New 2009 Ford Shelby GT500

As the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever conceived, the 2009 Ford Shelby GT500 is reminiscent of the old days of Detroit muscle.  With the Shelby GT500, fast is about to get faster.

Available as a coupe or convertible, the Shelby GT500 has a jaw-dropping 500-horsepower, 5.4-liter 32-valve supercharged and intercooled V8.  The 6-speed Tremec® manual transmission allows the Shelby to explode through the different gears taking you from 0 to 60 in just over five seconds.  Cruising at light speed can be fun—but expensive.  The Shelby gets poor gas mileage with 14 MPG city and 20 MPG highway.  Yes, it’s a Mustang, but not just any Mustang.  Large racing stripes course over the hood, roof and rear fascia, setting the Shelby GT500 apart from all other Mustangs.  18-inch bright machined-aluminum wheels with Super Valve Technology (SVT) center cap come standard and add to the Shelby’s menacing look.

Solar tinted glass, auxiliary input for iPod connectivity, power side mirrors, and a 500-watt Shaker Audio System with 6-CD changer are just a few of the Shelby’s standard interior features.  Sport bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, 6-gauge instrument cluster including supercharger boost and message center with SVT graphics are welcome standard features in such a beast of a car.  The optional 1000-watt audio system and dual subwoofers will bring matching thunder.  The available touch screen DVD-based Navigation System features a 6.5-inch color LCD screen, voice route guidance, and DVD mapping with GPS technology.

The Shelby GT500 incorporates safety features like side door intrusion beams, Belt- Minder® System (reminds you buckle up), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for Children), Personal Safety System® (analyzes crash factors and determines an appropriate vehicle response in milliseconds. The system helps to ensure the appropriate level of air bag pressure is used), front seat side airbags, Power 4-wheel disc brakes, Remote Keyless Entry System and SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS).

If you opt for the convertible, you better remove your hat before you lower the power-operated top.  Available only in black the top is constructed of fabric and like the rest of the Mustang line, you’ll have to manually secure and release it.

Whether or not the top is down, the 2009 Shelby GT500 will blow past the competition.