The Ride - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

The Bullrun Rally is about fast cars, good times and a celebration of the classic, All-American road trip, so what better vehicle to send our guys out in than the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible? With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb of torque, the 2011 Shelby GT500 boasts an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and an impressive 10 horsepower increase over the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that Ford engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race! The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford's stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

2011 Shelby GT500 Technical Specs

For more information about the 2011 Shelby GT500 Convertible, please visit www.ford.com.

"Your Design, Our Shine"

This year, Black Magic Car Care gave Bullrun fans and automotive enthusiasts alike the opportunity to make their mark on the 2010 Black Magic Rally Car. From April to June, contestants were invited to submit their designs at www.yourdesignourshine.com, where four final designs were determined by popular vote.

With a little help from four professional automotive designers, the final designs were shined up and presented to Bill Goldberg, who chose the winning design for the GT500. Congrats to Justin R. of Planview, TX for the win! In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that his design will spend the next week charging across the country, Justin also received a framed and signed professional rendering of his design and a trip to New York to see his vision live at the starting line! Check back in with us next year for your chance to get in on the action in 2011!