Ford is calling their 2020 Mustang Shelhy GT500 the most powerful street-legal Ford ever. While both Chevrolet and Dodge have had Camaro and Challenger vehicles with high horsepower outputs for a couple of years now, Ford has largely stayed out of the competition with this newest generation. That all changes with the new GT500. Ford estimates this new Mustang wi ll have over 700 horsepower. Putting it on par with the 707 horsepower Hellcat and ahead of the 650 Horsepower Camaro ZL1.
The double front grille offers 50 percent more airflow versus the Shelby GT350. The styling is standard mustang with angular LEDs and a snorting nose. Ford SaysThe grille and hood were both inspired by fighter jets. A large 31×28 inch hood vent has a removeable aluminum rain tray which allows for better air flow and downforce. The entire design is geared towards increasing performance and downforce.
Ford is not just concentrating on big horsepower and going fast in a straight line. Combining next-generation active MagneRide suspension that has the ability to make 1000 adjustments every second while trading information with the brakes and powertrain, with lighter springs, updated steering, and Michelen Pilot Sport 4S tires, the GT500 is capable of delivering the highest-ever lateral acceleration of any Mustang.
Two packages will be available with increased levels of performance. The Handling Package adds strut top mounts and a spoiler with Gurney flap. The Carbon Fiber Track Package adds 20-inch exposed carbon fiber wheels that are half an inch wider in the rear and wrapped in Sport Cup 2 Michelins, a carbon fiber rear wing from the GT4 mustang and an option to delete the rear seat for redu ced weight. There’s 16.5 inch rotors up front with six piston Brembo calipers. The rear makes due with 14.6 inch rotors clamped by four piston calipers.
But regardless of how much Ford tries to emphasis the track capabilities of this new GT500, no doubt the most interesting part of the Shelby GT500 is its supercharged 5.2-liter aluminum alloy hand-built engine. The 2.7-liter Eaton supercharger pulling 12 psi, is very similar to the one found on the Corvette ZR1. The block has wire-arc cylinder liners and aluminum cylinder heads to save weight and beefier forged connecting rods. The structural oil pan contains passageways that open and close depending on the g-forces to allow oil to stay in place and removes the need for a dry sump system.
Power is delivered via a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a carbon-fiber driveshaft connected to a Torsen limited-slip differential. The dual-clutch is the only transmission available but can change gears in less than 1 tenth of a second, faster than anyone can row a manual. It also changes character depending on which drive mode is selected. Line-lock and launch control are also available.
Moving to the interior, the instrument cluster is a 12-inch full color LCD. There’s an 8 inch touchscreen display with Ford’s sync 3 software, Sirius xm and fordpass connect. The door panel inserts are lined with suede. Optional Recaro seats have pass-throughs for a safety harness. Power adjustable seats with suede inserts are also offered. A 12-speaker B&O Play audio system is available in case the V-8 and 5 inch exhaust don’t make enough noise for your liking.
Ford claims a 0-60 time of about 3.5 seconds and a ¼ mile time of less than 11. Pricing has not been announced but expect something in the range of $65 – $70k.