Since Ford began teasing us with detail photos of the restyled 2010 Mustang, comments about the iconic model's departure from its latest retro look began to swirl. Some liked the modernized old-school approach, while others thought it saw the car loose some personality and punch. Be sure to hold judgment until you've seen the new model in person though, as it's a much different animal when you're standing next to it.
Building on the more inviting, detailed and three-dimensional look of the 2010 model is the 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500. Available in both coupe and convertible, Ford says these high-performance models will carry on the nameplate's success with owners looking for something over and above the performance offerings available from the standard lineup.
It's a doozy. The 2010 GT500 will pack a supercharged 5.4 liter V8 engine with a simply excessive 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. Some 3.55 gears are mounted in the rear axle, and power is sent to them by a highly revised gearbox and clutch system. Refinement is up, and the new dual-disc clutch offers a more easygoing and drivable feel.
The engine breathes out through a free-flowing dual outlet exhaust, and inhales via an open-element cold-air intake. Fans of the Shelby cars will note that the 'cobra' badge has now switched to the opposite side of the grille- a move necessitated by the placement of the intake's cold-air snorkel. Apparently, Carroll Shelby was in complete favor of the change upon learning that it was in the name of horsepower.
Other notable goodies include Brembo brakes, a three-mode stability control system with a 'track' setting, optional xenon lighting and 18 or 19-inch wheels. Ford says that both handling and acceleration performance have been enhanced considerably, though the GT500 will remain electronically limited to a 155 mile per hour terminal velocity.
Look for front and rear valences, a power-dome hood, spoiler, four-inch exhaust tips and special badging to set the new GT500 apart from the standard Mustang. Both are scheduled to hit dealerships this spring.
photo:Ford
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Building on the more inviting, detailed and three-dimensional look of the 2010 model is the 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500. Available in both coupe and convertible, Ford says these high-performance models will carry on the nameplate's success with owners looking for something over and above the performance offerings available from the standard lineup.
It's a doozy. The 2010 GT500 will pack a supercharged 5.4 liter V8 engine with a simply excessive 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. Some 3.55 gears are mounted in the rear axle, and power is sent to them by a highly revised gearbox and clutch system. Refinement is up, and the new dual-disc clutch offers a more easygoing and drivable feel.
The engine breathes out through a free-flowing dual outlet exhaust, and inhales via an open-element cold-air intake. Fans of the Shelby cars will note that the 'cobra' badge has now switched to the opposite side of the grille- a move necessitated by the placement of the intake's cold-air snorkel. Apparently, Carroll Shelby was in complete favor of the change upon learning that it was in the name of horsepower.
Other notable goodies include Brembo brakes, a three-mode stability control system with a 'track' setting, optional xenon lighting and 18 or 19-inch wheels. Ford says that both handling and acceleration performance have been enhanced considerably, though the GT500 will remain electronically limited to a 155 mile per hour terminal velocity.
Look for front and rear valences, a power-dome hood, spoiler, four-inch exhaust tips and special badging to set the new GT500 apart from the standard Mustang. Both are scheduled to hit dealerships this spring.
photo:Ford
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