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The Ford Shelby GR-1 is a high-performance concept car developed by Ford, first introduced at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as a clay model. A fully functional prototype was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The GR-1 concept was heavily inspired by and shares a visual connection with the Shelby Daytona, a legendary race car from the 1960s. While the GR-1 takes design cues from the iconic Shelby Daytona, it also incorporates modern technology and performance enhancements, showcasing Ford's vision for a future performance car.
The GR-1 concept was based on the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept which was introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, further connecting the two models in terms of chassis and running gear. Led by Manfred Rumpel and developed by Ford's Advanced Product Creation group, the GR-1 features cutting-edge engineering. The car is powered by a 6.4L all-aluminum V10 engine, with components borrowed from the Ford GT supercar. The engine delivers a potent 605 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. With a top speed projected at approximately 190 mph (306 km/h), the GR-1 was designed to be a serious performance machine.
The concept car features an FR layout (front-engine, rear-wheel drive) and is equipped with butterfly doors, adding to its futuristic and striking design. The body dimensions of the GR-1 are compact yet aggressive, with a length of 4,412 mm, a width of 1,895 mm, and a height of 1,168 mm. Despite its sporty design, the car weighs in at 3,900 lbs (1,769 kg), partly due to its large, powerful engine and the aluminum construction of its body.
In early January 2019, Superformance announced that they would produce a limited run of the GR-1 concept. However, instead of the original V10 engine, these production cars will feature a 700bhp+ supercharged V8, as Ford did not produce V10 engines outside of their commercial truck range. This new iteration of the GR-1 concept offers an exciting prospect for enthusiasts, combining the classic Shelby heritage with modern powertrain technology.
While the Ford Shelby GR-1 was never intended for mass production, it remains a fascinating and important piece of automotive history, showcasing Ford’s design prowess and the spirit of Carroll Shelby’s performance cars. Its combination of aggressive styling, cutting-edge technology, and racing-inspired design continues to make it a standout in the world of concept cars.
