The 2020 Ford Shelby Gt500 isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. Imagine driving a modern-day “Goliath” – that’s the best way to encapsulate the sheer presence and power of Ford’s most potent street-legal creation to date. Boasting a staggering 760 horsepower, the GT500 delivers the raw muscle expected from a high-performance Mustang. Its V8 roar is unmistakably iconic, the straight-line acceleration is breathtaking, and its track handling is remarkably precise. However, the true revelation of the 2020 GT500 lies in its surprisingly refined street manners, making it more than just a track weapon.
Beneath the surface of this beast, the 2020 GT500 remains fundamentally a Mustang. The comfortable Recaro seats cradle you, and the standard back seats offer practicality if needed. The air conditioning blows cold, and the interior layout and materials are instantly familiar to any Mustang enthusiast. Even the trunk retains its generous size, capable of accommodating luggage or, as humorously noted, perhaps something larger.
Having personally driven a 2014 3.7-liter Mustang, the anticipation of experiencing a Mustang with over double the power was immense. The previous GT500, produced in the same year as my own car, packed a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 delivering 662 horsepower. The 2020 model impressively pushes the boundaries, extracting nearly 100 more horsepower from a smaller, more advanced engine.
2020 Shelby GT500: Power and Performance Specs
Delving into the specifications reveals the heart of the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500: a 5.2-liter cross-plane crank V8 engine. This powerplant is force-fed by an inverted 2.65-liter Roots-type supercharger, complete with an air-to-liquid intercooler. Ford proudly declares this setup unleashes a formidable 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s redline sits at an impressive 7,500 rpm, notably high for a supercharged application, and power is channeled to the rear wheels via a lightning-fast seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission.
Performance figures for the 2020 GT500 are nothing short of staggering. Ford states a top speed limited to 180 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is dispatched in a mere 3.3 seconds, and the quarter-mile is conquered in just 10.7 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is its zero to 100 mph and back to zero braking time of just 10.6 seconds, showcasing its all-around performance capabilities.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Impressions of the GT500
The day began with a driving partner, a seasoned automotive journalist with an enviable history of press cars, including McLarens, Bentleys, and Ferraris. When she requested to take the wheel of the 2020 Shelby GT500 first, it felt like placing myself in experienced hands.
Almost immediately, the GT500 demonstrated its raw power as she accelerated out of the parking lot, briefly flirting with losing control. This serves as a crucial reminder: while the car can be docile and manageable, respect its immense power, especially when the tires are cold.
The Ford press drive unfolded on long stretches of Nevada highway, granting approximately 45 minutes of driving time in the GT500. The route to Mt. Charleston allowed for cruising at 65 to 70 mph, where the engine settled into a blissful hum below 2,000 RPM.
Personal driving preferences leaned towards Sport+ mode, with steering and exhaust also set to Sport. These settings lean towards the more aggressive side, but the convenience of quickly switching the exhaust to “Quiet Mode” proved useful when encountering law enforcement.
Despite its ability to cruise comfortably, the 2020 GT500 never fades into the background. Even in a subtle silver-gray paint, the car’s commanding front fascia and prominent rear wing ensure it commands attention wherever it goes.
The GT500 is surprisingly content in commuter driving, its gearing making even low-speed journeys engaging. However, its true nature lies in its performance modes. Switching to “sport mode” or “track mode” awakens the beast within, urging you to unleash its full potential. Upon pressing the accelerator, the transmission swiftly downshifts, transforming the car into the snarling monster it was built to be.
While a manual transmission might seem traditional for a muscle car, the Tremec dual-clutch in the 2020 Shelby GT500 is exceptional. Its speed and efficiency ensure seamless gear changes, delivering the desired gear precisely when needed.
Navigating an S550 Mustang often feels challenging in terms of lane positioning due to its perceived size. While the GT500 is undeniably a large car, the prominent hood scoop proved surprisingly helpful in maintaining lane centering.
With immense power and Ford’s vibrant color palette options, responsible throttle control is paramount. The biggest challenge encountered while driving the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 on public roads was adhering to posted speed limits, a testament to its eagerness to accelerate.
To fully explore the GT500’s capabilities, Ford provided access to a quarter-mile drag strip.
Drag Strip Domination: Unleashing Drag Mode in the GT500
Ford’s claim of a 10.7-second quarter-mile for the GT500 is not just marketing hype; it’s genuinely achievable under optimal conditions.
