The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is more than just a car; it’s an experience. Dubbed Ford’s “most powerful street-legal car” to date, the GT500 lives up to its reputation, delivering a driving sensation akin to commanding “Goliath” himself. Packing a staggering 760 horsepower, this beast offers the raw power and exhilarating performance expected from a top-tier Mustang. While its straight-line speed is undeniably impressive and its track handling is finely tuned, the true revelation of the 2020 GT500 lies in its surprisingly refined street manners.
Beneath the aggressive exterior, the 2020 GT500 retains the core DNA of a Mustang. The Recaro seats offer a comfortable embrace, and the inclusion of standard rear seats adds a touch of practicality. Creature comforts like air conditioning are readily available, and the familiar Mustang interior layout and materials create a sense of home. Even the trunk space remains generous, offering enough room for everyday needs, or perhaps something more substantial.
Having previously driven a 2014 3.7-liter Mustang, the prospect of experiencing a Mustang with over twice the horsepower was incredibly enticing. The previous generation GT500, produced in 2014 alongside my own Mustang, boasted a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 with 662 horsepower. The 2020 model surpasses its predecessor with nearly 100 additional horsepower, achieved from a smaller, more advanced engine.
Unleashing the Beast: Key Performance Specifications
The heart of the 2020 Ford Shelby Gt500 is a 5.2-liter cross-plane crank V8 engine, force-fed by an inverted Roots-type 2.65-liter supercharger, complete with an air-to-liquid intercooler. This formidable combination allows Ford to confidently claim 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. The engine is capable of revving to a thrilling 7,500 rpm redline, a remarkable feat for a supercharged engine. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a lightning-fast seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission.
Ford states that the 2020 GT500’s top speed is electronically limited to 180 mph. In terms of acceleration, the GT500 is claimed to launch from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, and it can devour a quarter-mile in just 10.7 seconds. Even more impressive is its ability to accelerate from zero to 100 mph and then brake back to a standstill in a breathtaking 10.6 seconds, showcasing its all-around performance capabilities.
On the Road: Everyday Drivability and Surprising Refinement
The day began with an introduction to a fellow automotive journalist, a seasoned professional with an impressive history of reviewing high-performance vehicles from brands like McLaren, Bentley, and Ferrari. When she requested to take the wheel of the GT500 first, I readily agreed, trusting her expertise and control.
Almost immediately after pulling away, she experienced a moment of wheelspin and near loss of control exiting the parking area. This served as a potent reminder: while the GT500 can be docile and manageable, respect for its immense power is paramount, especially when the tires are cold.
Ford’s press drive route took us onto expansive Nevada highways, allowing for an extended 45-minute cruise in the GT500. Maintaining speeds between 65 and 70 mph, the engine settled into a relaxed hum below 2,000 RPM, highlighting its comfortable cruising ability.
My preferred driving settings leaned towards “Sport+” mode, with both the steering and exhaust also set to “Sport.” While these settings are undeniably more aggressive, the convenience of quickly switching the exhaust to “Quiet Mode” proved invaluable when encountering law enforcement.
Despite its surprisingly comfortable cruising demeanor, the 2020 GT500 is far from inconspicuous. Even in a subdued silver-gray paint, the car’s aggressive front fascia and prominent rear wing command attention wherever it goes.
The GT500 is perfectly content navigating daily commutes, its gearing ensuring that even low-speed driving remains engaging. However, its true nature is unleashed in “sport mode” and “track mode.” A touch of the accelerator prompts the transmission to downshift aggressively, instantly transforming the car into the snarling beast it was born to be.
Initially, I anticipated missing a manual transmission in the GT500, but the Tremec dual-clutch proved to be exceptional. Its rapid and precise shifts consistently deliver the desired gear at precisely the right moment.
In previous S550 Mustangs, I’ve often struggled with lane positioning, feeling disconnected from the car’s width. While the 2020 GT500 is undeniably a large car, the prominent hood scoop surprisingly aided in keeping it centered within the lane.
With such immense power and Ford’s vibrant color palette options, responsible throttle control is essential. In fact, the most challenging aspect of driving the GT500 on public roads was adhering to the posted 45 mph speed limit.
To satisfy the urge for unadulterated acceleration, Ford provided access to a quarter-mile drag strip.
Drag Strip Fury: Launching the GT500
Ford officially claims a 10.7-second quarter-mile time for the GT500, a figure achievable under optimal conditions.
To fully appreciate the context of my drag strip experience, it’s important to note that Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s drag strip sits at approximately 2,000 feet of elevation, and the testing day was hot. I was in the final media group, meaning the cars had already endured numerous runs from previous groups of journalists. My personal drag racing experience is limited, and this was my first encounter with the track’s timing system and the GT500’s line-lock and drag strip modes.
Despite these factors, my initial run yielded an 11.8-second quarter-mile, followed by 11.6 seconds, and finally, an impressive 11.23 seconds at 130 mph. Considering the conditions and my novice drag racing skill, these results are truly remarkable.
Recently I got to get behind the wheel of the 2020 #ShelbyGT500
Posted by Nicole Ellan James on Monday, November 18, 2019
In drag mode, engaging launch control is a simple process of applying the brake with the left foot and flooring the accelerator. Upon releasing the brake, a brief pause precedes an explosively forceful launch, generating G-forces more intense than a jet takeoff.
Prior to each run, Ford encouraged the use of the line-lock feature. This system locks the front brakes, allowing the rear wheels to spin freely for tire warm-up. While undeniably entertaining, the primary purpose of line-lock is to optimize rear tire grip for maximum launch performance.
Even after multiple drag strip passes, each preceded by a substantial burnout, the GT500 exhibited no signs of heat soak or performance degradation. It was clear that the car was engineered to withstand repeated launches and deliver consistent performance throughout the day.
Mastering the Burnout: Line-Lock Activation in the GT500
To engage line-lock, ensure the steering wheel is straight and the car is in drag strip mode. Drag strip mode activation requires a confirmation acknowledging the potentially risky nature of the operation. Then, access “Track Apps” via the Shelby snake button on the steering wheel.
Navigate to “Line Lock” and hold the “OK” button until a spinning wheel icon appears on the digital instrument cluster. Release “OK” and firmly depress the brake pedal. A subtle initial brake pressure during setup allows for applying greater force when prompted.
The brake pedal will vibrate and push back, followed by another prompt to press “OK.”
Once line-lock is active, surprisingly, you can release the brake pedal and fully depress the throttle for up to 15 seconds. Despite initial hesitation, the car remains stationary, executing a dramatic burnout while securely held by the front brakes.
Track Weapon: Cornering Prowess and Handling Dynamics
While straight-line speed is a GT500 hallmark, its track capabilities are equally impressive. My personal driving background leans more towards road racing, and the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 proves that the days of Mustangs being solely straight-line performers are long gone. On a road course, the GT500 is a formidable machine.
For the track testing portion of the media event, several 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500s were equipped with roll bars and six-point harnesses. Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s road course is a demanding circuit, featuring high-speed sweepers, a decreasing radius turn, and a challenging chicane.
On the straights, the GT500’s power is addictive, accompanied by an intoxicating exhaust note. Massive brake calipers and 16-inch front rotors inspire confidence to brake later and later into each corner, managing weight transfer with remarkable composure as speeds decrease for corner entry.
The weight of the V8 engine and supercharger over the front axle is perceptible when driving and turning, yet it doesn’t detract from the car’s agility.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires deliver exceptional grip on the track. They provide so much adhesion that the driver is firmly held in the Recaro seat, even with a snug harness, during hard cornering.
Given the limited track time and my personal experience level, I opted to experience the GT500’s full track potential as a passenger alongside Ford Performance Vehicle Dynamics Engineer Steve Thompson. Riding shotgun with a professional driver offers invaluable insight into a car’s capabilities and track dynamics.
Thompson left the pit lane and immediately unleashed the GT500’s full power towards the first corner. The car roared through the turns, its immense grip just managing to harness the engine’s output.
With Thompson at the helm, the GT500’s track performance was nothing short of breathtaking. Cornering grip was otherworldly, as Thompson expertly balanced the car at the edge of adhesion, powering through turns with controlled tire squeal.
Having already been impressed during my own driving time, witnessing the GT500 in the hands of a professional revealed its truly exceptional speed and track prowess.
“But does it drift?” I inquired amidst the exhilaration of the hot laps. Thompson’s response was to floor it down the straightaway and initiate a flick into the first sweeping corner. The answer: “sort of” drifts. It exhibited some reluctance, possibly due to the selected driving mode or the traction control system remaining partially engaged.
Conclusion: The Definitive Mustang?
Having driven nearly every 2020 Mustang variant, the question inevitably arises: which one is the best, or which one would I choose? The answer depends entirely on intended use and driving preferences.
Comparisons between the GT350 and GT500 are common, but they are fundamentally different machines despite both being Mustangs. The GT350 is an analog sports car, boasting a magical suspension and aerodynamic package, coupled with a high-revving flat-plane V8 and a six-speed manual transmission. The GT500, while capable on a precision track, is not quite as confidence-inspiring in that specific environment, but it reigns supreme on the drag strip.
In terms of overall performance versatility, the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 is capable of excelling in virtually any driving scenario, at any time. If the GT500 is unattainable, or its EPA-estimated fuel economy of 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway is a concern, the EcoBoost High-Performance Pack Mustang offers a compelling alternative. While significantly less powerful and expensive than the GT500, it delivers a taste of the GT500 experience and provides ample performance for spirited driving enjoyment.
My time with the GT500 was brief but impactful, leaving an indelible impression of ferocious power, exhilarating sound, and tire-smoking thrills.
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Photography by Nicole Ellan James
