2012 Shelby Mustang GTS Production Underway
by Patrick Rall
Mustang Forums
The 2012 Shelby Mustang GTS post-title package was formally unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show. This new low-cost Shelby package is intended to offer a more affordable option for those who cannot afford Shelby models like the Super Snake package. The new 2012 Shelby Mustang GTS was expected to hit the markets later this year as an offering to both the 3.7L base model and 5.0L-powered Mustang GT but due to increased production speed, the company was able to complete production of the 2011 Shelby Mustang GT350 45th Anniversary cars. The new GTS is now under production with the ultra high performance Shelby GT500 Super Snake and the 2012 Shelby Mustang GT350.
The 2012 Shelby Mustang GTS was intended to attract new buyers who may not be able to afford the GT350 package or the GT500 needed to build the costly Super Snake package. The Shelby GTS package is a post-title package, meaning that it can be entered in “stock” classes in the NHRA and SCCA and unlike the other Shelby American models that include large gains in power via forced induction, the 2012 GTS is predominantly an exterior dress up and handling package.
The 2012 Shelby Mustang GTS begins on the outside with a unique Shelby front fascia capped by a deep draw hood featuring “classic Shelby design”. Shelby then adds package-specific stripes with “Powered by Ford” badges on the fenders and Shelby lettering across the trunk. This exterior upgrade gives the 2012 Mustang V6 or GT a more striking, aggressive look adding a measure of functionality from the hood and lower air dams.
Next, Shelby American turns to the performance capabilities of the 2012 Mustang GTS package, adding an engine-specific cold air intake to allow these motors to breathe easier and a Borla cat-back exhaust system adds some power and a great deal of healthy American rumble. Behind the standard Ford wheels (or the optional Shelby 18 or 20″ wheels) there is a Shelby Baer high performance braking package to help get the GTS stopped and aiding the new 2012 GTS to handle the corners is a unique Shelby-tuned Ford Racing handling pack featuring model-specific springs, tuned stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace.
All in all, this model offers comparable handling capacities to the 2008 Shelby GT Mustang but those who want similar power to that old 4.6L V8 can opt for the 3.7L V6 with more power and better fuel economy. Of course, there is also the package for the 2011-2012 Mustang GT with the 412hp 5.0L V8 that benefits from the same suspension, braking and exterior upgrades as the V6 models. The most impressive part of the new Shelby GTS Mustang is the price – as the new entry-level package starts at just $9,995 – and the price goes up from there for buyers who opt for the available supercharger packages, wheel options or improved brake/suspension choices.