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2011 Ford Shelby GT500
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The 2011 Mustang Shelby GT500 represents Ford as one of the most powerful and exciting models available. The Shelby GT500 builds on its 1960's muscle car heritage with classic styling cues mixed with modern touches and a massive dose of horsepower. For this model year, the Shelby GT500 receives an all-new aluminum engine that's 102 pounds lighter and 10 hp more powerful. The supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 now makes 550 hp and 510 pounds-feet of torque. Mileage has improved for 2011, and the improvement means the Shelby GT500 isn't subject to a gas-guzzler tax anymore. With only one powertrain combination available, this car's reason for being quickly becomes clear. While most GT500 drivers are unlikely to be too concerned about fuel efficiency, it is a political and commercial reality that Ford does have to deal with. The EPA rated the 2010 GT500 at 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway and slapped a $1,000 gas guzzler tax on the hood. The addition of EPAS, reduced mass and reduced friction all helped to improve the 2011 GT500's EPA numbers to 15 and 23 mpg and cleared the GT500 of the dreaded guzzler label.
The Mustang V-8 takes premium gas, and its estimated fuel economy has improved to 15/23 mpg thanks to weight reduction, the use of an electric power-steering system and better underbody air management. Ford says the Shelby GT500 convertible is 12 percent more laterally stiff than last year's model. Both the coupe and convertible gain a new dual exhaust system that contributes to the horsepower gain. Like other 2011 Mustangs, the GT500 gets a new electric power assist steering (EPAS) system that is extremely precise. The GT500 has a very different driving experience driving an '11 from a '10, it is more nimble, and the steering is quicker. The straight-line acceleration was improved by about 1/10th of second, but overall drivability and handling are said to be vastly improved. The GT V-8 is an absolute blast to drive. It's very quick off the mark, the manual shifter shifts more cleanly, and the engine sound is always brawny and throaty and beautiful, from its lumpy idle to redline at 6500 rpm. The clutch pedal is light and easy to use.
The Shelby GT500 has a new package for 2011. The SVT Performance Package is geared towards those looking to take their Shelby GT500 on the local racetrack. It features Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires on lightweight 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged-aluminum wheels, a 3.73 axle ratio, a limited-slip differential, firmer springs and a lowered ride height.
For 2011, the Shelby GT500 can have an optional panoramic glass roof - a feature that's been available for the regular Mustang - and high-intensity-discharge headlights are now standard. The GT500 is available as a coupe or a convertible. The Shelby GT500 gains standard 19" forged alloy wheels, MyKey, HID headlights and an all-aluminum engine for 2011. The new Mustang GT500 has a more aerodynamic design than ever before.
Modern amenities such as air-conditioning and leather seats for four leave passengers wanting for nothing. Altogether, the 2011 Mustang is much more refined than any previous generations when it comes to noise, and is a much more comfortable car to be in, whether cruising or a full throttle. The GT500 cabin offers a throwback instrument design complemented by softer-feeling surfaces throughout, and the use of real aluminum plates on the fascias, pedal covers, scuff plates and shifter knob. Interior and entertainment features for Mustang include a rear-facing video camera, the Sync voice-activated hands-free system for the first time in a Mustang, featuring Sirius satellite radio and satellite navigation with Sirius Travel Link.
The 2011 GT500 carries plenty of technical safety features such as four-wheel Brembo disc brakes, traction control and an assortment of protective airbags. Before the contemporary GT500 was born, Ford had a blown aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 in the short lived GT supercar. However, when the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicle Team developed the GT500, they opted to mount the GT's cylinder heads on the cast iron block used in the big F-Series pickup trucks. After debuting a visual refresh for the Mustang a year ago, Ford has spent the last two months announcing fresh new powertrains for the base and GT models. For the latest updates, visit the official 2011 Ford Mustang site. The 2011 model finally has the aluminum powerplant the effect is absolutely en-lightening. The SVT engineers actually had a reason for going with the iron block in the first place. Mustangs like the GT500 and its Cobra ancestors often end up being heavily modified for use at drag strips and race tracks, and the SVT crew wanted to make sure the standard block could stand up to the rigors of those significantly higher outputs. They chose not to use an aluminum block until they had a chance to develop one with the same strength as the iron version, and that time has now come. For another take on the new Shelby, read Popular Mechanics' 2011 Shelby GT500 First Look.
Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com.
