Shelbys will soon be available in Europe, but only as electric SUVs
Published by The team in News the
08/05/2023 at 19:25
Although Shelby has traditionally been associated with muscle cars and powerful V8 engines, changing times have led the company to embrace electric technology, a trend followed by many other automotive companies.
On the 100th anniversary of Carroll Shelby 's birth , the Nevada-based company unveiled its first zero-emission model: the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT . Although the availability of the vehicle is very limited, with only 100 units produced, it will be offered for sale exclusively in Europe for the time being.
Carbon fiber and its artificial V8
Carroll Shelby's legacy lives on stronger than ever, thanks to the bold initiatives Shelby pursues, including the sale of the wildest Ford Mustang ever, as well as the new AC Cars adventure that highlights the legendary AC Cobra with a V8 engine.
However, it is important to stress that the era of electrification is underway and Shelby is aware of the need to adapt. That's why the company launched the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT , an upgraded version of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT that sports iconic Shelby aesthetics and benefits from specific upgrades.
This release was announced to mark the 100th anniversary of Carroll Shelby's birth and only 100 copies will be available, although it is unknown if the company founder would have approved of this very special birthday present.
Despite this, Shelby has launched a zero-emissions version of its car with a feature set including the famous body color stripes, carbon fiber elements such as door trim and door mirror caps, logo Shelby replacement for Ford, an official Shelby identification number, custom mats, lighter wheels, lowered suspension, as well as a sound system developed in collaboration with Borla which reproduces the sound of a V8 engine .
According to Aaron Shelby , member of the board of directors of Carroll Shelby International and grandson of the company's founder, "We have chosen to launch the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT exclusively in Europe for the time being because sales of electric vehicles there are growing much faster than in the U.S. From 2016 to 2021, the number of public electric vehicle charging stations grew by 431% across Europe For Shelby American, this car just makes sense on the business plan."
On its website, Shelby Europe offers the reservation of the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT from 24,900 euros for the kit, to which must be added the cost of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. The latter is sold from 86,262 euros .
Although the American crossover benefits from a new suspension and carbon fiber parts to lighten its weight (which Shelby does not specify the reduction compared to the 2,348 kg of origin), its technical specifications remain unchanged: it is equipped two electric motors developing a combined power of 487 CV and a maximum torque of 860 Nm, as well as an 88 kWh battery offering an approved range of 490 kilometres.