Join Shelby Forums Today

Concept car shines in the showroom

Discussion in 'Shelby News Forum' started by rshelby, Jan 17, 2005.

  1. rshelby

    rshelby ShelbyForums Admin Staff Member

    Posts:
    2,531
    Likes Received:
    3
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2004
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Concept car shines in the showroom
    By: News 8 Austin Staff

    The GR-1 Ford Shelby Concept is a car Ford says could someday replace the Ford GT.

    It has a polished aluminum exterior, butterfly doors and is extremely aerodynamic.

    It was showcased at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

    The engine is the same 6.4, V10 engine that was unveiled at the 2004 show in the Cobra Roadster. It produces a 605 horsepower and goes from 0-60 in less than four seconds.

    Ford Design manager George Saridakis said the interior is functional.

    “It’s a very basic, simple sporting interior. We wanted a comprehensive, ergonomic package for the driver, so we have a six-speed manual transmission. There’s not many terribly high-tech features other than enjoying the feel of the car when you’re driving. It’s a very racecar-inspired interior,” Saridakis said.

    The GR-1 is an homage to racing legend Carroll Shelby.

    “There are smiling references to the cars he raced in the 60s, which had aluminum bodies as well. Aluminum as a material evokes lightweight, precision engineering and quality. By polishing it up, there’s no better way to express a very sculptural form,” Saridakis said.

    Copyright © 2005 TWEAN d.b.a. News 8 Austin
    http://www.news8austin.com/shared/print/default.asp?ArID=129057
     
  2. DeLa1Rob

    DeLa1Rob Well-Known Member

    Posts:
    1,252
    Likes Received:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2004
    Location:
    Long Prairie, Minnesota USA
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2007
  3. bitzman

    bitzman Well-Known Member

    Posts:
    796
    Likes Received:
    2
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2005
    Re: Concept car --why can't they make it now?

    Now that Ford sold Aston martin (or most of it) for over $600 million, can't they spare enough to put the GR-1 into production? it only cost $100 million to do the Ford GT program so it seems like they have enough to make the GR-1 especially since the tooling is done as it uses much of the GT chassis.
    I am afraid if they don't make it, Chrysler will get their rebodied Viper into production as a 170-mph coupe and take the wind out of the sales of a new Ford produced Cobra coupe.
     
  4. 66GT350PS

    66GT350PS Well-Known Member

    Age:
    76
    Posts:
    297
    Likes Received:
    6
    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2005
    Location:
    HAWAII
    We had the GR-1 here in Hawaii for a Motor Trend Auto Show billing it as the Ford GT replacement that used many of the chassis, engine and interior components. My conversation with the Ford rep. at the time revealed a production problem with the scizzor swing up doors. Apparently the GR-1 need to have the frame at the single point hinge reinforced with heavier aluminum, the front extended for moving the windshield forward, and other production mods that were raising the cost quite a bit beyond the original figures.
    Fun note on the model at this show was that it was the non-engine (second) GR-1 concept display model. The doors were kept shut as there was no interior-no seats, dash or steering wheel. To turn the front wheels, it was necessary to open the Ford emblem below the rear spoiler and turn the recessed adjustment nut with the lug wrench. I assisted the display personnel before and after the show and saw this done. Be careful if the car ever comes up for auction!
     

Share This Page