(DEARBORN, MI) TheGT500Source.com - Ever since we first published a report stating that 4.6L engines were powering some GT500 prototypes by
4.6L engines on 08 December 2005, speculation started to brew. Many Mustang sites and enthusiasts put 2+2 together and believed that the 4.6L "small block" engine from the SN95 SVT Cobra Terminator would power the GT350, while the 5.4L "big block" engine would power the GT500. In theory, like in times past, the new GT350 would be the "road car" while the GT500 would offer street pounding horsepower.During an interview with Carroll Shelby, Mr. Shelby said that a new car was coming out, but would not elaborate on what it would be. A Shelby American spokesman told TheGT500Source that a new Shelby was being prepped to appear at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, however, if they missed Chicago, it would be brought to New York. We all know that a new Shelby, in any variant, was not produced in Chicago, so it is now set to debut in New York at 11:00pm, est on 12 April 2006.
If a Shelby GT350 is set to appear as a concept in New York next month, it is one of Dearborn's better-kept secrets. Gossip at Ford employee after-hour local hangouts is mum on the topic of anything GT350.
What else is there aside from a GT350? Speculation has long held that the next production Shelby won't be a Mustang, rather a replacement for the Ford GT. Sources told us that the Shelby GR1 might be renamed the "Cobra" should it become a production model. We first reported that Ford was dropping the Cobra name from the Mustang on 15 December 2005.
Not to be left out of the horsepower crazy, Saleen is also bringing a new car to market. Saleen's top of the line Mustang, the S281 Extreme pumps out 550 horsepower. Saleen will also introduce their new product at the New York Show on 13 April at 2:50pm, est.
Patrick