The Shelby GT500 has always been synonymous with raw power and exhilarating performance. For decades, it has represented the pinnacle of Ford Mustang muscle, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. Inspired by a quest for even more breathtaking capabilities, Shelby American unveiled the GT500 Code Red, a limited-edition masterpiece that takes the legendary Shelby GT500 horsepower to unprecedented levels.
The Code Red project was born from an experimental build in 2008, fueled by the desires of customers craving even more performance from their already formidable GT500s. This experimental spirit, deeply embedded in Shelby’s DNA, traces back to iconic “EXP” cars like the Green Hornet, Little Red, and the original twin-turbo Code Red of 2008. These vehicles served as testbeds for groundbreaking innovations, from the ’67 GT500 Super Snake’s race-bred 427 engine to the Green Hornet’s exploration of fuel injection and independent rear suspension, and Little Red’s twin superchargers. These experimental models paved the way for pushing the limits of Shelby GT500 horsepower and overall performance.
Building on this legacy, the modern Shelby GT500 Code Red transforms the already potent GT500 into a true hypercar slayer. The heart of this beast is a hand-built, twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V8 engine meticulously engineered to deliver mind-blowing power. On 93 octane pump gas, the Code Red unleashes over 1,000 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. However, when fueled with E85 Ethanol, this monstrous engine truly comes alive, unleashing up to a staggering 1,300 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. This monumental leap in Shelby GT500 horsepower is achieved through all-new high-performance components, an intercooled premium twin-turbo system, a completely redesigned fuel system, and a sophisticated engine management system.
But the Shelby GT500 Code Red is far more than just an engine upgrade focused on maximizing horsepower. It’s a comprehensive transformation encompassing every aspect of the vehicle. The widebody package, aggressive new wheels and tires, upgraded axles, and meticulously tuned suspension ensure that all that immense horsepower is translated into breathtaking on-road and track performance. The interior receives bespoke enhancements, and carbon fiber elements, including the hood, further accentuate its aggressive and exclusive nature.
Limited to just 30 units, with only 10 from each of the 2020-2022 GT500 model years being converted, the Shelby GT500 Code Red is an ultra-rare and highly coveted machine. Each owner receives membership in Team Shelby and their vehicle is documented in the official Shelby Registry, solidifying its place in Shelby American history. Starting at an MSRP of $224,995, excluding the base car, the Code Red represents the ultimate expression of Shelby GT500 horsepower and exclusivity, offering a driving experience that is simply unparalleled.
