Cars have come a long way since 1964 when the first-ever Ford Mustang was released. The most powerful version of the iconic pony car in the first year was the K-Code with a 271hp 289ci V8. If this wasn’t enough for you, and let’s face it, at the time it was already plenty of power, you could instead purchase a Shelby-modified Mustang. Called a GT350, the Shelby vehicles had the same 289ci engine, albeit modified to produce 306hp.

Fast forward to 2007 and, having got back together for the first time since a fallout in 1969, Carroll Shelby was once again in bed with Ford, and 500 GT350Hs Hertz rental cars were built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original vehicles. Also released that year was the GT500, which was fitted with a 5.4-litre 500hp supercharged engine. And just like 40 years ago, a horsepower war was once again brewing, with manufacturers trying to outdo each other by producing ever more powerful vehicles.

Not wanting to be left out of it altogether, Ford themselves once again reintroduced the Boss 302 name in 2012. With looks and performance characteristics reminiscent of the Boss 302 of old, Ford were on to a sure-fire winner.

By this time, Shelby too had tried to keep one step ahead of what the factory were offering, but with the factory cars being so well built and high performing, that task was getting harder and harder.

To keep ahead, Shelby would continue to (more…)

Shelby American has just released details on its Super Snake package for the 2011 Mustang GT500. What is special about this package is that it allows the Mustang to be pushed up to 800 horsepower. It’s set to be pretty exclusive too, because only 1,000 will be built for 2011.

The baseline 2011 Super Snake package gets people a 660-horsepower/590 lb-ft supercharged V8, Borla exhaust system, a Ford Racing suspension kit, new Shelby-designed Alcoa rims and more.

Furthermore the package options include a supercharger upgrade to a Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger (which puts out 750 horsepower) and also includes a new driveshaft, throttle body and of course the Shelby badges. And if you really want to dig deep into your pockets, you can choose the powerhouse 800-pony package.

In terms of the pricing, the 750-horse package will run $41,434 NZ including installation. Not to mention this is added onto the $67,994 NZ base price for the GT500. Ultimately you get one expensive but unbelievably hardcore and unique ride.

Part 1: This week’s feature car is also the cover car for the next issue of NZV8 Magazine; Grant Eveleighs stunning 1969 RS/SS Camaro. With a 640hp 540 cubic inch big block, 5-speed manual, and modern suspension along with a host of other cool features, Grant’s Camaro is without doubt one of the more complete street cars we have seen in recent times. Also from the next issue is a 2008 Shelby Super Snake Mustang. With 725hp on tap, the Shelby is an absolute weapon, and the only one on this side of the globe. The Yankee Haulers Car Club recently held a drag day at Fram Autolite Dragway, we went down to see what the Yankee Haulers are all about. While there we check out a few cool cars such as an SLR5000 Torana, an HQ Holden and a 69 Camaro. Northern Muscle Cars We were at the latest round of Northern Muscle Cars just last weekend, and caught up with Craig Stacey and his awesome 1971 AMC Javelin amongst others. Cool old cars, lots of sideways action. What could be better?

Part 2: This week’s feature car is also the cover car for the next issue of NZV8 Magazine; Grant Eveleighs stunning 1969 RS/SS Camaro. With a 640hp 540 cubic inch big block, 5-speed manual, and modern suspension along with a host of other cool features, Grant’s Camaro is without doubt one of the more complete street cars we have seen in recent times. Also from the next issue is a 2008 Shelby Super Snake Mustang. With 725hp on tap, the Shelby is an absolute weapon, and the only one on this side of the globe. The Yankee Haulers Car Club recently held a drag day at Fram Autolite Dragway, we went down to see what the Yankee Haulers are all about. While there we check out a few cool cars such as an SLR5000 Torana, an HQ Holden and a 69 Camaro. Northern Muscle Cars We were at the latest round of Northern Muscle Cars just last weekend, and caught up with Craig Stacey and his awesome 1971 AMC Javelin amongst others. Cool old cars, lots of sideways action. What could be better?

The June issue of NZV8 has just hit the shelves, so grab a copy today. In this month’s issue we have an immaculate 540CI big block Camaro cover car and the Alsop brothers’ 1941 Willys Coupe drag machine. Other feature cars include a stunning HQ Monaro and a mint condition 1971 VG Chrysler Valiant. We take a close look at the new 725hp Shelby GT500 Super Snake and have an event report from this year’s Hot Rod Blowout. We go to the V8 Supercars in Hamilton and bring back some pics and a round up of all the action. We check out the old school excitement from the Nostalgia Drags and report on the final round of the BNT NZV8 Championship Series. We head into the workshop and explain torque convertors and how they can work for you.

We have all the usual advice and technical information, readers’ rides and competitions to keep you up to date with all that’s happening on the NZ V8 scene. Pick up a copy now!

Automotive icon Carroll Shelby is being sued by customers of Unique Performance, CBS3.com reports. Shelby licensed his name to be used for Shelby Mustang ‘Super Snakes’, Shelby GT 350s and more. The frenzy for Shelby vehicles was ignited when the movie Gone in 60 Seconds became popular, and many people wanted a recreation of the Shelby Mustang ‘Eleanor’.

Enter Unique Performance. With a large operation, staffed in part by ex-convicts, and operating with some dubious morals, it was bound to end in tears.

Police raided the company last year and ended up auctioning off all the cars in development – Unique Performance filed for bankruptcy. Now, angry customers think that Shelby should be the one reimbursing them. Remember folks, it is America, and Americans think they can sue anyone for anything. Hell, NZV8 might even get sued for mentioning this!

Read the full story here.