Shelby partnered with Ford in the mid-2000s, starting with a few special edition cars that culminated in the GT500. This supercharged monster of a car brought massive power, big brakes and superb handling to the Mustang. When the pony car was redesigned for 2010, the model continued on the new platform. Starting with most of the parts from the original, the car would eventually become the most powerful car ever built by Ford.
The 2010 model still used the outgoing car's supercharged twin-cam 5.4-liter engine, but a new cold air intake brought output up to 540 hp and 510 lb-ft. of torque, while other refinements helped increase fuel economy by an EPA-estimated two miles per gallon. The convertible kept the same wheels, but coupes got new forged 19 inch rims, reducing unsprung weight. Together with the car's Tremec 6 speed manual, this car can reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, brake from 60 to 0 mph in 107 feet, and handle up to 1g of cornering force.
Major changes came in 2011 with a new aluminum block that reduced the engine's weight by more than 100 lbs. Output increased to 550 hp, while fuel economy reached 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. While efficiency may not be the first concern of a GT500 owner, this was just enough for the Shelby to avoid the gas guzzler tax. The suspension was retuned for the lighter engine, lowering the ride height. The car also added AdvanceTrac stability control which offers a "sport" mode to reign in the electronic nannies, and electric power steering, which adjusts the steering weight for easy maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
In 2013, the 5.4-liter engine was replaced by the new 5.8-liter Trinity engine, which shares more of its design with the Coyote than past modular V8s. Topped by a 2.3-liter supercharger, this engine produces 662 bhp and 631 lb-ft. of torque, a record for Ford production cars. A lot of work had to be done to reign in that power, including a new carbon fiber driveshaft, dual fuel pumps, bigger injectors and an internal fluid pump in the transmission. Due to the cooling demands, this car has no grill for maximum airflow. Modifications to the aerodynamics allow this car to reach speeds exceeding 200 mph, although the convertible is electronically limited to 155 mph. 0-60 mph takes a mere 3.5 seconds.
Out of the box, these cars can embarrass supercars costing several times as much, but the performance can go well beyond what they get with stock equipment.
