 Hot Hatch strikes again Motor Trend weren't to be left out of the loop, this is their take on the first GLHS model Article from FstGLHS' mirror site, original sourse unknown Related Articles: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Wikipedia - Shelby GLHS
Shelby GLHS - Ol' Shel's Latest Hot-Rod by Michael Brockman, Motor Trend, May 1986 
When you hear the name Carroll Shelby, several things come to mind--bib overalls, Texas chili, and fire-breathing, tire smoking Ford-powered Cobras. What doesn't come to mind is 4-door front-wheel-drive sedans.
Well, hold on to your stopwatches, race fans, because the latest piece to carry the Shelby nameplate is none other than just that-a 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive 4-door Dodge GLH. Why, you ask? Good Question. When we posed that same question to Mr. Shelby, he had a 10-gallon hat full of answers.
To begin with, Shelby has been on the Chrysler payroll since 1982 as a performance consultant. In that time, several cars have carried the Shelby name, but the new GLH-S is the first to actually be produced by Shelby at his own facility.
By his admission, Shelby got out of the manufacturing business in 1970 because of government regulations and because "it wasn't fun anymore." Obviously, the checks from Iacocca have put the fun back in the business, and the rationale for the little front-drive cars seem to be varied. They are affordable and lightweight, so they respond to small improvements, and, most important, they are in a market where Chrysler concentrates and excels.
There's no secret about the market segment that has been targeted. As Shelby puts it, "there's a real need for cars young buyers can afford and that will also let them keep their heads up. It'll whip cars four or five times its price, and it's still a practical family car."
The way Shelby and his group came up with the GLH-S was very simple, and surprisingly effective. In the engine department, apart from adding an intercooler, the major change was to redesign the intake manifold. With these two changes, the boost increased from 9 to 12 psi maximum, resulting in an additional 30 hp and an additional 7 lb-ft of torque. That's 175 hp at 5300 rpm and 175 lb-ft, from 2200 to 4800 rpm in a 2300-lb car, and it really hustles down the pike. To accommodate this new-found muscle, a little chassis work was in order, and this is where the surprise comes in. The only changes over the standard GLH were tires and shocks, but the difference is phenomenal.
 In back-to-back tests on the racetrack, it was difficult to believe the stock GLH and Shelby GLH-S are basically the same chassis except for these two changes. The GLH-S proved rock-stable, no wandering and floating around like the standard GLH. And when talking about a 125-plus mph hot-rod that invites flogging, stability becomes essential.
On the negative side, though, the increased horsepower and wider tires only amplify the torque steer. To limit the problem, an electronically controlled wastegate keeps the torque virtually constant between 2200 and 4800 rpm; it might help, but it doesn't solve the problem. And, as in the case of all front-wheel drives (especially light, fast ones), a particular driving technique is required. Newcomers to the breed should take care in exploring their level of competence.
While we were exploring, we were pleasantly surprised by the adjustable low- pressure gas-charged Koni inserts added to the Iso-strut front coil springs and the Koni Shocks added to the semi-independant trailing arm coil springs in the rear. The stadard 1-in. front and 5/8-in. rear swaybars are retained , as well as the factory brakes and the steering. Shelby has his own aluminum wheels, 15.0 x 6.0 in., and shod them with 205/50VR15 Goodyear Eagle gatorbacks, a step beyond the original 195/50HR15 Eagle GTs.
For those who like to tinker, the manually adjustable struts and shocks allow the driver to "tune" the chassis for comfort when desired, and for fun when it's time to play. For those have trouble making up their minds, the GLH-S is available in black only. In fact, everything is black: the front and rear bumpers, grille, dual remote mirrors, front air dam, and all the moldings. Add halogen headlamps and tinted glass, and you have a sharp-looking little sedan.
The interior is pretty much GLH, save the leather steering wheel, shift knob, and a special plaque with the Shelby signature logo and production number on each car.
There will only be 500 of these specials, and they will be the last of the GLH series.
If the GLH-S is well received, it's a good bet more and varied Chrysler products in limited numbers will roll off "Ol' Shel's" assembly line in the near future.
Now, when you think of Carroll Shelby, you're going to have to add nimble, fast little sedans to the list of things that come to mind. And if you're in the market for a dual-purpose car under $11,000 that will put plenty of more expensive cars on the trailer, call your Dodge dealer.
Data | POWERTRAIN | Vehicle configuration...Front Engine, front drive Engine configuration....Inline 4, OHC, 2 valves/Cylinder, turbocharged Displacement............2200 cc (135.0 cu in.) Max. power (SAE net)....175 hp @ 5300 rpm Max. torque (SAE net)...175 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm Transmission............5-sp. man. Final drive ratio.......2.57:1 | | DIMENSIONS | Wheelbase...............2517 mm (99.1 in.) Overall length..........4146 mm (163.2 in.) Curb Weight.............1043.2 kg (2300 lb) Fuel Capacity...........49.2 L (13.0 gal) | | CHASSIS | Suspension, f/r.........independant/independant Brakes, f/r.............Disc/Drum Steering................Rack and pinion Wheels..................15 x 6.0 in., cast aluminum Tires...................P205/50VR15 | | PERFORMANCE | Acceleration, 0-60......6.57 sec Standing quarter mile...14.92 sec/92 mph Lateral acceleration....0.88 g Braking, 60-0...........131 ft | BASE PRICE..............$10,995 PRICE AS TESTED.........$10,995 | |
