2011 Ford Shelby GT500 review

Ford has introduced a heavily revised version of its Shelby GT500 range-topper for its latest model year. For the first time, Ford's Shelby GT500 is going to an all-aluminum version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that was in the 2010 GT500. The latest Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without a gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 15 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway ratings. Likely the most significant option change for the GT500 is the SVT Performance Package, giving the GT500 a track-ready performance pack from the factory. Ford attributes a 3.0-second lap time savings over the outgoing coupe on the 2.3-mile test track.

SVT says it added slotted brake dust shields to help improve brake cooling and handling, as well as a new pedal box with is aimed at improving clutch and pedal efforts.

The "2011 Ford Shelby GT500" is a high-performance variant of the Mustang. The GT500 convertible also comes with a power-operated soft top. Both the GT500 coupe and convertible have "GT500" side stripes, while the coupe also has racing stripes over the nose and tail.

Options include a glass roof for the coupe, an Electronics package (hard-drive-based navigation system, HD radio and dual-zone climate control), an upgraded 10-speaker 1,000-watt sound system and the SVT Performance package (unique 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels, higher-performance tires, revised suspension calibrations, unique stripes/rear spoiler and a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle).

Standard on the 2011 Ford "Shelby GT500" are ABS, traction control, stability control and front-seat side airbags. Rear-passenger side-impact protection also garnered five stars. The GT500 also has Ford's excellent Sync system that allows voice commands for your cell phone, the audio system and the (optional) navigation system.