The Shelby 1000 package for the 2018 Ford Mustang has been unveiled with 1000 horsepower, an elaborate handling upgrade package and a unique widebody kit, but this post-title package is for “track use only” – meaning that it likely isn’t emission compliant.
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Shelby American made a big splash in the muscle car world a few years back when they introduced their Ford Mustang Shelby 1000 package, but with the arrival of the refreshed 2018 Mustang, the Las Vegas-based tuning experts have rolled out the newest Shelby 1000 package. As you might expect, the new Shelby 1000 Ford Mustang packs 1,000 horsepower (the previous version had “only” 950hp), an elaborate handling upgrade package including huge brakes and a full suspension kit and a widebody package that allows the company to tuck 345mm-wide tires out back.
The result is what is likely the most extreme post-title package for the Ford Mustang GT from Shelby American and it is a real beast.
The Heart of the Shelby 1000
While almost every aspect of the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby 1000 differs from the standard production version of the new Mustang GT, the heart of this package is the unique engine upgrade. The Shelby 1000 is powered by a 5.2L V8, but it is not the flat-place V8 from the Shelby GT350. Instead, it is a traditional 90-degree engine measuring 5.2L and topped with a 4.5L Whipple supercharger. With the help of long-tube headers, a Borla exhaust system and a good engine tune to bring everything together, this engine produces 1,000 horsepower at the crankshaft. Shelby also includes an extensive cooling system which cools down the engine coolant, the intake air, the engine oil and the transmission fluid.
To put all of that power to the ground safely, the Ford Mustang Shelby 1000 includes a 9” rear differential, a one-piece high strength driveshaft, hardened axle shafts and a high performance, triple-disc clutch in the 6-speed manual transmission.
More Than a Drag Car
While Shelby American wanted to make sure that their newest package for the 2018 Ford Mustang GT had 1,000 horsepower, the company also wanted to make sure that it could handle as well as it launches. Do to this, they added front spindles, front control arms, rear lower control arms, Shelby adjustable shocks and springs, adjustable caster/camber plates, adjustable sway bar links, Ford Performance sway bars, a monster Brembo braking package and 20” forged aluminum wheels measuring 11” wide up front and 12.5” out back – all wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (305 front, 345 rear).
Appearance and Safety
To make those huge wheels and tires fit under the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby 1000, the company adds an extensive widebody package that includes new fenders and quarter panels, an aggressive front fascia with larger cooling ducts, a unique hood, a rear taillight panel, a rear diffuser and the package-specific badging.
On the inside, the Shelby 1000 comes with illuminated door sill plates, a unique Katzkin leather seating package, a rear seat delete kit, a 4-point roll bar, racing harnesses, a unique Shelby gauge cluster, unique badging and Shelby floor mats.
The Price
So, the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby 1000 includes a 1,000 horsepower engine, a drivetrain built to handle that power, an extensive handling package, a complete body kit and a hefty dose of interior upgrades – making for a Mustang that will have no problem standing out in a crowd. The package is incredible, but it is also incredibly expensive.
The Shelby 1000 package with the donor 2018 Ford Mustang GT has an MSRP of $219,995. If you already have a 2018 Mustang GT and you want to have the Shelby 1000 package installed, that will “only” set you back $169,995. It should be noted that while the image above shows a 2018 Mustang GT converted to a Shelby 1000, this package is available for all S550 Mustangs (2015+). This means that if you have a 2016 Mustang GT and an extra $170k laying around, 1,000hp is only a phone call to Shelby American away.
Track Only
Now for the worst news. The previous Shelby 1000 package was offered in both street and track form, but Shelby American points out that this package is for track use only. This likely means that it is not emission complaint, so rather than state that it is only legal for street use in certain states, they are calling it a track-only package. That doesn't mean that owners cannot drive the 2018 Mustang Shelby 1000 on the street - they just cannot do so legally in emission states.
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