The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has long been known for its high power and loud style, but it comes with some limits—like only being made for American buyers and having only left-hand drive. The CS850GT from Clive Sutton offers a new choice, built for drivers in the UK who want a right-hand drive option with even more power. It’s based on the UK Ford Mustang, but comes packed with big upgrades, including a manual gearbox and a supercharged V8 engine delivering an impressive 859 metric horsepower.
Not only does the CS850GT stand out for its speed and custom-tuned engine, but it also brings changes to the way it looks and feels inside and out. The car features new exterior design pieces, a custom exhaust with adjustable sound modes, and a range of interior updates like Recaro seats and a special performance steering wheel. Drivers can buy it ready-made or ask Clive Sutton to upgrade their own Mustang, making this a unique and powerful new option for Mustang fans.
Key Takeaways
- CS850GT is a powerful right-hand drive alternative to the Shelby GT500.
- It combines high-performance upgrades with distinct design features.
- Customization and on-road experience set it apart for UK drivers.
CS850GT Compared With Shelby GT500
How They Stack Up: Speed and Driving Experience
The CS850GT puts out an impressive 859 metric horsepower and 902 Nm of torque, thanks to its supercharged V8 and custom upgrades. The Shelby GT500, known as the performance leader, is still quicker off the line with a faster 0-60 mph time than the CS850GT’s 4.6 seconds. The GT500’s automatic transmission helps give it an edge in acceleration.
| Model | Engine & Power | 0-60 mph Time | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS850GT | Supercharged V8, 859 hp | 4.6 seconds | 6-speed manual |
| Shelby GT500 | Supercharged V8, less than 859 hp | Faster than CS850GT | Automatic only |
The CS850GT feels very strong on the road and surprisingly stable, even with its high power figures. It offers a manual gearbox—a feature not found on the GT500—which makes it more engaging for those who enjoy shifting gears themselves. The CS850GT also stands out with its adjustable exhaust that can switch between quiet and very loud settings.
The GT500, on the other hand, feels sharper in corners and more like a true sports car, with better steering and balance. Its engine sound is rich but not as loud or wild as the CS850GT’s.
Where You Can Get Them
The Shelby GT500 can only be bought in the United States and only comes in left-hand drive. This limits who can own or drive it, especially in countries where right-hand drive is needed.
The CS850GT is based on the UK Mustang, so it’s available in right-hand drive and can be bought directly in the UK. Buyers can either pick one from the showroom or bring their own Mustang for upgrades. Options for personal touches, from exterior parts to interior changes, are also available. This makes the CS850GT much more accessible and customizable for buyers outside the US who want a high-performance Mustang.
Motor Strength and Performance Tweaks
Blower Kit and Custom Tuning
The CS850 GT uses a Whipple supercharger paired with a special tune and intercooler. This setup boosts the engine to 859 metric horsepower, almost double that of the standard V8. With 902 Nm of torque, the car delivers rapid acceleration, even though the 0 to 60 mph time is 4.6 seconds, a bit slower than the Shelby GT500.
A six-speed manual gearbox is used, adding a more connected driving feel. The short shifter has a precise action, and auto-blip on downshifts makes gear changes smoother. The manual option sets the CS850 GT apart from the GT500, which only has an automatic.
Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supercharger Type | Whipple, custom-tuned |
| Power Output | 859 metric horsepower |
| Torque | 902 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual, short shifter |
High-Flow Exhaust and Sound Adjustment
The exhaust on the CS850 GT is a full system, starting with long tube headers and running all the way to the back. It has two sound settings: quiet and loud. Both can be changed using a phone app. In loud mode, the exhaust is extremely noisy, even compared to other powerful cars—hearing protection is recommended at full volume.
In quiet mode, engine noise is more controlled. The system provides a much deeper and more aggressive sound than typical Mustang exhausts. This setup offers options for both street driving and those who want the maximum muscle car experience.
