The future of automotive performance is changing. The progression of technology is moving faster than ever before. Engineers are able to push the boundaries of design and innovation beyond where we ever thought possible, and sports car enthusiasts are beginning to wonder what that means for them. The focus of many manufacturers is shifting away from performance cars and toward daily drivers, toward electric power, sport utility vehicles, and trucks. But, there is one place where gearheads, speed freaks and everyone looking to stomp on the gas and have 700-plus horses take your breath away. A car for those of us who find our thrills on the road, mixing old-school heritage with the most advanced design elements and technology to create a truly unique driving experience. The future – and the past – are truly here now. The 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang will be the fastest, most powerful production Ford Mustang to ever roll off the line.
The Shelby GT500 is legend, and this 2020 Mustang will be the most powerful production Ford ever built, as well as the fastest Mustang model in the lineup. The new 5.2L Supercharged V8 and first ever dual-clutch transmission in a Mustang delivers tire-smoking, pin-you-to-your-seat performance. Other standard features include a 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster, MagneRide® damping system as well as an active valve exhaust system that delivers the soundtrack you expect from the soon-to-be-legendary 5.2L V8.
Long recognized for its raw power and drag-strip prowess, the 2020 GT500 is set to match its straight-line success with equally impressive handling on the road track. As the pinnacle of Ford’s Mustang lineup, this is the highest point in the Mustang’s journey and boasts the very best across all aspects of power and performance. It is a lofty goal and one Ford is excited to be reaching through some marvels of modern automotive engineering achieved in the 2020 Shelby GT500. Ford used the beloved Voodoo engine as a starting point for GT500, with modifications like the return to a cross-plane crankshaft, which was made to allow for the Eaton supercharger and its 12 PSI of boost. Also, for the first time in a Mustang, Ford has included a dual-clutch gearbox: a Tremec seven-speed edition. The Performance engineers at Ford have said they went with the dual-clutch due to its ability to handle high torque and to shift a lot more quickly than a torque-converter automatic. The GT500 gets rear wheel power via a carbon-fiber driveshaft and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Their focus was on improving the individual components of the GT500 of course, but the overall package requirements are different for each driver, and Ford Performance made sure that the number and configuration of options available for customization were up to speed, so to speak. For example, there was a real focus by the engineers to keeping all the components cool over long, demanding drives. Ford designed the GT500 as an aerodynamic marvel, with significant downforce and a number of configurations allowing drivers to set the car up just how they like it. Those who select the Handling Package will get a Gurney flap for the rear wing, and the Carbon Fiber Track package adds a two-way adjustable wing similar to the GT4 race car as well as removable splitter wickers with dive planes at the front. Plus, drivers will not lose any of the attitude or visual effect that they demand with a Shelby Mustang. The vent on the hood is the largest in any Ford ever, and even that has customizable options built inside.
When all is said and done, this beast is a fitting tribute and illustrious next step in the journey of one of America’s greatest sports cars. It offers over 700 horsepower, will go from 0 to 60 in the mid-three-second range, and drivers will never see the clock hit 11 seconds before they run a quarter-mile. As the automotive industry moves further into the future, the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500 may be the pinnacle of performance.
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