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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $59,200 |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | TBD |
| City (MPG) | TBD |
| Hwy (MPG) | TBD |
| Horsepower | 650@6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 600@4000 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 |
| Length (in.) | 188.2 |
| Width (in.) | 73.9 |
| Height (in.) | 55.4 |
Ford has introduced a heavily revised version of the Shelby GT500, which serves as the halo vehicle for the Mustang lineup. For the latest generation, the SVT and Shelby-engineered muscle convertible gets an all-aluminum version of its existing 5.4-liter V8 for more performance and better efficiency, along with a fresh new look.
For the first time, Ford's Shelby GT500 is going to an all-aluminum version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that was in the 2010 GT500. This new engine is good for a 102 lb weight decrease, as well as 10 horsepower bump over the outgoing model -- putting total output at 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque.
One piece of technology that helped to make this muscle car a little slimmer was the addition of a Plasma Transferred Wire Arc cylinder lining. This Ford-exclusive technology is being applied for the first time, and helps to reduce weight by 8.5 pounds while also reducing friction within the piston rings and cylinder bores by coating the inside of the cylinder bores with special nanoparticles. Ford also says that this new technology provides for better durability and improved heat transfer.
The latest Shelby GT500 is be the first modern Shelby without a gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway ratings. The engine changes also result in 80 percent torque being available between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, along with a larger two-row intercooler that delivers 40 percent more cooling capacity.
The GT500 achieved the increase in fuel economy through a combination of weight savings from the use of an all-aluminum engine block, improved body and undercarriage aerodynamics and the addition of Electric Power Assisted Steering.
Ford has also lowered the GT500 by 11 millimeters up front, and 8 millimeters out back for improved handling. SVT says it added slotted brake dust shields to help improve brake cooling and handling, as well as a new pedal box with is aimed at improving clutch and pedal efforts.
The latest model also benefits from a 20 percent decrease in unwanted road noise from strategically placed sound absorption materials, allowing drivers and passengers to focus more intently on the rumbling exhaust - newly updated with 2.75 tubing and 10 extra ponies.
The Shelby GT500 also now comes with standard HID headlamps, options MyKey technology, an integrated spotter mirror and fold-down rear headrests for maximum rearward visibility.
Ford also stiffened the chassis on the convertible by 12 percent over the outgoing model - allowing for improved lateral stiffness. Ford achieved this improvement with added gussets to the V-brace, an increased secondary crossmember, a front Z-brace was added and A-pillar stiffening foam has been added as well.
"One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe," said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. "Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride."
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.
Key Competitors
The Shelby GT500 is powerful enough to be mentioned in the same breath as the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, the BMW M3 Convertible and the Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible, though all of those cars are more handling-focused that the somewhat muscle car-like Ford.
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- General
- Body Style: Convertible
- Size: Midsize
- Market Segment: Performance
- Weight: TBD
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- Exterior
- Length: 188.2 in.
- Width: 73.9 in.
- Height: 55.4 in.
- Wheelbase: 107.1 in.
- Ground Clearance: 5.7 in.
- Front Track: 61.9 in.
- Rear Track: 62.5 in.
- Weight Distribution: 55/45
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 81.0 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 9.6 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 42.4 in.
- Head Room: 38.8 in.
- Shoulder Room: 55.3 in.
- Hip Room: 53.4 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 29.8 in.
- Head Room: 36.5 in.
- Shoulder Room: 40.5 in.
- Hip Room: 45.2 in.
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 5.8L V8
- Power: 650 hp @ 6250 rpm
- Torque: 600 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: TBD
- City Fuel Economy: TBD
- Forced Induction: Supercharger
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: N/A
- Rear Suspension: N/A
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- Wheels
- Front: 19" Aluminum
- Front Tires: TBD
- Rear: 20" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: TBD
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: N/A
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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