- Exhaust details:
- Long tube headers
- Full custom piping
- Switchable modes (quiet/loud) via mobile app
Sound Comparison Table:
| Car Model | Exhaust Type | Noise Levels | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS850 GT | Full custom system | Quiet/Loud (app) | Long tube headers, 2 modes |
| CS500 (reference) | Cat-back system | Moderate | Single rear tips |
Acceleration and Driving Feel
Quickness: 0 to 60 Test
With 859 horsepower and 902 Nm of torque, the CS850 GT promises serious speed. On the 0 to 60 mph run, the car manages a time of 4.6 seconds. This is brisk for a Mustang, though slower than a Shelby GT500. The car’s ferocious acceleration is paired with a supercharged V8 that makes for a very loud and engaging experience. An acceleration timer was used for accuracy during the test.
| Model | Power (hp) | 0-60 mph Time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| CS850 GT | 859 | 4.6 |
| Standard V8 | ~450 | Not Stated |
| Shelby GT500 | Less than 859 | Quicker |
Road Grip and Steering
Sending almost 900 horsepower to the rear wheels might seem risky, but the car’s traction is surprisingly solid. Flooring the gas in third gear brings a strong pull, but the car stays stable and glued to the road. Despite expectations of wheelspin, the CS850 GT feels controlled, delivering power in a predictable way. Steering is light yet balanced, with minimal understeer and available oversteer for those who want it. Though it doesn’t match the sharp sportiness of the GT500, it is still fun and confidence-inspiring on winding roads.
- Traction: Strong in higher gears
- Steering feel: Light, but stable and accurate
- Handling: Balanced with possible oversteer on demand
Stick Shift Experience
The CS850 GT features a six-speed manual transmission with a custom short shifter. Gear changes are quick and precise, making the drive more engaging than with an automatic. There’s auto-blip on downshifts, raising the revs automatically and making shifts smoother. Drivers can still heel-and-toe if preferred, but it’s not required. This manual gearbox adds a hands-on feel that’s not available in the GT500, and the unique shifter combined with the clutch provides a rewarding drive every time.
- Manual only: Six-speed, right-hand drive
- Auto-blip: Downshifts are easy and sporty
- Shifter: Short, with positive action
Engine Sound Experience and Settings
Standard and Enhanced Exhaust Modes
The exhaust on the CS 850 GT offers two main sound settings: normal and high volume. In the quieter setting, the car reduces noise, making it suitable for everyday driving or neighborhoods that require less sound.
Switching to the louder setting, the CS 850 GT becomes extremely loud—almost at the level of standing next to a jet engine at takeoff. Ear protection is recommended in some cases, as the volume can be intense. This setting uses long tube headers and a completely redesigned exhaust system from the engine to the tailpipes.
Comparison Table
| Setting | Noise Level | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Mode | Low | Daily use, urban areas |
| Loud Mode | Very High | Track, open roads, events |
Remote Control Options via App
The CS 850 GT lets drivers control the exhaust’s sound level from their phone using an app. This feature allows quick switches between quiet and loud modes without stepping out of the car. With just a tap, users can customize the sound to match road conditions or personal preference.
Features List:
- Adjust exhaust volume using a smartphone app
- Switch between normal and high volume settings instantly
- Personalize noise output for different situations
Changes to Outside Appearance
Bold Design Details
The CS850 GT stands out with its front end, which looks much sharper than a basic Mustang GT. It features a new bumper lip and carbon fiber side skirts that give it a more performance-focused look. At the back, a new rear valance has been fitted to highlight the large quad exhaust system.
Key Upgrades:
- Front bumper lip: Adds a sporty edge
- Carbon fiber side skirts: Enhances the car’s shape and style
- Rear valance: Frames the exhaust for a more striking appearance
Special Light Updates
This car comes with unique tri-bar LED lights that can change color. Drivers can adjust these lights using an app on their phone. This feature not only looks impressive but also lets the car stand out, even at night.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tri-bar LEDs | Customizable colors, adjustable with an app |
| Control method | Smartphone app |
Cabin Enhancements
Dashboard Features and Personalization
Inside the car, the dashboard has a new carbon fiber trim available in several colors: red, blue, yellow, or black. This gives the interior a sportier and more upscale look. Buyers can also request their own custom touches, making the cabin feel unique.
Upgraded Bucket Seats
The seats are special racing-style Recaro seats that have been improved for comfort and performance. These seats now come with heating, cooling, and power adjustments. The stitching is also custom, showing attention to extra details.
