After selling 3,300 units of the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, the company announced that the total production run for 2011 would be limited to 5,500 units in total.

Ford apparently wants to ensure that the Shelby GT500 is an exclusive model, and with sales having “exceeded expectations”, this is likely a wise move for Ford’s performance flagship. Ford also said that 68 percent have been ordered with the Performance Package, which included an upgraded suspension, limited slip differential and rear spoiler, and that the glass roof option has been three times as popular on the GT500 than the regular Mustang.

Despite having a base price just under $50,000, the Shelby GT500 seems to have no trouble finding homes. Better act fast.

[Source: Autoblog]

Read our 2011 Shelby GT500 Review by Clicking Here

Ford has just officially given the 2011 Shelby GT500 its ceremonial debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Significantly updated from last year, the 2011 model offers more power, a lower curb weight and improved handling. The new aluminum block weighs 102 lbs less than the old cast-iron unit and puts out 10-more horsepower for a total of 550-hp at 6200 rpm. Torque is rated at 510 ft-lbs, 80 percent of which is available from 1750 to 6250 rpm. Plus, a new two-row intercooler delivers 40 percent better cooling so this sports car will perform with optimum potential even on the hottest of track days.

The result of this drastic reduction in weight, especially over the front axle, will result in a much more neutral vehicle to drive, especially at the limit. The weight reduction will also work to improve acceleration and braking, and even has tangible fuel-economy benefits. While owners aren’t too likely to care that the EPA rating has gone from 14/22 mpg (city/highway) to 15/23 mpg, they will when they discover that this improvement means the 2011 GT500 is the first modern Shelby to avoid the gas guzzler tax.

Along with the weight loss, additional handling improvements come from Ford’s new EPAS electronic power steering, which the automaker says delivers a better feel and a more precise movement, while also enabling less effort during low speed maneuvers.

Also new for 2011 is an optional glass roof and standard HID headlights. Convertible models are now 12 percent stiffer. Oh, and lets not forget an all-new 2.75-inch exhaust system, with more volume when you want it and less droaning when you don’t.

Those seeking even more performance from their GT500 will want to opt for the SVT Performance Package with some aerodynamic changes, lighter wheels shod in new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G2 tires, a higher rear axle ratio, a lower ride height and stiffer springs. Ford claims that on a 2.3-mile road course, the SVT package will net a 3 second per lap improvement!

GALLERY: 2011 Shelby GT500

Thanks to an all-aluminum block and a numerous other upgrades, Ford is promising the 2011 Shelby GT500 will offer more power, a lower curb weight and improved handling. The new aluminum block weighs 102 lbs less than the old cast-iron unit and puts out 10-more horsepower for a total of 550-hp at 6200 rpm. Torque is rated at 510 ft-lbs, 80 percent of which is available from 1750 to 6250 rpm. Plus, a new two-row intercooler delivers 40 percent better cooling so this sports car will perform with optimum potential even on the hottest of track days.

Of that 102 lbs, 8.5 lbs was saved by using a state-of-the-art plasma coating for the cylinder walls, rather than having to use steel sleeves.

The result of this drastic reduction in weight, especially over the front axle, will result in a much more neutral vehicle to drive, especially at the limit. The weight reduction will also work to improve acceleration and braking, and even has tangible fuel-economy benefits. While owners aren’t too likely to care that the EPA rating has gone from 14/22 mpg (city/highway) to 15/23 mpg, they will when they discover that this improvement means the 2011 GT500 is the first modern Shelby to avoid the gas guzzler tax.

Along with the weight loss, additional handling improvements come from Ford’s new EPAS electronic power steering, which the automaker says delivers a better feel and a more precise movement, while also enabling less effort during low speed maneuvers.

Also new for 2011 is an optional glass roof and standard HID headlights. Convertible models are now 12 percent stiffer. Oh, and lets not forget an all-new 2.75-inch exhaust system, with more volume when you want it and less droaning when you don’t.

Those seeking even more performance from their GT500 will want to opt for the SVT Performance Package with some aerodynamic changes, lighter wheels shod in new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G2 tires, a higher rear axle ratio, a lower ride height and stiffer springs. Ford claims that on a 2.3-mile road course, the SVT package will net a 3 second per lap improvement!

Ford will officially unveil the updated 2011 Shelby GT500 at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 10th.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Official release after the jump:

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Ford will announce details of the 2011 Shelby GT500 on Monday ahead of the car’s official debut at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, but why wait until then? Ford’s webcast site has already given us a look at the car on a short video clip (which has now been removed). Screen captures of the video are, however, still available, showing the 2011 model with the SVT Performance Package.

Last week the 2011 Shelby GT500 order guide popped up online, confirming such new items as a completely aluminum block for the 5.4-liter V8. This should significantly reduce the vehicle’s weight, particularly over the front axle. Other highlights include the glass roof found on other Mustang models, as we as an SVT Performance Package, with such items as 19×9.5-inch front and 20×10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels, as well as 3:73 rear end (instead of the car’s standard 3:55). We’ve also learned that the GT500 will make an additional 10-hp for 2011, or a total of 550-hp.

Be sure to check back Monday for complete details of the 2011 Shelby GT500 and in the mean time, browse through our gallery of screen captures below or spec out your new 2011 GT500 using the leaked order guide.

GALLERY: 2011 Shelby GT500 Screen Captures

GALLERY: 2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide

[Source: Autoblog, TheDetroitNews]