There is no better vehicle today to epitomize the meaning of getting more power from a vehicle other than the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang as the performance starting point.
The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960s, takes those cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each boasting a more-refined interior.
Power comes from a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears.
Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning lower engine RPMs in those gears and improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, moving from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford’s stability control system, with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates everyday driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. When turned off, the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place.
Genuine materials such as leather in all seats, aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel give the 2010 Shelby GT500 a precisely crafted yet functional feel. Customers can select racing stripes on the seats that match the exterior stripes.
The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring.
(Source) Ford
Tags: acceleration, AdvanceTrac, Cobra, Coupe, Ford, horsepower, Shelby, torque