Redesigned Steering and Gear Lever
The steering wheel is a specially designed Sutton model that feels comfortable and sporty to hold. The gear lever is upgraded with a short-shifter for faster gear changes. The car even has a feature that helps shift down more smoothly by matching the engine revs automatically, making driving more enjoyable.
Buying and Personalization Choices
The CS850 GT can be bought directly from Clive Sutton as a finished model, or customers can bring in their own Mustang for modification. This offers flexibility depending on personal preference or an existing vehicle.
Customization Options Include:
- Right-hand drive layout
- Manual six-speed gearbox with a short shifter
- Custom Whipple supercharger and intercooler
- New long-tube headers with a quad exhaust system
- Adjustable exhaust volume with loud and quiet modes, controlled by a phone app
- Exterior changes: custom bumper lip, carbon fiber side skirts, tri-bar LED lights (color changeable via app), new rear valance
- Interior upgrades: carbon fiber dashboard (available in red, blue, yellow, or black), Sutton bespoke steering wheel, unique shifter, custom stitching, upgraded Ford Racing Recaro seats with heating, cooling, and electric adjustment
Price Table
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | £115,000 |
| Bring Own Mustang for Upgrade | Available |
| Prebuilt Model | Available |
| Customization Level | High |
| Right-Hand Drive | Standard |
Buyers can pick from several color and material options for both exterior and interior. This allows for a car that matches personal tastes and needs. Every car is tailored to order, making each one unique.
Driving Experience
Daily Practicality
The CS850 GT surprises with how manageable it is, even with close to 900 horsepower going to the back wheels. It is a right-hand drive car, fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. The car feels stable and planted, especially from third gear onwards, and does not lose traction as easily as expected. Even though it can’t use full power in the first or second gears, it holds the road well when accelerating in higher gears.
There are driving aids and comfort options, such as heated and cooled Recaro seats with electric adjustments, and a custom steering wheel for a better grip. The exhaust system offers both quiet and loud modes, controlled by an app, so it is possible to switch between a more civil sound and the full, aggressive V8 roar. Extra touches like the carbon-fiber dashboard and custom stitching give the interior a special feel, making longer drives more pleasant.
Behind the Wheel Fun
The real highlight is how much fun the CS850 GT brings to its driver. The manual gearbox, equipped with a short shifter and auto-blip feature, makes shifting gears enjoyable and more engaging. This is something the American GT500 does not offer. The steering, while lighter than some sports cars, is responsive and gives a sense of connection to the car without feeling unstable or twitchy.
- Key engagement features:
- Manual gearbox with a satisfying shift
- Auto-blip for smoother downshifts
- Ability to control oversteer when wanted
The engine sound can be extremely loud in “loud mode,” but the car also provides a quieter option for less dramatic drives. While its acceleration from 0-60 mph is not as quick as the GT500, the CS850 GT delivers its power in a controlled and entertaining way. The overall setup balances high performance with a genuine sense of driver involvement. It is not the sharpest or quickest sports car, but the whole experience remains exciting and memorable.
Final Thoughts
The CS850 GT stands out as a unique option for drivers in the UK seeking a high-performance Mustang. Unlike the Shelby GT500, it comes with right-hand drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, both rare traits for cars with nearly 900 metric horsepower. Its supercharged engine delivers 859 horsepower and 902 Nm of torque, resulting in strong acceleration and a very loud exhaust note that can switch between quiet and loud modes, even controlled by a phone app.
Key Details:
| Feature | CS850 GT |
|---|---|
| Drive Side | Right-hand |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-speed |
| Power Output | 859 metric horsepower |
| Torque | 902 Nm |
| Exhaust Mode Control | Via smartphone app |
Inside, the car offers custom features such as a carbon fiber dashboard, unique stitching, upgraded Recaro seats with heating and cooling, and an engaging short shifter. The driving experience includes impressive grip, surprisingly easy handling for the power involved, and a lively exhaust sound.
In comparison to the GT500, the CS850 GT may lack the same level of straight-line speed and precision steering. However, it brings its own mix of features and driving enjoyment, making it a distinctive and compelling alternative for those unable to access the GT500.
