It was only last year on Inside Line when the Ford Shelby GT500 stomped out wins against the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Chevrolet Camaro SS and even a Hennessey-tuned Camaro cranking out 559 horsepower at the wheels.
And it did it all with a solid axle.
Since then, the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 has only become stronger. It now offers an SVT performance package with more serious rubber, lighter wheels and a shorter rear-end gear. Still, whether it's a stereotype or bias or whatever, the simple fact is that we've come to expect a certain kind of performance from pony cars.
And the GT500 just didn't deliver.
Rather, it over-delivered. With massive stick, serious brakes, huge thrust, killer sound and speed like we've never before experienced from this breed of car, it was, well, more than just a pony car. It's now a genuinely engaging driver's car — solid axle and all.
Less Weight, More Power
Ford will use large, polysyllabic words like "nanoparticles" and "atomizing" to convince you that the GT500's new 5.4-liter aluminum block is better than last year's iron block. We'll use one simple word: weight. That's because our 2011 model weighed a full 101 pounds less than the last 2010 model we tested (3,800 pounds vs. 3,901 pounds).
The new, lighter engine also benefits from a larger, more efficient intercooler which, coupled with a new 2.8-inch exhaust, liberates 10 additional horses, bringing the total to 550. Torque remains unchanged at 510 pound-feet. It's all lashed to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.
Remarkably, this GT500 also earns higher EPA fuel economy ratings (15 city/23 highway) than the 2010 model thanks to underbody aero changes and the addition of electrically assisted power steering. It's enough of an improvement that the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 now avoids a federal gas-guzzler tax.
Kicking Axle
And then, as if all this unexpected excellence weren't enough, the GT500 shot to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds (4.1 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip). It annihilated the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 116 mph. Both milestones were achieved 0.2 second quicker than the last 2010 GT500 we tested, proving undoubtedly that the additional power is, in fact, present.
The GT500's short shifter did hang up a bit between gears, adding a tenth or two to our times, but shifts were quick enough to lay down rubber. Still, this isn't the first GT500 we've tested with shifter problems, which makes us question the value of its short shifter.
But certain surface irregularities will conspire to throw the GT500 into directional protests.
But the straight-line numbers don't even scratch the surface of the GT500's depth of talent. Its 68.2-mph slalom speed is better than all its competition and 1.6 mph faster than last year's model. And its 0.97g skid pad performance exceeds even that of our oh-so-grippy long-term Dodge Viper, which was tested on the very same surface. Did you hear that? A Mustang just beat a Viper in a performance test.
The new SVT package is a big contributor to the GT500's improved performance. Largely, it's the switch to Goodyear's new Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires sized 265/40ZR19 front and 285/35ZR20 rear, which improve the car's track numbers. Stiffer springs and an incrementally lower ride height don't hurt, either. A 3.73:1 axle ratio is also included vs. the base car's 3.55 gears.
Stopping from 60 mph in only 104 feet puts the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 in Porsche territory despite a pedal that's softer than we would prefer.
Something New, Something Old
So it's somewhat remarkable, then, that this moderately revised über-Mustang is as good as it is — especially when one considers the utter lack of hydraulic assist in its steering system. Electric-assist power steering, after all, isn't anything new. But good electric-assist power steering is rare. Actual, useful feel in an all-electric system is something that's befuddled engineers and journalists alike for years.
But in the GT500 there is harmony. Because pointing the wheel of this machine requires real effort and yields genuine buildup as loads increase, providing a true sense of what's going on at the tire/road interface. It's a discovery that's as surprising as it is refreshing.
Some habits, however, die hard. And no amount of tuning will keep the ass of this otherwise well-tamed snake stuck to the ground when that ground is uneven. Certainly, Ford's SVT team has done an admirable job massaging the live-axle setup. We'll be the first to admit that it's the best tuned live-axle car we've ever driven — if not the best ever sold.
But the right combination of surface irregularities will still occasionally conspire to throw the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 into otherwise uncharacteristic directional protests. It starts with a sideways hop of the rear end, and if that doesn't convince you to lift, the ensuing axle-bouncing racket followed by an imminent loss of control likely will.
Make It Softer, Captain
Inside, nothing visible is different. The Shelby's finer points include synthetic suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, its cueball shifter and a general sense of quality and purpose that are a few rungs up the ladder from the standard Mustang.
The bolstered seats still only provide adequate lateral support and are rather soft — perhaps in an effort to cancel the suspension's busy-ness. Whether the GT500's ride quality will cramp your style is probably a matter of how you intend to use the car.
