| -

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford said the order pace for the 2011 Shelby GT500 is quickly approaching the cap.

The automaker indicated that more than 3,300 orders have been placed for the Shelby GT500. To ensure exclusivity, Ford mandated U.S. sales of this vehicle be limited to 5,500 units.

"We are pleased with the pace of retail orders for the 2011 Shelby GT500," stated Fritz Wilke, the Mustang brand manager.

"The car continues to be popular with sports car enthusiasts and collectors who are blown away by the increase in horsepower and performance," Wilke continued. "The limited production of the 2011 should make this year even more desirable."

Ford said the 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by a new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, a 10-horsepower increase over the 2010 model. The engine is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision, as well, according to the automaker.

Officials went on to highlight that the new engine uses a state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks.

The automaker pointed out the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

Ford believes customers are showing an appreciation for the GT500's performance on and off the track, as well as its many features.

The vehicle's standard 2011 performance features include a new 2.75-inch exhaust system, revised brake cooling and pedal box construction for more consistent brake pedal efforts and feel, and electric power-assisted steering.

The company also mentioned another amenity that's new for 2011. It's an optional glass roof that can provide customers with yet another open-air option that does not compromise the coupe's versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

"Three times more 2011 GT500s have been ordered with the glass roof compared to the base Mustang, showing the popularity of this new feature," company officials declared.

Ford believes the unit's interior options have proven immensely popular, too. The manufacturer found almost 70 percent of the GT500s ordered are being equipped with the electronics package, which includes voice-activated navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link, HD Radio and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.

Furthermore, the automaker indicated the new SVT Performance Package is also proving to be a popular option. Officials said more than 68 percent of coupe orders included the selection of the enhanced performance delivered through this all-new option.

"The package was developed to provide track performance," Ford explained. "SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop all-new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: two tires that give this already great handling car supercar grip and control levels.

"The optional package also offers unique styling, staggered lighter wheels with 19-inch fronts and 20-inch rears, a numerically higher rear axle ratio, stiffer springs and dampers, and a lowered ride height," added Ford officials, who also said the SVT Performance Package is available on both the coupe and convertible.

Finally, the automaker mentioned other standard items for the new 2011 Shelby GT500 include high-intensity discharge headlamps, MyKey programmable vehicle key, integrated spotter mirror and fold-down rear headrests.