New 2010 Ford Shelby GT500

As the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever conceived, the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is reminiscent of the old days of Detroit muscle.  Interior and exterior changes compliment the brute power that has become synonymous with the Shelby.

Available as a coupe or convertible, the Shelby GT500 has a jaw-dropping 5.4-liter, 540-horsepower 32-valve supercharged and intercooled V-8.  The six-speed Tremec® manual transmission allows the Shelby to explode through the different gears taking you from 0 to 60 in just over five seconds with 510 pounds-feet of torque.  The Shelby receives 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.  Large racing stripes course over the hood, roof and rear fascia, setting the Shelby GT500 apart from all other Mustangs.

Just like the Mustang, the 2010 Shelby GT500 features impressive exterior styling tweaks.  The grille and lower bumper opening feature black mesh inserts and the grille boasts a Cobra logo on it.  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 you’ll have to manually secure and release it.

On the inside, you will notice the plastic is out and a soft-touch dash and real aluminum trim are in — giving a fresher, more sophisticated look and feel.  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.  The optional 1000-watt audio system and dual subwoofers will bring matching thunder and the optional 8-inch voice-activated touch screen navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link will make sure you get to where you need to go.  The SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System allows you to use voice commands to access your music collection by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth®.  Front and rear bucket seats with Alcantara leather accommodate four passengers.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 incorporates safety features like side door intrusion beams, Personal Safety System® (which analyzes crash factors and determines an appropriate vehicle response in milliseconds, and ensures 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).  An electronic stability system is new for 2010.

Whether or not the top is down, the 2010 Shelby GT500 will blow past the competition with its fresh look and raw power.