2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe

Basic Specs

Base Price $48,810
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3820
City (MPG) 15
Hwy (MPG) 23
Horsepower 550@6200
Torque (lb-ft) 510@4250
Wheelbase 107.1
Length (in.) 188.2
Width (in.) 73.9
Height (in.) 54.5

With Ford now locked in a duel of the ages with Chevrolet as the Mustang and Camaro square off on the street, track and showrooms, Ford has a new answer to Chevy’s range-topping ZL1 Camaro – and it is the heavily updated Ford Shelby GT500 .

While GM selected a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 for their range-topping Camaro ZL1, good for 550 horsepower and torque, Ford has now answered with an all-new supercharged 5.8-liter V8 – cranking out a downright supercar-like 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world.

Shifting is handled exclusively by a six-speed manual transmission, which also features increased torque and rpm capacity thanks to its dual-clutch design.

To achieve such impressive power Ford ditched the 5.4-liter V8 that has powered the range-topping Mustang for years, starting anew with an all-aluminum 5.8-liter V8. The SVT folk then added a new TVS series 2300 (2.3-liter) supercharger and a significantly upgraded cooling system that features a larger cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, an updated and more efficient air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and a 36 percent bump to the intercooler heat exchanger’s capacity.

Packing all of that power into the Shelby’s updated body also results in a top speed that eclipses the 200 mile per hour barrier, although Ford hasn’t specified exactly where this snake stops. While we are sure the massive power boost played a big role in that new top speed, Ford says there has also been considerable aero work done to this new Pony.

How much work? For one, front fascia and splitter modifications allow for 33 percent more effective aero at 160mph compared to the outgoing model, and continue on to allow for the extreme aero loads experienced above 200mph.

New for the latest model year
The latest GT500 is full of new technology throughout, so much so in fact it might be a good idea to list out at least the bulk of changes in one place: new 5.8-liter aluminum-block engine, new 2.3-liter supercharger, six-piston Brembo front calipers, new and larger front and rear brake rotors, new brake pads, new downforce-generating front grilles, new and more aggressive front splitter, new quad exhaust system, (two) new forged-aluminum wheel designs, defeatable launch control system, new (optional) Performance Package featuring new SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and Torsen limited-slip differential, with the additional Track Package adding an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler and revised gearing in order to help better distribute the uprated power to the ground.

How does the GT500 manage its traction problem?
Of course, when dealing with 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, traction management becomes a serious concern, to which Ford answered with more than just new gearing. A new, defeatable launch control system has been developed that allows drivers unprecedented levels of control, allowing for specific rpm launch points to be chosen based on elevation, tire and street temperature and other variables. This system is fully unique to the SVT lineup in that it is incorporated into both the engine control and traction control systems.

There is also a Torsen limited-slip differential that comes with the optional Performance Package, something Ford says helps even further to deliver maximum power output to the ground. Rounding out the driving dynamic upgrades are tweaks to the AdvanceTrac system, which now features appropriately adjusted steering assist levels based on the changes to the car.

With all this power comes the need to slow this 3,850lb beast to a stop, to which Ford, Shelby and SVT answered with a new Brembo brake system that utilizes new six-piston calipers in the front, along with larger front and rear rotors. Ford says it also developed new brake pads which are even more performance-oriented, intended to performance better under high-speed heavy deceleration.

Also part of the stopping equation are wheels and tires, to which the latest Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of forged-aluminum wheels including a unique wheel for cars with the optional packages. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are coupled with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all vehicle configurations.

The practically all-new Ford Shelby GT500 is built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.

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    • General
    • Body Style: Coupe
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Performance
    • Weight: 3820 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 188.2 in.
    • Width: 73.9 in.
    • Height: 54.5 in.
    • Wheelbase: 107.1 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 5.7 in.
    • Front Track: 61.9 in.
    • Rear Track: 62.5 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 56/44
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 4
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: 13.4 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 42.4 in.
    • Head Room: 38.5 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.3 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.4 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 29.8 in.
    • Head Room: 34.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 51.6 in.
    • Hip Room: 46.8 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 5.4L V8
    • Power: 550 hp @ 6200 rpm
    • Torque: 510 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 23 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 15 mpg
    • Forced Induction: Supercharger
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Solid Axle
    • Wheels
    • Front: 19" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: P255/40Z19
    • Rear: 19" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: P285/35ZR19
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Packages

