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New GT500 Delivers on Driving Dynamics
With the opportunity to deliver a new GT500 model, SVT engineers used their time to fine tune the car's handling to accomodate other changes in the vehicle architecture.
Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control. The team also stiffened the steering shaft for a crisper response.
"All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible," Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT, said. "The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear."
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Driving dynamics are improved, in part from new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible. SVT members developed a "recipe" for the attributes and characteristics they wanted in the tire, which Goodyear's team of engineers, designers and manufacturers brought to life. The result is better grip, better handling and better NVH properties, leading to a better customer experience.
The wheels themselves complement the high-performance nature of the 2010 Shelby GT500. The 19-inch wheels are forged aluminum wheels milled on both sides. The extra machining process creates "blade" spokes with very thin, yet strong, cross-sections. The spokes have a specific curve from the rim to the hub, not only for strength, but also to accentuate the offset and width of the tires.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. The default "on" mode accommodates every-day driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. The system also can be turned completely off, although the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags and Ford's Personal Safety System.
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