2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Quick Test

There are several high-quality, $40,000 cars available with luxurious interiors and impeccable road manners. But there's only one $40,000 car with the "luxury" of 500 hp.

Before deciding on the car that's right for you, I would advise getting behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and introducing the throttle pedal to the carpet a few times.

The first Mustang to officially wear the Shelby name in more than 35 years, the GT500 was a collaboration between Ford's Special Vehicle Team and the legendary Carroll Shelby. Based on the highly successful Ford Mustang GT, the GT500 shares nearly all of its sheet metal with its more pedestrian stable mates.

In fact, the only unique body panel is the functional vented hood, raised on its leading edge by one inch, forming the top of the taller and wider—much more aggressive—grille opening.

The front splitter and rear diffuser are borrowed from the futuristic 2005 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept, key components of the blacked-out lower body which is intended to reduce visual weight, making the GT500 seem lighter on its Goodyears.

So much for style. But the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is mostly about function, starting with its up-front, supercharged 5.4-liter V-8.

Some reviewers have complained about the supercharger whine; may they be doomed to a lifetime of rattling fours and silent hybrids! The GT500's supercharger sounds awesome - completely in character with this car.

This is raw American power, delivered with all the subtlety of a brick through a window. Have issues with the plastic-y interior or noise level or soft suspension? Here's your answer: FIVE HUNDRED HORSEPOWER!

The supercharged double-overhead-cam 32-valve V8 is this car. Forget about everything else - the nav system or throwback cobra-embossed seats or what-have-you. The GT500 is all about its V8 and supercharger.

Need power? It's there. Torque? EVERWHERE! - a healthy 480 foot pounds of torque distributed through the super-short-throws of a Tremec six-speed manual transmission.

The GT500's big Brembo brakes supply ample stopping power once you've started to run out of nerve or road.

Despite extra weight up front from a heavy-duty iron block and snakes' nest of supercharger plumbing, the 3900-pound machine has excellent, predictable, cornering manners - a little bit of built-in understeer to keep the most daring out of trouble, with throttle steer always an option.

Gas mileage? Seriously? If you have to ask, put it in 6th gear and just try to stay out of the throttle. (Good luck.)

With a bevy of newer retro muscle cars stealing headlines, the Shelby GT500 does a great job keeping the Mustang flame alive, refining the already great looks of the car with a dose of bad attitude.

And it's an absolute kick-ass car to drive - it makes you laugh like anlittle kid.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Performance
- Acceleration: Tire-shredding torque accompanied by awesome supercharger whine results in serious quickness
- Handling: More body roll than expected, but tons of grip once it takes a set - throttle steer always an option
- Braking: Big Brembos do what they're supposed to - lots of dive though

Design
- Exterior: Surprisingly restrained and true to its heritage - still a great looking car... once it's lowered a bit
- Interior: Too much hard plastic and cheap looking materials - more leather than other Mustangs helps though

Utility
- Comfort: Surprisingly comfortable ride given its handling capabilities
- Space: Lots of room in the front - decent sized trunk, but really, who cares?

Safety
- Dynamics: A little bit of understeer built in to keep you out of trouble
- Technology: Four airbags, but 500 horsepower and no stability control... yikes!

Value
- Price: Lots of money for one Mustang... but nothin' for 500 horses
- Mileage: Seriously? If you have to ask, put it in 6th gear and just try to stay out of it. Good luck.

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Grows on you with every push of the accelerator
- Fun to spank: An absolute kick-ass car to drive - makes you laugh like a little kid

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 5.4 liter, Supercharged V8
Power (SAE): 500 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 480 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline: 6250 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Curb Weight: 3920 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.5 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.8 sec. @ 115 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 14 city / 20 highway
Base Price: $42,685
Competitors: Dodge Challenger SRT-8, Chevrolet Corvette, upcoming Chevrolet Camaro SS