The Mustang Shelby GT500 is not an ordinary sports car. Ford designed this model with powerful engineering, bold looks, and advanced features to stand out. Its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine produces impressive horsepower and delivers performance that pushes the limits of muscle cars. The unique sound and driving experience set it apart from other Mustangs, making it a special car for fans and drivers alike.
Despite its power and aggressive design, the GT500 isn’t just about speed. The car offers thoughtful details in its build and style, from special badges to its hand-built engine. While daily use can be challenging because of its noise and fuel needs, the GT500 rewards owners with strong performance and an exciting presence on the road.
Key Takeaways
- The Shelby GT500 is a standout evolution of the Mustang.
- Its engine and features deliver high performance and unique driving dynamics.
- Build quality and customization make it appealing to car enthusiasts.
Shelby GT500 Overview
Looks and Style
The Shelby GT500 stands out with its bold and aggressive design. The car features a large front splitter, a pronounced power dome on the hood, and distinctive snake badges that mark it as a true Shelby. The 20-inch wheels are paired with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, while the side skirts add to its sharp look. Rear visibility is limited by small American-spec mirrors, but the huge rear wing grabs attention both up close and from a distance.
Key Exterior Details:
- Grabber Green paint option
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Quad exhaust tips (large enough for a fist)
- Optional carbon-fiber wing and wheels with the Carbon Pack
- Hand-built engine proudly displayed under the hood
Notable Equipment and Traits
The GT500 is loaded with performance-focused features. Under the hood sits a supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V8 engine, producing 760 horsepower and 847 Nm of torque. Four selectable exhaust modes—Normal, Sport, Track, and one even louder—give drivers control over the car’s sound. The engine itself is hand-built, with a signed plaque from the builder.
A fast-shifting automatic transmission delivers gear changes in just 80 milliseconds, leaving no room for manual shifting. Launch control is easy to use through a simple button and on-screen menu. Large Brembo brakes with 16.5-inch discs provide strong stopping power, and the car’s traction in corners is impressive thanks to the wide tires and advanced chassis setup.
Equipment Highlights Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L supercharged Predator V8 (760 hp) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Exhaust | Quad outlets, four sound modes |
| Brakes | 16.5-inch steel discs, Brembo calipers |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (or Cup tires option) |
| Aero Upgrades* | Large front splitter, optional carbon pack |
| Engine Detail | Hand-built, signed plaque |
* Carbon Pack adds carbon-fiber wing, wheels, and removes rear seat
The Shelby GT500 gives drivers power, presence, and features rarely found together, making it a distinctive muscle car.
Powertrain and Driving Experience
Key V8 Engine Details
The Shelby GT500 uses a hand-built 5.2-liter V8 known as the “Predator.” This engine is supercharged and makes 760 horsepower and 847 Nm of torque. It is not the same as the Coyote or Voodoo engines that are found in other Mustangs. Ford lowered the engine’s compression to handle the extra boost from the supercharger.
Predator 5.2L V8 Quick Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5.2 Liters |
| Induction | Supercharged |
| Horsepower | 760 hp |
| Torque | 847 Nm |
| Compression Ratio | Reduced for boost |
| Assembly | Hand-built, signed |
Gear changes are managed by a fast-shifting automatic system. It can shift gears in just 80 milliseconds, which helps the car accelerate quickly. There is no manual option as Ford wanted maximum acceleration.
Supercharger and Boost System
The GT500’s power comes from a 2.6-liter Eaton supercharger mounted right on top of the engine. By lowering the compression ratio, Ford allows more boost, which creates the high horsepower figure. The supercharger is easy to see as soon as the hood is open.
Key Supercharger Points:
- 2.6-liter Eaton design for high output
- Sits above the Predator V8, visible after opening the hood
- Designed for maximum performance with extra boost
Exhaust Sound Levels and Modes
The exhaust on the GT500 is known for being extremely loud. There are four sound settings for the exhaust:
- Quiet
- Normal
- Sport
- Track
Each mode changes the volume and character of the exhaust. In normal mode, the car is already very loud. Sport and Track modes make it even louder, enough to be flagged at many tracks for excess noise. The car features four large exhaust pipes at the rear; each is big enough to fit a hand inside.
Exhaust Mode Overview
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Quiet | Lowest sound volume |
| Normal | Everyday use, still loud |
| Sport | More aggressive, very loud |
| Track | Maximum noise, race setting |
The exhaust gives the car a strong presence whether parked or in motion, adding to the GT500’s unique character.
On-Road Feel and Performance
Speed Off the Line and Launch Features
The Shelby GT500 uses a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, called “Predator,” that delivers 760 horsepower and 847 Nm of torque. For best results, it features a launch control system that is simple to use through the car’s menu. The car’s automatic gearbox shifts in 80 milliseconds, allowing for maximum acceleration.
Drivers notice how loud the exhaust is, with four selectable modes: Normal, Sport, Track, and Quiet. Acceleration from 0–62 mph is about 4 seconds, but real-world surfaces can affect traction. While the car is quick, its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout means it can struggle to find grip without a sticky drag surface.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L Supercharged V8 (“Predator”) |
| Power | 760 horsepower |
| Torque | 847 Nm |
| Gearbox | Automatic, 80ms shifts |
| Acceleration (0–62 mph) | ~4 seconds (varies by surface) |
| Exhaust Modes | Normal, Sport, Track, Quiet |
| Launch Control | Menu-operated, RPM settable |
Cornering and Grip
On the road and track, the GT500 manages high levels of grip and control. Fitted with 20-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, it handles corners well. The car squats at the rear and lifts up front when accelerating, giving a strong sense of power delivery.
