The quest for ultimate performance in American muscle cars never truly ends. For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 capability, Shelby American has answered the call with the 2022 Ford Shelby Gt500 CODE RED. Inspired by a clandestine experimental project from 2008 and fueled by customer demand for unparalleled power, the CODE RED edition elevates the already spectacular GT500 to stratospheric levels of performance and exclusivity.
This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a transformation. At the heart of the 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED lies a hand-built, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, meticulously engineered to unleash a staggering output of up to 1,300 horsepower and a monstrous 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Beyond the dramatically enhanced powertrain, each 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED receives comprehensive upgrades to its suspension, cooling systems, and aesthetics, ensuring a holistic performance enhancement package. Production is exceptionally limited, with only 10 GT500s from each of the 2020-2022 production years being converted, resulting in a mere 30 units in total.
The CODE RED marks a significant milestone for Shelby American. For the first time in its storied history, an experimental vehicle has transitioned into a limited-edition production model. Shelby’s “EXP” experimental cars are legendary, including iconic vehicles like the Green Hornet, Little Red, and the original 2008 twin-turbo CODE RED. These experimental platforms have long been used to push the boundaries of performance and innovation. Consider the ’67 GT500 Super Snake, boasting a 427 race engine, or the Green Hornet from ’68, a testbed for fuel injection and independent rear suspension. Even the 1967 Little Red featured twin superchargers and a host of groundbreaking technologies.
The lineage of the 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED can be directly traced back to the 2008 experimental CODE RED Shelby GT500. In this earlier iteration, Shelby American daringly replaced the GT500’s supercharger with a pair of turbochargers. Nelson Racing Engines re-engineered the 5.4-liter V8, incorporating a dual-feed fuel system capable of blending in high-octane racing fuel when required. Enhanced cooling systems were implemented to manage the increased thermal load, and AMS collaborated to develop a speed-sensitive boost controller. Extensive drivetrain modifications and numerous performance enhancements were integrated throughout the development process. However, the original CODE RED’s extreme nature and high development costs ultimately deemed it unsuitable for production at that time.
Fast forward to the present, and Shelby American, leveraging advancements in technology and engineering, has successfully transformed the experimental concept into a production reality. For the 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED, Shelby collaborated closely with key partners to create a robust, potent, and dependable package. The current 5.2L engine is fortified with all-new high-performance components and force-fed by an intercooled premium twin-turbo system. A completely redesigned fuel system and engine management system are also integral to the upgrade. On 93 octane pump gas, the 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED delivers in excess of 1,000 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. When fueled with E85 Ethanol, the output escalates to a mind-blowing 1,300+ horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
The 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED package extends far beyond just a drivetrain overhaul. It encompasses a widebody package with distinctive wheels and tires, upgraded axles, refined suspension tuning, bespoke interior enhancements, unique badging, and a lightweight carbon fiber hood, among other modifications. Each 2022 Ford Shelby GT500 CODE RED owner receives membership in Team Shelby, the global club established by Carroll Shelby in 2008, and their vehicle will be officially documented in the Shelby Registry, ensuring its provenance and collectability. The package MSRP begins at $224,995, excluding the cost of the base car. Production is currently underway in Las Vegas, and owners of 2020-2022 model year Shelby GT500s interested in transforming their vehicles into a CODE RED edition are encouraged to contact Shelby American to explore this ultimate Mustang upgrade.
