Ford is wasting no time rolling out variations on its perennially popular ponycar, and the restyled and revamped 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 aims to trump its newfound competition with 540 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque—that’s the same 40-horse, 30-lb-ft bump the old GT500KR enjoyed over last year’s GT500. In fact, the engine is little changed from KR duty, although the addition of two knock sensors allows the timing to advance a bit, and a cold-air induction system improves breathing (the intake snorkel’s location in the grille is responsible for moving the Cobra badge to the opposite side).
The additional torque allowed SVT to alter the gearing in the Tremec TR6060, using the ultra tall 0.50:1 top gear to help boost fuel economy slightly, despite a slightly shorter axle ratio (3.55:1 versus 3.31:1). Another welcome upgrade reduces clutch-pedal effort by upsizing the twin-disc clutch from 215 mm to 250 and changing the friction material to an organic compound. The shorter-throw shifter is topped by a true white cue-ball (it’s actually manufactured by a company that makes billiard balls). As before, no automatic transmission is offered.
One of the coolest features of the new Shelby GT500 is the striping, which is available in red, white, or silver. Whichever color you choose is repeated with twin leather stripes sewn into each of the four black bucket seats. And to keep you planted when driving hard through the twisties, there are small Alcantara patches on the seat cushion and backrest bolsters of all four seats. Alcantara also wraps the steering wheel, enhancing the already much improved 2010 Mustang interior.
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