Ford Mustang GT500

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the latest and most powerful version of the iconic Mustang lineup, pushing the boundaries of American muscle cars with extreme performance, advanced technology, and track-focused engineering. It combines an aggressive design with immense horsepower, making it the most capable Mustang ever produced.

1. Engine and Performance

The 2020 GT500 boasts a powerhouse under the hood, delivering supercar-level performance:

• 5.2-Liter Supercharged V8: Nicknamed the “Predator”, the GT500's engine is a 5.2-liter supercharged V8, capable of producing an astonishing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful road-legal Mustang in Ford's history.
• 0-60 mph in 3.3 Seconds: With this level of power, the GT500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest accelerating cars in its class.
• Quarter Mile: The car can cover the quarter mile in around 10.7 seconds at a top speed of about 133 mph, which is on par with many supercars.
• 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission: Unlike previous GT500 models that used a manual transmission, the 2020 GT500 is equipped with a Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). This transmission is designed for high-performance applications, offering lightning-fast gear shifts in under 100 milliseconds, improving both track performance and everyday drivability.
• Top Speed: The top speed is electronically limited to 180 mph, prioritizing acceleration and handling over straight-line speed, in line with the car's track-focused nature.

2. Track-Ready Features

The GT500 isn't just about raw power; it's engineered to excel on the track:

• MagneRide Adaptive Suspension: The car comes with MagneRide adaptive suspension, which adjusts damping in real-time based on driving conditions. This ensures a perfect balance between sharp, responsive handling on the track and comfort during street driving.
• Brembo Brakes: Stopping power is provided by 16.5-inch front rotors with 6-piston Brembo calipers, which offer excellent braking performance to match the car’s power. These are some of the largest brakes fitted to a Mustang, helping it manage the high speeds and rapid deceleration required on the track.
• Carbon Fiber Track Package: For those who want to push the car's capabilities further, Ford offers an optional Carbon Fiber Track Package. This includes ultra-light carbon fiber wheels, a GT4-inspired rear wing, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, all designed to reduce weight, improve downforce, and increase grip.
• Aerodynamics: The GT500 features a heavily optimized aerodynamic design, with a large front splitter, rear diffuser, and functional hood vent to aid in engine cooling and downforce at high speeds. The active exhaust system also provides different sound levels depending on the driving mode, ranging from quiet to full-blown, aggressive muscle-car roars.

3. Design and Styling

The 2020 GT500 has an aggressive and muscular appearance that matches its performance:

• Aggressive Front Fascia: The large front grille and massive lower air intakes are not just for show but are designed to improve airflow and engine cooling. The car also features a functional hood vent for additional heat extraction, which is crucial for performance during high-speed driving.
• Wide Body and Stance: The GT500 sits wider than the standard Mustang, with flared fenders to accommodate the wider wheels and tires. This gives it a more planted and aggressive stance, while enhancing grip and stability.
• Distinctive Rear: The rear of the GT500 is equally as aggressive, with a prominent rear spoiler or GT4-style wing (depending on the package), quad-tip exhaust outlets, and a rear diffuser for increased aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.
• Carbon Fiber Components: With the Carbon Fiber Track Package, elements like the rear wing and wheels are made from carbon fiber, further reducing weight and enhancing the car's performance.

4. Interior and Technology

Inside, the GT500 balances luxury with functionality:

• Driver-Centric Design: The interior is designed with the driver in mind, featuring Recaro performance seats (optional) that provide excellent support during high-speed cornering. For those who prefer more comfort, Ford also offers heated and cooled leather seats.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: The car features a 12-inch fully digital LCD instrument cluster, providing real-time performance data, including lap times, G-forces, and customizable driving modes.
• Infotainment: The GT500 comes equipped with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, though the engine's roar is usually all the music you need in a car like this.
• Performance Controls: The GT500 offers multiple driving modes (Normal, Sport, Track, Drag Strip, and Slippery), allowing drivers to tailor the car's throttle response, steering, and suspension settings for various driving conditions. There’s also a Launch Control and Line Lock system, the latter allowing you to do controlled burnouts, perfect for drag strip enthusiasts.

5. Legacy and Impact

The 2020 Shelby GT500 represents a significant evolution in the Mustang lineup, combining the muscle car’s classic traits—brute power and aggressive styling—with modern-day technology and refinement. It’s not only one of the most powerful Mustangs ever but also one of the most sophisticated.

• Track and Street: The car’s incredible versatility makes it equally at home on the racetrack or as a daily driver, offering a level of performance that rivals European supercars at a fraction of the cost.
• Supercar Competitor: Thanks to its combination of power, handling, and advanced technology, the GT500 competes with supercars like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette in terms of performance, making it a truly world-class vehicle.