Up Close: 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The biggest news concerning Ford's new Mustang Shelby GT500 is the prodigious 540 hp generated by its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 — that's 40 hp more than the 2009 version — but the 2010 model also has a lot of subtle details on the exterior and interior that distinguish it from regular Mustangs.
The Shelby GT500 sports large upper and lower mesh grilles devoid of the fog lights that take up space in the GT's grille. The overall look is one of purposeful aggressiveness — it's not all show — that nicely complements the power under the hood.
The Shelby GT500 benefits from the same improvements Ford made to the regular 2010 Mustang's cabin. It has new center controls and a new dashboard with real aluminum trim that incorporates a special dotted pattern. The Shelby GT500 has Alcantara trim on the seats and steering wheel, and it gives the wheel a nice feel. Perhaps the most distinctive element of the interior is the white ball shifter, which really stands out against the black interior.
There may be different reasons motivating buyers to choose a regular Mustang, but there's no question why someone gets a Mustang Shelby GT500: performance. There's still plenty of performance in the new model, but the improved interior increases the overall refinement of the muscle car, which will be appreciated when the thrill of that first burnout subsides.
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Riverside, Ca
Test drove this am, had smile on my face when I started it. Went through 3 gears and burnout in all 3. Tons of power and my new car. And still have a smile.