The New Shelby GT500 Goes To VIR With Randy Pobst

Ford has definitely shaken the car world up with the announcement of their line of electric vehicles, yet to be released and the new 2020 Shelby GT500.  EVs take us into the future (whether us fueling burning enthusists like it or not) and the GT500 modernizes a Ford Performance icon.  With a 5.2L beast of an engine, pushing out 760 horsepower, suspension, body aero and a road course oriented configuration and a TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, it is sure to be one of the most exciting vehicles Ford has engineered thus far.

From what we have gathered, there will be at least two GT500 trim levels available, Base and Carbon.  The Carbon Track Pack will feature:

• 20-inch carbon fiber wheels
• Adjustable strut top mounts (camber)
• Carbon fiber instrument panel
• Carbon fiber GT4 wing
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires - 305/30R20 front, 315/30R20 rear
• Rear seat delete
• RECARO leather-trimmed seats with inserts
• Splitter wickers
• Wheel locking kit
• Track oriented suspension tuning

Though Randy Pobst is a well known Chevrolet fan, running a Camaro as a daily driver and not toting around a not so subtle bias towards virtually every track car the bow tie factory has every produced, he took time out of his day to drive the GT500 on track.

Randy took two versions of the newest Shelby GT500 (base and carbon) to VIRginia International Raceway and had this to say about the newest Ford Performance vehicle:

"The GT500 has that magic combination of steering response at the limit: the ability to tighten its line while loaded laterally in the middle of the corner, without losing grip at the back. The controllability that results is a pleasure that satisfies, all in spite of a considerable weight of 4,220 pounds. The ultimate Mustang wears its size well, with the strength and agility of an all-pro linebacker."

You can find the full MotorTrend article as well as a 60 photo gallery of the GT500 here: https://bit.ly/2rvIkE7