All Business, All Fun
The Ford Shelby GT500 is really different and not only because of its 500 horsepower. It’s extra subtle in appearance with a Cobra badging, has bland SVT-styled wheels, a bulging hood and a wide grille with angled-frame opening. Such is how a killer horsepower looks like and doesn’t resemble any of the other Mustangs.
No non-functioning extras or gimmicks in this baby. Do check-out the aero-lip surround at the front fascia and the span of diffusers at the rear end-all of which add down force for stability at high speed.
The GT500 went on sale June last year with MSRPs of $47,750, but dealers are selling cars online for $60,000 and more.
Was it worth it?
Fire it up and there’s a slight scream of the supercharger. The clutch is all-business for transferring 480 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheels. Then slip it into gear and the close-ratio shifter communicates, truly “grace under pressure”.
A showcase of performance engineering, much less harshness vibrating through the suspension, the GT500 seems more calculated than the Shelby GT, but still with the same pedigree handling. The three-link solid axle acts like that of an independent rear end. And has a calming force that makes the car feel more planted under power than stock Mustang GTs.
The signature color of Vista Blue with silver stripes of the 2008 model expresses the fun of this tough ride.