Detroit debut for 2010 Shelby Mustang

We've already shown you the 2010 Ford Mustang (more here), but the blue oval will up the intensity at next week's Detroit motor show by unleashing its new Shelby GT500 range-topper.

The timing is crucial as Ford will no doubt be hoping the Shelby flagship will steal some thunder from GM's soon-to-be-launched Chevy Camaro -- particularly that of the 6.2-litre SS variant.

On paper, the Shelby GT500 -- which rolls into US showrooms next April -- has all the right credentials, as the supercharged 5.4-litre V8 has been worked over to liberate a brawny 403kW and 691Nm (versus 310kW and 556Nm for the Camaro SS).

The power and torque hike -- chiefly the result of an open-element air-induction system and a cold-air intake -- were harnessed via lessons learnt from the outgoing Shelby GT500KR.

The revised intake system allegedly necessitated moving the Cobra snake badge to the other side of the grille to enable maximum airflow.

Ford says the twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has also been upgraded, improving drivability and NVH.

The new Shelby also cops a shorter 3.55 differential (versus the outgoing model's 3.31), but fifth and sixth gears are taller (fifth has been changed from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50) and Ford says the result is better economy and more refinement on the highway.

Improved noise suppression was a key priority and Ford claims: "You still hear the supercharger but not so that it's intrusive. It's the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you're driving something special, but you don't want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior.

"We spent a lot of time getting the right sound quality out of the exhaust so you get that nice, crisp Shelby sound outside and a pleasant sound inside the cabin. It's a nice balance; one isn't overpowering the other."

Chassis upgrades include the provision of 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar rubber and forged alloys on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible.

"Spring and dampers have been optimised for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning," boasts Ford. "The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control."

External tweaks include the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and a ‘Gurney Flap' spoiler to tune rear downforce. There's also a redesigned front splitter that's conceived to maximise front-end downforce.

Rounding out the Shelby's exterior modifications are trademark racing stripes and coiled Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders.

Inside, the Shelby GT500 is replete with leather/Alcantara seats and aluminium finish panels that are supposedly inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses and cross-drilled racing brake rotors.

Even the classic white shift knob -- an icon of Shelby Mustang DNA from years past -- received special attention. First, it had to be the traditional white, and it also had to be specific to the Shelby.

The answer, says Ford, was to combine the racing-stripes theme with the traditional "H" pattern found on shifters to create one heck of a knob. As per the exterior, the racing stripes wrap from end to end, encircling the knob.