Epically Epic: Ford Unveils the 2020 Shelby GT500
The Detroit Auto Show was the scene of the unveiling of the most powerful sports car Ford has ever built — 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500.
It’s no one trick pony as Ford exclaims that the high performance coupe is ready to tear down the drag strip, but it’s also built to wrangle a twisty race track. (We’ll see.)
The 2020 Shelby GT500 has a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 stuffed under its bulging, vented hood that’s good for “more than 700 horsepower.” Just how much more has yet to be announced. You’ll also find six heat exchangers in there to keep it cool.
Instead of a manual or traditional automatic transmission, the GT500 sends its power to the rear tires through a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, similar to the one used by the Ford GT supercar. With it, Ford claims the GT500 can cover a quarter-mile in under 11 seconds, which would make it one of the quickest cars in the world.
The suspension has been revised for the GT500 and now features adaptive MagneRide shocks was tuned for taking turns, the way Ford’s road racing GT4 Mustangs do. Ford also announced a special handling package that includes the same, towering rear wing as the race car along with a front splitter equipped with so many blades that it looks like a torture device. Adjustable strut-top mounts and carbon fiber wheels are also included, but the rear seats are not.
For stopping power, new owners will be pleased to find a set of six-piston Brembo calipers inside of the wheels that are ready to squeeze manhole-cover size 16.5-inch front brakes. A line-lock feature that carries over from other Mustangs can hold just them so you can heat up the rear tires in an epic cloud of smoke.
Ford hasn’t announced pricing for the GT500, but it will slot in above the $60,000 GT350 in the Mustang lineup when it goes on sale this fall. #BOLO
