# Special-Edition Mustangs Ford Has Unveiled the Shelby GT500KR to Celebrate Shelby's Anniversary By Colin Smith | Published 2021-12-17 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-edition-mustang References: [autoblog](https://www.autoblog.com/2021/12/16/ford-shelby-mustang-gt500kr-60th-anniversary/#slide-2368395) & [shelby](https://www.shelby.com/Vehicles/Shelby-GT500-KR) In celebration of Shelby America's 60th anniversary, [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mustang-shelby-gt500-heritage) has debuted the special edition Mustang Shelby GT500KR for 2022. This [limited-edition Mustang](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1967-shelby-mustang-gt500) is based on the first mustang that used the 'King of the Road' (KR) title in 1968, the Ford Mustang GT500. The KR model in 2022 features various improvements over Mustang's standard line of vehicles including various [carbon fiber parts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2027-bentley-continental-gt-supersports), such as the hood and rear diffuser. Additionally, the GT500KR boasts a supercharged V8 engine that achieves an astonishing 900 horsepower, an improvement over the standard 2022 GT500 which features 760hp. The suspension and wheel control systems have also been improved. The design of the GT500KR is customizable with an optional wide-body kit, blue racing stripes, removable rear seats, a heritage nameplate, and new emblems placed around the vehicle. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR 2022 retails for $127,895 for the full package with the option of upgrading a standard modern Mustang GT500 model to the KR version for $54,995. Image Credit: Ford, Shelby America ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **SPECIAL-EDITION VEHICLES:** Automakers can produce limited-edition versions of their most popular vehicles to commemorate special events or anniversaries, strengthening brand loyalty and creating buzz among consumers. - **CARBON FIBER USAGE:** Carbon fiber can be incorporated into car design to reduce vehicle weight and improve performance, providing a potential opportunity for material suppliers and automakers. - **CUSTOMIZABLE VEHICLE FEATURES:** Offering customizable features such as wide-body kits, stripes, and emblems to consumers can increase brand loyalty and allow automakers to charge higher prices for exclusive options. ### Where This Applies - **AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY:** Automakers can capitalize on special events or anniversaries by producing limited-edition vehicles to generate excitement and encourage brand loyalty among consumers. - **MATERIALS INDUSTRY:** The usage of carbon fiber in car design presents a potential opportunity for materials suppliers to partner with automakers to improve vehicle performance and reduce weight. - **CUSTOMIZATION INDUSTRY:** Customization features for vehicles, such as wide-body kits and emblems, provide a potential opportunity for businesses to offer exclusive options and increase customer loyalty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retro-Inspired Mustangs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mustang-shelby-gt500-heritage.md) - [High-Performance Sports Car Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-ford-mustang-gtd.md) - [Nostalgic Muscle Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ac-cobra-gtg.md) - [Inaugural Custom Mustang Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-mustang.md) - [All-Electric Performance Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelby-mustang-mache-gt-concept.md) - [Anniversary-Honoring SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-ford-bronco-60th-anniversary-package.md) - [Racer-Honoring SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-ford-bronco-stroppe-special-edition-suv.md) - [Metallic-Finished Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-mustang-mache-gt-bronze.md) - ['60s-Era Throwback Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alan-mann.md)