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Features

Simply put, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is about power and style. When future generations talk about this particular Mustang, which they will undoubtedly do, discussion of leather seats and tilt steering wheels will probably be left off the table. But for today's buyer of the GT500, that kind of stuff matters, as do items like cruise control, keyless entry, a power driver's seat, and air conditioning. All are standard on the new Shelby, a modern icon that Ford has priced at $42,975 in coupe guise and $47,800 in convertible form (prices include destination charges and a gas guzzler tax). In exchange for that handsome sum, new owners of the Shelby will also enjoy power mirrors, a 500-watt sound system with an MP3 player and six-disc CD changer, front and front-side airbags, as well as power door locks and windows. In other words, while the interior amenities are nice, buyers are obviously paying for the powertrain and not a slew of upgrades such as navigation systems or ventilated seats.

That being said, there are a few options available with the Shelby GT500. The standard 500-watt sound system can be dropped to make room for the so-called Shaker1000 that adds an iPod jack, dual subwoofers, and ad you might've presumed, 1000 watts of eardrum-busting power. Sirius satellite radio is also available for serious audiophiles and/or Howard Stern fans. Lastly, Ford offers a GT500 Premium Interior Trim package with an automatic dimming interior rearview mirror, a compass, alloy pedals, and upgraded trim and stitching on the console, doors, and instrument panel. Adding the $1,295 Shaker1000 sound system, the $195 Sirius satellite radio, and the $595 interior trim package brings the fully-loaded price of a GT500 coupe to $45,060 and the convertible to $49,885, assuming you can find a dealer who will actually sell for sticker price.

Nuts and Bolts

Take notice anytime you're in traffic, and you're bound to see an underpowered car that looks fast next to a family sedan that will eat a so-called sports car for breakfast. Consider them poseurs and sleepers. The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is neither. Its presence, from the raised and vented hood to the deep rumbling exhaust, suggests some serious internal combustion angst, and sure enough, a simultaneous lift of the clutch and drop of the throttle prove the goods are there aplenty. Power for the Shelby comes from a supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V8 with dual overhead cams that's good for 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 480 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, and 0-60 mph runs in the low four second range. The block is cast iron, whereas the heads borrowed from the Ford GT are aluminum. A boost gauge tells how hard the Eaton supercharger is working. The only available gearbox is a six-speed manual which serves as the conduit between the engine and the rear 285/40ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires. The front rubber measures 255/45ZR18. Even with a curb weight ranging between 3,920 (coupe) and 4,040 lbs. (convertible), those tires face a challenge in translating power to grip, so Ford has added standard stability and traction control systems as well as a limited slip differential. When things get hairy and slower speeds are in order, an antilock braking system works with Brembo vented discs measuring 356 mm up front and 300 mm out back work to cut speed.

Ford turned to its in-house SVT tuners in developing the Shelby GT500's suspension, comprised of a MacPherson strut setup and 34-mm stabilizer bar up front coupled with a three-link, live-axle assembly and 20-mm stabilizer bar in the rear (coupe; 20-mm for the convertible). A power rack-and-pinion steering system, bolstered by a unique steering pump and a brace connecting the lower arm bushings, aims to provide a higher level of responsiveness than found on the base Mustang GT.