All the news from the specialty-parts industry.
FORD SHELBY GT500KR STARTS PRODUCTION
Automotive legend Carroll Shelby shares his 85The GT500KR or "King of the Road" Mustang is the fourth limited-edition Mustang that Shelby Automobiles and Ford have brought to market since resuming their collaboration in 2001. It builds on the performance and success of the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500—the most powerful production Mustang ever. The new GT500KR will be available at select Ford dealerships this spring. Production is limited at 1,000 units.
"It is simply magic when Shelby and Ford team up and deliver products like the GT500KR," said Mark Fields, Ford's president, The Americas. "Collaborations like this have helped Mustang remain at the top of the sports car segment for 22 straight years and running and help inspire people who truly want and value performance."
Carroll Shelby, who was actively involved in the GT500KR's development, said: "My energy and passion for performance products has always been strongest when I am working with Ford. I'm always looking to up the ante when it comes to performance, and bringing back the 'King of the Road' Mustang is just what we need."
Each Shelby GT500KR begins life as a GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Inc., in Flat Rock, Michigan. From there, the cars are shipped to Shelby Automobile's facility in Las Vegas, where a Ford Racing performance pack, exhaust system, and short-throw shifter are installed. The GT500KR also is fitted with body, chassis, and interior components. Every GT500KR will be hand customized and delivered to each customer in an enclosed transporter, just like the legendary Ford GT.
The Shelby GT500KR will ride on all-new Goodyear tires, which make their North American debut exclusively on this new Mustang. The Supercar F1 tire, made of a new performance compound, resulted from a special collaboration between SVT and Goodyear.
Each GT500KR model is identified by a special 40
The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40
Other standard equipment includes HID headlamps, an interior ambient lighting package, wrapped and stitched instrument panel, center console and armrests, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. Optional equipment includes a Shaker 1000 audio system and DVD navigation system.
ART MORRISON SHIPS 500
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TRI-5 GT-SPORT CHASSIS
Art Morrison Enterprises, a Washington-based chassis and suspension components manufacturer, shipped its 500Morrison's GT-Sport chassis has been a major impetus in the burgeoning "Resto-Mod" movement, which combines the classic lines of the host vehicle with a modern suspension and powertrain. The prototype chassis was used in the building of Art's own '55 Chevy, which carded acceleration, braking, and handling (skid pad and slalom) numbers that bettered those of many exotic sports cars. It was also a Goodguys "Street Machine of the Year" finalist in 2005.
Among the 500-plus customers for Morrison's Tri-5 GT-Sport chassis have been many of the nation's premiere professional car builders. However, the bulk have been sold to do-it-yourselfers who are now able to construct a top-notch ride in the comfort of their home garage.
The strong initial reception of the Tri-5 GT-Sport chassis prompted AME to continue along a similar path for a chassis designed for first-generation (1953-62) Corvettes, with the 1949-54 Chevy on the drawing board. Morrison also offers a GT-Sport front subframe for 1967-69 Camaros/Firebirds and 1968-74 Novas.
MITCHELL 1 INTRODUCES 2008 EMISSION CONTROL APPLICATION GUIDE
Mitchell 1 has announced the availability of its 2008 Emission Control Application Guide (ECAT08) for domestic and import cars, light trucks, vans, and Class 'A' motor homes with gasoline engines, model years 1966-2008. It provides vehicle-specific emission system information for repair shops that perform smog inspections."Mitchell 1's new Emission Control Application Guide delivers detailed information that is more complete, accurate, and easier to use as a reference guide for emission control applications, than any other guide available in the industry," said Dan Ramirez, general manager, Automotive Repair Solutions.
Content features include:
- Traction control disable procedures.
- Drive cycle section.
- The latest EPA emission recall bulletins and reference listings for major systems, devices, and components.
- I/M areas that require ignition timing and EGR function testing.
The 2008 Emission Control Application Guide offers clear and concise content, which is organized by general information, emission control applications, EGR function testing, base ignition timing specifications, and EPA emission recalls. The consistent format allows users to locate information easily, regardless of the manufacturer. It also meets the California Bureau of Automotive Repair's minimum requirements for emission control application guides used in smog check stations. For more information, log on to www.mitchell1.com.
FOUR SEASONS INC. ADDS 600 NEW SKUS IN 2008
Four Seasons Inc. will add more than 600 new SKUs in 2008 to offer automotive technicians everything they need to fulfill their temperature control replacement part needs. Included in these new additions are:
- 43 new compressors
- 17 reman compressors
- 22 accumulators/receiver driers
- 14 evaporators
- 35 expansion valves
- 75 hose assemblies
- 24 blower motors
- 55 condensor/rad fan assemblies
- 31 tensioners & 4 pulley brackets
- 3 new clutch assemblies
- 27 water outlets
- 19 fan clutches
- 197 blower motor resistors
- Additional switches, relays, fittings, valves, tools, etc.
DODGE ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW 2008 CHALLENGER SRT8
Dodge has announced pricing for the modern interpretation of the American muscle coupe. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will arrive in showrooms next spring at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (which includes $675 destination).
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will feature a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine and be available in black, silver, and HEMI orange. All will feature dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes, harkening back to the original Dodge Challenger.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be built at the Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, on the same assembly line with the Dodge Charger, Charger SRT8, Magnum, Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300, and Chrysler 300 SRT8 vehicles.
Pricing for the complete all-new Dodge Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date.
SRT performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and now, the Dodge Challenger SRT8, are engineered by Chrysler's in-house performance organization—Street and Racing Technology.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of every SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain.
PERMATEX PRESENTS DISTINGUISHED PARTNER AWARD
Permatex, Inc., a leader in chemical technology for automotive maintenance and repair, has announced the recipients of its 2007 International Distinguished Partner Award at this year's AAPEX show in Las Vegas. America Europe International and Timken Australia were named as co-recipients of the award because of their dedication and contribution to Permatex's sales growth internationally. According to Tony Battaglia, director of marketing, "this award recognizes a commitment to profitability, consistent sales growth, and long-term results."Dmitri Tsygankov, president of America Europe International, and Alastair Simkin, general manager, Asia Pacific for Timken Australia, accepted the award for their respective companies. The award was presented by Greg Mostoller, Permatex director of international sales and marketing. America Europe International has been a Permatex international partner since 1999.
HURST COMPETITION/PLUS SHIFTER FEATURED IN NASCAR WORLD RECORD RUN
Russ Wicks, who holds World Speed Records of more than 200 mph on both land and water, has set a new stock car world speed record of 244.9 mph, which has been confirmed by Guinness World Records. Wicks successfully achieved the record last October at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Northwestern Utah while driving a 2007 Dodge Charger built to NASCAR specifications. The record-setting vehicle used a Hurst Competition/Plus shifter. The new record shatters Wicks' previous stock car world speed record of 222 mph.
Known for its smooth shifting, shorter throws, and rugged components, this shifter has been a favorite on the track and street. For more information, contact Hurst at (818) 483-1366, or visit www.hurst-shifters.com.