To contextualize the performance, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway drag strip sits at approximately 2,000 feet of elevation, and the test day was hot. The cars had already endured multiple waves of journalists pushing them to their limits. Despite limited drag racing experience and unfamiliarity with the track’s timing system and the car’s line-lock and drag strip modes, the results were impressive.
Initial passes yielded times of 11.8, then 11.6, and finally 11.23 seconds at 130 mph. This performance is remarkable, especially considering the conditions and driver experience.
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 straightforward: apply the brake with the left foot, floor the gas, and release the brake. The GT500 pauses momentarily before launching with incredible force, generating intense G-forces akin to a jet takeoff.
Before each drag run, utilizing the line-lock feature was encouraged. This system locks the front brakes, allowing the rear wheels to spin freely for tire warm-up. While undeniably entertaining, its primary function is to optimize rear tire grip for launch.
Even after multiple drag runs with burnouts, the GT500 exhibited no signs of overheating or performance degradation. It was evident that the car was engineered for sustained high-performance driving.
Mastering the Burnout: Line Lock in the GT500
Activating line-lock in the 2020 Shelby GT500 requires a few steps. First, the steering wheel must be straight, and the car must be in drag strip mode. This mode prompts a confirmation acknowledging the potentially risky nature of the operation. Then, pressing the Shelby snake button on the steering wheel accesses “Track Apps.”
Navigating to “Line Lock” and holding the OK button initiates the system. A spinning wheel icon appears on the digital gauge cluster, indicating activation. Releasing the OK button and firmly pressing the brake prepares the system. The trick is to apply initial brake pressure while setting up, then increase pressure when prompted.
The brake pedal will vibrate and push back, followed by another prompt to press OK. Once line-lock is engaged, releasing the brake pedal and applying throttle for up to 15 seconds initiates a burnout. Despite initial skepticism, the car remains stationary while performing a controlled burnout.
Track Prowess: GT500 Handling and Agility
Beyond straight-line speed, modern Mustangs have evolved into capable track machines. The 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 is no exception, demonstrating impressive agility and handling on the road course.
For the track testing portion of the media event, several 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 models were equipped with roll bars/harness bars and six-point harnesses. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway track presented a challenging layout with sweeping turns, a decreasing radius corner, and a 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 into corners, managing weight transfer effectively for cornering speeds.
However, the weight of the V8 engine and supercharger over the front axle is noticeable when turning, requiring mindful input.
The Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires deliver exceptional grip on the track, generating significant lateral forces that firmly hold occupants in their seats, even with racing harnesses.
Given limited track time, opting to ride as a passenger with Ford Performance Vehicle Dynamics Engineer Steve Thompson proved invaluable. Experiencing the GT500‘s track capabilities in the hands of a professional driver offered a deeper understanding of its limits.
Thompson pushed the GT500 to its limits, demonstrating impressive cornering grip and balance. The car roared through corners, maintaining composure at the edge of tire adhesion.
The GT500, piloted by a professional, revealed its truly exceptional track pace. Its speed and handling capabilities were undeniably impressive.
When questioned about drifting capability, Thompson responded by demonstrating a controlled slide through a sweeping corner. While the GT500 can “sort of” drift, it appeared to exhibit some resistance, possibly due to the selected driving mode or active traction control.
Final Verdict: The 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 – A Mustang for Every Occasion?
Having experienced a range of 2020 Mustangs, the question arises: which one is the best, and which one to choose? The answer depends entirely on intended use and driving preferences.
Comparisons between the GT350 and GT500 are inevitable, but they are fundamentally different machines. The GT350 is an analog sports car, celebrated for its magical suspension and aerodynamics, high-revving flat-plane V8, and engaging six-speed manual transmission. The GT500, while capable on track, truly excels as a drag strip weapon, offering unmatched straight-line performance.
In terms of overall capability, the 2020 GT500 is remarkably versatile, capable of delivering exhilarating performance in various driving scenarios. For those seeking a more fuel-efficient option or finding the GT500 unattainable, the EcoBoost High-Performance Pack Mustang offers a compelling alternative, providing a taste of GT500-inspired performance at a more accessible level.
The time spent with the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500, though brief, left a lasting impression. It’s a ferocious, loud, and tire-smoking machine, solidifying its place as a memorable performance icon.
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Photography by Nicole Ellan James
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