The Mustang Shelby GT500 is a fine vehicle, but it’s no longer the pinnacle of automotive performance engineering it was upon its launch. All that is to say, the current model is getting somewhat long in the tooth. That is why, according to several sources, Ford is working on a big update to the King of all ‘Stangs before the redesigned and reengineered model debuts in 2015.
More power is on tap: the current Eaton 112 blower will be replaced by the newer Eaton TVS — the same unit used by the upcoming Camaro ZL1 (as well as the Corvete ZR1 and CTS-V). Ford may also end up boring out the 5.4 liter V8 to 5.8 liters to keep up with the primary target (the Camaro ZL1), which Chevy just officially confirmed will be rated at 580 horsepower.
But as many GT500 owners know, a lack of power isn’t the problem: instead, the question is how the ‘Stang will put all that power down. According to sources, Ford is well aware of this — and has been looking for ways to optimize road contact by running laps on the Nurburgring with bigger and stickier tires and some modified aerodynamics.
The Motrolix Take
With Chevy having just thrown down the gauntlet by announcing the power numbers for the Camaro ZL1, we have to wonder whether the fine folks in Dearborn will take it personally and try to over deliver with more than 600 horses for the updated GT500. Only time, ladies and gets, will tell.
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