Shelby GTS for a Younger Target Market

Shelby, like many other automotive companies, is trying to reach younger consumers with a simple, twofold strategy: a new alluring model and an incredibly good price. The tuner, whose cars vary between six-figure and seven-figure prices, announced the new Shelby GTS at this year’s New York Auto Show. They told us to expect a beautiful ride powered by a V6 or a V8 (depending on the customer’s choice), and with a package price of $9,995.

The best thing about the GTS is that it looks so good, that people don’t even suspect it’s actually powered by a V6. It’s got new front and rear fascias, a black billet grille, a fiberglass hood, the Le Mans dual racing stripes and the triple side stripes with SHELBY GTS lettering. Customers can also opt for painted quarter window blackout panels and 18” wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 tires ($525 and $2,495, respectively). Remember though that the blackout panels look great from outside, but they also further reduce the already significant blind spot. You might not like that when you’re on the driver’s seat.

Inside the car, everything looks quite similar to the premium interior of a standard Mustang. Simplicity is the key in its design, with only a few Shelby touches here and there: a cue-ball knob on the short-throw shifter, badged floor mats and a serial number plaque.

As far as the engine is concerned, customers can opt for an upgraded 3.7-liter V6 with 306 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, a supercharged V6 with 170 extra horsepower, or a V8 that has 63 less hp than the supercharged V6. The only problem with the supercharged version is that it will set you back $9,195.

The GTS also comes with firmer shocks and struts and very efficient new brakes that will keep all those horsepower under control. For $2,995 you can get the optional 14-inch Baer front brake system, that will give you a even more satisfying braking experience.