2011 FORD SHELBY GT500 GOES LIGHTWEIGHT WITH ALUMINUM ENGINE, OFFERS ULTIMATE IN HANDLING
* With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500® with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology
* For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax
* The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2010 – Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.
“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”
Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine
The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”
The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) 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 Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.
This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.
The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.
“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.
“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”
Increased power and increased fuel economy
The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.
The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.
Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.
Dramatic performance upgrades
New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.
The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.
Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.
SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.
Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.
More engine sound, less road noise For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.
The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.
The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.
“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”
GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.
Added convenience content
New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.
The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.
Other new convenience technologies include:
* Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
* MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
* Integrated spotter mirror
* Fold-down rear headrests
The 2010 Steeda Q550 Street fighter edition was recently unleashed at the Los Angeles Auto Show and with the evil look it means business. Steeda is calling this Mustang the ultimate street performance vehicle and for good reason as the 550 horsepower motor will shoot this car from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds and quarter mile times in the 11 second range. This category of power on the streets or drag strip could put most if not all factory cars to shame.
Equipped with the most extensive amount of standard suspension upgrades we have ever included on one of our production vehicles – including our Watt’s Link Suspension system – this performance Mustang can simply pull 1.2gs. There is simply no other serialized Mustang available today that offers the performance, styling, and performance attitude that this Mustang has.
“The Steeda Q550 Street fighter achieves its massive power output from the Ford Racing/Whipple Supercharger assembly. We selected the Ford Racing/Whipple supercharger application because it provides its power reliably over a broad rpm range on 93 octane fuel and is fully 50 state emission legal”, commented Dario Orlando, President of Steeda Autosports. “Delivering smooth power throughout the power curve is what this power package provides and it is a perfect power source for the Steeda Q550 Street fighter Edition. When mated with our unique performance block system and our other motor performance enhancements, this package really delivers the mail.
Jamie Allison, Ford Racing Performance Group Manager adds: “Dario Orlando and the entire group at Steeda Autosports have been a longtime and valued partner of Ford Racing and have many aftermarket offerings to choose from. We are excited and proud that they chose the FR 550HP supercharger to power their new Q550 Streetfighter Edition”.
In addition to the supercharger assembly, the Q550’s powertrain also is equipped with:
* Steeda custom engine calibration
* Steeda 11-13 psi belt drive kit
* Steeda Tri-Ax® Shifter
* Speed of Sound A-Pillar gauge cluster with Aeroforce gauges
Engine power is just part of the success story about the Q550 Streetfighter. While the exterior shares the same aerodynamic body modifications of the Q350 with the unique Steeda front fascia with openings for fore-part brake duct cooling, the facia also incorporates unique vented openings for additional cooling. Additional exterior enhancements include:
* Steeda rear spoiler tuned for maximum down force with the least amount of aerodynamic drag
* Steeda back part facia that exhausts air from under the vehicle with maximum aero capability and minimal aerodynamic drag
* Unique Steeda vented hood that exhausts the hot power robbing engine heat out and over the hood into the vehicle’s slipstream with fabulous capability.
“The real beauty of this performance monster lies underneath the vehicle. That is where we deployed every performance handling trick we have in our arsenal” commented Steve Chichisola, Master Mechanic/Technician at Steeda Autosports. “We have integrated the knowledgebase we acquired over the last 21 continuous years of building high performance Mustangs – more than any other Mustang aftermarket modifier – all into one fully cohesive package where ALL the parts are perfectly tuned to work in harmony towards delivering maximum suspension performance.” The suspension modifications include:
* Steeda/Tokico D-Spec shocks and struts
* Steeda Upper Strut Mount Kit
* Steeda Adjustable 3rd-Link Trailing Arm Kit
* Steeda Lower Trailing Arm relocation brackets
* Steeda Billet Lower Trailing Arms
* Steeda X5 Ball Joint Kit
* Steeda Bumpsteer Kit
* Steeda Rear Swaybar
* Steeda Rear Swaybar billet endlinks
* Steeda Adjustable Front Swaybar
* Steeda Watts Linkage kit
* Steeda 3-point Frame Rail & Torque Box Brace Kit
The interior is yet another area where this vehicle speaks performance. Inside you will find it’s interior very sleek, athletic, and totally ready for aggressive driving. From the illuminated Steeda doors sills that greet you when you open the door, the interior includes the following performance related amenities:
* A thick, Alcantara leather wrapped steering wheel assures a firm and secure grip during performance maneuvers
* Body hugging, adjustable, leather covered, carbon fiber backed Steeda Sport Seats
* Safecraft Safety Equipment 6-Point Safety Harness
* Safecraft fire extinguisher system
* Four-point, leather wrapped DOM steel roll bar with cross bracing
* Steeda floor mats
To plant the power to the pavement and also to ensure secure stopping power during the most aggressive conditions, the Q550 Streetfighter includes:
* HRE Monoblock P40 wheels (20” x 9.5” front, 20” x 11” rear) with a brushed finish
* Nitto NT05 High Performance tires (275/35 front, 315/35 rear)
* Steeda/Baer 6-Piston High Performance Brake Package (six piston front –and- six piston rear brakes) with 15” crossed drilled and slotted rotors
The Steeda Q550 Streetfighter Edition will be available in the 1st quarter of 2010 from select Steeda Autosports authorized dealers. Look for additional updates in the near future regarding pricing and availability of this limited edition performance vehicle.
