A couple of weeks ago Chevy unveiled a new-look Corvette touting an upgraded engine design capable of pushing the iconic sports car to new levels of speed and maneuverability. That news was obviously not lost on the folks over in Blue Oval land.
Ford recently unveiled the most powerful, street-legal Mustang in that brand’s 55-year history. The 2020 Shelby GT500 will feature a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 capable of cranking out up to 625 foot-pounds of torque and 760 horsepower in going zero to 60 in about 3.5 seconds.
Ford also touts the unique engine pushing out all this power. The hand-built motor utilizes specially-designed pistons and other parts to compliment a seven-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission that utilizes computer controls to upshift in 80 milliseconds – which is actually quicker than an eye blink.
An enhanced suspension system and what Ford claims are the largest brakes of any U.S.-made sports coupe, help keep all that power under control.
In speaking with the Associated Press, Ford performance powertrain engineering manager Patrick Morgan says the new Mustang was created for enthusiasts who want performance on the road and the track. This helps explain features like a pump that can send gas to the fuel injectors all the way until the tank is empty, and an oil pan capable of keeping the engine lubricated during extreme use.
Morgan says the car can go from zero to 100 mph and back to zero again in 10.6 seconds.
On sale this fall, the 2020 Shelby GT500 will retail for just under $74,000, but options like a Carbon Fiber Track Package can send it up and over $100,000 pretty easily.
