We've hit the streets in a Vista Blue '08 GT500KR. What's it like? Read on for a few observations.
Driving a Shelby GT500KR circa 2008 is like no other Mustang I've experienced since the first one I owned in 1986. In some ways, it's pure insanity. The power output of the 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 is rocket-sled-like. Roll on the throttle gently in first gear with the traction control off and wheelspin is nearly instantaneous. With the traction control on, fairly serious wheel hop is the result. Click second gear, move the pedal to the floor and the rear still steps sideways as the 285/40ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires have no chance of producing any traction.
Under more sedate circumstances, the car has the driveability of a Focus rental car and the creature comforts of any Premium-Package Mustang with the addition of a navigation system being the main added feature.
To put the experience another way, know that this is about the baddest production Mustang ever and it's a tribute to Ford and American engeering in general that this car can easily go toe-to-toe under a number of circumstances with plenty of Eurosnob cars like a BMW M5, more than a few Porsches and Ferraris and many others.
It's also about the most raw and visceral production Mustang of all time and if you're a true Ford enthusiast, short of a Ford GT, there's basically nothing like it.