SHELBY is a nameplate that means major engine upgrades, aggressive design changes, innovative technologies, and numbers that mean speed and powerful performance.
Ford Philippines recently brought in the top-of-the-line Mustang variant, the Shelby GT500, marking the official arrival of the world-renowned performance icon to the Philippines. It sells at a retail price of P7.760M and has been available at all Ford dealerships nationwide since September 10.
“The new Mustang Shelby GT500 is among Ford’s flagship performance vehicles with a proven race heritage. The new variant exudes unmistakable Mustang Shelby qualities and characteristics in an enhanced modern iteration as seen by its updated design, performance enhancements, and innovative features, giving Mustang enthusiasts something to get excited about.
Sitting under the hood is a 5.2-liter supercharged cross-plane crank V8 engine, delivering 760HP of maximum power and 847NM of maximum torque, and is mated with a 7-speed Tremec dual-clutch for improved performance and ride quality. The powertrain means higher acceleration, responsiveness, and performance.
It also boasts of a new race-inspired athletic design, powerful performance, and advanced technologies that take the Mustang Shelby legacy to the next level.
Mustang Shelby GT500’s design can be best described as iconic but aggressive. Ford says is a modern take on the iconic Mustang Shelby predecessors, designed to greatly accentuate its performance qualities personality inside and out. Shelby designs always keep the vehicle’s true nature but bring it to a new and different level by adding special body graphics, and body upgrades.
The exterior design features LED headlamps with signature lighting, LED taillamps with sequential tri-bar turn signals, unique hood with self-centering hood pins, unique front fascia, fenders, grille, and front splitter, vinyl over-the-top racing stripes, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and a larger front radiator block-off plate. It also comes with 20” x 11.0” flow-formed High-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tires, as well as large ventilated SHW brake rotors with red-painted Brembo front and rear calipers.
Inside, the new Mustang Shelby GT500 comes with a rotary gear shift dial, Shelby-exclusive aluminum instrument panel trim, RECARO leather-trimmed with Miko Suede Seats , 4-way manually adjustable driver and 2-way manually adjustable front-passenger seats, leather and Alcantara wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and Ford Performance Aluminum Scuff plates.
For enhanced connectivity, the new Mustang Shelby GT500 comes with a 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster with MyColor, SYNC 3 Enhanced Voice Recognition, Communications and Entertainment System, 8-inch Capacitive Center touchscreen with swipe capability, Two Smart-charging multimedia ports, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Mustang is already packed with innovative technologies that enable efficient, satisfying, yet safer drives. For a smarter ride experience, it comes with Track Apps located in the instrument cluster, providing performance metrics. Accelerometer displays lateral and longitudinal g-forces, acceleration times, and lap times, plus automatic and countdown starts as well as selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport+, Track, Drag/Strip, Wet).
Meanwhile, comfort and convenience features include Dual-zone Automatic Temperature Control, Intelligent access with push-button start, Illuminated visor mirror, Power windows with global open and front one touch-up/down function, Remote start system, and an electric parking brake.
The new Mustang Shelby GT500 also offers greater safety whether on-track or on-road with its AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control, Belt-Minder safety belt reminders, and Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It also comes with a Personal Safety System with dual-stage front airbags, knee airbags, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags.
The new Mustang Shelby GT500 also offers a series of performance-enhancing features including, Magneride Damping System that has sensors that monitor body and wheel motion thousands of times per second to vary shock absorber stiffness and provide ultra-quick responsiveness to changing road conditions.
It also used a 3.73 TORSEN Limited-slip rear differential for ground-hugging performance. Magnesium Tower-to-tower brace for chassis stiffness and plus MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar front suspension and Independent integral link with stabilizer bar rear suspension. Performance sounds come from active valve performance exhaust system with quad exhaust tips
The handling characteristics of the Shelby GT500 are reinforced by increased chassis stiffness and defined by precise steering response. The increased front track width and lower ride height compared to Mustang GT Premium help improve track capability and lateral grip.
The new Mustang Shelby GT500 comes in eleven (11) striking colors namely Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Gray, Grabber Yellow, Oxford White, Shadow Black, Velocity Blue, Race Red, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red, Performance Blue, and Twister Orange. The last color costs an additional P15,000. – Raymond B. Tribdino