There's no denying that the SVT Performance package impacts the ride quality — Ford says it reduces lap times on a 2.3-mile track by 3.0 seconds per circuit. So if your daily agenda involves more burnouts than hot laps, then foregoing the performance package probably isn't a bad idea.
The Final Word
It shouldn't surprise anyone that the best pony car on the market is also the most expensive. Ford is asking $55,330 for this Grabber Blue 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, including the $850 destination fee. Fitted with the $3,495 Performance package and the $2,340 Electronics package, which includes voice-activated navigation and an internal 10-gigabyte hard drive, this is a pricey pony car.
But the real question isn't whether people will pay $55 large for a Mustang, because they will — especially one that says "Shelby" across the trunk lid. The more intriguing issue is what will happen when Ford inevitably decides that independent rear suspension should be a permanent fixture on the Mustang?
We're guessing the ass-kicking will continue.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Add A Comment »
bodyblue says:
09:14 AM, 09/02/2010
:"Camaro and Mustang were new for 2010 so I don't understand your claims that the Chevy is much "newer"? The platform is newer but that's not GM's fault."
The Mustang was a re-fresh, the basic platform is from the Lincoln LS and Jag S-type....ancient by car standards. The Camaro is a lot newer of a car....and from a platform raved about when it was the G8....they did not "hate" that car did they? And how is a new platform GMs "fault"? You are certifiable......
"A loaded GT is more than a loaded SS excluding accessories. The two cars are very close in price at all trim levels. "
WRONG do you ever check your facts or do you just look in a the crystal ball given to you by GM....From the Ford website this morning...Mustang GT Premium $32845 Camaro 2SS $34295
"Camaro outsold Mustang in August. Please explain THAT. "
You slay me.......Ford is outselling Chevy....explain THAT! You use the sales arguement when it suits you then when the Mustang outsells the Camaro you come up with a reason other than that people like the car. You also do the same thing with other GM products.
"The Boss is going to cost more than the SS"
It should....it is a far better car....and a limited edition almost race car with a limited appeal.
"ts interesting that they decided to buy a LT Camaro for their fleet instead of a Mustang when the Ford is the car they claim is superior in every tangible way. "
You are truly really insane and such a (as you claim I am) liar and a distorter of facts..lets take your insanity one point at a time.
1. You imply that IL bought a Camaro just to show how bad it was and to hurt GM
The Camaro was a new and exciting product....you dont think they should have got one?
2. IL only gets a long term car when given one by the vendor (and GM was not giving anything away post BK) AND when the do buy one with company funds, they dont get an older model with few changes....what would be the point?
3. When they bought the Camaro the Mustang still had the old 4.6 which they had tested LT back in 2005...even though the car was re-freshed the drivetrain was EXACTLY the same...so why test it?
No matter how you distort and whine and piss and moan, you cant change the facts: IL and other car mags dont HATE the Camaro....they test it fairly and it has won some comparos and lost some..lately with the improved Mustang, it has lost every one. IL has a long term car that has had a MAJOR failure and it was fixed. They point out what any reasonable person has said about it.....it has a lousy interior...awesome engine and polarizing styling......August was a tough sales month for the industry as a whole but yet Ford did pretty well.
If you hate IL as much as you say why do you blog here? Do you think it is your job to show how much they "hate" GM? Why cant you just admit that the Mustang, right now at least, is the better car at all price points? Does it really hurt that much?
bodyblue says:
08:44 AM, 09/02/2010
"Even if the Mustang (with track pack) is better it doesnt make the Camaro a bad car as IL and others claim. When the Camaro was new IL raved over it, even when it was compared to the 2010 Mustang. Now they can't find anything to like about the car other than the engine. "
NOBODY has claimed it is a "bad" car......I am waiting for any link you can show to back that paranoid statement up. You are insane.
Have you ever considered that when the Camaro was new and nobody had the chance to use the car for more than a week long road test that it appeared better than it really was? Maybe the crazy styling and bold (if disgusting interior) blinded them to what the Camaro really was.....a good effort but hardly class leading. THAT is the TRUTH of the matter.....not that the Camaro was HATED. When you live with and test a car for more than a week, things change. Get over it...
