“We’re proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we’ve now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. “Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive.”
With that kind of endorsement, it's already a sure thing in many fans eyes. The more skeptical will wait to see how it feels in a seat-of-the-pants sense, but with 540hp and 510lb-ft of torque on tap, it's unlikely to feel like it's lacking power. The 2010 GT500 gets its power from a supercharged and intercooled 5.4L DOHC V8 that redlines at 6,250 rpm.
Some of the advances made to allow the new Shelby to generate all that power include an open-element intake and conical air filter instead of the more typical factory enclosed flat-panel system. Snaked to a cold-air location, the intake also helps get the coolest air possible into the system, reducing charge temps and increasing horsepower.
Routing all that power and torque to the rear wheels is a six-speed manual transmission mated to a twin-disc clutch. The clutch itself has been upgraded to a copper/fiberglass blend and enlarged to 250mm discs, 35mm larger than the previous GT500's. To keep the clutch from being undriveable on the street, a unique mechanism controls the intermediate disc, making for smoother launches and shifts. The transmission also gets some improvements to reduce noise and vibration. Fifth and sixth gears are also made slightly taller, accounting for the 2mpg highway fuel efficiency improvements, though a shorter 3.55 ratio in the rear diff boosts acceleration in the lower gears.
All of this driveline work means that the car will accelerate faster than last year's car, but Ford isn't saying how much faster just yet. With the similarly-outfitted (but even shorter-geared at a 3.73 rear diff ratio) 540hp GT500KR making the 0-60mph (96km/h) dash in 4.1 seconds, expect similar figures from the 2010 model.
Exterior appearance changes for 2010 are similar to those found on the standard 2010 Mustang. The redesigned slimmer look, improved interior and modernized trim all carry over where they are not replaced by unique elements. Special attention was paid to the front end of the car, which gets a redesigned splitter among other upgrades.
“We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercoolor to get rid of all the leak paths. The result of this evolution of aerodynamics is we’ve increased downforce, reduced drag and improved the overall efficiency of the 2010 Shelby GT500.”
The suspension also gets new SVT tuning, with revised spring and damper rates for better roll control, thanks in part to work done in the GT500KR program. Handling is further improved with new 19in Goodyear F1 Supercar tires on forged aluminum wheels.
“All our changes were about making the car to respond as fast and as predictable as possible,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer for SVT. “The 2010 Shelby GT500 conveys an athletic, confident feel. The shifter, clutch pedal, brake-pedal efforts and overall steering efforts are easier now. We wanted to make sure we had a nice, crisp short-throw shifter that was easy to go from gear to gear.”
The 2010 Shelby GT500 goes on sale in the early part of 2009, though the very first car will be auctioned along side the first 2010 Mustang and the first 2010 Chevrolet Camaro at the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 13-18 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Reader Comments
Thu Jan 1 2009 12:53 AM
aex90832 says
Has anyone else noticed that there are two different styles of headlights in the new mustang. There's ones with the yellow light closer to the grill and ones that are the complete opposite. Look at pictures 4 & 33 and you will see what im talking about. How will the buyer know which models will get witch style?
Thu Jan 1 2009 2:10 AM
Tall Paul says
I think, only by looking at lots of photos cause at first I thought it was a 6 or 8 cylinder thing, the car has headlights on the outside with regular lighting. HID headlights are put inside. But now I need to go back and look some more.
Thu Jan 1 2009 11:34 AM
Musclehead says
Detroit's Muscle Head Mentality is the reason they are losing money, and this car ( as beautiful as it is ) is a testimony to the sad fact that the "Big 3" have never seriously dedicated production efforts to producing fuel efficient, environmentally friendly products.
Growing up in Detroit during 60's, I too was enamored by the powerful autos introduced each year, but I outgrew these toys. I wish the Big 3 would grow up too, and display the leadership they once were admired for.
Thu Jan 1 2009 2:14 PM
Mike says
I-WANT-ONE. Oh, and by the way this is a halo car, it doesn't need to be fuel efficient or environmentally friendly, this is a low-volume production vehicle. Besides, it still gets way better fuel economy than a '68 GT500, all the while being much more powerful and faster too.
Thu Jan 1 2009 3:36 PM
NoNameDenton says
Awesome, boosting the power, I hope they do a more powerful KR version
Fri Jan 2 2009 12:38 AM
azlan says
the problem with the last gt500 was that it still kept the basic suspension, its good they are boosting the power but im more interested in a damn good suspension system, then this car will be awesome.
Fri Jan 2 2009 12:41 AM
Gus says
It'll be a long time before I "outgrow" a powerful, RWD convertible like my Mustang GT...
Fri Jan 2 2009 8:37 AM
azlan says
yes especially when the newer model is about the same. its the same with alot of my cars if its a good car it will always be a good car.
