Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Elicits Speed-Induced Hypnotic State of Euphoria

After navigating the all-new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 onto the track of Texas Motor Speedway located in what is affectionately known as No Limits, Texas, I pressed down incrementally on the gas pedal of this powerful performance car capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Having previously driven on tracks like Circuit of the Americas and Eagles Canyon Raceway, I've maneuvered hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and serpentine chicanes in a variety of vehicles; and having stood directly adjacent to the starting line at Texas Motorplex during the nearby launch of a top fuel dragster, I've had every fiber of my body rattled to the core.

But this experience was entirely different than all of that.

With my safety helmet securely fastened to the HANS device, I eagerly followed a professional Ford Performance racing instructor along a designated roval route which incorporated a hybrid combination of both the infield road course and high-speed quad-oval track. Entering the superspeedway on the back stretch, I rounded the corner with gusto and entered Turn 4 by veering through the curve about midway up the sloped racing surface. And that is the exact moment when the atmosphere of the entire GT500 cockpit took on a decidedly noticeable shift.

Encapsulated in what must've only been a second or two, time seemed to suddenly slow waaaaay down and linger ethereally as if stretched out into an ultra-surreal, slow-motion, suspended state of automotive euphoria. The sound of a deep-chested growl from the 760-horsepower engine filled my ears as massive high-traction sport tires grabbed the asphalt below. My hands nonchalantly pulled slightly counterclockwise on the soft-touch slip-resistant steering wheel, while a bolstered hug from the leather-trimmed Recaro bucket seat held me resolutely stationed in place through the 20-degree corner banking. Rays of morning sunshine simultaneously stretched across the windshield creating a soft-focus rainbow effect by which my entire perspective became pleasantly disorienting in the very best imaginable way. Then, just like that, I snapped back into lucid real-time consciousness and propelled slingshot-style down the front straightaway as fast as I comfortably could.

As a racecar driver's daughter who spent many a Saturday night during my youth traipsing around the dirt track, a need for speed seems to be hardwired into the very core of my existence. So I fully appreciate the notion that sports car technology development is all about the functional attributes of go, turn, and stop as demonstrated by Ford's production of their quickest street-legal Mustang to date. With a lowered coefficient of drag and increased level of downforce along with 15½” front brake rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers, the GT500 can go from 0 to 100 back to 0 within the length of the deck of an aircraft carrier. The hand-built 5.2L supercharged cross plane crank V8 engine boasting 625 lb-ft of torque achieves a top speed of 180 mph and clocks a quarter mile run in under 11 seconds.

By only offering an all-new TREMEC 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission for this model, Ford helps reduce track times by effectively automating in approximately 80 milliseconds—literally faster than the blink of an eye—the mechanical shifting tasks that would otherwise needlessly take drivers much more time to perform manually. Optimized calibration maximizes the 'when' and 'how' of gear-shifting styles which differ according to diverse drive scenarios such as going straight on a drag strip, cornering on a track, or just meandering down the roadway on a Sunday afternoon. By mapping the ways that Ford Performance racers like Billy Johnson tend to shift in manual mode, engineers essentially matched those techniques to the way that the GT500 shifts in automatic track mode thereby offering a valuable simulation and a significant leg up on almost any race track.

Working closely with a variety of technology partners, the Ford Performance engineers have developed a one-two punch consisting of specially-designed 20-inch exposed carbon-fiber wheels wrapped in uniquely molded Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tires which hold the GT500 tightly to the road during lateral G forces and rapid acceleration. This wheel/tire combination is available as part of the Carbon Fiber Track Pack which also includes an exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing and instrument panel, splitter wickers, wheel-locking kit, rear seat delete, and more. The vehicle is also equipped with a wealth of new software for features like performance launch and electronic line lock.

Sporting classic good looks and a menacing aerodynamic design, the 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is now enhanced by three new exterior color options including Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Grey, and Grabber Yellow. Inside, the purpose-built cockpit is an artfully-executed showcase of premium materials, unique finishes, and upgraded components like an available class-exclusive 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument cluster with customizable MyColor® mood accents which displays a number of track apps for performance metrics like countdown starts and lap times.

By developing the most powerful and fastest-performing Mustang ever, Ford's cross-functional team of designers, engineers, and motorsports collaborators deliver a track-like experience that owners can easily enjoy every day. That's especially true considering that current buyers of selected Ford performance products including the GT500, F-150 Raptor, Explorer ST, and others are exclusively invited to hone their driving skills by receiving immersive training from professional instructors. A slate of the complimentary one-day and two-day programs such as the GT500 Track Attack take place at Ford Performance Driving School based at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Expanding even further on the engineering accomplishments that have made Ford Mustang the best-selling sports car in the world for more than six years running, Shelby American pushes the envelope with cutting-edge performance innovation. There is no doubt that the legacy of legendary American racer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby will continue to press forward as grandsons Aaron and Randall Shelby are still involved with Ford Motor Company today to ensure that the brand maintains the heritage of the original Mustang team and the original Shelby team.

Ultimately, I won't be competing head-to-head alongside the next generation of racing greats on the national circuit. Nonetheless, the Mustang Shelby GT500 certainly has what it takes to make any driver feel like a worthy contender.

For more information about this exceptional performance car starting at $72,900 MSRP, view Ford's instructional augmented reality experience or build your own configuration online at:

Ford | Mustang | Shelby GT500

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford trucks, utility vehicles, and cars—increasingly including electrified versions—and Lincoln luxury vehicles; provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company; and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected vehicle services. Ford employs approximately 186,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products, and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance Racing School

Founded in 2006, Ford Performance Racing School has become one of America's top training programs for those wanting to sharpen their skills while becoming better and safer drivers. The school employs a fleet of modified Mustang GT, Mustang Boss 302 FRS, GT350, GT500 and Fiesta ST performance cars, F-150 Raptors, and Edge ST and Explorer ST SUVs, as well as a team of instructors comprised of championship-winning drivers.