Equipped with the most extensive amount of standard suspension upgrades we have ever included on one of our production vehicles – including our Watt’s Link Suspension system – this performance Mustang can simply pull 1.2gs. There is simply no other serialized Mustang available today that offers the performance, styling, and performance attitude that this Mustang has.
In addition to the supercharger assembly, the Q550’s powertrain also is equipped with:
* Steeda custom engine calibration
* Steeda 11-13 psi belt drive kit
* Steeda Tri-Ax® Shifter
* Speed of Sound A-Pillar gauge cluster with Aeroforce gauges
Engine power is just part of the success story about the Q550 Streetfighter. While the exterior shares the same aerodynamic body modifications of the Q350 with the unique Steeda front fascia with openings for fore-part brake duct cooling, the facia also incorporates unique vented openings for additional cooling. Additional exterior enhancements include:
* Steeda back part facia that exhausts air from under the vehicle with maximum aero capability and minimal aerodynamic drag
* Unique Steeda vented hood that exhausts the hot power robbing engine heat out and over the hood into the vehicle’s slipstream with fabulous capability.
* Steeda Upper Strut Mount Kit
* Steeda Adjustable 3rd-Link Trailing Arm Kit
* Steeda Lower Trailing Arm relocation brackets
* Steeda Billet Lower Trailing Arms
* Steeda X5 Ball Joint Kit
* Steeda Bumpsteer Kit
* Steeda Rear Swaybar
* Steeda Rear Swaybar billet endlinks
* Steeda Adjustable Front Swaybar
* Steeda Watts Linkage kit
* Steeda 3-point Frame Rail & Torque Box Brace Kit
The interior is yet another area where this vehicle speaks performance. Inside you will find it’s interior very sleek, athletic, and totally ready for aggressive driving. From the illuminated Steeda doors sills that greet you when you open the door, the interior includes the following performance related amenities:
* Body hugging, adjustable, leather covered, carbon fiber backed Steeda Sport Seats
* Safecraft Safety Equipment 6-Point Safety Harness
* Safecraft fire extinguisher system
* Four-point, leather wrapped DOM steel roll bar with cross bracing
* Steeda floor mats
To plant the power to the pavement and also to ensure secure stopping power during the most aggressive conditions, the Q550 Streetfighter includes:
* HRE Monoblock P40 wheels (20” x 9.5” front, 20” x 11” rear) with a brushed finish
* Nitto NT05 High Performance tires (275/35 front, 315/35 rear)
* Steeda/Baer 6-Piston High Performance Brake Package (six piston front –and- six piston rear brakes) with 15” crossed drilled and slotted rotors
Shelby and Roush have been associated with the Ford label for decades with both showing an passionate interest in the manufacturer’s Mustang range of muscle cars. Shelby has a experiences of creating some of the most fabled Mustangs ever made which contain the GT500 and GT350 and they proceed to create Mustangs that surprise enthusiasts. Roush isn’t tame either, with its bulked-up scope of Mustangs that fight the other chief pony car modifier in town – Saleen. So what happened when Ford invited Roush and Shelby to the same workshop and asked them to work together to make a one-off Mustang inspired by an iconic military aircraft known as the SR-71 Blackbird? Surprisingly, they agreed.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was a greatly advanced reconnoitring aircraft developed back in the 60’s and it was so much sophisticated that it went on to assist the US Air Force for four decades till it retired in 1998. The aircraft still holds records for high- altitude flight and top speed. So when Ford definite to pay tribute to this great war gismo at the world’s greatest aviation exhibition, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, they found the Mustang and its most revered mentors apt for doing the honours. Ford is the unique automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the one-off Mustang will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles with all of the proceeds channelled to the advantage of the EAA Youthful Eagles organization.