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      Rapid Spec - 820A

      • Standard features included in Base price

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    Exterior Packages

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      SVT Performance Package

      • When you own this limited-run Shelby model, you will be part of an elite group. The Shelby GT500 Performance Package puts the focus on substance and performance. It includes a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle, 19-inch painted forged-aluminum front wheels, 20-inch painted forged-aluminum rear wheels (with P265/40ZR19(F) P285/35ZR20(R) tires), high-performance front and rear springs, unique front and rear stabilizer bars, specialized rear shocks, a rear spoiler with distinctive Gurney flap, a custom gear shift knob and unique exterior stripes.

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    Exterior Options

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      Glass Roof

      • Let the sun shine in. The available glass roof on Mustang allows you you to do that and more. Designed for comfort, it features SPF 50-equivalent tinting that helps block out 96 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays (a retractable sunshade is included). And constructed of laminated safety glass featuring a built-in polyvinyl later, this roof is also designed to maintain excellent interior acoustics and quietness. The glass roof is available for both Mustang and Shelby.

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      3.55 Rear Axle Ratio

      • The 3.55 rear axle ratio is standard on Shelby GT500 and available on GT Coupe (manual transmission only).

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      3.73 Rear Axle Ratio

      • The 3.73 limited-slip rear axle is standard on the BOSS 302 and available on GT Coupe with manual transmission and on Shelby GT500 as part of the Performance Package.

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      Shelby GT500 Full Vehicle Cover

      • The Shelby GT500 car cover is constructed of gray WeatherShield fabric that features the Nextec encapsulation process for excellent protection and compact storage. It features a "Cobra Snake" image (in black) on front and Shelby script (in black) at rear. Includes storage bag (sewn in cover) with "Cobra Snake" image (in black).

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    Wheel Type

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      19"(F) & 20"(R) Premium Painted Forged Aluminum Wheels

      • The unique 19-inch(F) and 20-inch(R) premium painted forged aluminum wheels are included in the optional Performance Package on the 2012 Shelby GT500.

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      19" Premium Painted Forged Aluminum Wheels

      • 19-inch premium painted forged aluminum wheels, standard on Shelby GT500.

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    Interior Packages

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      Electronics Package

      • Electronics Package includes:
      • Voice-Activated Navigation System with integrated SIRIUS Traffic and SIRIUS Travel Link (includes 6-month complimentary subscription).
      • HD Radio.
      • Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.
      • Service available in the 48 contiguous states and DC. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms and Conditions available at SIRIUS.com, and sold separately after complimentary trail period. Some SIRIUS Traffic and SIRIUS Travel Link features are unavailable while driving. Traffic updates available in select markets.

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    Interior Options

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      Floor Mat Delete

      • To remove floor mats, the "Floor Mat Delete" option is available on the 2012 Mustang Shelby GT500.

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    Audio Upgrade

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      SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio

      • Everything worth listening to is on SIRIUS. With more than 130 channels of commercial-free music, news and sports, you'll find something to suit any state of mind. You can even set an alert to tell you when your favorite songs are playing on another channel. Complimentary six-month subscription.
      • Service available in the 4o8 contiguous states and DC. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio, Inc. Subscriptions governed by SIRIUS Terms and Conditions available at SIRIUS.com, and sold separately after complimentary trial period.

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      SYNC(R)

      • Available SYNC in an easy-to-use in-car connectivity system that allows you to stay connected to your world. Simply pair your Bluetooth-enabled phone and your compatible MP3 player or USB drive and SYNC does the rest. Features include:
      • Make hands-free call.
      • Control your music wit simple voice commands.
      • Traffic, Directions and Information (if equipped) lets you:
      • Receive traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions and business search right through your vehicle's stereo.
      • Hear your favorite content anytime with personalized news, weather, horoscopes, stocks, movie times and sports.
      • Get helpful travel information through touch or voice commands for airlines, rental cars, hotels, taxis, weather and driving directions for your destination.
      • Use your laptop or desktop computer to map out your destination from Google Maps or MapQuest and have the directions sent directly to your vehicle's SYNC system.
      • Vehicle Health Report allows you to receive an online report of your vehicle's diagnostics.
      • 911 Assist can connect you directly to a 911 operator through your paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys.
      • Audible Text Message.
      • SYNC is available on most vehicles. Features/functionality varies by vehicle/model. See dealer for details. Not all SYNC features are compatible with all mobile phones. Features like ringtone support and audible text messages may not work with certain mobile phones. SYNC features for previous model year (and phone compatibility) available at the SYNC owner website. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones/My Ford/My Lincoln Touch/ other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are trademarks of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
      • The vehicle's electrical system (including the battery), the wireless service provider's signal and a connected mobile phone all must be available and operating for 911 Assist to function properly. These systems may become damaged in a crash. The paired mobile phone must be connected to SYNC, and the 911 Assist feature enabled, in order for 911 to be dialed.

