Ford has finally lifted the wraps off the all-new third-generation 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Arriving this fall to join its GT350 sibling, the new GT500 is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter aluminum alloy V8 engine that produces over 700 hp - that makes it the most powerful street-legal car Ford has ever made. 0-62 mph takes around 3.5 seconds, and Ford claims the new GT500 will do the quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds.
Like the GT350, the aluminum alloy block features weight-saving wire-arc cylinder liners and high-flow aluminum cylinder heads, plus larger forged connecting rods, improved lubrication and cooling passages. As reports suggested, you won't be rowing your own gears with a manual transmission. Instead, the GT500's grunt is fed through a Tremac seven-speed dual-clutch transmission capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds, which Ford points out is "markedly faster than any manual gearbox."
"With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics," said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. "As a Mustang, it has to be attainable and punch above its weight. To that end, we've set a new standard among American performance cars with our most powerful street-legal V8 engine to date, plus the quickest-shifting transmission ever in a Mustang for all-out precision and speed."
To harness the power and torque of the most powerful Mustang ever made, Ford Performance has fitted revised suspension geometry, a new electronic power steering unit and lighter front and rear coil springs. Six-piston Brembo brake calipers and massive 16.5-inch rotors provide exceptional stopping power. Ford says these are the largest front brake rotors ever fitted to an American sports coupe. The new GT500 rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped in custom Michelin Pilot tires.
The menacing, aerodynamic body is inspired by fighter jets, featuring an aggressive double front grille, a muscular hood, wider front fenders, and a new rear spoiler. Front fascia openings are more than doubled compared to GT350, while six heat exchangers are stuffed in to increase cooling pack airflow by more than 50 percent. A massive 31x28-inch louvered hood vent features a removable aluminum rain tray for better air extraction and increased downforce. New colors for the 2020 GT500 include Red Hot, Twister Orange and Iconic Silver. Painted stripes are also available.
Inside, you'll find a race-inspired cockpit adorned with premium materials, including an available exposed carbon fiber instrument panel appliqué and new door panel inserts in Dark Slate Miko suede with accent stitching. Recaro racing seats with firm side bolstering and pass-throughs for safety harnesses are also available, or you can opt for power-adjustable seats with Miko suede inserts. There's also a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker B&O Play premium audio system can also be equipped. These functions are controlled by an eight-inch touchscreen featuring SiriusXM and FordPass Connect.
Pricing for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 has yet to be announced, but more information should be revealed closer to its launch date in the fall.