Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, or how to celebrate a 60th anniversary with more than 900 CV

The “King of the Road” nickname of the Mustang Shelby has been synonymous with taking performance to another dimension since the launch of the first model in 1968, which debuted with a 428 CV V8, a figure that at the time was for true madmen.

It was not until forty years later, specifically in 2008, that we saw the famous “King of the Road” again, arriving with another 540 CV V8. It became the model’s last launch to date, and now Ford has brought this legend back to life.

Taking the same name as its predecessors, the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR will be limited to just 180 units, of which only 45 will be destined for markets outside the United States. It is one of the last V8s with these figures and, almost without a doubt, the last “King of the Road” with a combustion engine.

Carbon fiber galore

As far as design is concerned, the North American brand has fitted a bonnet with protruding cooling outlets in carbon fiber, an aggressive splitter that also improves aerodynamics in carbon, side skirts, a radical diffuser and a rear spoiler, to complete this carbon-fiber-rich diet.

In addition, the new GT500 KR features new 20-inch forged wheels available in metallic silver or black, and a Borla Exhaust carbon-tipped cat-back exhaust system, big enough to fit a whole fist into.

Inside, new leather-trimmed sports seats have been fitted, along with embroidered floor mats bearing the model name and plaques showing each unit’s chassis number.

The heart of the new GT500KR

Having covered its looks, it is time to talk about what lies beneath, our favourite part of this machine. The new GT500KR houses under its bonnet a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 producing a spectacular 912 CV, ideal for pinning you back into the seat backs.

Finally, the price of this upgrade package is 54,995 dollars if you already own a conventional GT500, or from 127,895 dollars if you decide to buy the Mustang Shelby GT500KR.