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- The Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever - here's a closer look
The Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever - here's a closer look
Matthew DeBordAug 6, 2019, 03:43 IST
The Shelby GT500 will join the Ford Performance lineup, which already included the Shelby GT350 and GT350R, as well as the Ford GT supercar. Colors "include Rapid Red, Twister Orange, and Iconic Silver," Ford said. Stripes are extra.
The Shelby GT500 is low and mean.
Six heat exchangers for the supercharged V8 hide behind that Cobra badge. And the functional louvered hood vent increases aerodynamic downforce.
The rear of the Shelby GT500 can be dominated by a massive carbon-fiber spoiler, derived from the GT4 racing series, if you opt for that package when the 'Stang goes on sale in 2020.
The wing is designed to increase downforce, keeping the rear tires glued to the track. It's part of two handling packages Ford plans to offer for the GT500.
The 760 ponies are supplied by a 5.2-liter, hand-built, aluminum-alloy, supercharged V8 engine. According to Ford, the motor has "high-flow aluminum cylinder heads, larger forged connecting rods, improved lubrication and cooling passages" — and even a specially designed oil pan.
Ford says the GT500 is capable of "mid-three-second 0-60 mph" runs and "sub-11-second quarter-mile scores." Yes, that's supercar fast. And the GT500 has a "line lock" features that allows you to heat up the tires before speed runs.
There's a rotary shift knob, but ...
... Of far greater interest is the dual-clutch transmission, based on the gearbox in the Ford GT. The 7-speed unit "can shift smoothly in less than 100 milliseconds – markedly faster than any manual," Ford claimed.
Classic Mustang gauges are framed in carbon fiber.
The interior isn't a wild departure from the current Mustang lineup. Recaro racing seats with holes from harness straps will be available. The infotainment touchscreen is a modest eight-inches, running Ford's SYNC 3 system.
This beast is ready to take on all comers. "The new Shelby GT500 will surprise supercar owners with its Ford Performance racing tech, supercharged engine and visceral swagger," Jim Farley, Ford's global president, said.
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