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Shelby GT "R Model" Jerry Titus Edition Announced Four decades after Shelby and Ford collaborated on a race version of the legendary Mustang, the companies are offering a limited edition track day version of the Ford Shelby GT. Ford Racing and Shelby Automobiles will commemorate the 1965 SCCA championship of Jerry Titus and final production of the current generation Mustang by offering up to 37 total 550 horsepower Shelby GT “R Model”. The 2009 Shelby GT “R Model” will be available for US$134,995. "In 1965, my team built 37 small block 'R Model' race-only versions of the Shelby GT350 Mustang that kicked tails on circuits worldwide," said Carroll Shelby. "Working with Ford Racing, we’re going to build a new track day 'R Model' version of the Ford Shelby GT. It'll be lots of fun to drive and ready to rip up the pavement right out of the box."
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The 'R Model' version of the Mustang will be a purpose-built track car based on the same 4.6-liter V8 that powers every Ford Shelby GT; the vehicles cannot be registered for the street. Additional power will come from the Ford Racing/Whipple Twin Screw intercooled supercharger installed by Shelby and mated to a T6060 GT500-based six speed transmission before the Shelby team inserts them into the race-ready chassis. Each will be painted white with silver stripes and documented in the Shelby Registry. The racer qualifies for the NASA “American Iron Extreme” class and an excellent all-around track car that is uniquely Shelby. 2009 Ford Shelby GT “R Model” track day car highlights include: • 4.6-liter supercharged V-8 producing an estimated 550-horsepower • 6-speed manual transmission with GT500 clutch, Ford Racing short-throw shifter and 3.73:1 gears • Grand-Am spec roll cage • Upgraded cooling system including differential and transmission coolers • Shelby performance side exhaust system • Lightweight production chassis with tuned suspension tuning including new springs • Shelby-designed 18-inch wheels with racing tires • Racing brakes with front brake cooling ducts • Unique grill featuring classic Shelby ‘R Model’ design • ‘Shelby’ lettering across the front edge of hood and rear decklid, Shelby badges on the quarter panels • Carbon fiber rear racing wing with billet stanchions and carbon fiber splitter • White with silver stripes livery and racing mirrors • Carroll Shelby autograph on each car and official Shelby “R Model” dash plate A limited number will be built; orders will be accepted starting now by calling Shelby Autos at (702) 942-7325.
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