Based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0, the car sports the glass roof with an insignia featuring the aircraft. The lines and looks were beefed up by Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer to bring it as close as possible to the Blackbird. Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak paid attention to the car’s engineering and construction. Finished in black and gray matte exterior paint, supplemented by SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing, the Blackbird Mustang does look the part. Supercharger, handling pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips from Ford Racing Performance Parts bin were bolted on for the performance upgrade which made the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine pump out an additional 100bhp.
Seats are reserved for the pilot and co-pilot and a roll-cage has been welded in to keep the occupants safe in case the pilot a.k.a the driver got carried away by the spirit of the aircraft which inspired the car. Unique gauges, tool cluster graphics, racing seats and a flames extinguisher finished the purposeful interior. Amusingly, Ford also made it a point to expand the “SR” in the car’s name as “Shelby” and “Roush” to indicate the first collaboration of the celebrated names.
So who got to sign the car РCarroll Shelby or Jack Roush? In actuality both did as the signatures of Shelby and Roush are embroidered on the seats and captured on the special appliqu̩ autograph area.
The SR-71 Blackbird Mustang will be exhibited at the Ford Hangar at EAA Air Venture Oshkosh from July 26 and will be sold at EAA Gathering of Eagles on July 29.
P.S: We wonder whether Michael Bay will be grabbing this Mustang from the aviation event for a major role in the third instalment of the Transformers movie which is being filmed as this blog is being posted. The fanbase has strongly recommended the return of Jetfire, the character which was portrayed by an SR-71 Blackbird in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Jokes apart, we hope the thought of including this car in the movie, without blowing it up, crosses his mind.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was a greatly advanced reconnoitring aircraft developed back in the 60’s and it was so much sophisticated that it went on to assist the US Air Force for four decades till it retired in 1998. The aircraft still holds records for high- altitude flight and top speed. So when Ford definite to pay tribute to this great war gismo at the world’s greatest aviation exhibition, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh, they found the Mustang and its most revered mentors apt for doing the honours. Ford is the unique automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the one-off Mustang will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles with all of the proceeds channelled to the advantage of the EAA Youthful Eagles organization.
Based on a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0, the car sports the glass roof with an insignia featuring the aircraft. The lines and looks were beefed up by Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer to bring it as close as possible to the Blackbird. Mustang Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak paid attention to the car’s engineering and construction. Finished in black and gray matte exterior paint, supplemented by SR-71 themed graphic treatment, performance wheels, front and rear fascias and an integrated spoiler/wing, the Blackbird Mustang does look the part. Supercharger, handling pack, tuned exhaust, and exhaust tips from Ford Racing Performance Parts bin were bolted on for the performance upgrade which made the all-aluminum 5.0L 32-valve V8 engine pump out an additional 100bhp.
Seats are reserved for the pilot and co-pilot and a roll-cage has been welded in to keep the occupants safe in case the pilot a.k.a the driver got carried away by the spirit of the aircraft which inspired the car. Unique gauges, tool cluster graphics, racing seats and a flames extinguisher finished the purposeful interior. Amusingly, Ford also made it a point to expand the “SR” in the car’s name as “Shelby” and “Roush” to indicate the first collaboration of the celebrated names.
So who got to sign the car РCarroll Shelby or Jack Roush? In actuality both did as the signatures of Shelby and Roush are embroidered on the seats and captured on the special appliqu̩ autograph area.
The SR-71 Blackbird Mustang will be exhibited at the Ford Hangar at EAA Air Venture Oshkosh from July 26 and will be sold at EAA Gathering of Eagles on July 29.
P.S: We wonder whether Michael Bay will be grabbing this Mustang from the aviation event for a major role in the third instalment of the Transformers movie which is being filmed as this blog is being posted. The fanbase has strongly recommended the return of Jetfire, the character which was portrayed by an SR-71 Blackbird in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Jokes apart, we hope the thought of including this car in the movie, without blowing it up, crosses his mind.
Pompano Beach, Florida has recently become a hot spot for thieves interested in a very specific type of car... the Ford Mustang Cobra. According to the Miami Herald, four Cobras were stolen near U.S. 1 south of Atlantic Boulevard. Of these four, three were stolen from the Pompano Isles neighborhood. Given the location of these thefts, any potential prosecution would be brought by the Broward County State Attorney's Office, which is located in Fort Lauderdale.
