The sixth-generation Mustang was unveiled in December four years ago, and it brought new design language, a new platform, and updated engines. Two years after that, Ford introduced the Shelby GT350 which was the first performance version of the popular muscle car, but now, Blue Oval prepares a GT500. The test mules were seen just outside Dearborn development facility in Michigan, and it has a lot of new and exciting features, compared to the GT350. Based on the spy shots that were taken, a rendering of the upcoming 2019 Ford Shelby GT500 has been created.
Brief Overview
The original Shelby GT500 was launched in 1967 and compared to the track-oriented GT350; the GT500 had a massive 7.0-liter V8 under its hood, which delivered 360 hp. It also received some authentic features, and it had body parts made from fiberglass so that it could save as much weight as possible. The limited edition was introduced a year later known as “King of the Road.” After the facelifted version launched in 1969, the production stopped, and the contract between Shelby and Ford was terminated.
It has been a long break, but the GT500 returned as the 2007 model year based on the fifth-generation Mustang, and it was equipped with a 5.4-liter V8 good for 500 hp. In 2009, the GT500KR was introduced together with the new Super Snake version, while two years after that a new powerplant made of aluminum increased the power output by 50. The last variant of the GT500 arrived in 2013, and 2014 with a 5.8-liter V8 rated at 662 hp, and this was the most powerful GT500 ever assembled whereas Super Snake’s engine generated up to 850 hp.
Exterior and Interior
The new Shelby GT500 will, of course, be more aggressive than the GT350 and we know that an authentic aero package will be available. The vehicle is heavily camouflaged, but it should come with a bigger fixed-wing atop the trunk lid and a new bumper with a huge splitter. Furthermore, the front fascia will have larger bumper intakes, and the front grille brings redesigned look while the bulky engine will come with a new hood fitted with a large power dome. The “GT500” badges will be placed on the fenders, plus, the vehicle should be offered in several colors and body stripe combinations.
The interior is hard to talk about at this moment because there is no concrete information, but there will likely be some parts taken from the GT350. Its cabin should be similar to the Mustang’s, so we expect a slightly modified dash, door panels, center console, but a plethora of unique equipment. The steering wheel is going to be borrowed from the GT350, while bespoke gauges on the instrument cluster and the upgraded infotainment are expected. Moreover, unique upholstery, badges, high-contrast stitching and sports seats are an inevitable part of the 2018 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang.
Engine Choice
We have the idea of what the new GT500 will look like (more or less), but we cannot even guess which engine will power this Shelby creation. Luckily, some rumors can help us. One of the rumors suggests that Ford plans to replace the supercharged V8 with a twin-turbocharged unit, this would be a good move if you take a look at the company’s drivetrain strategy. The test car was seen with the “TT” mark on the windscreen which supports this claim.
The V8 in question is unknown, but a modified variant of the 5.0-liter Coyote is a possibility; or even a brand-new engine. If the company agrees to use turbocharging, the Ford Shelby GT500 will be the only beefed-up muscle car with turbo power under the hood, considering that Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Dodge Challenger Hellcat have superchargers.
Also, let’s not abandon the supercharged version of the 5.2-liter V8 that is under the hood of the GT350. This is a unit with tremendous potential, but as you can see this is an uncharted territory and we can only make guesses. However, an engine that will power the new GT500 will have more than 700 horsepower, and it could even reach 800.
2019 Ford Shelby GT500 Price
It is still way too early to talk about the pricing of the 2019 Ford Shelby GT500, but it could be the most expensive version of the new-gen Mustang and carry the price tag of around $70,000. Furthermore, Blue Oval wants to produce a limited number of these, which will mirror the price. The new model will go against Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and the Chevy Camaro ZL1 once it goes on sale.
Do you like the 2019 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang?
