What power does a simple overhead photo of something or someone have? Probably not much but if you are “Ford Mustang Shelby GT500”, it has the power to get masses across the globe excited. Excited is probably an understatement as enthusiasts were thrilled when photos of the model undergoing testing while heavily camouflaged appeared on the internet earlier this year. The clear photo of the model means the 2019 Ford Mustang GT500 is nearing its official debut. The GT500 is Ford’s most powerful Mustang ever. The overhead photo shows the model in Shelby’s blue paint finish and white racing stripes.
2019 Ford Mustang GT500 Exterior and interior
From the image, in addition to the blue paint finish and the duo racing white stripes, we can see that the front fascia looks more aggressive than the current model, even more aggressive than the GT350. The huge functional vent at the top of the hood enhances the model’s aggressiveness. The coupe also features blistered fenders, distinctive louvers at the front and an intimidating wing at the rear. The front fascia will be more daunting thanks to a more aggressive grille and a huge front splitter. A Shelby Cobra emblem will be placed at the center of the main front grille. The rear wing which by the way is all-carbon fiber to cut weight is held in place by trellis-style supports. The flanks and the middle of the car look unchanged from the previous GT500. Also, expect the model to ride on 20-inch wheels; new wheels designs are likely. The photo does not reveal anything about the interior of the car. Like the previous model, expect a simple, driver-focused cabin with sports seats and a cockpit optimized for racing.
Engine and performance
It is not clear which engine Ford will put under the 2019 GT500 hood, but the gigantic vent under the hood hints at a monstrous engine as the vent is meant to help prevent the engine from heating up. Rumors point to a mill internally codenamed the “Predator”; it is a supercharged 5.2 L, V-8 unit which is more than capable of delivering 700+ hp. It is also rumored that the model will use a conventional 90-degree crankshaft. Also, Ford will give buyers a choice between a manual transmission and a dual-clutch system. Regarding performance, the new GT500 is expected to become the first Mustang to exceed 200 mph.
With 700 ponies, the 2019 Ford Mustang GT500 will be able to outgun the 650 hp Camaro ZL1 and 1LE as well as the Dodge Challenger. However, the 840 hp Dodge Challenger Demon is still out of reach for the GT500. To smoke the demon out of hell, the automaker must offer a more powerful GT500 in future, probably with 1,000 hp as Dodge will likely up its game with the next Dodge Demon.
Price and release date
We anticipate a full reveal of the model before the end of this year, but Ford may decide to push the reveal to the Detroit Show which takes place every January. This thing does not come cheap just like the models it competes with which all attract over $60,000; a starting price of around $65,000 is likely for the GT500.
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