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2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Review

OUR TEST CAR: 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Performance Package

 
2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Page - 2
What Ford did to ensure the added muscle doesn't kill you on the spot, was to install stuff like a .50 massive overdrive sixth gear or the tall 3.31:1 final drive to tame the creature a bit. This obviously also had an efficiency aim. The Shelby GT500 comes with EPA ratings of 15 mpg (15 l/100 km) city and 24 mpg highway. (9.8 l/100 km). What we got as an overall average was a figure of 11.7 mpg (20 l/100 km).

And then there are the power and torque curves. Despite the intimidating 662 hp at and 631 lb-ft (856 Nm) at, the blown V8 remains a rather smooth operator. The force is with you once the 2,000 rpm point is left behind and you feel like you receive the full... blow 500 rpm higher. Like we said, the delivery is linear and while all that grunt handles the 3,845 lb-ft (1,744 kg) of the car without breaking a sweat, you never get an explosion.

As for the source of the unstoppable force, Ford’s SVT engineers probably made their families jealous due to the amount of attention they paid to the V8.

Their work actually started back when the 2011 Shelby Mustang was created - the aluminum block V8 measured 5.4 liters in displacement at the time, evolving from the 5-liter unit in the Mustang GT. Changes were truly deep, with the switch to a dry sump lubrication system being an example as good as any.

The unit has now grown to 5.8 liters: while the 105.8-mm stroke remains unchanged, the bore went from 90.2 to 93.5 mm. Ford explains this is the maximum displacement they can get out of this engine. There’s literally more bang for buck now, as the compression ratio has been increased from 8.4:1 to 9. You don’t have to worry about the cylinders though, as the previous model’s plasma-transferred wire-arc bore coatings and billet main bearing caps have been kept in place.

And to wipe that sweat off its forehead, the block gets upgraded cooling. The block, as well as the cylinder heads, are now cross-drilled to create new channels for the engine coolant.

You know the Blue Oval, they like to keep things simple. Thus, when the fuel pump upgrade was required, the carmaker installed two units borrowed from the Mustang GT.
In addition, the oil pump capacity has been increased, the sump is now aluminum, and each engine gets a manly hug on the assembly line.

We’re kidding about that last part, but things get as serious as possible when we talk about the Eaton supercharger, which has a higher rpm than before and displays 2.3 liters. As a result, it can feed the V8 with up to 14 psi of boost, while its predecessor stopped at 9.

We’ve always had an issue with the Mustang’s top speed - regardless of the version, the maximum velocity seems limited compared to the hp figure. Ford usually cites cooling matters, but other key drivetrain parts, such as the driveshaft, are also an issue.

Well, the Mustang Shelby GT500 now ditches its two-piece steel driveshaft, adopting a single-piece carbon fiber shaft. Aside from reduction losses caused by friction, removing that central element seriously reduces vibrations and saves almost 15 lbs (7 kg).

2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Page - 2
This is a Shelby Mustang, so when it comes to the optional features, don’t expect us to talk about stuff like the Shaker Pro audio system. Instead, we’ll focus on some other type of options today.

Let’s take the Performance Package, for instance, which includes adjustable dampers supplied by Bilstein and a Torsen limited slip differential. The world should have a Non Profit Organization dedicated to seeing that nobody drives a GT500 without this.

If you plan on seriously heating things up at the track, Ford offers the equivalent of installing an air conditioning unit at home. Those opting for the Performance Package can top it off with the Track Package. We’re talking about a pair of coolers serving the transmission and the Torsen LSD, as well as an air-to-oil cooler for the V8’s lubricant, replacing the 2012 model’s water-to-oil unit.

The gearbox is also seriously upgraded. You’ll want to shake each of the SVT engineers’ hands the instant you perform a shift from second to third, under full power of course. Still, while the Viper’s implementation of the Tremec six-speed manual basically sucked the next gear in when you fed it, you have to fight the Shelby a bit. Arm Wrestling Association approved.

Some of you may be wondering why we don’t want to talk about the Mustang Shelby GT500’s audio system. That’s because its default system, the best one, resides North of the firewall. The startup sound, for instance, is about as good as a street-legal V8 can get without resorting to carburetors. As for when you’re higher in the rev range, the exhaust growl and the supercharger whine coming from up front mix for an explosively masculine result.
Listening to the Shelby GT500’s soundtrack is like not shaving for two weeks.

Take a peek through those sexy spokes of the 19-inch wheels and you’ll notice the beefier brakes. Up front, we have six-piston Brembo calipers grabbing 15-inch (+1 inch) discs, while at the back Ford offers 13.8-inch (+2 inches) rotors.

While the stopping power matches the muscle of the Mustang GT500, we didn’t find that all-important swift initial bite.

Speaking of putting the brakes and the throttle into the same sentence, pulling burnouts in the Mustang Shelby GT500 is a bit different to what you might expect. First of all, dropping the clutch is actually easier than performing civilized launches when you’re at the traffic light with a Crown Vic around. What follows is not just tire-melting drama, but also a rather high degree of grip-finding efficiency.

Believe it or not, the process feels more natural in a Mustang GT, as you’re never worried about frying that expensive rubber we’ll talk about next.

Sure, the Torsen LSD deserves its credit, but most of the work here is done by the Goodyear F1 Supercar G: 2 tires.

This super-sticky rubber also does wonders for the grip abundance you get to enjoy through the corners. The meter on the dash was impressed up to 1G.

