Dateline Detroit—Ford Motor Company finally pulled the wraps off the much-anticipated 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In doing so, Ford revealed the 700-plus horsepower do-it-all pony that’s capable of running 10-second quarter-mile times and slithering its way through the curves quicker than any previous production Mustang.
The 2020 Shelby GT500 wears the name of the iconic Carroll Shelby, who made his mark in 1965 with the GT350 and then the immensely popular Shelby GT500. The ’67 big-block GT500, with its modified 428-cubic-inch V8, was inspired by his team’s 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans and captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors world wide. Shelby called the original GT500 “the first real car I’m really proud of,” and today, that legacy continues with the 2020 model.
Keeping with the modern GT500 theme (2007-2014), Ford passed on turbos and instead utilized supercharging to force-feed the 700-plus horsepower 5.2L quad-cam V8. The powerplant is mated to an all-new Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that provides lightning-fast gear changes for maximum acceleration.
“Carroll was always working on the next faster Shelby, I think he would love this Mustang more than any other,” said Jim Farley, Ford president, global markets. “A takedown artist, the new Shelby GT500 will surprise supercar owners with its Ford Performance racing tech, supercharged engine and visceral swagger. It’s the pinnacle of any pony car ever engineered by Ford Performance and it delivers on its heritage with more than 700 horsepower for the quickest street-legal acceleration and most high-performance technology to date ever offered in a Ford Mustang.”
To be king of the GT500 mountain, the 2020 Shelby must out-perform its predecessor, the mighty 2014 GT500. That model produced 662 horsepower and could run 11.80s at 126 mph. It will also have to out-gun the 2015-19 Shelby GT350 that produces 526 hp from its flat-plane-crank Voodoo 5.2L. Lastly, it will need to go quicker than the 2018-19 Mustang GT. Amazingly, 10-speed auto equipped GTs are capable 11.80s for just over $35,000. According to Ford, the 2020 GT500 will run 10s, and it will slither around tracks with left and right turns quicker than any production Mustang.
Achieving sub-11-second performance takes power, so the Shelby GT500 is fitted with a 5.2L aluminum alloy block that features weight-saving wire-arc cylinder liners and is topped with high-flow heads. Feeding the beast is a 2.65L air-to-liquid intercooled Roots-type supercharger. The 2.65L unit sits inverted and low in the valley to keep mass closer to the ground.
The rotating assembly was fortified with larger forged connecting rods along with improved lubrication and more efficient cooling passages. Beneath that, a structural oil pan adds strength, reduces vibration, and features a patented active baffle system to keep oil where it’s needed. And every GT500 engine is hand-build by dedicated Ford technicians.
Unlike any Mustang that’s preceded it, the 2020 Shelby GT500 will transfer power through the aforementioned Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds. Ford stated this is faster than any manual gearbox can be shifted. The trans also allows drivers to operate the car in automatic or manual mode. Ford stated this technology and tuning was drawn from the Ford GT supercar’s dual-clutch transmission.
The DCT was designed for a number of drive modes, including Normal, Weather, Sport, Drag and Track, and activates features like line-lock and launch control through selectable Track Apps. The 7-speed directs power to the rear axle through a unique carbon fiber driveshaft designed for strength and performance. From our experience, a carbon fiber driveshaft can save roughly 20 lbs over a steel two-piece driveshaft.
Technology Straight from Ford GT and Mustang GT4
Drivers will experience an express trip on the flavor train to improved handling and braking thanks to a race-bred chassis and suspension and the unique aero enhancements. This starts with the low-slung splitter and specially designed grill openings, to the vented hood, rocker side skirts and the raised deck lid wing. Ford also selected custom Michelin tires and the largest front brake rotors ever available on an American sports coupe.
“With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “As a Mustang, it has to be attainable and punch above its weight. To that end, we’ve set a new standard among American performance cars with our most powerful street-legal V8 engine to date, plus the quickest-shifting transmission ever in a Mustang for all-out precision and speed.” On the street, its menacing aerodynamic design and Ford Performance driver control technologies make every moment behind the wheel even more exhilarating.
Since 2007, which marked the return of the Shelby GT500 (after it went away in 1970), Ford has worked tirelessly to engineer GT500 models with a balance of mind-bending acceleration, world-class handling, track-ready braking, and Gran Touring comfort. According to Ford, the 2020 GT500 will surpass all previous models by harnessing cutting-edge active chassis technology, the latest Michelin tires and Brembo brakes.
