If you’re in the market for an all-American muscle car, the legendary Ford Mustang should be at the top of your list. Topping the eight available 2020 trim levels are the coiled cobra-badged Shelby GT350 and the all-new Shelby GT500. Here are some of the features of these race car-inspired models to help you to decide which one is for you.
Engine and Transmission
High-performance Shelby Mustangs are all about the power and performance and, although the GT350 and GT500 both feature a 5.2-liter V-8 engine, they have very different characteristics. Powering the GT350 is a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter flat plane crank V-8 that delivers 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated with a unique six-speed performance-oriented manual transmission.
Under the hood of the Shelby GT500 is a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 with a cross plane crank that gives better low-end torque and smoother power delivery. It produces a massive 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. Paired with it is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – a first for a Mustang – that provides seamless shifting whether you’re chasing lap times or burning up the drag strip.
Handling and Performance
Both the GT350 and GT500 feature a 3.73 Torsen limited slip rear axle, dual exhaust with electronic valves, independent rear suspension, the MagneRide damping system, six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brake calipers, and an integrated driver control system. For track use, you have launch control and electronic line lock.
The GT350 sits on 19-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, while the GT500 gets 20-inch wheels and adds red-painted brake calipers and selectable drive modes with Snow/Wet, Sport, Track, or Drag Strip modes that put you in control of the vehicle dynamics. You also have the option of exposed carbon fiber wheels.
On the track, the GT350 can take you from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and hit the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds. Acceleration figures for the GT500 had not been released at the time of writing, but the 0 to 60 mph time is estimated to be 3.5 seconds and it should do the quarter mile in around 10.8 seconds. Ford says that it will go from zero to 100 mph and back to zero in just 10.6 seconds.
Exterior and Interior Design
Designed with airflow in mind, the GT350 features hood vents, a rear diffuser, and a pedestal rear spoiler. The GT500 has a much wider grille and a 6.03 square-foot hood vent to feed air to the six heat exchangers. It’s available with an adjustable rear wing to increase the downforce.
Inside the GT350 are Recaro simulated suede-trimmed cloth sports seats, aluminum pedals, track apps, dual-zone climate control, Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology, the Sync 3 infotainment system, and nine-speaker audio. The GT500 adds simulated suede power front seats, and a customizable 12-inch digital instrument cluster with Normal, Sport, and Track modes and a choice of color schemes to suit your mood.
Contact Billy Howell Ford Lincoln for more information about the features of the Shelby GT muscle cars.
Connect with us
