As a seasoned automotive journalist, you’d think the novelty of driving exceptional cars would wear off. Keys to dream machines land in your hands with surprising randomness. Back in my early days, just weeks into the job, I found myself reviewing a brand-new 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Rolls-Royce followed a couple of years later, asking me to “do them a favor” by reviewing the ultra-exclusive 2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible. Bentley upped the ante with a $430,000 Continental T within five years. Yet, despite years of writing car reviews and a lifetime of automotive passion, the chance to drive a Shelby remained elusive—until the 2011 Gt500 arrived.
And let me tell you, the wait was absolutely justified. This 2011 GT500 experience rivaled the thrill of the ‘Vette and the sheer opulence of the Bentley. (The Rolls? Let’s just say it was a lesson in diminishing returns – luxurious but dynamically underwhelming. Thankfully, BMW has since revitalized the brand). But the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500? This was different. This was special.
Unleashing the Beast: Engine and Performance of the 2011 GT500
The heart of the 2011 GT500 is undeniably its monstrous 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine. This powerplant isn’t just about raw numbers, but those numbers are staggering: 550 horsepower and a torque figure that dwarfs even the potent 2011 Ford Mustang GT. We’re talking about an extra 148 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. Imagine that force channeled through a crisp six-speed manual transmission in a relatively lightweight Mustang body. The result? Pure, unadulterated exhilaration.
However, the true revelation of the 2011 Shelby GT500 isn’t just the engine itself. It’s how Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) meticulously engineered the entire car to handle and harness that immense power. This isn’t just a Mustang with a bigger engine; it’s a comprehensively reworked performance machine.
Refinement and Handling: More Than Just Raw Power in the 2011 Shelby GT500
The brilliance of the 2011 GT500 lies in its sophisticated engineering. A significant portion of the price difference between a standard Mustang GT and the Shelby GT500 went into refining the Mustang’s chassis, sharpening its responses, and ensuring it could effectively manage the colossal horsepower. And it’s evident in every aspect of the drive. The 2011 Shelby GT500 feels planted, responsive, and surprisingly composed, even when pushed hard. Ford SVT didn’t just drop a powerful engine into a Mustang; they sculpted a true performance car.
Inside the Cockpit: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Interior
Stepping inside the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, the upgrades over the standard Mustang are immediately noticeable. While the original 1965 Shelby GT350 was essentially a more potent but less refined Mustang, the 2011 GT500 blends raw power with tangible improvements in refinement and features. The interior appointments contribute to a sense of occasion, reminding you that you’re in something more than just a regular muscle car.
Value Proposition: Is the 2011 GT500 Worth the Price?
With a base price of $48,645, the 2011 GT500 demands a premium over the Mustang GT. However, experiencing its performance capabilities quickly reveals its true nature. This isn’t just an expensive Mustang; it’s a performance bargain. Every corner taken at increasing speeds, every surge of power that doesn’t result in kidney-jarring discomfort, reinforces this realization. The 2011 Shelby GT500 justifies its price tag with its comprehensive performance and refined driving experience.
Our test car even included optional extras: the Electronics Package featuring navigation, premium audio, and dual-zone climate control for $2,340, and the SVT Performance Package for $3,495. This performance pack added upgraded tires (P265/40R19 front, P285/35R20 rear), unique wheels, a rear spoiler, a more aggressive 3.73 limited-slip axle, and distinctive stripes. Adding destination charges, the total reached $55,330. While a significant jump over a Mustang GT, it remained considerably less expensive than other cars in its performance bracket.
Fuel Economy: Surprisingly Responsible for a 550HP Beast
Even with 550 horsepower on tap, the 2011 GT500 manages respectable fuel economy figures, thanks in part to its six-speed manual transmission. EPA estimates were 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Not bad for a supercharged V8 muscle car.
Conclusion: The 2011 Shelby GT500 – A Top Tier Performance Car
The 2011 Shelby GT500 isn’t just a Mustang; it’s a meticulously engineered performance machine that delivers on its promise of power and refinement. It rightfully earns its place among the top-tier performance cars and remains a desirable and exciting vehicle for enthusiasts today. It certainly earned its spot on my personal Top 10 list, and for good reason.
