2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Unchanged for 2012 model year
The 2012 Shelby GT500 were essentially carbon copies of the 2011 Shelby GT500. All three body styles returned along with options like the Electronics Package that added some luxury to the car and the transformational SVT Performance Package that brought the performance of the GT500 to the next level.
Only a pair of Recaro leather covered sport bucket seats were a new addition to the options list and should be considered mandatory along with the Performance Package since the extra bolstering helped keep the driver in place whenever they explored the outer reaches of the GT500’s extreme performance. In 2012 you also got the Mustang’s new selectable steering system that allowed drivers to choose up to three different settings: “Sport” mode, “Comfort” mode, and “Standard” mode for normal everyday driving. Another new electronics feature was the addition of next-generation SYNC that included AppLink, as well as voice-activated enhanced navigation for a complete hands-free operation.
When you start to buy a Shelby, realize that you get everything a GT Premium Mustang has and then more. And when I say more, I mean lots more. The engine it is a 5.4 liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V8 engine that produces a whopping 550 hp at 6000 rpm and 510 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. This is NOT a normally aspirated engine. Rather it is an intercooled, supercharged engine with 9 pounds of boost. Mileage is not the best with this beast of an engine, but with the standard 6 speed transmission, it is rated at 15 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway. The standard gearing in the differential is 3.55:1 in a limited slip axle.
If you opt for the Performance Package, you will receive a 3.73:1 limited slip differential. Also included n the package is19 x 9.5 painted forged wheels with P265/40R19 front tires and on the rear are 20 x 9.5 painted forged aluminum wheels and P285.35R20 wheels. To go along with the power and traction options you get specially tuned rear springs and shocks. Visually the performance package adds a unique shifter know, classy striping, a gurney flap, a special spoiler and a underbody aerodynamic shield.
An option that is available for both the basic Shelby and the Performance Package Shelby is a Shaker 1000 Audio system.
Aside from these two options, there is an Electronics Package that upgrades to a dual heat/cooling zone temperature controls, a navigation system, an upgraded sound system and a lot of fun.
Aside from the fantastic power and impressive features, from time-to-time, I will vet a complaint about the Shelby. It looks too much like a Mustang, and it has a rear seat! Ditch the rear seat and put in a wet bar, hot tub or just about anything! Perhaps just leave it empty and carpeted or add a second fuel tank so one can drive farther as long s the bladder does not complain! Change the front fenders and hood/ front grille opening modify the Shelby’s appearance. If I were to pay twice as much for a Shelby as I would for a Mustang I would want people to know I didn’t just over pay for a Mustang, I got a Shelby! Enough said.
It is still an awesome car.
Specs & Performance
Engine
Type: 90-degree, DOHC 32-Valve supercharged aluminum V-8
Displacement: 5.4L / 330 CID
Horsepower: 550 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 510 lbs.-ft. @ 4250 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 3.55 in. x 4.17 in.
Compression: 8.4:1
Suspension
Front: Modified (reverse-L) MacPherson strut, 34mm stabilizer bar, coil springs
Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panhard rod, 24mm solid stabilizer bar
Brakes
Front: 14.0 in. vented Brembo disc, four-piston aluminum caliper
Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
ABS: Four channel, four-sensor ABS system with EBD, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 19 x 9.5 in. forged aluminum wheels with SVT center caps
Tires: Coupe – P265/40ZR-19 Front; P285/35ZR-19 Rear
Performance
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds (Motor Trend)
60-0 mph braking: 103 feet (Motor Trend)
1/4-mile @ MPH: 12.35 seconds @ 115.8 mph (Motor Trend
Production
Total Produced: 4,834
Total Coupe Produced: 3,929
– Black: 1,669
– Race Red: 624
– Kona Blue: 548
– Performance White: 533
– Ingot Silver: 382
– Grabber Blue: 173
Total Convertible Produced: 905
– Black: 390
– Race Red: 135
– Kona Blue: 133
– Performance White: 128
– Ingot Silver: 80
– Grabber Blue: 39
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