Ford is renaming the streets on the 'Carroll Shelby Way' campus.

      Bernard Cahier, Getty Images

      The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense.

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to you every weekday.

      As Ford modernizes its world headquarters campus, it will discontinue using the name of renowned racer and businessman Carroll Shelby on two local streets, opting for names that better represent the company's current lineup.

      Carroll Shelby Way West will be renamed Raptor Way, and Carroll Shelby Way East will become Navigator Avenue. These changes are set for May, aligning with Ford's plans to transform its Product Development Center into labs, meeting spaces, Ford Racing offices, and a fitness center for employees. The entire project, which will also rename Village Road to Mustang Alley and South Pond Road to Bronco Bend, is expected to be completed by 2029.

      Ford announced the changes during an April 9 update concerning the renovation of its 350-acre campus in Dearborn, Michigan, which will also involve replacing the iconic Glass House office building with a new facility.

      A Ford representative stated to Automotive News regarding the name changes, "Ford decided to rename several private roads to reflect iconic Ford products as part of our broader strategy to integrate our employees' work into our campus design. We are continually exploring further ways to connect with our Ford history."

      Carroll Shelby Way was established in 2012 after Ford obtained permission from the City of Dearborn to rename the two roads following Shelby's passing in May of that year (Ford is reportedly once again collaborating with the city for the street renaming). At the time, a statement from Ford indicated that the street name would serve as "a daily reminder of Carroll’s way" for engineers.

      The new names align more closely with Ford's present priorities. While the company continues to produce performance vehicles, full-size trucks and SUVs form the backbone of its business. The F-150 remains the top-selling light-duty vehicle in the U.S., and more expensive variants like the Raptor and Lincoln Navigator contribute higher profit margins.

      Bill Ford (left) and Carroll Shelby (right) with the 2004 Shelby Cobra concept at the Detroit Auto Show that same year. David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images www.thedrive.com

      Although Shelby's collaboration with Ford in the 1960s is renowned, he operated independently and distanced himself from Ford from the 1970s to the 1990s due to a fallout with the company. Following a less notable partnership with Chrysler, Shelby was welcomed back to Ford in the early 2000s, when his name reappeared on Mustangs and some concept cars.

      Ford no longer uses the Shelby name for the Mustang, leaving that designation to Shelby American. However, Ford's updated headquarters will not feature a Dark Horse Drive or GTD Road, which seems fitting for a company that has moved away from the 1960s era of Total Performance. Ford is now in its Total Truck era.

      Have a tip? Reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com.