# Shelby GT500 First Drive - Most Powerful Street-Legal Ford Ever *By James Hills — Updated October 2019* Last week I got invited to join Ford for the launch of their all-new Shelby GT500 Mustang, the most powerful street-legal Ford ever made. It's a beast that is trying to be more than just a drag strip king. Ford has worked hard to make this a vehicle that will perform equally well on the street, track, and drag strip. Did they succeed? The short answer is yes. To be completely honest, just as with trucks where more towing capacity is not always aligned with better passenger comfort, the same is true for sports cars. In this case though, Ford did an excellent job of squeezing an insane amount of power while still managing to create a car that handles great on the road. Plus, all of this comes from a factory production car that you can buy from any Ford dealer nationwide. ### How to Get Kicked Off a Cruise Ship in 2026: Behaviors That End Your Vacation Early Cruise lines removed dozens of passengers in 2024 and 2025 for fights, drugs, and dangerous stunts. Learn what triggers immediate removal, lifetime bans, and how to protect your vacation investment be CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/DIeQZZ4ZH_Dmvchg3_u-MQ.438) ### Awesome Ideas For Single Guys To Explore In The Philippines From beautiful beaches to fishing, snorkeling, and even nightlife. There's a ton of great travel ideas for single men to explore in the Philippines. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/DIeQZZ4ZH_Dmvchg3_u-MQ.371) ### 10-Days in Bangkok & Chiang Mai in Thailand A 10-day tour of Bangkok and Chiang Mai with temples, street food, boat and tuk tuk rides, plus free time each day. Great for independent-minded travelers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/DIeQZZ4ZH_Dmvchg3_u-MQ.556) ### Cruising Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line on NCL Jewel What to expect when on an Alaska cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines, based on our sailing on NCL Jewel. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/DIeQZZ4ZH_Dmvchg3_u-MQ.611) Promoted by FlowAds That being said, this is still clearly a car designed for the track and I can't recommend it as your daily driver unless you want to be "That Guy". In that case, the GT500 is perfect since revving the engine next to pretty much anything on the road will be enough to intimidate any wanna-be competitors. While the GT500 performs great around corners and even better in a straight line. With virtually unlimited acceleration (electronically limited at 180) it is fast though the transmission is rough at low speeds such as driving around town. Plus, with the Recaro racing seat it is extremely uncomfortable for anyone who isn't super thin. Additionally, I discovered that the racing seat also sits you slightly higher and that impacts a tall guy's ability to sit comfortably with a race helmet though I was fine with headroom while driving without a helmet. It does look cool though. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dkCgWL9gJ8f4uTx4ewMYgg.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dkCgWL9gJ8f4uTx4ewMYgg.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dkCgWL9gJ8f4uTx4ewMYgg.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/dkCgWL9gJ8f4uTx4ewMYgg.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Ultimately, however, I was able to fit comfortably in a car configured with the standard seats and with a smaller helmet so I could test it out on the drag strip. These seats also make it MUCH more comfortable for those considering this as a daily driver. With those critiques out of the way, this new addition to the Mustang family was an experience that I wish everyone had the opportunity to try. Flying down the lane at up to 130 mph is pretty awesome. My top speed was recorded at 127.4 mph and the speedometer showed no signs of slowing down. Other journalists were getting times in the high 10's and low 11's whereas my best score was mid 11 seconds for the quarter-mile. Driving the GT500 around town reminded me of how I feel while driving a [Raptor](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2463:the-ford-raptor-is-way-more-than-just-a-super-truck&catid=16). There's something special about knowing you have not just the most powerful vehicle on the road but also the most capable. There's a delicious sense of confidence in knowing that you can beat anyone who tries to challenge you. That is ultimately what this vehicle is all about ... and why it is worth close to $100,000 to have in your garage. Pricing on the [2020 Shelby GT500](https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/models/shelby-gt500/) starts at $72,900. The cars we drove though were configured between $95,000-$82,000 and a friend of mine has one on order for $106,000. Powered by a 5.2 liter supercharged V8, it pumps out 760 hp and 625 ft-lbs of torque. An engineer I talked with suggested that this engine has tons of enhancement opportunity though so I wouldn't be surprised to see modified GT500's being produced next year touching 1,000 hp. With the Carbon Fiber Track Package, this factory GT500 can do 0-100-0 mph in 10.6 seconds and rides on 20-inch carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and 16.53" Brembo brakes that are even more incredible when placed in comparison to the size of the entire wheel on the original 1967 Shelby GT500. Right now is an amazing time to be a fan of fast cars! On one hand, we have the Dodge guys doing ridiculous stuff with the Charger and Challenger and the other we have GM re-introducing the Corvette to a new generation looking for a less expensive version of what we see from European supercar manufacturers. With more horsepower plus better