Detroit: New Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Bad-ass becomes badder-ass

While the great Lopate opines Against Joie de Vivre, the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 provides inspiration for a potential rebuttal. While likely true, a drive in this car will never leave one satiated, there is distinct pleasure to be found in the mere anticipation of driving this muscled creature. And we suspect past and present will disappear while one is actually piloting this Shelby, leaving only the joie de vivre of the present moment.

Of course the difficulty might occur upon exiting the car; but let's avoid that subject, for now at least.

This Shelby does boast better fuel economy through taller gears at the top, but if you are completely focused on fuel economy, you will miss point. While fiber may be good for the diet, what would life be like without eating Indy’s famed St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail supercharged with mouth-spanking horse radish? To understand this is to understand why Ford built the Shelby GT500. Sometimes, it feels good to live a little. To hell with the diet. You can drive your hybrid Monday through Friday if your conscience bothers you.

Purists will notice the Cobra Snake badge has been moved ever so slightly, a relocation dictated by the performance needs of a cold-air intake that goes directly to the air box. The result is more horsepower with maximum airflow.

One change that may not be visible from the photos is the special attention paid to aerodynamics to increase down force and reduce drag. A Gurney Flap was integrated with the raked-back spoiler. More grip, more go get 'em. The design of the front fascia and the car's "flush" hood is as much about aerodynamics as it is about styling too. The front follows design cues from 60's era Cobras, but houses a more aggressive front splitter.

The power plant is a super-charged, inter-cooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V8 - what else. Ford estimates it will unleash in the neighborhood of 540 horsepower and 510 foot points of torque, yet we haven't seen any SAE or EPA-testing results.

An improvement you will notice almost instantly upon sitting in the car is the refined interior; tailored and form-fitting like an expensive suit or gym gear. You will find the steering wheel emblazoned with the Cobra emblem, and the classic white shifting knob is updated with classic racing stripes. Of course the cup holder is hidden, with a nod to the realization that some commutes require a secret compartment for sustenance.

The 19-inch Goodyear F1 tires have been upgraded, although we haven't tested the result. You have the option of running the car with the stability control system on or off. The anti-lock braking system, however, cannot be turned off. Voice-activated navigation is available as an option.

And for a little joie de vivre, may we suggest a drive around the outskirts of Eureka Springs, Arkansas? You may want to leave your timid friends at the bed and breakfast.