mustang FR500C on the Block Saturday

In another exciting development, Ford Racing and Patrick Dempsey, the star of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," also will auction the actor's No. 156 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C.

Dempsey drove the car in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge series for Hyper Sport Racing, a team he co-owns. Since its debut in 2005, the Mustang FR500C has earned seven poles, 10 wins, 92 top ten finishes and 25 podium appearances. Featuring a Ford Racing 5.0-liter Cammer R50 engine, it continues to be the road racing car of choice.

Dempsey will be on stage as bidders vie for this unique race Mustang. The winning bidder also will also receive a helmet, gloves, shoes, hero card and DVD box set of the third season of "Grey's Anatomy" signed by Dempsey. In addition, the winner will enjoy a track day with Hyper Sport Racing and a day for two at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT.

Ford Exhibit Celebrates Speed

Building on a valued partnership, Ford plans to remain a key automotive sponsor of The Barrett-Jackson Auction series as a third venue is added in Las Vegas this October. As part of this sponsorship, Ford will bring interactive elements to Barrett-Jackson, including a drifting track, racing simulators and a dyno-simulated drag racing display.

This year, Ford will add a life-size Mustang collector's display which showcases a 'Steed for Every Need,' along with a new "Built Ford Tough" tent that houses Ford's feature vehicles. Consumers also can look forward to a few surprises. "We have found that experiential elements allow us to create a lot of memories for our current and future customers," said Parker.

Ford, Barrett-Jackson and Shelby: $1.7 Million Raised for Charity

During the past three years, Ford and Carroll Shelby have raised more than $1.7 million dollars for charity. Last year, the first 2007 Shelby GT Mustang was auctioned off at a winning big of $600,000. In 2006, an early production 2007 Shelby GT500 also sold for $600,000.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 250,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About JDRF

JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes - a disease that strikes children, adolescents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information please visit www.jdrf.org

Detroit Auto Show: KITT Heading to Detroit to Play on Ford Stage

Ray Wert — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:12:03 EST

We're hearing among the "plethora" of official reveals from Ford at the Detroit Auto Show this weekend will be an additional piece of product pr0n to feast our eyes on — for the second time (we know you remember the first time our Gawker LA videographer Molly caught KITT. That's right, our sources tell us the GT500KR-like Mustang GT playing the role of KITT in the new Knight Rider movie/TV show/Mini-Series/whatevs will be on display for the media come Sunday morning. Now if only they'd fly Will Arnett out so we could hear it say "Mark Fields, jump in!" Yes, that'd be epic. Of course you too can follow along live at our Detroit Auto Show tag page, or if you're technically inclined, hit up the RSS feed for your fave feed reader — or just keep madly hitting refresh on our main page — whatever works best for you. Because that's what we're all about here — you. And cars. And sometimes, the Hoff.