2020 Shelby GT500 The Most Powerful Ford EVER

Four years ago on a cold morning in Detroit, Ford unwrapped the Ford GT supercar in Joe Louis Arena to a stunned audience. Following the audible gasps were oohs, ahhs and a whole lot of lust for the performance DNA Ford Motor Company was promising.

Fast forward to January 2019, and Ford warmed up the last North American Auto Show in January by revealing the 2020 Shelby GT500-“the most powerful street-legal Ford ever producing more than 700 horsepower”. So, is the Shelby GT500 taking aim at the hellcat or just flexing the muscle of Carroll Shelby?

Shelby GT500 profile

“With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation
Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics,” said Hermann Salenbauch,
global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “As a Mustang, it has to be attainable and punch above its weight. To that end, we’ve set a new standard among American performance cars with our most powerful street-legal V8 engine to date, plus the quickest-shifting transmission ever in a Mustang for all-out precision and speed.”

Shelby GT500 steering wheel

Street Legal, Track Ready

Ford says the GT500 is capable of mid-three-second 0-60 mph and sub-11-second quarter-mile scores. Powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter aluminum alloy engine built by hand, the 2020 Shelby GT500 features the best Mustang track times, the best cornering and the largest brakes of any domestic sports coupe thanks to tech transfer from Ford GT and Mustang GT4 racing programs; this includes a segment-first dual-clutch transmission. Helmets are optional, depending on who’s driving and whether you’re on the street or the track.

“With a double front grille opening and 50 percent more cooling pack airflow versus the Shelby GT350, along with the most advanced aero components and downforce we’ve ever offered, every millimeter of Shelby GT500’s fastback design is aimed at improving performance,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford design manager.

Those large angular grille openings and muscular hood combine for a menacing, aerodynamic-led design inspired by modern fighter jet aircraft. The car’s wider front fenders and stance housing Shelby GT500-specific 20×11-inch wheels proportionally align to its rear fenders that hug up to 20×11.5-inch wheels. A standard new rear spoiler and updated composite materials in the rear diffuser result in added thermal management.

Shelby GT500

Ford Focuses On Performance DNA In New Shelby GT500

Did someone say ‘dual clutch’? Yes, the engineering team chose a TREMEC® 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds – markedly faster than any manual gearbox. This dual-clutch transmission is designed for a number of drive modes, including normal, weather, sport, drag and track, and activates features like line-lock and launch control through selectable Track Apps. Does this mean the manual transmission should rest in peace?

The rubber you’ll be burning, on or off the track, those are custom-engineered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and more aggressive Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires feature unique compounds and tread. Of course with all this speed and power, you also need to be able to stop. Ford used massive 16-5-inch two-piece rotors are added – the largest of any domestic sports coupe – plus larger, stiffer Brembo six-piston calipers.

Shelby GT500 tires

“Carroll was always working on the next faster Shelby, I think he would love this Mustang more than any other,” said Jim Farley, Ford president, global markets. “A takedown artist, the new Shleby GT500 will surprise supercar owners with its Ford Performance racing tech,
supercharged engine and visceral swagger.”

Pricing has yet to be announced, but we imagine it will be steep. Stay tuned for more details.

 

 

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Kristin Barclay
Kristin Barclay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and Advertising. Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and informative news coverage. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing local communities and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for reliable news and information. In addition to her work as an editor and journalist, Kristin is also a skilled writer and has written articles on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, education, and culture. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. Kristin is also an active member of the community and has volunteered her time and resources to numerous organizations and causes. She believes in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristin Barclay is also a passionate advocate for local journalism and the role it plays in keeping communities informed and engaged. She believes strongly in the importance of supporting local news outlets and is dedicated to ensuring that quality journalism remains a vital part of our society. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys traveling both for business and pleasure. She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Whether she's on a business trip or a vacation, Kristin is always eager to discover what makes each place unique and special. Kristin's passions include boots, bourbon, dogs and college football. She is a self-proclaimed boot aficionado and has an impressive collection of cowboy boots that she wears with pride. She also enjoys sipping on a good bourbon and spending time with her husband and beloved border collies. Last but certainly not least, Kristin is the proud mother of two children who bring joy and meaning to her life. She is deeply committed to being a loving and supportive parent, and her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation