The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Packs a Lot of Muscle

The old GT500 version of the Ford Mustang proved to be a favorite among automotive enthusiasts. Now 2011 marks the return of the 5.4 liter aluminum engine. Huge power numbers will make your head spin at 550 horsepower. Now only is the 5.4 liter engine back after many years, but the all new GT 500 is lighter and more importantly faster. These are all great thing in a muscle car. Plus this version comes tuned by SVT Performance which added components to the suspension. This new 2011 Ford Shelby also gets lightweight wheels with better performing rubber.

The 2011 Shelby GT500 weighs in at 3820 lbs. which is 100 pounds lighter than the 2010 model. Also the weight is better distributed at 57/43 front to rear weight distribution. This is near Ferrari territory, all coming from a car with a gigantic 5.0 liter V-8 engine under the hood. Speaking of the engine lets crack this puppy open. Most significantly the engine block is not made of aluminum instead of iron. The aluminum block is not only lighter, but it can distribute heat easier. Why is heat a factor? Well the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 has a big supercharger sting on top of the engine. The Shelby also has DOHC which control 32 valves for efficiently moving air and exhaust out of the cylinder. Out back the 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque is transferred to the pavement through a 3.37 limited-slip rear end.

Performance times are what you would hope to see out of a Supercharged Muscle car! The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 can clip off 0-60 MPH in the low 4-second range. The 1/4 mile drag is over in 12 seconds flat at 115 MPH. This all from a car costing $50,000. This kind of performance can only be found in cars costing twice as much like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Believe it or not the car gets good gas mileage. Avoiding the extra gas tax imposed on gas guzzlers, the 2011 Shelby GT500 gets 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These are great numbers considering you have 540 HP available under your foot.

As far as safety goes the GT500 has front and side curtain airbags. This Shelby also received good score on crash safety from not only the NTHSA but also the IIHS. These are the two governing bodies on crash test safety and data in the U.S. One reason for the good score is the addition of traction control which helps to avoid spinouts and stability control which helps to avoid accidents. And a 60 month/60,00 mile warranty is standard.

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is well within reach of Mustang enthusiasts at $50,000. And if the last few years of sales numbers are any indicator; you should see a Shelby GT500 prowling the streets near you.