Ford unveiled the all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 in Detroit.

And the new creation is a real beast – the most powerful street-legal Ford ever with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 aluminium alloy engine, producing more than 700 horsepower, under the hood.

The Shelby also features a carbon fibre driveshaft and, to channel all that power and torque, Ford Performance selected a TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This dual-clutch transmission is designed for a number of drive modes, including normal, weather, sport, drag and track, and activates features like line-lock and launch control through selectable Track Apps.

Shelby GT500 takes advantage of revised suspension geometry, a new electronic power steering unit and lighter-weight coil springs front and rear. There’s next-generation active MagneRide suspension along with the latest in advanced drive mode technologies from Ford Performance.

To provide track-ready stopping power, 16-5-inch (420-millimeter) two-piece rotors are added plus larger, stiffer Brembo six-piston calipers.

Two handling packages are offered. The first includes adjustable strut top mounts and spoiler with Gurney flap. A Carbon Fibre Track Package features exposed 20-inch carbon fibre wheels with 0.5-inch-wider rear wheels (11.5-inch), custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, adjustable exposed carbon fibre GT4 track wing and splitter wickers with integrated dive plane. The rear seat is deleted to reduce weight.

On the inside, the Shelby GT500’s purpose-built cockpit boasts race-inspired premium materials and unique finishes including Recaro racing seats with firm side bolstering and pass-throughs for safety harnesses. Power-adjustable seating with Miko suede inserts is also offered.

There’s a 12-inch full-colour LCD instrument cluster, while a high-performance custom-tuned 12-speaker B&O Play premium audio system is available. All of this is controlled via an 8-inch SYNC 3 touch screen.

New colours for 2020 include Red Hot, Twister Orange and Iconic Silver.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (Feb 2019)

7 Feb 2019