Following the introduction of the redesigned Ford Mustang, Ford rolled out the more potent Shelby GT500 edition for the 2010 model year onward. Powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4-liter V8, the new Shelby is more powerful than its predecessor by 40 horses.

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Ford says its Special Vehicle Team (SVT) division carried over the gains made with the special edition Shelby GT500KR to the more widely produced Shelby model. The new GT500 also gains the GT500KR's whopping 510 pound-feet of torque.

"Working together on the KR, the Ford and Shelby teams developed new systems to continually improve the iconic Mustang," stated Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles.

"Those lessons learned are incorporated into the 2010 Shelby GT500. This approach will help maintain Mustang's leadership position at the front of the pack and make the ownership experience even more enjoyable."

New gearbox enhancements, plus a standard 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, decreased drag, and increased downforce mean the new Shelby GT500 delivers improved acceleration, while providing 2 mpg of additional highway fuel efficiency.

"The muscle car segment is becoming even more competitive," said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. "We need to uphold the Mustang badge with honor, the Shelby badge with honor and most importantly the Ford badge with honor. The 2010 GT500 is the car that will do all of that."

The supercharged and intercooled V8, featuring dual overhead cams, redlines at 6,250 rpm.

The twin-disc clutch on the six-speed manual transmission has been upgraded, yielding better performance. The clutch discs are larger -- 250 mm in diameter compared with 215 mm -- and made of copper and fiberglass for increased strength.

Revised gear ratios promise better acceleration and economy. Gears 1 through 4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning that the Shelby GT500 turns lower engine RPMs in those gears and deliver improved efficiency. The new final drive ratio, from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears.

Engineers reportedly paid extra attention to improving cabin noise. "You still hear the supercharger but not so that it's intrusive," said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. "It's the same with the exhaust. You want people to know you're driving something special, but you don't want an exhaust note that overpowers the whole interior."

New lightweight wheels, optimized springs and dampers, Goodyear F1 Supercar tires, and a stiffer steering shaft all promise to enhance handling.

Other features include AdvanceTrac stability control (which can be disabled), dual stage front air bags, side-impact air bags, Ford SYNC, 911 Assist, a constantly updated Vehicle Health Report (VHR), and an Ambient Lighting System with MyColor. Voice-activated navigation with Sirius Travel Link is optional.