Shelby Series 2 Makes A Surprise Appearance In Paris

American automakers largely skipped the Paris Motor Show, but Shelby American didn’t get the memo as this year marked their first appearance at the event.

While the company brought an assortment of different vehicles to Paris, including the Super Snake and Baja Raptor, the real star was the Shelby Series 2.

Announced back in May, the Series 2 picks up where the Series 1 left off 19 years ago. Since so much time has passed, the model has been extensively updated despite the fact that its rides on an original aluminum monocoque chassis. This was made possible due to a unique partnership with Wingard Motorsports which bought the remaining Series 1 components from Shelby several years ago.

While the platform carries over, the Series 2 has a new suspension which features an “inboard cantilevered” design. The model has also been equipped with a high-performance braking system which has six-piston calipers at each corner.

Weight has also been taken into consideration as the model is 12% lighter than its predecessor which tipped the scales at roughly 2,850 lbs (1,292 kg).

The Series 2 will be available with an aluminum, carbon fiber or titanium body. The aluminum variant is particularly eye-catching it they can be ordered with a brushed or polished finish.

Regardless of which body is selected, all feature a familiar design which is virtually identical to the Series 1. The biggest visual difference is a set of 19-inch mono block wheels which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires.

An assortment of different engines are available and the car has been designed to accommodate engines which produce more than 800 hp (596 kW / 811 PS). However, the primary option appears to be a supercharged V8 that develops 580 hp (432 kW / 588 PS). That doesn’t sound like much, but the Series 1 had a 4.0-liter V8 with outputs of 320 hp (238 kW / 324 PS) and 460 hp (343 kW / 466 PS).

The Shelby Series 2 went into production in June and the company will only offer four units every year. Shelby sells the car in component form, but it can be finished by Wingard Motorsports.