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Simply put, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is about power and style. When future generations talk about this particular Mustang, which they will undoubtedly do, discussion of leather seats and tilt steering wheels will probably be left off the table. But for today's buyer of the GT500, that kind of stuff matters, as do items like cruise control, keyless entry, a power driver's seat, and air conditioning. All are standard on the new Shelby, a modern icon that Ford has priced at $42,975 in coupe guise and $47,800 in convertible form (prices include destination charges and a gas guzzler tax). In exchange for that handsome sum, new owners of the Shelby will also enjoy power mirrors, a 500-watt sound system with an MP3 player and six-disc CD changer, front and front-side airbags, as well as power door locks and windows. In other words, while the interior amenities are nice, buyers are obviously paying for the powertrain and not a slew of upgrades such as navigation systems or ventilated seats.

That being said, there are a few options available with the Shelby GT500. The standard 500-watt sound system can be dropped to make room for the so-called Shaker1000 that adds an iPod jack, dual subwoofers, and ad you might've presumed, 1000 watts of eardrum-busting power. Sirius satellite radio is also available for serious audiophiles and/or Howard Stern fans. Lastly, Ford offers a GT500 Premium Interior Trim package with an automatic dimming interior rearview mirror, a compass, alloy pedals, and upgraded trim and stitching on the console, doors, and instrument panel. Adding the $1,295 Shaker1000 sound system, the $195 Sirius satellite radio, and the $595 interior trim package brings the fully-loaded price of a GT500 coupe to $45,060 and the convertible to $49,885, assuming you can find a dealer who will actually sell for sticker price.