30 minutes with a Shelby GT500
Recently Ford stopped by to give us a ride in the company's new second-in-command supercar, the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500. We say second-in-command because if anything bad were to befall Ford's fastest product, the 550-horsepower Ford GT, well, the GT500 could assume command as the Blue Oval's flagship supercar just fine.
Unlike the GT that costs over $150,000, the Shelby GT500 retails for around $43,000 (good luck finding one for that price, though). We've already done the math, which shows that each unit of horsepower in the GT500 costs around $86. With the GT you're paying $272 per horsepower. That makes the Shelby GT500 one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals in the world.
Our time with the Shelby GT500 was brief, about thirty minutes, and our drive was limited to a suburban jungle of stoplights and school zones with a brief trip on the freeway. Despite all that, we came away from the GT500 impressed with its grand touring demeanor that makes for a great daily driver. This is an easy to drive car, the only hint of the power that lies beneath being the firm clutch pedal on our tester.
It may drive easy, but the sudden rush of acceleration when you mash the gas feels like you've been rear ended by a wrecking ball. We could go on, but Ford assured us that a Shelby GT500 would be in the Autoblog Garage soon, at which point we'll give Ford's second-in-command a thorough workout.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Stacey 11:08AM (7/26/2006)
Looks like a regular mustang with some stickers.
Yes it's 500 hp...but it's not very attractive.
I bet it gets it's butt kicked by the C6 and Z06 and I'm not even a Vet fan.
Reply
Spear 11:12AM (7/26/2006)
one word--- STi
kills all
Reply
fred 11:14AM (7/26/2006)
I find it very interesting to read about the "daily driveability" of these monsters. More please to balance the usual joyride journeys for auto journalists.
Reply
Max 11:17AM (7/26/2006)
If Ford lives up to the rumor of making a Boss Mustang that is as light as the V6, with 390hp and with all the GT500's underpinnings, I think that is going to be the car to have....not this boat anchor.
Reply
Carlos 11:17AM (7/26/2006)
The C6 and Z06 Corvette won't be match for this Beast, it's simply astonishing.
Reply
Cly 11:22AM (7/26/2006)
Who are they kidding? It's a Rustang on steriod, you'll find it dead on the road or in pieces. Anyone looking for a super car isn't going to waste their money on a Ford. Teenage joyrider, maybe.
Hand-built with pride? please spare me the sarcasm.
Reply
daniel 11:23AM (7/26/2006)
"2nd in command"? Isn't this an 07? Didn't the GT go out of production in 06?
Reply
Dubbedinenglish 11:26AM (7/26/2006)
Spear -"one word--- STi"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Wow find one performance spec that Sti does better than the GT500
The GT500
0-60 4.5sec
1/4 mile 12.7 @116 mph
passing 45-65 1.9 secs
600ft slalom: 69.7 mph
lateral accleration .92g
Mt figure eight: 24.5secs @ .77g
Weight distribution: 57/ 43
The WRX STi
0-60: 4.5 secs
Passing 45-65 mph: 2.5 sec
Quarter Mile: 13.0 sec @ 103.5 mph
600-Ft Slalom: 68.8 mph avg
Lateral Acceleration: 0.91 g avg
Weight distribution: 58/ 42
It even is more nose heavy than the GT500. A full second slower in the MT Figure eight. LOL STi....good one
Reply
GT500 Mustang 11:27AM (7/26/2006)
What an awesome car.. could be the best Mustang ever.. sorry to those vintage Mustang fans..
If you're interested in the GT 500 Mustang, be sure to check out http://www.fordgt500.com
Reply
HemiDakota 11:28AM (7/26/2006)
Lucky dog you....
Reply
Steve 11:29AM (7/26/2006)
Gee, once again the Ford bashers pounce! How many of you would even be in the market for a car such as this? don't buy it if you don't like it. Go get in your Saturn ION's and get the hell out of here. An ugly car? Laughable I say!
Reply
mickster 11:35AM (7/26/2006)
Hey Dubbedinenglish,
There are only 3 specs the Subie STi will win on:
MPG
Price
Reliability
Otherwise good assessment of the other stupid post.
Reply
Juan 11:36AM (7/26/2006)
You don't have to like American muscle cars, but if you do, you can't not like this new GT500.
Reply
Dubbedinenglish 11:37AM (7/26/2006)
MT Figure Eight for the STi: 25.5 sec @ 0.72 g avg
Reply
samuel 11:41AM (7/26/2006)
This blog is infested with no-brained domestic car bashers that come oozing out of the woodwork whenever their "never been laid" bodies sense a threat. It's pathetic really.
As far as the car is concerned, I want one.
As far as the STI remark, well, if I slapped a turbo on my toro it might give it a nice boost, but it'll still be a lawnmower and you'll still look like a well pimpled teenaged tool driving it.
Reply
Steve C. 11:44AM (7/26/2006)
Dubbedinenglish,
You forgot one important "performance" measure. How about:
Subaru Impreza STi - $32,995
Shelby GT500 - $43,000 (before dealer "add-ons")
Is it worth the additional $10,000+?
Reply
Quote the Raven 10:46AM (4/29/2009)
Yes
JoeArlo 11:47AM (7/26/2006)
This car was not built as a performer as much as it was a marketing excersise. These will sell for above sticker just based on all the aging Baby Boomers that dreamed of owning a GT500 when they were kids.
Ford's attempt at building brand image based on this vehicle is a stomach flu for an already ailing company. Is it a good car? Sure. Does it live up to all the hype/press that Ford is pushing? No.
Reply
Buster Hymen 11:49AM (7/26/2006)
Can someone please 'splain to me why the heck Ford doesn't release cars like this in the states???
http://www.tuningnews.net/news/050216/ford-focus-st.php
Reply
Steve C. 11:55AM (7/26/2006)
For those who think $43,000 is a decent price, as John said, good luck. Unless you have a contract with a dealer for that price, you are just dreaming.
Check out eBay where successful auctions have seen these cars sold this week at $65,000.
So, do you still think it's worth it??
Reply