The Broward Sheriff's Office suspects that three or four people may be involved. However, only one possible suspect has been caught on video surveillance. Unfortunately, this video was taken at a bank in Hialeah when the suspect tried using a check card that was left inside one of the stolen Cobras by its owner.
This fact is interesting because it still does not indicate who has been stealing the cars. While most people are not aware of this, there are different types of criminal groups in South Florida who focus on different types of criminal activity. Some steal cars, some grow pot, others steal credit cards, driver's licenses, and check books.
It is not uncommon for car thieves to sell stolen credit cards to credit card groups within hours of a new auto theft. Most car thieves are only interested in the car and view the found credit cards as extra booty. Knowing that most people will report a stolen credit card right away, it is not surprising to learn that the card taken from the stolen Cobra was used within two and half hours of the auto theft. It would not be surprising to later learn that the card in question had exchanged hands from the auto thief to a credit card thief in such a short time. Offenders of this sort are very cunning and take what they do seriously - even though it is crime.
While obtaining this man's image on video is a priceless clue, it still does not prove that he participated in stealing the car in question. All it proves is that he tried to make a transaction with a credit card that was not his.
As a former prosecutor, I can tell you that this person is a perfect target for "flipping." When a prosecutor "flips" a witness, a sweetheart plea deal is made to the target in exchange for actionable intelligence on criminal enterprises or in exchange for truthful testimony in another prosecution.
While the man captured on video may not have participated in stealing the car in question, he certainly knows someone who did. This makes him an invaluable resource to law enforcement, who wish to solve this string of crimes and protect the community from further thefts.
While I expect these thieves to be ratted on by someone who knows them or works with them, I would not be surprised if they were caught red-handed. One thing that comes with fancy cars are fancy GPS systems and LoJack anti-theft systems. Eventually these thieves will make a mistake and steal the wrong car.
Unless of course these thieves are so sophisticated that they know how to bypass such electronic systems. If that is the case, they still may fall prey to a watchful owner or a home surveillance camera.
Ultimately, the details of how they are caught will govern the extent of any available defense. Since no one has even been arrested yet, it is hard to predict how the dust may ultimately settle. Until then, keep your eyes on your Cobras!
The Broward Sheriff's Office suspects that three or four people may be involved. However, only one possible suspect has been caught on video surveillance. Unfortunately, this video was taken at a bank in Hialeah when the suspect tried using a check card that was left inside one of the stolen Cobras by its owner.
This fact is interesting because it still does not indicate who has been stealing the cars. While most people are not aware of this, there are different types of criminal groups in South Florida who focus on different types of criminal activity. Some steal cars, some grow pot, others steal credit cards, driver's licenses, and check books.
It is not uncommon for car thieves to sell stolen credit cards to credit card groups within hours of a new auto theft. Most car thieves are only interested in the car and view the found credit cards as extra booty. Knowing that most people will report a stolen credit card right away, it is not surprising to learn that the card taken from the stolen Cobra was used within two and half hours of the auto theft. It would not be surprising to later learn that the card in question had exchanged hands from the auto thief to a credit card thief in such a short time. Offenders of this sort are very cunning and take what they do seriously - even though it is crime.
While obtaining this man's image on video is a priceless clue, it still does not prove that he participated in stealing the car in question. All it proves is that he tried to make a transaction with a credit card that was not his.
As a former prosecutor, I can tell you that this person is a perfect target for "flipping." When a prosecutor "flips" a witness, a sweetheart plea deal is made to the target in exchange for actionable intelligence on criminal enterprises or in exchange for truthful testimony in another prosecution.
While the man captured on video may not have participated in stealing the car in question, he certainly knows someone who did. This makes him an invaluable resource to law enforcement, who wish to solve this string of crimes and protect the community from further thefts.
While I expect these thieves to be ratted on by someone who knows them or works with them, I would not be surprised if they were caught red-handed. One thing that comes with fancy cars are fancy GPS systems and LoJack anti-theft systems. Eventually these thieves will make a mistake and steal the wrong car.
Unless of course these thieves are so sophisticated that they know how to bypass such electronic systems. If that is the case, they still may fall prey to a watchful owner or a home surveillance camera.
Ultimately, the details of how they are caught will govern the extent of any available defense. Since no one has even been arrested yet, it is hard to predict how the dust may ultimately settle. Until then, keep your eyes on your Cobras!
