THE most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history is preparing to take to the streets next year thanks to the "Mustang Dream Team" of Carroll Shelby and Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT).

The result of this collaboration is being billed as a successor to the legendary Shelby GT500 of the late 1960s.

The 2006 Shelby Cobra GT500 has modern performance credentials thanks to more than 450hp being made available from the supercharged V8 engine.

This works in combination with a six-speed manual transmission and SVT-tuned suspension.

The muscular Mustang effect is created by Le Mans racing stripes, aerodynamic front, rear and side panel enhancements and 19-inch wheels with cross-drilled brake rotors.

Inside the driving zone has been designed to be equally enticing with red leather seats and door trim plus titanium-faced gauges adorning the dashboard.