2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
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The 2010 Shelby GT500 from Ford Motor Company is the most powerful of all factory-produced Mustangs. The car was developed in association with the legendary Carroll Shelby, one of the world's most famous race drivers and car builders. The Shelby rockets from 0-120 mph in 12 seconds; about the time it takes many vehicles to reach half that speed. No console can replicate the feeling 540 horsepower boosting you forward as if on a rocket sled. For those who never learned how to drive a standard, Ford doesn't offer an automatic transmission in the 2010 Shelby GT500. The Shelby GT500 has been redesigned inside and out for 2010. New sheet metal makes the new design appear smaller than the previous model. The engine is up 40-hp for 2010, now making a whopping 540-hp. Ford expects Mustang enthusiasts to snap up the first of the Shelby GT500s, but production will continue all year. With the as-delivered price just over $48,000, the 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers everything and anything you would expect. The Shelby GT500 follows closely after the debut of the redesigned 2010 Mustang. The 2010 Shelby GT500 gains the same styling revisions and interior improvements as the regular Mustang, and then takes them up a notch with a variety of unique design cues. The Shelby GT500 gets an EPA Fuel Economy of 14/22 mpg City/highway. It has a starting MSRP of $46,325 – $51,325.
Mustang Super Power
The Shelby is all about power, which comes from a 5.4-liter V-8 engine that's fitted with a supercharger. The combination makes 540 hp at 6,200 rpm and 510 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Premium gas is required. The engine is rear wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission. The supercharger is mounted in the valley of the V-8, and sends highly compressed air through an intercooler to further increase the engine's power potential. The standard six-speed manual gearbox has taller gear ratios in 5th and 6th for more economical highway cruising, so the GT500 is a relatively green performance car compared to competition.
2010 Shelby Design
The GT500 has more aggressive styling details, with functional aspects including a front chin splitter, hood air extractor, and rear wing with a Gurney lip, the net effect of which decreases rear downforce and increases front downforce slightly, improving overall balance by moving the center of pressure forward. Overall aerodynamic drag is little changed at roughly 0.38. The Shelby GT500 continues to wear aggressive exterior styling. The large front grille and lower bumper opening incorporate black mesh inserts, and the grille has a Cobra logo in it. The hood is made of aluminum and features an air extractor to vent the engine bay. Coupes have 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, while convertibles get 18-inch rims. The AdvanceTrac stability control gets a new sport mode for this application.
Driving the Shelby GT500
The car's uniquely programmed Advance Trac electronic stability control boosts the Shelby's handling capability while providing an extra margin of dynamic safety, which includes Brembo front brakes. The engine is little changed from KR duty; although the addition of two knock sensors allows the timing to advance a bit, and a cold-air induction system improves breathing. The additional torque allowed SVT to alter the gearing in the Tremec TR6060, using the ultra tall 0.50:1 top gear to help boost fuel economy slightly, despite a slightly shorter axle ratio (3.55:1 versus 3.31:1). Another welcome upgrade reduces clutch-pedal effort by upsizing the twin-disc clutch from 215 mm to 250 and changing the friction material to an organic compound. The shorter-throw shifter is topped by a true white cue-ball (it's actually manufactured by a company that makes billiard balls). As before, no automatic transmission is offered. The handling has also been dramatically improved. To help counteract the many negative effects of carrying 57% of its weight on the front tires, front shock rebound damping is increased, spring rates are stiffened (by 13% in front, 7% rear), and the front anti-roll bar is softened to reduce understeer. The power steering boost curve is retuned, and overall steering responsiveness is said to be greatly improved.
Inside the 2010 Cabin
The 2010 Shelby GT500 can carry four occupants, there are front and rear bucket seats finished in leather and Alcantara. The dash gets real aluminum trim, and there's a retro ball shifter. Standard features include Ford's Sync entertainment and communication system and customizable ambient lighting. The Shelby GT500 is available as a coupe or a convertible. Modern amenities such as air-conditioning, a 6-disc CD changer and leather seats for 4 leave passengers wanting for nothing. Safety is addressed with technical features such as 4-wheel Brembo disc brakes, traction control and an assortment of protective airbags.
Final Thoughts
With it’s redesigned for 2010, the Shelby GT500 builds on its 1960's muscle car heritage and improves even more. This newest rendition features classic cues and aggressive modern styling touches, mixed with a massive dose of horsepower. The best aspects of the 2010 model are its interior quality, excellent value(considering this is a performance vehicle), a standard stability system, GT's gearshift operation, and many available luxury features. The downsides to the Shelby are its low front seat comfort, Too much body roll with normal suspension, and its relative ride quality. Anyone looking for a high performance vehicle, especially those who are fond of the muscle car era, will be pleased with the Shelby GT500. This is a Mustang that takes things to a whole otherlevel.
