Production of the GR-1 concept will not be delayed.
A 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe-inspired fastback concept was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – The 2005 Shelby GR-1 Concept. Unfortunately, Ford did not manage to make the GR-1 concept a reality due to the Ford GT’s lackluster performance. The fear of going down the same path prompted the idea to create the awe-inspiring design.
However, that plan didn’t make it to the bottom of its six-foot grave. Superformance announced it had signed a deal to produce the Shelby GR-1 in accordance with the Low Car Volume Manufacturers Act. The powertrain under the car’s hood will be revealed in greater detail.
Robb Report has reported that Lance Stander, CEO at Superformance, revealed that the Ford Shelby GR-1 production model won’t use the original 6.4-liter all aluminum V10 engine. It would instead have a supercharged V8 engine that is very similar to the Mustang Shelby GT500. The power output should also be the same, at 700 horsepower.
Stander and his team made this decision due to one thing: Ford does not have a V10 in its linep. This is aside from the ones used by its trucks. Superformance is interested in building the car with a Ford production engine, as the Ford-Sylvan deal is for the production GR-1.
Superformance will be using the same Tremac dual-clutch transmission as the Shelby GT500’s transmission. Stander confirmed, however, that they plan to make a six-speed manual transmission for the GR-1.
The Ford Shelby GR-1 will be produced by Superformance. Stander stated that 100 to 200 Special Editions will be available first. These will be made entirely of aluminum and will have the option to be painted or polished just like the concept car.