FORD SHELBY GR-1 CONCEPT

The Ford Shelby GR-1 concept springs from a long line of Ford performance project cars and quickly establishes itself at the Shanghai International Motor Show as one of the most contemporary and dramatic front-engine, two-seat, fastback supercars. This running prototype reaches closer to reality with a 605-horsepower, 390-cubic-inch all-aluminum V-10 engine, a road-tested version of the Ford GT suspension and a stunning new polished-aluminum body. The Shelby GR-1 concept's name pays tribute to both a performance great and "Group Racing." This uniquely emotional sports car design represents Ford's continued desire to include a high-end, limited-production specialist supercar in its lineup. The Shelby GR-1 concept combines modern sculptured surfaces and a sleek muscular fastback design. All of the sophisticated mechanicals of this extraordinary coupe are wrapped in a sleek, muscular aluminum skin left bare and polished bright. The result is a forward-looking supercar with attention-grabbing Ford presence and Carroll Shelby inspiration.A REALITY-BASED CONCEPTThe Shelby GR-1 is a fully engineered, production-feasible roadgoing, drivable project vehicle. The Shelby GR-1 starts with a modified version of the aluminum chassis from the rear-engine Ford GT. The bulk of the rear structure is made from slightly modified Ford GT components, including the massive trellis-like, cast-aluminum suspension nodes, the rear rails and bumper beam, a major cross-member and the brackets used to mount the transmission.SHAPELY EXTERIORThe Ford Shelby GR-1 is a sinewy, athletic design with a long hood that blends seamlessly into the teardrop-shaped cabin with a fastback roofline and falling upper fender line. The car looks as if it is in motion, even when it is standing still. The optimized wheel