2011-2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Is Live-Axle Live Wire
The 2011-model-year Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 introduced a new evolution of Ford’s 5.4-liter V-8 engine, itself a wet-sump version of what came in the 2005-06 Ford GT. Extra power, of course, was on the menu — 10 more ponies since the 2010 model for a total of 550 hp — and the same 510 lb-ft torque was now available 250 revs lower, at 4250 rpm. The intercooler was 40 percent larger. Most important: The engine weighed a lot less, thanks to an aluminum block and plasma-transferred wire arc liners on the cylinder bores, rather than the ordinary cast iron.
Along with lighter wheels and a switch from hydraulic to electric power steering, the 2011 GT500 shaved 146 pounds from its predecessor’s curb weight, and in doing so improved weight distribution from 57.4 percent on the front end to 55.7 percent.
Standard goodies include Brembo brakes with 14-inch front rotors, a unique stainless steel exhaust, automatic HID headlights, bucket front seats with the embossed Cobra logo, and a Shaker 500 audio system. The real chassis love, however, came in the form of an optional SVT Performance Pack. For $3995, ticking this box netted staggered 19/20-inch forged aluminum wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 G:2 tires with 285-section rears, stiffer springs (20.5 percent more so in the front, 9.5 percent in the rear), a lower ride height (0.4 inches up front, 0.3 inches out back), a 3.73 rear end, and a big ol’ decklid spoiler complete with Gurney flap.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/hagerty-insider/market-spotlight-2012-shelby-gt500/
(photo credit: Deremer Studios / Broad Arrow Auctions)
