What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Ford Shelby GT500 gains Recaro front seats as a new option.

Introduction

Some cars are forgettable -- these steel containers on wheels that just help you get from A to B. Then there are cars which you'll always remember -- the particular ones that take your breath away.

The Ford Mustang has been our top pick among the muscledup pony cars, as well as the GT500 just cranks up the capability to supercar levels. With 550 hp underfoot, this mega Mustang spanks Chevrolet Camaros and Dodge Challengers within the quartermile. Once the road starts to wriggle, because of a tacky super-car tires and suspension the Shelby furthers its lead.

With a cost approaching $50,000, however, supremacy does not come cheap. That is much more than twice what the loads competent 305hp Mustang V6 expenses and nearly $20,000 more than the previously raucous Mustang GT. That is certainly lots of scratch for a Mustang, notably one stuck with an inside not substantially different from the wellequipped Mustang GT. A tiltonly steering-wheel plus unimpressive interior materials are much more glaring oversights at this price.

But overall, all these are small defects next to everything that is amazing about the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. It is really a delight compared to the Camaro as well as the Challenger, and its own backseat makes it increasingly useful than a Corvette. Undoubtedly it'll become a caring deathbed memory for all those fortunate enough to have one.

The 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is a fourseat highperformance coupe or convertible on the basis of the Mustang.

The GT500 convertible also includes a power-controlled soft-top. Ford provides a stripe-delete option for customers who favor a less ostentatious appearance.

Powertrains and Functionality

The rearwheel-drive 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is powered with a 5.4liter supercharged V8 that creates 550-hp and 510 poundfeet of torque. A manual is the sole transmission available. Acceleration from zero to 60-mph needs just 4.4 seconds coming into a quartermile time of 12.4 seconds at 116 mph.

Safety

Ford's MyKey system (which enables you to really restrict the auto's top rate and stereo volume) can be conventional. A temporary tireinflation kit replaces the spare-tire.

In Edmunds brake testing, a GT500 with the discretionary SVT Performance bundle stopped in only 104 feet from 60 miles per hour.

Interior-design and Unique Functions

With the exception of a cueball shift knob, Cobra badges plus some suede trim, the GT500 inside is not substantially different from that of the wellappointed Mustang GT. The wealth of similarities and tough plastics to lesser - trimming Mustangs in a $ 50, 000 auto is somewhat disappointing. Gauges are somewhat more legible compared to the hieroglyphics found within the Mustang, but both put the discretionary multifunction display also low within the middle stack. Sound and environment controls are also modest and difficult to read in a fast glance; happily, the Sync voiceactivated system almost eliminates the requirement to trouble. Outward visibility is best-in-category because of slim A-pillars and flipdown back headrests.

Inside storage is somewhat rare, with a little glovebox and a shallow center armrest bin and door pockets. The coupe's trunk can carry a generous 13.4 cubic feet of cargo, and splitfolding rear seats let you to load bigger items.

Although taller drivers might bemoan the shortage of the telescoping steering column, front seats are normally comfortable. Almost any back-seat passenger, irrespective of size, will discover rare legroom among their main concerns.

Driving Impressions

Fire-up the 2012 Ford Shelby

GT500 and you are treated to among the engines ever assembled. Lay to the accelerator as well as the rumbling becomes a boiling torrent, beginning the GT500 ahead combined with the supercharger's whine that could best be described as addictive.

Maximizing thrills while in the curves takes a dose of bravery plus a higher amount of restraint. There is lots of grip, however the Shelby's 3,800 lbs appear poised to break free all the time. The ride is powerful, but not-too severe within the base version.

Including the SVT Performance package introduces lots of harshness, however, and without the anticipated performance increases. The SVT alternative might make sense, on the polished - smooth racetrack. The tires are also inclined to float fairly gracefully, and snap free from adhesion. For many but one of the most rabid trackday fanatics, we had propose bypassing the SVT upgrade.