Test Fest : Best New Sport / Performance Car Over $50,000

Ford Shelby GT500

(Photo: Ford)

Finally, the beast. Many of my colleagues blamed its evasive grip, but they were on the track all the time... What for? The Ford Shelby GT500 is a monster of brute force. The engineers managed to control its 500 horsepower, but they still have work to do with the rear solid axle, which is put under an incredible amount of stress. It's important to modulate the throttle when negotiating corners. This Shelby 500 is more at ease on a drag strip; it will give you thrills and chills if you know how to drive it. This car is still gorgeous and ferocious, which is why it has so many loyal fans. I'm one of them.


Brief specs on each vehicle

Audi RS4
4-door
Base price: $94,200
Modèle essayé :$99,990
4.2L V8
420 hp
6-speed manual transmission
All-wheel drive
ABS

Audi S6
4-door
Base price: $101,900
As-tested price : $107,440
5.2L V10
435 hp
6-speed automatic transmission
ABS, stability and traction control

BMW 335i Coupe
2-door coupe
Base price: $51,600
As-tested price : $58,600
3.0L I6
300 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, stability control

BMW M Coupe
2-door coupe
Base price: $68,900
As-tested price : $71,600
3.2L I6
330 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, stability control

Lexus GS 450h
4-door
Base price : $76,900
As-tested price : $76,900
3.5L V6
267 hp
Continuously variable transmission
ABS, stability and traction control

Ford Shelby GT500
2-door fastback
Base price : $52,099
As-tested price : $52,099
5.4L V8
500 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction control