New Ford Shelby GT500 Officially Pushing 500 Horsepower

Ford Hits Magic Number with 2007 Shelby Mustang

The auto industrys best performance car value? No doubt Ford dealers would like to hang a similar moniker around its new Shelby GT500s rearview mirror when pricing is finally announced, but boosting horsepower over the magical 500 mark will definitely make up for any increases over the previous SVT Mustang Cobras sub-$40K range.

Initially, the Shelby GT500, soon to be available in coupe and convertible form, was slated to make 475 horsepower from its supercharged 5.4-liter V8, but an increase of 25 hp makes all the psychological difference - its now in Viper territory. Torque will be just shy of the Viper at 480 lb-ft, but ample nevertheless.

“With 500 hp and the Shelby name, this car is an instant legend,” commented Hau Thai-Tang, director, Advanced Product Creation & SVT programs.  “This is the most powerful, most capable Mustang ever.”

Its true, when put side by side to legendary Shelby models of yesteryear, even the awe-inspiring GT500 KR, the new 2007 model that bears the same name will outpace it in straight-line acceleration and decimate it in the corners - the early cars werent anywhere near as stable. And just to be clear, Ford hasnt upgraded the 2007 GT500 with an independent rear suspension, as was done with the previous generation SVT Mustang Cobra, being that the new live axle setup is already very capable and traditional Mustang fans demanded a solid rear axle - better at the drag strip. No complicated independent rear suspension also keeps the car lighter, and even more importantly allows for a lower price point.

At the heart of the new GT500 is Fords modular V8, which shares components, such as its four-valve cylinder heads, plus piston rings and bearings from the automakers supercar, the GT40 inspired mid-engine GT. Its Roots-type supercharger makes nine pounds per square inch, resulting in its 500 horsepower rating.

That rating, by the way, was third-party witnessed and is SAE compliant. The engine will be produced in Fords Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Michigan, and be available in the fully modified Mustang, which gets a new hood, front clip, additional body panel upgrades, reworked suspension, new tires and wheels, plus a re-trimmed interior, this summer. Pricing, therefore, should be available soon.