Starting MSRP: NA

Ford takes 'giant leap' forward in supercar design
From Ford

The Ford Shelby GR-1 concept springs from a long line of Ford performance project cars and establishes itself as one of the most contemporary and dramatic front-engine, two-seat supercars in the world.

The GR-1 running prototype reaches closer to reality with a 605-horsepower, all-aluminum V-10 engine, a road-tested version of the Ford GT suspension and a new polished-aluminum body.

This show car builds on the success of the Ford Shelby Cobra concept - the 2004 North American International Auto Show "Best in Show" winner - and reinforces Ford's commitment to performance.

"The Ford Shelby Cobra concept was a small step in our plans for the Ford GT supercar architecture and our relationship with Carroll Shelby," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president of design and chief creative officer. "The Ford Shelby GR-1 is a giant leap toward the future."

The GR-1 concept takes the performance-car genre in a new direction by combining modern sculptured surfaces in a sleek, muscular fastback design.

Inspiration for the Ford Shelby GR-1 came from George Saridakis, a young designer new to Ford in 2000 who was known for his contributions in executing the details of some of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury's latest production and concept designs. At Ford's Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, Saridakis created a sketch that caught the attention of the Irvine team and resonated with Mays. "George produced this completely resolved sketch, the best I've seen in 10 years," Mays said. "When I saw it, it wasn't a matter of 'Let's do more sketches.' It was really more of a 'Let's get this into clay.'

"We really believe this show car will be a hit."