Ford has confirmed that the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby
GT500’s top speed will be capped at 289 km/h. The previous-generation Shelby
GT500 had a claimed top speed of 320 km/h and with even more power,
one would have assumed the new GT500 would be faster. However, Ford had other
priorities when designing and developing its range-topping pony car.
According to Car and Driver, Ford decided that
instead of developing a car capable of 320 km/h, it would rather build
one that hits 290 km/h and spend the left-over money on the vehicle’s
dual-clutch transmission, its aggressive aerodynamics package, and track
performance.
In addition, Ford saw no real need in developing a
Mustang that can hit 200 mph because during physical testing and virtual
simulations, it found that there are very few tracks in the United States where
the Shelby GT500 can even exceed 180 mph.
While Mustang Shelby GT500 drivers won’t be able to
win bragging rights with owners of the 200-mph Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, there’s a
chance they will enjoy greater on-track performance. In fact, the Mustang’s
optional Carbon Fiber Track package delivers 250 kg of max downforce,
enough to give the hardcore Camaro ZL1 1LE a run for its money.
Interestingly, Ford is still remaining mum about
certain aspects of the new GT500, most notably its engine. We know that the car
features a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine but the Dearborn brand has only
confirmed that it pumps out in excess of 700 hp.
