Friday 12th February 2010

Video: New Shelby GT500 Mustang

Latest SVT tweaked pony car gets new alloy V8 and 550hp

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A revised version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has been unveiled at the Chicago motor show featuring a new all-aluminium version of its 5.4 litre V8.

With its new engine the GT500 is good for 550bhp, up 10bhp from its predecessor, although much of that seems to be attributed to a new exhaust set-up which has been modified for more power and extra 'burble'.

The switch to an aluminium block was made to reduce weight in the quest for improved handling, and the new GT500 is said to be approximately 50kgs lighter as a result, with almost all the saving over the front axle. Although the engine is now even more closely related to the Ford GT's alloy V8 from which the car's former iron bock was derived, the new Mustang version predictably retains a wet sump system - unlike the dry-sumped GT.

Of additional interest is the new SVT Performance Package which is available as an option, giving customers the option of a 'track ready' Mustang from the showroom.

The SVT pack includes Eagle F1 tyres, a higher rear differential ratio, stiffer springs and lighter 19ins alloy wheels.

The new GT500 goes on sale in the spring in the US, when prices will be confirmed. To read our story about official UK sales for the Mustang click here.

Click 'play' above to view

[Doshy]

Not exactly what I'd call pretty...... especially that rear view at 45 secs in. Also not sure you can sell a car just on the whine the engine makes.

[soad]

Love that (coupe in red), nice engine note in the video too. V8 powered, what's not to like?

[Doshy]

Don't get me wrong, I'd take one but with a roof.

[MrTappets]

Is the new 'Stang in the UK yet, cos I'm sure I saw one pass me yesterday. Struck me as looking quite tall and narrow with that characteristic american clunky/plasticky look, at least from the back. Still, not a total disaster by any means.

[Loki660]

Like it, not to sure about the soft top though. Looks a lot better with a roof on it.

[minipower]

Very nice. Not sure without the roof though as seems a bit boulevard cruiser, although would be nice for the acoustics.
With the roof though, seems very aggressive and purposeful. It will be good to see how much the handling has been improved over the old iron block.

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Doshy said:

Not exactly what I'd call pretty...... especially that rear view at 45 secs in. Also not sure you can sell a car just on the whine the engine makes.

It really isn't is it.


Such an uninspiring car.


I'm sure they could come up with something a bit more beautiful than that!

Edited by Spiritual_Beggar on Friday 12th February 14:17

[Bluebarge]

MrTappets said:

Is the new 'Stang in the UK yet, cos I'm sure I saw one pass me yesterday. Struck me as looking quite tall and narrow with that characteristic american clunky/plasticky look, at least from the back. Still, not a total disaster by any means.

It is. This one looks v.like the 2010 Shelby. The news here is the new engine.

No idea what you mean by "clunky, plasticky" look.

[ljp14]

Fiat 500 abarth??

[mattmoxon]

Yep the 2010+ Mustang is in the UK now, but at ~£34k for the standard V8 from an importer (only £25k before tax etc) there aren't that many of them. Muscle cars aren't supposed to be beautiful or refined in their looks so I think it works nicely.

It's a nice looking car in general, the Shelby rear end and ducktail spoiler are an improvement over the standard 2010+ Mustangs rear end (allot of people in the Mustang community aren't a fan of the new back end, some are but not all).

As with all the GT500's (recent anyway) they don't make an automatic gearbox version which for me 2 years ago wouldn't have been a problem but after injuring my left knee I need a really light clutch (my Focus ST's was just about bearable in traffic) and the last generation GT500 the clutch was brutally heavy. Id this one has a nice light clutch I'll be tempted to upgrade from my 06 GT to this if I ever come into some money, failing that the 2010 Saleen S281 would be my choice.

Lets hope the new refinements and aluminum block help the handling of this car, the previous gen was scary by all accounts.

Matt

Edited by mattmoxon on Friday 12th February 14:25

[carsnapper]

Shelby Mustangs handle like a Blancmange, on stilts.

The Roush performance range are a far better drive IMO. The Roush stage 3 Mustang is beautiful and Roush, unlike Shelby actually develop their chassis to handle all that power and the steering feels so more direct and the brakes have better feel and turn in is sharp and positive and the gear change is tight and affirmative...I could go on. You've probably gathered, I don't rate Shelby Mustangs!

http://www.roushperformance.com/performance_vehicl...

Edited by carsnapper on Friday 12th February 15:01

[Beefmeister]

58secs.

THAT is the reason i would have one of these - that noise!!!

Aural sex.

[joz8968]

ljp14 said:

Fiat 500 abarth??

LOL beat me to it!

[qube_TA]

Doshy said:

Also not sure you can sell a car just on the whine the engine makes.

Works for me

[Alexbirch43]

the startup sounded a little too like a post-curry toilet break for my liking

[Hellbound]

My brain says pony cars are for girls and my heart calls out for a high powered Camaro...

[Beefmeister]

Alexbirch43 said:

the startup sounded a little too like a post-curry toilet break for my liking

I believe you have ear failure, sir.

Please consult a physician, poste haste.

[Shurze]

joz8968 said:

ljp14 said:

Fiat 500 abarth??

LOL beat me to it!

I was thinking exactly the same thing...

not a fan of the convertible, but i think the hard top looks nice

[Parrot of Doom]

In its natural environment then, no tight corners to be seen anywhere.

[sl55amg]

This will always get a 6 until they change that god awful rear end.

It is a real "car of two halves" - front end 9.5, rear end 3.