FORD SHELBY GT500

The 5,500 units of the 2011 Shelby GT500 (pictured above) are already sold out, so Mustang lovers best just move on to the next offering from the American automaker; it’s time to start talking about the 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. We may not have any official details on it just yet, but the power of the Internet, and an untrustworthy auto employee, strike again with a leaked document revealing details on the 2012 model’s ordering guide. Guess that means the GT500’s heart will beat for at least one more year.

Nothing much is going to change for the 2012 model considering the Mustang was just given a little refresh for 2011. It will still see its usual coupe and convertible versions, with prices starting from $49,495 and $54,495 respectively. The list of new options only includes new Recaro leather sports seats, a glass roof, and two new packages.



Under the hood there will be the same aluminum 5.4 Liter supercharged V8, derived from the unit inside the Ford GT super car, that produces 550 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque.

It may still be packing the same gear as the last model, but who really cares? The 2012 Ford Mustang GT500 will probably still sell out just as quickly as the 2011 model did.

Exterior and Interior

The Shelby GT500 is distinguished from the other Mustangs in the line-up by a more aggressive exterior look with a signature coiled Cobra badge on the front grille and front fenders. It also separates itself with a unique aluminum power dome hood with functional heat extractors and unique Shelby front and rear fascias, rear diffuser, and decklid spoiler. Both coupe and convertible versions come with racing stripes on both the top and the sides with 19" painted forged-aluminum wheels rolling at the bottom.

The interior gets leather sport buckets w/racing stripes coordinated to the exterior stripes and Alcantara Suede accents. A new feature for the 2012 model year will be the new sun visor that features illuminated dual vanity mirrors.

Two new packages are added to the Mustang’s list of options. The new Electronics Package is priced at $2,340 and includes Navigation and Dual Zone Climate Control. The $3,995 SVT Performance Package includes upgraded, premium painted forged aluminum wheels that are 19″x9.5 in the front and 20″x9.5″ in the rear.

The Engine
The 2012 Shelby GT500 will feature the same engine as the 2011 model year: an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque. This engine weighs 102 pounds less than the old motor. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission and delivers a fuel economy of 15 miles-per-gallon city and 23 highway.

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 
The Competition
The Shelby GT500 takes on models like the BMW M3, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Dodge Viper SRT10. Now since the current Dodge Viper is out of production, the Mustang has one less vehicle to worry about in 2012.

The BMW M3 is powered by a V8 engine that develops a supreme 420 hp. Maximum torque of 400 NM or 295 lb-ft, in turn, comes at an engine speed of 3,900 rpm. The coupe version is priced at $58,400 and the convertible at $67,050. So we guess, in this case, the GT500 wins the battle being that it is more powerful and cheaper that the BMW.

As for the Corvette, the coupe is priced at $48,950 and the convertible at $53,600. Under the hood there is a 430-hp LS3 aluminum block V8 good for 190 mph on the test track. These two vehicles carry such a loyal fan base, that the decision of whether to buy a Corvette or a Mustang is really left up to customer bias. The Mustang is faster than the Corvette, but it is also a tad bit more expensive.