Ford unveil 650bhp Shelby GT500

Ford has unveiled the new Ford Shelby GT500. It will be powered by a 650bhp V8 which churns out 600lb.ft. of torque.

The monstrous engine is a supercharged 5.8 litre V8 that will push the Mustang onto 200mph. To keep all of this power in check Ford has designed the Mustang to create downforce and has also optimised the powertrain, brakes, gearing and suspension. It also boasts an aggressive front splitter, new quad exhaust system and forged aluminium wheels.

The GT500 will also get an optional Performance Package with electronic adjustable dampers from Bilstein, plus a limited slip differential. This can then be coupled with a track package.

Jopst Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development says the “SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights. We encapsulated every aspect of performance in this car – whether it’s 0-60, top speed, racetrack or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this car perfectly fits his or her needs.”

Ford has certainly breathed on the engine significantly, it has a larger, more-efficient supercharger and a brand new cooling system linked to a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger with a 36% increased volume.

The GT500 also benefits from an all-new driveline. The six-speed manual transmission was finalised after 35 different gearing combinations were considered.

Ford claims the changes to the Bilstein dampers allow them to “go as extreme as we want on the track setting and still offer the customer a comfortable ride on the road.” Therefore, the new GT500 should be as good on the road as it is on the race track.