Shelby Outmuscles Dodge
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 has been released, and if you’ve wanted the Superman like ability to change the earth’s rotation, this is the one for you. A handbuilt 5.2L V8, complete with super-strong forged conrods, a new water to air intercooled system that works alongside the supercharger, and appropriate electronic modifications, have laid out a powerful 566kW of grunt and an astonishing 866Nm of torque. This the end result of Ford’s quest to overcome the brilliant 527kW Dodge Hellcat. Sadly, it does look as if it won’t be available in right-hand drive.
This monster gets its oomph to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch seven speed. Changes are slow (cough) at 100 milliseconds. Reflecting what Ford believe will be the main focus of the owners, three drive modes, Road, Track, and Dragstrip. All together, the upgraded engine, transmission, and electronics should see a 0-100 time of under three seconds, a figure Ford hasn’t yet confirmed. It tops out at 290kmh, and for those using the Dragstrip mode, a quarter mile of around eleven seconds should be expected. A line-lock system for drag use is included.
In order to tame the firebreathing machine, active damper suspension is onboard, with rerated coil springs and a redesigned geometry for the suspension components. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber provide the fight in the grip section and wrap around Australian made carbon-fibre 20 inch wheels, and Brembo adds in the six pot stoppers. A new front splitter is fitted and the ends have a canard design for more aero flow. Outback is a GT4 wing that loads up a near quarter-tonne of downforce at speed. Need to lose weight? the rear bench seat is a delete option.
The interior isn’t forgotten, with a full digital instrument panel, 12 speaker sound, 8.0 inch touchscreen, and Recaro buckets with race harness fittings.
If you’ve the money and the right contacts, have a chat with Ford but make it quick. Cars like this tend to sell out in a blink.
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