1487 says:
06:51 AM, 09/02/2010
"The SS is falling farther behind every day.....even though it is years newer and has a "better" IRS it still cant keep up with the GT and really not keep up with the BOSS. What, I think, the sales trends are showing is that when folks get in the two cars and drive them, the Mustang wins because of some simple things: It is lighter on its feet, you can see out of it and just feels better.....oh and it costs less (as you point out). If the Camaro was so superior of a car the price would not matter, but it is in fact not as nice of a car. The crazy styling is a big point for the Camaro but may also be its biggest failing. Where do you go from there? "
1. A loaded GT is more than a loaded SS excluding accessories. The two cars are very close in price at all trim levels.
2. The Boss is going to cost more than the SS
3. I just told you that on a track the SS was only tenths of a second slower than the 2011 GT per Road and Track. They said they were shocked that the Mustang didnt have a bigger advantage
4. Camaro outsold Mustang in August. Please explain THAT.
5. Camaro and Mustang were new for 2010 so I don't understand your claims that the Chevy is much "newer"? The platform is newer but that's not GM's fault.
1487 says:
06:47 AM, 09/02/2010
"Very nice try....and a very good straw man. IF the Camaro was a good as you say then HOW could the 2010 Mustang sell as good as it does even with encentives? That is a crap arguement and you know it, but it is all you have so you throw it out there. Whenever a GM car does well you use sales numbers to show how good it is...whenever it falls behind Ford you claim it is "incentives" that is really driving sales........please post the link showing breakdown of 2010-2011 sales of Mustangs to prove your point."
Now that 2010 Mustangs are likely out of stock the Camaro outsold Mustang last month. Case closed. You have NO clue and its evident everytime you post. Edmunds had data on 2010 vs 2011 sales back in June and out of 10k+ Mustangs sold I believe about a third of them were 2010 models with discounts. I TOLD you this was a FACT. You keep telling yourself that the presence of the 2011 Mustan means the end of the Camaro but that isnt true. The new engines make it a much better car but not everyone is going to buy the Mustang over the Camaro now. I understand you hate the Camaro and GM but that doesn't change the fact that thousands of people every month are buying the Chevy in spite of the lack of incentives.
Manufacturers rarely break out model years in sales figures. If a third party like Edmunds doesnt do it you wont get those details.
" You assume that because they like the Mustang better then they MUST hate the Camaro....you are so pathetic. The reason is so clear if you would open your eyes.....The Mustang is a better all around car than the Camaro, period....why not just admitt it?"
I call BS because when the Camaro debuted it got rave reviews. After the 2011 Mustang came out suddenly everyone changed their tune. One magazine even ranked the Challener over the Camaro after there had been universal agreement that the Camaro was superior back in 2009. One online car review site mentioned this sudden switcing of opinion and the reviewer said it had become cool to hate on the camaro and he didn't understand why. Even if the Mustang (with track pack) is better it doesnt make the Camaro a bad car as IL and others claim. When the Camaro was new IL raved over it, even when it was compared to the 2010 Mustang. Now they can't find anything to like about the car other than the engine. They are already saying the GT500 may make the Z28 obsolete even though no one has seen or driven a Z28 yet. Sound objective to you? Its interesting that they decided to buy a LT Camaro for their fleet instead of a Mustang when the Ford is the car they claim is superior in every tangible way.
alukashe says:
03:06 PM, 09/01/2010
Well I suppose if I had 55-60k to throw away I would go buy the Edmunds long term 2002 Corvette zo6 which is as fast as this polished turd and yet has 145 less horsepower. I'd probably steal it for 17-18k and pocket the rest or mod the z06.
twa727 says:
11:56 AM, 09/01/2010
@cobraboy1:
I agree with you. I love Honda's, and I will probably always drive them even though I work at Ford...but I don't care how much boost or NOS you put into a K20 Civic Si, It'll never keep up with the Shelby GT500 in a straight line. You'd be hard pressed to get it to do 0-60 in 4.1 seconds without EXTREMELY heavy mods.
Now, as far as handling, lateral grip, and road dynamics, the Civic could probably keep up. The Mustang is seriously hurt by the live axle rear suspension.
So, no, your Civic won't beat this thing. Keep to racing a Maza Speed3 or Chevy Cobalt...or even a Mustang V6...but not the Shelby GT500.
bodyblue says:
08:54 AM, 09/01/2010
"Get your facts straight and stop lying. "
Ummmm please show where I am lying...you are getting more and more shrill the more Ford pulls ahead of GM.