2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The 2011 Mustang Shelby GT500 represents Ford as one of the most powerful and exciting models available. The Shelby GT500 builds on its 1960's muscle car heritage with classic styling cues mixed with modern touches and a massive dose of horsepower. For this model year, the Shelby GT500 receives an all-new aluminum engine that's 102 pounds lighter and 10 hp more powerful. The supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 now makes 550 hp and 510 pounds-feet of torque. Mileage has improved for 2011, and the improvement means the Shelby GT500 isn't subject to a gas-guzzler tax anymore. With only one powertrain combination available, this car's reason for being quickly becomes clear. While most GT500 drivers are unlikely to be too concerned about fuel efficiency, it is a political and commercial reality that Ford does have to deal with. The EPA rated the 2010 GT500 at 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway and slapped a $1,000 gas guzzler tax on the hood. The addition of EPAS, reduced mass and reduced friction all helped to improve the 2011 GT500's EPA numbers to 15 and 23 mpg and cleared the GT500 of the dreaded guzzler label.
Powering the Shelby GT500
The Mustang V-8 takes premium gas, and its estimated fuel economy has improved to 15/23 mpg thanks to weight reduction, the use of an electric power-steering system and better underbody air management. Ford says the Shelby GT500 convertible is 12 percent more laterally stiff than last year's model. Both the coupe and convertible gain a new dual exhaust system that contributes to the horsepower gain. Like other 2011 Mustangs, the GT500 gets a new electric power assist steering (EPAS) system that is extremely precise. The GT500 has a very different driving experience driving an '11 from a '10, it is more nimble, and the steering is quicker. The straight-line acceleration was improved by about 1/10th of second, but overall drivability and handling are said to be vastly improved. The GT V-8 is an absolute blast to drive. It's very quick off the mark, the manual shifter shifts more cleanly, and the engine sound is always brawny and throaty and beautiful, from its lumpy idle to redline at 6500 rpm. The clutch pedal is light and easy to use.SVT Performance Package
The Shelby GT500 has a new package for 2011. The SVT Performance Package is geared towards those looking to take their Shelby GT500 on the local racetrack. It features Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires on lightweight 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged-aluminum wheels, a 3.73 axle ratio, a limited-slip differential, firmer springs and a lowered ride height.
2011 Mustang Shelby GT500 Design
For 2011, the Shelby GT500 can have an optional panoramic glass roof - a feature that's been available for the regular Mustang - and high-intensity-discharge headlights are now standard. The GT500 is available as a coupe or a convertible. The Shelby GT500 gains standard 19" forged alloy wheels, MyKey, HID headlights and an all-aluminum engine for 2011. The new Mustang GT500 has a more aerodynamic design than ever before.Ford Shelby GT500 Cabin
Modern amenities such as air-conditioning and leather seats for four leave passengers wanting for nothing. Altogether, the 2011 Mustang is much more refined than any previous generations when it comes to noise, and is a much more comfortable car to be in, whether cruising or a full throttle. The GT500 cabin offers a throwback instrument design complemented by softer-feeling surfaces throughout, and the use of real aluminum plates on the fascias, pedal covers, scuff plates and shifter knob. Interior and entertainment features for Mustang include a rear-facing video camera, the Sync voice-activated hands-free system for the first time in a Mustang, featuring Sirius satellite radio and satellite navigation with Sirius Travel Link.
Conclusions
The 2011 GT500 carries plenty of technical safety features such as four-wheel Brembo disc brakes, traction control and an assortment of protective airbags. Before the contemporary GT500 was born, Ford had a blown aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 in the short lived GT supercar. However, when the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicle Team developed the GT500, they opted to mount the GT's cylinder heads on the cast iron block used in the big F-Series pickup trucks. After debuting a visual refresh for the Mustang a year ago, Ford has spent the last two months announcing fresh new powertrains for the base and GT models. For the latest updates, visit the official 2011 Ford Mustang site. The 2011 model finally has the aluminum powerplant the effect is absolutely en-lightening. The SVT engineers actually had a reason for going with the iron block in the first place. Mustangs like the GT500 and its Cobra ancestors often end up being heavily modified for use at drag strips and race tracks, and the SVT crew wanted to make sure the standard block could stand up to the rigors of those significantly higher outputs. They chose not to use an aluminum block until they had a chance to develop one with the same strength as the iron version, and that time has now come. For another take on the new Shelby, read Popular Mechanics' 2011 Shelby GT500 First Look.
Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com.
