Dyno Tested: 2010 Shelby GT500 lives up to 540 horsepower rating
2010 Shelby GT500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
We already know the 2010 Shelby GT500 is incredibly quick. In our initial performance test of the car, we ripped off a 12.9 second pass despite our lack of drag racing experience, a slippery track and a stiff headwind. With an experienced driver and prime conditions we have no doubt that Shelby's latest muscle car can break into the 11's. At the time, we thought to ourselves that the car's 540 horsepower number was probably underrated, and it turns out we were spot on.
While we haven't had the chance (yet) to strap a new GT500 to a dyno, 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords jumped at the chance as soon as they had one in their possession. The results didn't surprise us: 478.53 horsepower and 470.43 lb-ft torque at the rear wheels on a hot and muggy day in Florida. Much can be argued about exactly how much power is transferred from the flywheel to the back rubber, but the traditional calculation of a 15% loss puts the GT500 at over 560 bhp. Interestingly, it's still quite a bit less than the Shelby GT500KR that 5.0 tested last year despite the same official power rating. Even so, we're happy that Ford is now underrating their pony cars and preventing power-rating debacles like the one the SVT Cobra created back in 1999.
[Source: 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Art 2:31PM (8/08/2009)
so, that car looks nothing short of incredible
Reply
Matt 3:31PM (8/08/2009)
Hardly...
It is still an overweight pig that looks bland and is the slowest 500+ HP car on the market.
Plus, it has a ox cart rear suspension and it overpriced.
There are much better cars out there that are more efficient, faster, with less power, more refined, and better looking.
This car is another base hit from Ford...but far, FAR short of a home run.
obliv222 3:59PM (8/08/2009)
Both the Aston Martin v12 and s600 Mercedes TT v12, well over the 500hp mark, are 0-60 in 4.6, which is slower than the 2010 gt500. It took me 3 seconds to find this in a google search.
Both weigh more, and cost 3x as much.
You calling this car bland shows how little you know about design, and how terrible your taste is.
Valentino Amoro 4:28PM (8/08/2009)
Agreed. I never really cared about muscles cars, 'except the 68-69 Boss and the Sting Ray.
The three new ones look incredible though, The challenger has incredible presence (but ok handling and a terrible interior), the Camaro has modern striking looks (again, interior is OK, and aspects of the build look cheap), but for the first time, it's the GT500 that is swaying me and really put muscles cars on my radar. I'm considering getting a Z06 or a C6-Grand Sport (it's coming out soon), a 911 4S or a C63 AMG. Those are amazing quick sports cars (especially the first two Vettes) that give Ferrari's a run for their money and look great. The GT500 being a muscle car exactly has never been comptetitive. That said, this thing has it's own presence (amazing what small tweaks over the previous model have acheived) and the handling has tightened up considerably according to what I read.While bench racers will say it will be slower than a base Vette around the track, the interiors here have nicer update materials (especially the new seats, cue ball shifter, aluminium trim and lighted door sills). It's also more striking to look at than the 911, which where I live is common place and bland (granted the 911 is a more nuanced dirving experience). I also like the low 12 quarter mile times here, which are competitive with the base Corvettes and the 911S's. Finally, the sound it makes is as nice as a Vette and C63 and unique in its own way (by the way, the Vette and C63 along witht he Aston V8 Vantage are incredible sounding cars if you havent heard them!)
Ford has a compelling package in this car and I am def tempted. To me it's the king of the muscle cars today and I dont see anything in the pipeline that can beat it. Also, 600+HP is just a few tweaks away. (If only the tyres were wider though!)
svt boost 8:25PM (8/08/2009)
Matt, your comments as above:
"Hardly...
It is still an overweight pig that looks bland and is the slowest 500+ HP car on the market."
Are way off the mark. A stock 2010 shelby just ran a 1.65 60ft, on stock tires, and clicked off a 11.6...proven by a timeslip. With a good driver it is a hell of car. Drop 1000 into engine mods, and the car will run 11 flat all day long.
If you are a road racer, drop a couple of K's into a suspension and the car will eat porsches and M3's for lunch. Believe it, cause its happening all over the country, I should know...
Timsvtgen1 11:01PM (8/08/2009)
Sour. Grapes.
Art 9:00AM (8/09/2009)
I am ignoring the performance, which is still impressive. There's something about how mean the car is that is worthy of note
mikemaj82 2:46PM (8/08/2009)
it's amazing what a supercharger will do, isn't it?
Reply
tifosiotaku 2:56PM (8/08/2009)
Simply marvelous. Better get one now before the Greenpeace sympathizers controlling Congress bans 'em.
Reply
JF 3:07PM (8/08/2009)
That would be amazing looking if not for all the non-body color grey cladding/plastic all over the bottom of the car, not sure why that's a new fad among cars (Compare it to the last gen gt500 which has less grey plastic outside). It just kinda makes it look cheaper IMO. Otherwise its an awesome car of course.
Reply
ambientFLIER 3:31PM (8/08/2009)
Still a nose-heavy pig. I'd rather get a normal GT with the Ford Racing supercharger and the suspension pack.
Reply
Franz 3:35PM (8/08/2009)
I have to admit I do love this car... a lot. I'd eventually ditch the supercharger for twin GT28s though: virtually no lag and a crazy top end. Nothing wrong with the blower... I'm just a turbo guy. Plus, twin turbo V8s sound absolutely crazy when you're on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGU3iHW7npU
Reply
Cameron 4:38PM (8/08/2009)
That video made me pitch a tent!
JIMBO 2:29PM (8/09/2009)
Never fear Ford Fan-boys . THE ECO-BOOST 6.2 LITRE. DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM FOUR VALVE V-8 TWIN TURBO COMETH !
And the four star over weight re-called porky pig cartoon shamaro is already stuffed an apple in its ugly mouth . Soon , very soon , you can stick a fork in its ass .
That behemoth couldn't run out a sight in a week !
Reply
ytilanigiroon 1:12PM (8/10/2009)
Four total valves for eight cylinders? AMAZING! ... -LY BAD IDEA!
JIMBO 1:50PM (8/10/2009)
ARE YOU SERIOUS ? WHAT A TROLL !
lambo.fan25 4:49PM (8/08/2009)
500 horsepower is an amazing amount. That on top of the Mustang's new looks equal one good car.
Reply
Dan_G 4:55PM (8/08/2009)
Ill admit the car does look great. Ford could make it a lot better.
Even though it does put down some good numbers it doesn't really mean much when you look at how much it weighs. Ford knows how to get some high hp out of it. Maybe now they should focus on making it lighter so it will really be incredible.
Reply
Hamhock 5:01PM (8/08/2009)
The Ecoboost should be capable of similar #s with minimal mods. 150hp/ liter is not crazy for a DI turbo motor.
Reply
jcar302 5:09PM (8/08/2009)
The new shelby is light years ahead of the last few years.
It's finally not only a car with big power numbers, but also one that handles well and puts the power to the ground.
People that bought the older model should be feeling ripped off right about now.
For those who just had to have the last model (even paid over sticker), I guess you had to learn the age old lesson of never buying the first run of a model.
Reply