[McCall]

GM pulls plug on '08 line of cars - Product czar Bob Lutz wants to
speed new trucks, SUVs to market faster.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0.../A01-123402.htm

If the Zeta program is dead, that means the new Camaro/GTO is pretty much dead. Boy those guys at GM are idiots....

McCall

[94bird]

SHELBY MUSTANG NAME IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE
Ford Motor Co. next year will launch the first Shelby Mustang since 1970. The vehicle, which will be nearly identical to the Shelby Cobra GT500 show car unveiled yesterday at the New York auto show, will be the most powerful Mustang ever produced. Due next summer, the Cobra GT500 will feature a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine expected to generate at least 450 hp and a like amount of torque. The 32-valve DOHC powerplant is borrowed from Ford’s $140,000 GT supercar. The engine will be mated to a specially tuned six-speed Tremec manual transmission.

Although a three-link, solid rear axle design will be used instead of an independent unit to save weight, Ford claims driving characteristics haven’t been compromised. The suspension is basically the same as that used in the base Mustang GT, with MacPherson struts in front. The “live” rear axle has modified shock valving and higher-rate springs.

Braking is managed by 14-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors in the front and 13s in the rear. Other features include a distinctive front fascia with a one-inch-larger grille opening than the GT’s to improve airflow to the engine, new headlamps and a one-inch-higher hood to accommodate the supercharger. Rear appointments include a new fascia and spoiler, which provides 80 lbs of downforce at 120 mph.

The vehicle was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team in collaboration with the legendary Carroll Shelby, who began working with the automaker in the 1960s following a distinguished racing career. The relationship was renewed in 2001 after a temporary falling out. The 82-year-old Shelby describes the GT500 as a street car that can be driven on the race track—balancing power and refinement—instead of a race car modified for the street as the previous models had been. Styling cues come from the 1968 GT500, which was the first Shelby Mustang to use the Cobra name. The 1965 GT350 was the first Shelby Mustang. Future SVT Mustang projects are expected to revive other classic names such as Bullitt and Mach. The automaker plans to build about 7,500 GT500s per year at its plant in Flat Rock, Mich. It’s targeting a sub-$40,000 base price.

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(IMG:http://www.detnews.com/pix/autos/2007/07fordshelbygt500/7.jpg)

Only 7500 of these at about $40K? They'll be sold before the dealers get them.

Go here for more pictures: http://www.detnews.com/pix/photogalleries/...t500/index7.htm