Ford's heavily updated Mustang. Degrees of brutality separate the V8 Mustangs, but recent efforts have markedly improved handling and refinement, too, despite the enduring live rear axle.
Last year’s Boss 302 set new standards for big-pony agility with ‘just’ 440bhp, whereas the new, supercharged 653bhp Shelby GT500 (113bhp mightier than the last) is 100kg heavier, and more savage of disposition.
Much as you'd expect of a 650bhp muscle car with a live rear axle, although that’s not to say the Ford Mustang doesn’t handle. Corners at Brands Hatch were tackled with impressive grip, guided by precise, weighty electric steering. The chassis’s responses were engaging, if not immediate. Throttle take-up was edgy, though, impeding smooth acceleration on exit.
But the GT500’s element is still between the curves, where the most powerful production V8 North America has ever built yields tearaway drag-strip antics of the highest order, soundtracked by deep growls and supercharger whine.
The new, larger Eaton blower generates 56 per cent more boost than the last, while thorough changes to the enlarged yet seemingly unstressed engine include revised camshaft profiles (mimicking the Ford GT) and cross-drilling of the aluminium block and heads.
Our car’s optional Track Pack added yet more cooling for the engine, transmission and differential, the latter being a limited-slip Torsen unit, paired with adaptive Bilstein dampers in the Performance Pack. A carbonfibre driveshaft and upgraded transmission improve refinement.
The GT500 has been geared to munch America’s benchmark performance metrics, and it feels so. Adjustable launch control and built-in timing gear complement that purpose, as does the short-throw cue-ball gearknob, which feels like using a pin to marshal an elephant. Standard-fit Brembo brakes admirably and repeatedly shed the momentum.
If you want one, then yes, go for it. Retail price stateside is $54,995 (around £34,300), while unofficial importer Atlantic Sports Cars asks £60,000 here.
Against the less-powerful Corvette ZR1's £106,605, that doesn’t seem so steep.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Price £60,000; 0-62mph na; Top speed 200mph+ (est); Economy 28.8mpg (US highway equiv.); CO2 na; Kerb weight 1747kg; Engine V8, 5812cc, supercharged, petrol; Power 653bhp at 6500rpm; Torque 631lb ft at 4000rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual
Yes. Blown V8 up front, rear drive and a manual box. We like. Round of applause for Deerborn please.
It is indeed a beautiful brute that true petrolheads seriously appreciate, but I fear that an extra truckload of black circles from Yokahama will be needed for every 5 or 6 laps - this bugger will chew and spit out more rubber than exhaust fumes!! OH YES PLEASE 
what's life without imagination
-that I wish I could own at least once in my life time.
I will try to find a good second hand one in 6 years time when this economic slump is over in Europe! 
Shame it doesn't make a great amount of sense here in the UK, due to it's sheer size, cost once imported and (probably) terrifying thirst for fuel.
But if I lived in the 'states it would certainly be on my list to buy.
To be honest I'm not sure about this Mustang GT500. For Europe a BMW 6 series is a much more ' sensible ', choice all round.
www.KOOOLcr.com
To be honest I'm not sure about this Mustang GT500. For Europe a BMW 6 series is a much more ' sensible ', choice all round.
'Excuse me but how in blue blazes can you mention an ugly disgusting doesnt know what it wants to be X6 with this piece of automotive history? Not in the same wave length or the same category. Dont even do that again or I will leave in disappointment that someone can actually write such a thing
what's life without imagination
5wheels, clearly you have misunderstood. I am talking about a 6 series coupe. Currently on the BMW uk website, you can buy a 650i M Sport, V8 twin turbo, from £72k. (and as a matter of fact I rather like the X6 as well, for whatever it is). The BMW 6 series has been a phenomenal car since its inception, compared to frankly, some overblown American junk, ill suited to anywhere in Europe.
www.KOOOLcr.com
This review and the video of the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series? In the same week? I knew there was a reason I kept coming back to the Autocar website. Amongst the sea of s***e eco-diesel BIK repmobiles there are these occasional gems.
For Europe a BMW 6 series is a much more ' sensible ', choice all round.
The 6-series is one of the most boring cars in the world. what kind of dullard would look at this 653bhp mustang gt500 and choose a boring, slow 6-series instead ?
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