"Since the 2011 Mustang has been on sale Ford has been selling discounted 2010s that have boosted monthly sales totals"
Very nice try....and a very good straw man. IF the Camaro was a good as you say then HOW could the 2010 Mustang sell as good as it does even with encentives? That is a crap arguement and you know it, but it is all you have so you throw it out there. Whenever a GM car does well you use sales numbers to show how good it is...whenever it falls behind Ford you claim it is "incentives" that is really driving sales........please post the link showing breakdown of 2010-2011 sales of Mustangs to prove your point.
"Camaro's engine has more torque and despite complaints from Camaro hating journalists the car handles well. "
You are crazy with all of this "everybody hates the Camaro CRAP"....and that is what it is ...BULLCRAP. You assume that because they like the Mustang better then they MUST hate the Camaro....you are so pathetic. The reason is so clear if you would open your eyes.....The Mustang is a better all around car than the Camaro, period....why not just admitt it? You admitt both are good cars but you just cant bring yourself to admitt what everybody else with a reasoning mind does...the Mustang is just a bit better overall than the Camaro. Just cant do it can you?
"Z28 comes out next year- dont think the GT500 will be updated by then"
How do you know? Ford is moving so quickly that most folks are very surprised. And even if it is not updated, the Shelby will at least be equal of the two, as it will still be heavier and not have more HP and it will still be a Camaro. The SS is falling farther behind every day.....even though it is years newer and has a "better" IRS it still cant keep up with the GT and really not keep up with the BOSS. What, I think, the sales trends are showing is that when folks get in the two cars and drive them, the Mustang wins because of some simple things: It is lighter on its feet, you can see out of it and just feels better.....oh and it costs less (as you point out). If the Camaro was so superior of a car the price would not matter, but it is in fact not as nice of a car. The crazy styling is a big point for the Camaro but may also be its biggest failing. Where do you go from there?
"Do you really try to sound idiotic or does it come natural?"
As usual you cant stick to the points.....you just have to attack without basis in fact. I knew this thread would push you over the edge and I admit that I tried to help you along. And as always, I succeeded.
bruceleroy81 says:
12:10 AM, 09/01/2010
@ anyone who says $55k is to much for a 'Stang.
Seriously?.....First of all, 550 Horsepower is not the type of power that should be affordable to anyone. A CAR LIKE THAT WITH THE WRONG KIND OF DRIVER COULD GET ANYONE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. That's a lot of serious horsepower even for driving on a normal road.
Meaning, the type that you have to be able to trust the right person to drive while you're in the car.
Especially a muscle car that practically almost has supercar capability. All this criticism that some of you people give about the Mustang is nothin but another excuse for you guys to find a reason to hate on the Mustang.
Regardless of the brand and model, I don't care if it's a 'Stang or not, a 550HP car with race-tuned suspension should only be for the TRUSTWORTHY and those who qualify as the right type of people to drive it and afford it. NOT FOR THE MASSES.
And I also checked out that article from MotorTrend about the new M3 vs 2011 5.0 Mustang GT. It's true. The new Mustang GT does run with the BMW M3 for $25.000 less and is 6mpg's better.
cobraboy1 says:
09:11 PM, 08/31/2010
"Meh...I'd take one if someone gave it to me. A Shelby would have difficulty keeping up with my Civic Si after I get done adding NOS and a Turbocharger to it. I am going to come out thousands ahead so I might add a supercharger also and a few subs to my kickin' sound system."
And the morons never do stop suprising me, wow. Well...Not only would you have to get out binoculars to find the Shelby by the time that you hit third gear. nah... the shelby will be way too far ahead of you for that to even be possible. Better yet, I'll take you on and destroy you in my stock 2003 Mustang Cobra with a mere 390hp and 390lb/ft of torque.
I would like to see that test. Okay "IL" lets see a Civic SI with a blower and say 6lbs of boost and a 50 shot of Spray, but don't forget the two 10" subs fanboy wants in the back. VS A bone stock 2011 Shelby GT500
1487 says:
06:06 PM, 08/31/2010
"Neither does paying $55k+ for a Ford that looks like a high school kid's idea of cool. My tastes are a tad more polished and sophisticated. And stop pegging the mullet comments on Camaros. I see planty of them in Mustangs too."
Well based on sales it seems a lot more people find the Mustang "cool" than find the 370z, G37, A5, etc. cool. What evidence do you have that the MUstang has limited appeal and only attracts rednecks and pimple faced highschoolers?
Just came back from Miami and MANY people were gladly paying a premium to rent Mustangs. These people certainly wanted to drive in and be seen in this lowly Ford.