The Ford Story: Unleashing the 2011 Shelby GT500™

Built in limited production, the 2011 Shelby GT500™ is a prize among collectible American muscle. The latest model holds true to its Shelby racing heritage, and it offers more power and performance-enhancing additions than ever before.

Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer, gave us the highlights of the new GT500, which you can view in this video.

The Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. It’s powered by an all-new, aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. And, it will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. Fuel economy gains come from the new aluminum-block engine that is 102 pounds lighter, Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) and aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

The Shelby GT500 is equipped with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip rear differential with 3.55:1 gear ratio or an optional 3.73:1. Stopping performance is provided by Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and 14-inch vented rotors.

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound. The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear-axle ratio and stiffer springs. It is available on both the convertible and coupe.

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block.

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20 Comments

Ronald Wilson
February 9, 2010 at 8:14 pm

I am a person who hates commercials.I always mute the TV until they are over. Until now.Since you have added Mike Row as one of your spokes person,he has brought a new something to the listening people.He has a witt about him.The way that he uses his voice, facial expressions,and would you call it a certain charm?In one he says,do you want an invatation,heres one.You got a winner in Mike Roe.Keep those FORD commercials coming!!!!!!! By the way ,I am 60,seen a lot. Reply

Rorm
February 12, 2010 at 5:21 pm

I think Ronnie is in love! Reply

J. Peter Luce
February 12, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Bring back the F150 Lightning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reply

Adam
February 12, 2010 at 5:18 pm

Raptor ftw... Reply

Gunnar
March 24, 2010 at 10:54 am

the raptor is amazing but i would love to see the lightning back too Reply

Nathan K. Bradbury
February 12, 2010 at 4:12 pm

aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, Nice! Do you think we will see the 6.2-liter in it when it comes out? Reply

C Froehlich
February 12, 2010 at 10:04 pm

I think I am in love. Reply

Scott
February 13, 2010 at 2:35 am

I hope Ford continues with the greatest brand of car ever produced. Saving my cash for the 50th anniversary Cobra! Reply

Steve
February 16, 2010 at 9:09 pm

Thanks Ford for making a great comback, and a great lineup of vehicles. As a Ford Master Technician, we can all take a little more pride in our work. Reply

Mike
February 18, 2010 at 11:22 am

I would like to see Ford offer factory delivery option for the SVT line. It would be nice if I could place an order for a 2011 Shelby GT 500 and pick it up at SVT headquarters and get a tour. Reply

Debbie
February 22, 2010 at 3:51 pm

First note, I see I'm the only woman posting something and have no problem telling you I am 49 years old. My first cat was a Ford LTD station wagon at the age of 16. My father loved Fords and passed the love on the me. I have now owned a Crown Vic, an '86 F150 super cab and finally bought the love of my life a Ford Ranger Super cab w/ a step side. Have always believed in you guys at Ford. Have 2 sons, one owns a 96 Mustang and the other, another Ranger . My fiance owns a '96 Cobra. Keep up the great work!!!! Call me anytime for a testimonial about Fords. My Dads first Ford was a '56. He owned both Broncos and had an Econoline that was maxed out for cruising. My immediate family has 9 Rangers!!! One day soon we're goping to get together and send u a group shot of them! Happy traveling! Reply

Johnny
February 26, 2010 at 8:17 am

If it wasn,t for the F-150,s and Mustang. I believe Ford would have lost out big time. Alumnium engines.? The cost to have it (Just the block) would be out of reach for the common person. I guess I am old school and will stick with my 66 Fairlane GT. I can raise the hood and see the spark plugs and if it should have a leak , wire or hose come off. I will be able to see it. When is Ford going to make its vehicles for the everyday Joe to be able to do some commonn maintance on their vehicles without --the comsumer having to take it to a Ford garage, pay big bucks to get a simple repair. This is why I will not buy another new vehicle and why the big wheels--when it will travel on a 14 or 15 inch tire. ? That itself is a turn off to me-high maintance--get reasonable and attract more business. I would like to see all manufactures going back to 14 or 15 inch tire and make the vehicle easier to pull maintances on. The old1964 Ford F-100 with the 292 would get 21 mpg. The 289 would get between 21-25mpg. . with all this power-why? The fastes you can travel on the inter-state is around 70 mph and if you get caught speeing-the tickets are high . Where could you open up this Mustang legally on any highway. Come on and get reasonable. Reply