Fri Jan 2 2009 5:11 PM
NoNameDenton says
azlan they did fix the suspension by beefing it up.
Fri Jan 2 2009 11:28 PM
azlan says
i said a damn good suspension system will make this car a whole lot better..beefing it up wont to the trick. i know they have made modifications but it is still very old fashion compared to what could be done. i offer car analysis to many car companies including audi, aston martin, lotus etc including this new mustang and i dont think the suspension is not yet up to the job for the gt500, its still a muscle car cruiser.
Fri Jan 2 2009 11:51 PM
NoNameDenton says
Since th Mustang is a muscle car and why most people buy it..........
Sat Jan 3 2009 4:26 AM
azlan says
i said muscle car cruiser, not a racer theres a difference, dont insult me
Fri Jan 9 2009 7:14 PM
Gus says
Azlan, we won't insult you, but the slaes figures of this car do.
Sat Feb 7 2009 12:19 AM
macnuts says
You obviously have not been updated on the improvements of the big three. for the record, it is unions, (not poorly made vehicles) that are destroying the American auto industry. ford is coming out with the most fuel efficient hybrid fusion in its class. it also has the new taurus which not only looks fabulous, but will soon have a hybrid as well. GM is on the right path with the hybrids as well especially in the suv market. however, i must admit that a hybrid truck is a little weak. noone wants a hybrid truck. I think that ford IS on the right path with the all v8 lineup of 2009 f150's. they're also the best looking and best performing trucks on the road today. save the v-6 lineup for diesels like ford is doing, that way you're not sacrificing power, towing capacity, fuel economy etc. ford is kicking butt these days.
Wed Apr 29 2009 10:29 AM
FordShelbyFan says
Nice Ride, it is all about centrifugal force. LOL
by the way:
We don't drive our 07 Ford Shelby GT500 daily. I don't know of many in our circle of car enthusiasts that do drive their muscle cars on a daily basis. We drive economically, politically correct cars on a daily basis. We eat chicken and fish on a daily basis. On Sundays we like a beef steak. On Sunday we go for a drive in our Ford Shelby GT500. We have been hard working Americans for 30 years, raising our kids, supporting our churches, putting in 10 hours a day, saving up for something we value. People value different things......if you don't value the muscle cars, you are in the wrong forum. If you think **** all over what someone else values will change their mind, good luck with that! If you do decide to stick around, and read an article, get your stories correct before you slam the products..............Go do something positive like attack the plastic bag industry. ....or paper bag industry. (I carry reusable bags). This is such a small part of our gasoline issues. It isn't a small part of our economic issues....but we are moving to socialism, aren't we? I am a flag waver. I am a Pro-Nationalist. I buy American made cars (Fords) towards the goal of supporting American made industry. I want the USA to be in the position of being the most powerful industrial nation. I want Americans to have good jobs with good benefits. Bring the most recent numbers back and defend your statements but if you are bringing the 1980s numbers to us, it doesn't fly. How long have you been on that kick? 30 years? We have been taught diversity is good, appreciate your fellow man. I agree with that, I do not buy into discrimination. In this country we have melded into a truly awesome people....but I stop at accepting to support international diversity in retrospect to economics. With money comes power. Our country's, Our country's personal freedoms come with our country's economic power. Buy American!!! We must be an industrial nation to provide for our country's freedoms and political strength.
Wed Apr 29 2009 10:37 AM
FordShelbyFan says
azlan is correct.
The suspension could be improved for racing....and it is a muscle car cruiser. The guys who race their GT500s do a lot of customizing - and that is one reason they bought it.
For a limited production line car it is perfectly fine as a muscle car cruiser. If you are going to gun it hard, you better be on a straight stretch.
that said- it is a beauty to drive and enjoy
Wed Apr 29 2009 11:15 AM
FordShelbyFan says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mONP542SRA
shelbyfest 2009 Tribute in memory of LaMonte and Max Vogel, 4/25/2009
GT500s and other Mustangs
Wed Apr 29 2009 11:19 AM
FordShelbyFan says
this one is even better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcOU5GQG_ZQ&feature=related
Moment of Horsepower in memory of LaMonte and Max Vogel
Mon Jun 1 2009 7:15 AM
denohew says
Hey Musclehead, go hug a tree and I hope my dog pisses on you! Leave our horsepower alone! Go get on the Toyota website you bufoon!!! Kiss my gas guzzlin' ass!!!
Sun Jun 7 2009 10:43 AM
Bopo says
Quote:
Hey Musclehead, go hug a tree and I hope my dog pisses on you! Leave our horsepower alone! Go get on the Toyota website you bufoon!!! Kiss my gas guzzlin' ass!!!
Lol :), I suppose everyone has their own opinions, best agree on disagreeing.
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