2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Review: Exceptional Performance Meets a Premium Price Tag

Introduction: The Golden Age of Muscle Cars

When people think of the "golden age" of muscle cars, the 1960s often come to mind. However, the true pinnacle of horsepower and performance is happening right now. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 stands as a testament to this era, offering unparalleled power and precision. With a staggering 760 horsepower, this is the most powerful Mustang ever created by Ford Motor Co.

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Design and Aerodynamics

The 2020 Shelby GT500 boasts a unique design that sets it apart from its siblings, the Mustang GT and Shelby GT350. The front and rear ends are distinct, featuring a massive grille with honeycomb openings designed to maximize airflow. This design isn't just for show; it feeds a robust cooling system that handles the engine, oil cooler, and transmission cooler.

Hood Design: A new hood with a large extractor vent ensures efficient airflow out of the engine bay.
Handling Package: Optional aerodynamic enhancements include front splitter wickers and an adjustable rear wing with Gurney flaps, improving downforce and stability.
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Engine and Performance

At the heart of the GT500 lies a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, producing 760 horsepower and 625 pounds-feet of torque. Unlike the GT350's flat-plane crankshaft, the GT500 uses a cross-plane crankshaft, allowing it to rev up to 7,300 rpm. Key engine modifications include sodium-filled valves, strengthened cylinder head bolts, and CNC-machined heads.

Supercharger: A 2.65-liter Eaton supercharger significantly boosts performance.
Transmission: The GT500 features a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, adapted from the Ford GT supercar, enabling lightning-fast shifts in just 80 milliseconds.
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Driving Experience

On the road, the GT500 feels surprisingly similar to the GT350, thanks to its MagneRide adaptive suspension. In Normal mode, it offers a comfortable ride, making it suitable for daily driving. However, on the track, the GT500 truly shines, delivering blistering acceleration and precise handling.

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds.
Braking: Massive 16.54-inch front rotors with Brembo calipers provide exceptional stopping power.
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Interior and Comfort

While the GT500 excels in performance, its interior leaves room for improvement. The cabin features carbon-fiber trim and optional Recaro sport seats, but it lacks the premium feel expected at its price point. The optional Technology Package adds navigation, a 12-speaker B&O audio system, and other amenities, but the interior still feels too similar to the base Mustang.

Recaro Seats: While stylish, they offer limited adjustability and may not suit all body types.
Technology Package: Adds creature comforts but doesn't elevate the interior to luxury levels.
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Pricing and Competitiveness

The GT500 starts at $73,995, significantly more than the GT350. Adding optional packages like the Carbon Fiber Track Package and Technology Package can push the price over $100,000. While the GT500 outperforms the GT350R in many areas, the latter remains a formidable competitor, especially given its lower price.

GT500 vs. GT350R: The GT500 is faster, but the GT350R offers exceptional value.
Competition: The mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette poses a significant threat, offering supercar performance at a lower price.
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Conclusion: Is the GT500 Worth It?

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a marvel of modern engineering, offering unmatched power and performance. However, its high price and lackluster interior may deter some buyers. For those seeking the ultimate Mustang experience, the GT500 is a worthy investment. But for others, the GT350R or even the new Corvette might offer better value.