Brian
May 5, 2010 at 11:28 am

Seriously Johnny??? It is 2010 not 1960. The tires on my mountain bike are bigger than 14/15. Its called technology and companies building what consumers want not what is easiest repair. You don't have to get the GT 500. You can get a regular mustang with much less power if that is a problem, but the tires are still 18inch or so. Sorry! Reply

Paul Ursul
February 26, 2010 at 5:31 pm

I was really into Mustangs, drag raced a 427 H.R. in a '68 F.B. put 250k+ miles on a '86 GT and I am current owner of a '96 Mystic Cobra that I purchased new. This current design is to big & boxy, 350+lbs heavier than a vette.. you can't do any better 8.5 lbs? Is this new sleevless aluminum block going to go the same way as my '73 Vega, smoke like crazy, I hope you do than GM. What is going to be the base price on a new GT-500?. Reply

Motorhead
April 27, 2010 at 11:59 am

Kawasaki has used this type of cylinder liner for years without the problems the vega had. They require a little more break-in time (4000 miles), I don't know if Ford recommends this in their coated cylinder engines though. Some of these engines turn as high as 15000 rpm and do it for a long time. I think you will see Ford apply this technology to more of their engines in the future. Reply

George
February 26, 2010 at 5:56 pm

I have owned a lot of great cars in my lifetime-49 Ford convt, Auston Healey 3000,Studabaker Speedsteer-1955,.1957 Chev,1963 Cadallic Convt.1979 Monti Carlo, 1985 Buick Riv. 1993 Mustang LX Convt but my best cars I have owned are the 2000 Crown Vic & now I have a 2004 Crown Vic with the Police package & loaded up with all extras, I would by a new one today If I could but Ford stopped making one of the best and reliable cars they ever made? Reply

Danny
February 27, 2010 at 9:12 am

I have enjoyed owning fords for several year . I owned a 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew . When I went to trade it in in 2004 found Ford had redisgned the interior and was for the worst . So we ended up going for the 2005 Escape cause my wife wanted something more confortable to drive.
Really enjoyed that trucks body style and its nice interior. The new truck seem more boxy and less arrow dynamic . What is happening to Ford trucks. In my opinion the are not very appealing and is making us look elsewhere for another vehicle..... Reply

Speedzzter
April 15, 2010 at 11:30 am

Great to see FoMoCo continuning on with the Shelby GT500. Hopefully 2016 CAFE won't kill it (or make it too expensive).

GT500 and Mustang GT both need to stay DOHC V8 and RWD. And don't listen to the boy racers who want standard IRS. It's too heavy. Those who actually use their GT/GT500s as intended need the durability of a well-located beam drive axle.

Hopefully future Mustang/GT500 V8s will feature direct, on-boost ethanol injection (i.e. EBS) and EcoBoost (or better yet, Lancia/VW-style "twincharging"). And even if GT500 stays with just a supercharger, Ford should add some intake manifold runner length (e.g. Edelbrock E-Force supercharger) to boost torque. A right-sized, twincharged, EBS-equipped,Ti-VCT V8 with driver-controlled cylinder deactivation and "start-stop" could produce an astounding blend of performance and CAFE-average-boosting fuel efficiency.

And why force buyers to choose axle ratios? A two-speed auxillary transmission or 2-speed axle could let GT500 drivers enjoy 3.73 gears when necessary and an economical ratio during ordinary driving. And an electric hybrid option for the GT500 would make for a breakout "halo" car. Reply

Steven
April 25, 2010 at 12:38 am

I am on my 4th mustang belive me Ford came a long way i had a 1978,1983 GT 1988 GT and right now I have a 2005 ford V6 Convt. I love it this V6 is movers fasted then my 1988 GT as soon I talk to a freind who works at Ford as a EXC. who gets a great price for me I hope that I will have one as soon as they come out and for my 05 I love it and will keep it and the shelby will be my sunday car glade I have a 2 car garge. I also hope that most of the parts are built here in the good USA. Reply

kenny
May 4, 2010 at 10:52 am

Quoate;
"Johnny
February 26, 2010 at 8:17 am
If it wasn,t for the F-150,s and Mustang. I believe Ford would have lost out big time. Alumnium engines.? The cost to have it (Just the block) would be out of reach for the common person. I guess I am old school and will stick with my 66 Fairlane GT"

I don't think they will have trouble with the aluminum block, Yes Vegas had issues but look at Briggs & Stratton, Techumseh ETC most of those have alum. bore blocks with no issues with lots of abuse. I also think that you need to understand that federal emissions has made these manuf. build them this way. We want power They want less out the tail pipe. Don't be afraid of change todays cars are MUCH easier to diag than the older ones ( at least to me) Reply

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