Redesigned Exterior and Improved Aerodynamics
For starters, the new 2010 GT500 is based on the 2010 Ford Mustang body design. As such, it looks like a souped-up version of the standard Ford Mustang GT. Noticeable features include a “Gurney Flap” spoiler to tune rear downforce and a hood extractor to remove heat from the engine. The car also features a redesigned front splitter. “We worked hard to get as much downforce with as little drag as possible,” said Kerry Baldori, chief functional engineer for SVT. “We worked to seal off the air that comes in the front so it can’t go underneath the car. We spent a lot time sealing components such as the radiator and intercooler to get rid of all the leak paths.” The folks at SVT even sealed off specific diamonds in the 2010 Shelby GT500’s grille to help maintain the correct cooling and aerodynamic balance.Speaking of the grille, the team was inspired to create one similar to that found on the Shelby AC Cobra 427. George Saridakis, Exterior Design manager of the Mustang and Shelby GT500 said, “It’s all about power and expressing power.” The Shelby AC Cobra 427’s front grilles are gaping and appear ready to swallow the road. One look at the GT500 and you can easily see the similarities.
As in the past, the Shelby GT500 coupe will feature racing stripes. That said, the convertible will also feature stripes. This is a first, as the original GT500 convertible from years ago did not feature the racing stripes, nor has any of the GT500 Mustang convertibles built in the recent years.
In keeping with tradition, the car also features Shelby’s signature Cobra badges on the front grille and front fenders.
As with all 2010 Mustangs, the Shelby GT500 also features an Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler System. New exterior colors for the 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustang include Kona Blue Metallic and Grabber Blue.
A Completely New Interior
It’s no secret many folks were less than enthused with the interior qualities of the 2005-2009 Mustang. Well, in 2010 SVT and Shelby pulled out all the stops, creating a brand new interior with modern amenities and creature comforts galore. For starters, the Shelby GT500 will feature leather seats complete with racing stripes. That’s right, the stripes are no longer only on the exterior of the car. You’ll also find real aluminum on the instrument panel in addition to genuine aluminum finish panels featuring a unique-to-GT500 three-dimensional dimpled texture pattern inspired by racing clutch plates, braided hoses, and cross-drilled racing brake rotors. The car also features the signature cobra etched into the center of the aluminum steering wheel badge.Now let’s move onto the GT500’s new optional Sirius voice activated navigation system. For starters, the Shelby Cobra appears at startup on the navigation screen. How cool is that? The car also feature’s Ford’s SYNC system as standard equipment. It provides 911 assistance, vehicle health reports, and Bluetooth capabilities. Ambient Lighting System with MyColor also returns in 2010 allowing owners to create 125 custom dash and interior lighting colors by mixing the red-green-blue palette. And the familiar red “SVT” logo utilizes new ambient lighting to illuminate the door scuff plate.
The 2010 GT500 also features a redesigned shifter knob. Exclusive to Shelby, this shifter knob features a racing-stripes theme with the traditional “H” pattern found on shifters. The racing stripes wrap around the knob from end-to-end.