2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Page - 2
As long as you don’t dial things past eight out of ten, you’ll be surprised by how stable this Mustang feels. By the way, the difference between the “Sport” and “Comfort” settings of the Bilstein dampers isn’t all that big, but we’re still thankful for it.

Nonetheless, as you aim to grab those final slices of performance, the live rear axle reaches its limits. Yes, the Mustang Shelby GT500’s handling is better sorted out than before. Nonetheless, the comparison to its straight line performance still makes this an old school muscle car that can tolerate, but never enjoy corners.

Once you overcome the limits of grip, drifting the Shelby GT500 is the kind of activity that makes you weak in the knees.

If you want to relax a bit, you’ll be pleased to find out the Shelby preserves enough traces of the Mustang’s GT character. Except for the gear-shifting process, you can use this 660 hp brute with surprising ease.

You won’t be performing this type of chilling activities too often though.
That's because the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the kind of car that easily turns a good guy into a trouble-maker.

In terms of intensity, not necessarily purpose, this feels like a streetable racecar.

Everything about this Mustang is perverted. For one thing it has a twisted relationship with the Porsche 911. On one hand, we may have found the exact opposite of the 911 and we’re talking about the Shelby Mustang’s driving attitude here. On the other hand, Ford has been working on the solid rear axle a bit like Porsche has been tweaking the rear-engined setup of their coupe. The Blue Oval’s story is rather inconsistent when compared to what Zuffenhausen has been doing, but the conclusion still stands.

The badassery of the Shelby Mustang GT500 goes so deep that it almost turns this car into antimatter. This attitude of the vehicle is the best part of it.

A great deal of this, but not all of it, is achieved through the brutish manner in which the GT500 treats any straight line sitting in its path. Another key element of the mix is the pricing. The 2014 Mustang Shelby GT500 starts at US$55,110, not including the $825 destination charge .

The only issue with the Mustang’s personality is that it can turn against driver, which sometimes happens through the bends. You two may make a great team, but if you put the hammer down while turning the wheel, the car mights see this as the start of a fist fight.

This is definitely its worst side, especially when other muscle cars, such as the Dodge Challenger, have taught us that this genre has evolved and can now be rather entertaining through the bends.

Speaking of the Challenger, the 2015 Hellcat is the Shelby GT500’s greatest issue. With the current generation, the Mustang defied its competitors in terms of raw muscle, even when comparing it to the Camaro ZL1. Nonetheless, the Hellcat, which will deliver north of 600 hp, will give the future Mustang Shelby GT500 a run for its money. Then again, the all-new Mustang comes with Independent Rear Suspension, so placing a pre-drive bet on either one of them is close to impossible.

For now though, if you’re after affordable dictatorship, the Shelby GT500 is the tool for you.
THE END
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autoevolution Jun 2014
75
Value for money: 10/10
History
9
Exterior
9
Interior
7
In the city
5
Open road
8
Comfort
7
Tech facts
6
Gadgets
6
Safety
8
Conclusion
8
85user rating 61 votes
Rate this car!
 
Key Specs
USEU
Engine
V8 5800 cm3 supercharged
Fuel
Petrol
Power kw
494
Power hp
662
Power rpm
6500
Torque val
631
Torque rpm
4000
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Traction
RWD
Acceleration
3.7
Top speed
200 mph
Length
189.4 in
Width
80.1 in
Height
55.1 in
Wheelbase
107.1 in
Ground clearance
4.6 in
Cargo volume
13.4 CuFT
Weight
3845 lbs
Seating
4
Power
494 KW/662 BHP @ 6500 RPM
Torque
631 Lb-Ft @ 4000 RPM
Engine
V8 5800 cm3 supercharged
Fuel
Petrol
Power kw
494
Power hp
671
Power rpm
6500
Torque val
856
Torque rpm
4000
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Traction
RWD
Acceleration
3.9
Top speed
322 km/h
Length
4811 mm
Width
2035 mm
Height
1400 mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
Ground clearance
117 mm
Cargo volume
379.5 L
Weight
1744 Kg
Seating
4
Power
494 KW/671 HP @ 6500 RPM
Torque
856 Nm @ 4000 RPM
fuel efficiency
mpgOfficialOurs
City158.5
Highway2419
Combined1811.7
fuel efficiency
l/100kmOfficialOurs
City15.627.7
Highway9.812.4
Combined1320.1
base price
$
55,110
base price
-
Photo gallery (56)
2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 front2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 profile view2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 hood air vent2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 LED headlight2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 side view2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 wheels2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 19-inch wheels2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 rear2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 braking2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 open road driving2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 driving2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 acceleration2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 accelerationFord Mustang Shelby GT500 burnout2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 burnout2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 burning rubber2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 rolling burnout2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 rear badge2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 taillightsFord Mustang Shelby GT500 fuel filler capCobra badge on Mustang Shelby GT500Cobra badge on 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 headlight2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 radiator grille2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 hoodFord Mustang Shelby GT500 interior2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 cabin2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 interiorFord Mustang Shelby GT500 suede steering wheel2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 infotainment screen2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 speedometer and rev counter2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 steering wheelShelby badge on 2014 Ford Mustang GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 gear shifterSVT door entry sill on Mustang Shelby GT5002014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Recaro seat adjustments2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 RecaroCobra badge on 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 seat2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 rear seat access2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 rear seats2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 front seats2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 door card2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 air filter2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 supercharged V82014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 engine2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 SVT engine plaque2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 boot2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 tire repair kit2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500