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      Shaker 500 Audio System

      • The available 500-watt Shaker 500 audio system includes an AM/FM stereo single-disc CD/MP3 player and eight speakers. It comes standard on the 2012 Mustang V6 Premium, GT Premium and Shelby GT500.

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      Shaker 1000 Audio System

      • The available Shaker 1000 audio system also includes an in-dash single-disc CD/MP3 player, but adds two speaker and doubles the wattage of the Shaker 500 system, pumping a full 1,000 watts of power into 10 premium speakers. The sonic boom from this system comes courtesy of two door-mounted sub-woofers, plus two additional 500-watt sub-woofers mounted in the trunk. A unique mounting enclosure keeps the sub-woofers out of the way to maximize the amount of usable trunk space. The Shaker 1000 audio system is available on the 2012 Mustang GT Premium and Shelby GT500.

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    Radio Type

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      AM/FM Stereo w/ Single-CD

      • AM/FM stereo with a single-CD player comes standard on 2012 Mustang V6 Premium, V6 Premium Convertible, GT Premium, GT Premium Convertible and Shelby GT500.

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      Voice-Activated Navigation System

      • The available voice-activated Navigation System with integrated SIRIUS Traffic and SIRIUS Travel Link networks several functions and displays them on an easy-to-use eight-inch, touch-screen display. The system features audible turn-by-turn route guidance, traffic alerts, current and forecasted national weather information, fuel prices, sports scores and schedules, and movie listings. On top of all that, the 10-gigabyte music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours (approximately 2,400 songs). Browse your music with your fingertips or use voice activation to play back a track. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CD's, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). And the system's screen can even be customized with personal photos.

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    Seat Type

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      Leather Bucket Seats w/ Racing Stripes

      • The 2012 Shelby GT500 leather-trimmed sport bucket seats feature firm, supportive bolsters and Alcantera suede accents with a racing stripe pattern that is color coordinated with the vehicle's exterior racing stripes. The embossed iconic Cobra logo tops it off.

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      RECARO Leather-Trimmed Sport Seats

      • These available race-inspired leather-trimmed seats are supportive and comfortable, even in the most severe lateral Gs. Seats also include racing stripe pattern that is color coordinated with the vehicle's exterior racing stripes. The embossed iconic Cobra logo tops it off.

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    Interior Accessories

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      Illuminated Front Door Sills

      • Extra-special effects for your Mustang every time you enter and exit. The available brushed-stainless steel Illuminated door sill plates emit a white LED glow, spelling out the vehicle name. They shut off automatically when the doors close.
      • Comes with two sills, dealer installation recommended.

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    Exterior Accessories

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      Left Quarter Window Louver

      • the available stylish left rear quarter window louver was designed by Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, they come primed and ready to paint.
      • Easy to install - affixes directly to the rear quarter window using high strength adhesive tape included in each kit.

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      Left Side Scoop

      • The available, stylish left side scoop was designed for Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS Plastic, it comes primmed and ready to paint. Easy to install with no drilling required.

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      Right Quarter Window Louver

      • the available stylish right rear quarter window louver was designed by Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS plastic, they come primed and ready to paint.
      • Easy to install - affixes directly to the rear quarter window using high strength adhesive tape included in each kit.

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      Right Side Scoop

      • The available, stylish right side scoop was designed for Ford to complement the Mustang's styling. Constructed of durable ABS Plastic, it comes primmed and ready to paint. Easy to install with no drilling required.

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      Shelby Decklid Panel

      • N/A

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      Side Window Deflectors

      • The available deflectors keep out snow or rain so you can crack open the window and let fresh air in.
      • These durable smoke-colored acrylic deflectors feature self-stick adhesive for easy installation.

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