handling that the Charger and Challenger SRT (bested by the 840 hp Dodge Demon) and with more power and space than the C8 Corvette Stingray, the GT500 sits between these two extremes with one huge advantage. This still feels like a Mustang and it still feels distinctly American and tied to the heritage that generations of men have grown up with. This places the GT500 in a unique spot as the car feels like something that is still part of the 55 years of Mustang heritage vs a departure from it. This is quite literally an American icon and it represents the best of what you can do with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle today. On the road, it handled exactly the way you'd expect it to. Despite being heavy at 4,171 pounds (figures aren't released for the Carbon Fiber Track Package), the GT500 handled well in corners and on mountain roads. I wasn't able to drive on the track because with helmet and harness, unfortunately, I didn't fit in the car. However, I'm told by fellow writers who attended with me that they were very excited by the track performance. This performance is supported by race-tuned active chassis drive modes and a vehicle designed to add up to 550 pounds of rear downforce at 180 mph as well as a TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that can shift as quickly as 80 ms in sport mode.  Outside of sport mode, the driver can also select normal, weather, drag, and track modes. Like the Mustang GT, the GT500 also supports Track Apps including Line-Lock and Launch Control. For someone like me that will never be a professional drag racer ... but wants to play one on weekends, this made drag racing insanely simple. I'm far from being an expert but the system is intuitive enough that with just a couple attempts I was able to feel like I knew what I was doing. While some such as my friend Austin over at [Speed Phenom](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiYrUDqthbn-Np-pp0s4n1Q) will certainly be wringing out every last bit of performance ability, being accessible to more casual enthusiasts was just as important according to Ford.  Overall, I'm impressed. Ford certainly accomplished its objective and created the baddest factory-produced Mustang ever made, while still managing to design something that was enjoyable for non-racers. That last part is critical since the cars that it competes with are frankly dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. However, even when jamming my foot to the floor I still felt like I was in control with minimal torque steer and the car still felt comfortable going around corners despite high speeds that would have caused other vehicles to begin to slip. For more information about the [2020 Shelby GT500](https://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/models/shelby-gt500/), make sure to visit Ford's site and build your own.  ## More Photos Of The Shelby GT500  Shelby GT500 Mustang Photo Gallery Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/C-wMMecN2Qh0Sh3eV_7zIg.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 29 October 2019 Last Updated: 29 October 2019 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Ideas For An Awesome Guys Weekend Getaway In Houston Texas Feb 08, 2023 [Ideas For An Awesome Guys Weekend Getaway In Houston Texas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/ideas-for-an-awesome-guys-weekend-getaway-in-houston-texas.html) #### Castles, Cheese And The Concorde - Bristol Is The Perfect Basecamp For A South West England Getaway Jul 23, 2026 [Castles, Cheese And The Concorde - Bristol Is The Perfect Basecamp For A South West England Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/bristol-basecamp-south-west-england-guys-trip.html) #### Egypt's Red Sea Resorts: Dive, Golf, and Desert Thrills for a Guys Trip May 28, 2025 [Egypt's Red Sea Resorts: Dive, Golf, and Desert Thrills for a Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/egypt-beach-resorts-guys-trip-getaways.html) ### Related Articles #### Testing the 2026 Nissan LEAF: First Impressions of Nissan's Redesigned Electric Crossover [Testing the 2026 Nissan LEAF: First Impressions of Nissan's Redesigned Electric Crossover](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2026-nissan-leaf-first-impressions.html) #### 2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Review: Sporty Heritage Meets Modern Technology [2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Review: Sporty Heritage Meets Modern Technology](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-toyota-corolla-fx-special-edition-review.html) #### 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs [2025 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Review: Proven Space and Comfort for Real-World Needs](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-chrysler-pacifica-pinnacle-review.html) #### 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Review: This Sophisticated Sedan Gets the Balance Right [2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade Review: This Sophisticated Sedan Gets the Balance Right](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-toyota-crown-nightshade-review.html) #### 2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo Review: Stylish Compact SUV With Turbocharged Performance [2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo Review: Stylish Compact SUV With Turbocharged Performance](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/2025-mazda-cx-30-carbon-turbo-review.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Shelby GT500 First Drive - Most Powerful Street-Legal Ford Ever](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/shelby-gt500-first-drive-most-powerful-street-legal-ford-ever.html)* **Tags:** Cars, Sports Cars