When I saw the press releases for the new 2010 Mustang, I decided that it was time to buy a 2009. I simply didn’t like the new style as much as the old. And if you’re going to buy a 2009, then why wouldn’t you get the Shelby GT500KR, which is the biggest and baddest?
I have to admit, I’ve had a lot of fun with this car. Great looks, nice interior and all about performance. The exhaust was perfect, with a serious growl. Straight out of the box, it was just simply a wonderful vehicle. Going through my garage, trying to decide what car to take for the day, this was often my choice.
2008 marked the return of the Shelby GT500KR, the most powerful production Mustang ever. 1000 units were produced that year, but demand for the “King of the Road” was so great, that Ford green-lighted another year of production. An additional 712 cars were made for 2009, which were identical to the 2008 models. The KR’s supercharged V-8 produced 540 horsepower, 40 more than the standard GT500, and also includes a short-throw shifter, taller, 3.73:1 rear axle and unique wheels, tires and suspension settings. A special composite hood with hood pins, and unique stripes and badging set the KR apart from normal GT500s.
Engine
Type: 90-degree DOHC supercharged V-8
Displacement: 5.4 liters / 330 cid
Horsepower: 540 hp @ 6,250 RPM
Torque: 510 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
Bore x Stroke 90.22mm x 105.8mm (3.552″ x 4.165″)
Compression: 8.4:1
Suspension
Front: Reverse-L independent MacPherson strut, 34-mm tubular sway bar, Ford Racing front strut tower brace, uniquely tuned struts & shocks
Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, Panhard rod, 24-mm solid sway bar and uniquely tuned shocks & springs
Brakes
Front: 14 in. vented Brembo disc, four-piston aluminum caliper
Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control & electronic brake force distribution
Wheels / Tires
Wheels: Unique GT500KR 18″ x 9.5″ machined aluminum wheels with SVT/Shelby center caps and tire pressure monitoring system
Tires: Exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires made of an all-new compound
Front: 255/45Zx18
Rear: 285/40Zx18
Performance
0 – 60 MPH Acceleration: 4.3 seconds (Est.)
60 – 0 MPH Braking: 112 feet (Est.)
1/4-mile @ MPH: 12.5 seconds @ 114 mph (Est.)
