On February 8, 2010, Ford Motor Company revealed its new 2011 Shelby GT500 Ford Mustang. The 2011 Shelby GT500 features an all-new 5.4L aluminum engine which is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology. The car is also the first modern day Shelby GT500 that won't require buyers to pay a gas guzzler tax.
Other new features include Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity, and a lowered ride height designed to improve driving dynamics and handling.
In a press release, Jost Capito, Ford’s director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development said, "SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement. All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics - from weight savings to improved balance."
New Features
- All Aluminum 5.4L engine
- No Gas Guzzler Tax
- Optional SVT Performance Package
- Enhanced Convertible Rigidity
- 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque
New Technology and Less Weight
The most noticeable trait of the 2011 Shelby GT500 Mustang is its all-aluminum 5.4L V8 engine. For starters, it's 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron version. Ford says the reduction in weight results in better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling, and steering precision. The engine also uses Ford’s new patented plasma-coating technology which the company describes as, "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."Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American said, "Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders. It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make." That’s not to say Ford didn’t make progress in these areas. In fact, the 2011 Shelby GT500 produces 550 hp and 510 ft-lb. of torque. That’s a 10 horsepower increase over the 2010 model.
The new engine has roots in the Ford GT racecar. "The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive," said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. "The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand."
In addition, the new engine achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. Best of all, you can hear the power thanks to a new 2.75-inch exhaust. In fact, Ford worked to reduce road noise in the new car while highlighting the engine and exhaust. After all, when you’re behind the wheel of a 550 hp car you expect to hear all-out performance. Ford says road noise was reduced by 20 percent when compared with the 2010 model.
Ford also improved upon the handling characteristics of the GT500. For starters, the car has been lowered. The new GT500 touts a lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear. The car also features Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). According to Ford, "The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers." The car also once again features Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control system.