It holds tight in turns, only starting to understeer after high cornering forces. Oversteer can be prompted, but even then, the car remains manageable. The steering could offer more feedback from the front tires, but overall traction is very high—drivers can trust the car’s abilities and enter corners with confidence, even if it’s not as sharp as a purpose-built track car.
- Tires: 20″ Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Optional Track Pack: Carbon fiber wing, wheels, rear seat delete, Michelin Cup tires
- Grip: High, stable in most conditions
- Steering Feel: Predictable but could be more communicative
Stopping Power and Brake Build
The car uses large steel brake discs (16.5 inches) and Brembo calipers. Though carbon ceramic brakes aren’t offered, the standard brakes have strong, repeatable performance. They are capable of stopping the car quickly, and the size of the discs is notable—larger than the wheels of some older Mustangs.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front Brake Discs | 16.5-inch steel |
| Brakes | Brembo calipers |
| Repeat Performance | Consistent stopping power |
Braking is firm and dependable, handling repeated hard stops with minimal fade. Even for such a powerful car, the stopping system is almost as impressive as its acceleration.
What It’s Like to Own
Everyday Use
Using the Shelby GT500 for normal driving is not simple. The car’s loud exhaust can be too much, even in the quieter setting.
The car is only left-hand drive and is not sold everywhere, making it hard to use in some countries. Pulling out from side streets, passing cars, and basic driving can be stressful. For people who like to keep a low profile, this car will attract a lot of attention.
The mirrors are very small, which makes it difficult to see behind. The ride is built more for speed than comfort, so the GT500 is not the best choice for daily commutes or driving in busy cities.
Gas Mileage
This car uses a lot of fuel, even when driving slowly. It can be tough to get more than 10 miles per gallon (mpg), and a full tank might only last about 100 miles.
If long trips or saving money on gas is a concern, the GT500 is not a strong fit. Its supercharged V8 is built for power, not to save fuel.
Cost and How to Get One
The price for a new GT500 is around $81,000, or about £60,000 in other currencies. This is a high cost, but it does come with unique Shelby design features and strong performance parts.
Finding this car can be tricky since it is not available in every country and comes only as left-hand drive. The table below shows a quick summary:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $81,000 (approx.) |
| Availability | Limited markets; LHD only |
| Main Extras | Shelby badges, special engine, large brakes, performance tires |
For those who can afford it, the design and power make it stand out, but getting one and running it every day can be difficult.
Personalizing Features and Choices
Enhanced Lightweight Add-Ons
For drivers looking to boost performance and style, there is a special set of upgrades available. These include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, carbon fiber wheels, and a removal of the back seats for a lighter overall build. Michelin Cup tires are also included in this package.
Below is a quick look at these add-ons:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler | Strong, light, and improves downforce |
| Carbon Fiber Wheels | Lowers weight for better handling |
| Rear Seat Delete | Reduces extra weight for track use |
| Michelin Cup Tires | Better grip for high-speed driving |
These options let owners fine-tune the car for both track and road use. The result is a more focused driving experience with less weight and more grip.
Cabin Materials and Craftsmanship
Engine Built by Hand
The Shelby GT500 uses a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine known as the “Predator.” Each engine is assembled by hand at Ford’s Romeo plant. One builder completes the main assembly, and then signs a special metal plaque placed on top of the engine. This detail shows the level of care and pride put into each GT500’s powertrain.
Below is a quick breakdown of engine assembly highlights:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Hand-built by a dedicated technician |
| Location | Ford Romeo plant |
| Personal Touch | Builder signs a metal plaque on the engine |
| Supercharger | 2.6-liter Eaton attached on top |
Unique Shelby Design Touches
The GT500 features several elements that set it apart from a standard Mustang. Shelby snake badges are placed around the car. The front splitter is extra large, and the hood has a raised section (“power dome”) which is both functional and eye-catching. The engine is visible under a simple brace, without a large plastic cover to hide it.
Other details include:
- 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- Oversized steel brake discs and eye-catching Brembo calipers
- Small side mirrors in U.S. spec, adding to the focused look
- Large rear wing, with an optional upgraded carbon version available in the Carbon Pack
- Quad exhaust tips that are big enough to fit a fist inside
These special features show how Shelby has shaped the GT500’s design and performance things you can see and feel right away.
Personal Reflections
The Shelby GT500 leaves a strong impression with its aggressive look, loud exhaust, and powerful 5.2-liter supercharged V8. The car produces 760 horsepower and 847 Nm of torque. Its acceleration is quick, but the rear-drive setup makes it tricky to get all that power down from a stop.
Key Points:
- Engine: 5.2L “Predator” V8, supercharged
- Horsepower: 760
- Torque: 847 Nm
- Brakes: 16.5-inch steel discs, Brembo calipers
- Exhaust: Four sound levels, extremely loud
- Wheels: 20-inch with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- Price: $81,000*
Living with this car every day is not easy. It’s left-hand drive only, very noisy, and gets poor fuel economy. Driving it through town can be awkward, and the large rear wing looks better from far away than up close. Some features, like the brake discs and visible engine plaque, show care in design, but things like the flapping rear wing and small side mirrors are less ideal.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Strong, fast engine | Not available in the UK |
| Looks bold and unique | Not practical for daily use |
| Hand-built details | Poor fuel economy |
| Excellent braking | Automatic only, no manual |
The GT500 is not just about making noise. On the track, it sticks to the road, brakes well, and handles more power than many expected from a muscle car. The gearbox is quick and reliable. While it’s not as sharp as a supercar, it’s still very capable and exciting to drive.