Ford Performance improved the S550 chassis with revised suspension geometry, a new electronic power steering unit, and lighter-weight front and rear coil springs. Next-generation active MagneRide suspension, along with the latest in advanced “drive mode” technologies from Ford Performance, ensure drivers can push the GT500 to its limits with confidence. According to Ford, drivers will experience highest-ever lateral acceleration from a Mustang for greater track performance and driver control.
Rubber meeting the road (or track) is Ford Performance-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires or more aggressive Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires featuring unique compounds and treads. And massive 16.5-inch (420-millimeter) two-piece rotors were added to provide track-ready stopping power. The brakes are the largest found on any domestic sports coupe and work with larger, stiffer, Brembo six-piston calipers. With 20-percent more swept area than the Shelby GT350, the brakes have more than 30 percent additional thermal mass in the front corners.
Buyers can select between two handling packages, including available “Handling Package” with adjustable strut top mounts and spoiler with Gurney flap. For the truly hardcore, an available Carbon Fiber Track Package features exposed 20-inch carbon fiber wheels with 0.5-inch-wider rear wheels (11.5-inch), custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, adjustable exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing and splitter wickers with integrated dive plane, and the rear seat is deleted to reduce weight.
Aero and Style
Ford wasn’t shy about styling the 2020 GT500. Head on, the look is menacing with big grill openings that serve both form and function. A cross-functional team of designers, Ford Performance engineers, and motorsports collaborators chiseled the 2020 Shelby GT500 into a machine with track-hero looks that match its performance capabilities.
“With a double front grille opening and 50 percent more cooling pack airflow versus the Shelby GT350, along with the most advanced aero components and downforce we’ve ever offered, every millimeter of Shelby GT500’s fastback design is aimed at improving performance,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford design manager. “Those large angular grille openings and muscular hood combine for a menacing, aerodynamic-led design inspired by modern fighter jet aircraft. The car’s wider front fenders and stance housing Shelby GT500-specific 20×11-inch wheels proportionally align with the rear fenders that hug up to 20×11.5-inch wheels. A standard new rear spoiler and updated composite materials in the rear diffuser result in added thermal management,” he added.
The team leveraged Ford’s motorsports technical center in North Carolina and its windshear rolling wind tunnel—where top-tier racing teams test—to perfect GT500 design. Front fascia openings are more than doubled versus the Shelby GT350, while six heat exchangers are stuffed in to increase cooling pack airflow by more than 50 percent. A massive 31×28-inch louvered hood vent features a removable aluminum rain tray for better air extraction and increased downforce.
Craftsmanship, Technology and Driver Comfort
In the cockpit, occupants are greeted with premium materials and unique finishes worthy of the Shelby’s world-class engine and powertrain. The optional Recaro seats are designed with firm side bolstering and pass-through openings for safety harnesses. They seem to provide support in all the right places and are beautifully designed with an embroidered snake in the seat back. Those looking for greater comfort can opt for the power-adjustable chairs with Miko suede inserts. Since you’ll be working the paddle shifters, both hands can grip the meaty Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. Ford has a done a fantastic job with Mustang steering wheels, and the Shelby GT500 is yet another fine example. Touch points include an available exposed carbon fiber instrument panel appliqué and new door panel inserts in Dark Slate Miko suede with accent stitching.
Monitoring the vitals will be easy with the all-new Shelby GT500 12-inch full-color LCD instrument cluster, while a high-performance custom-tuned 12-speaker B&O® Play premium audio system is available. The Shelby GT500 also get the popular 8-inch SYNC® 3 touch screen featuring SiriusXM and FordPass ConnectTM. New colors for 2020 Shelby GT500 include Red Hot, Twister Orange, and Iconic Silver. Painted stripes are available.
The 2020 Shelby GT500 looks like a winner. Ford has done its homework and it looks like this Snake hits the marks. It runs 10s, and, if it’s more agile than the GT350, it will be a winner on track. You’ll be a big hit whether you’re hitting a track day or your local Cars and Coffee. We’re excited to get our hands on one and HOT ROD readers will be the first to know when we do. We plan to hit the strip and confirm Ford’s claims so stay tuned.
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