2014 Shelby GT500 Overview
06/15/2013
Ford
The ultimate Mustang - the 2014 Ford Shelby GT500 - raises the bar high on performance with the most powerful production V8 engine in the world delivering 662 horsepower and a top speed of more than 200 mph.
"SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights," said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. "We encapsulated every aspect of performance in this car - whether it's 0-60, top speed, racetrack or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this car perfectly fits his or her needs."
The 5.8-liter aluminum-block V8 engine produces 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world. The 3,850-pound car also stays exempt from the gas-guzzler tax.
Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the massive horsepower, including the supercharger, cross-drilled block and heads, camshaft profiles, carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.
A TVS series 2300 supercharger flowing air through the engine is key to helping produce the GT500's 662 horsepower. The 2.3-liter supercharger is a unique design to the 5.8-liter engine.
The entire cooling system is up to the task of dissipating the heat produced by the 5.8-liter engine. It now includes a larger cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump, and an intercooler heat exchanger with volume increased 36 percent compared to earlier GT500 engines.
Gearing
The gearing on the 2014 Shelby GT500 has been optimized to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly. Engineers considered more than 35 gearing combinations, finally deciding on one that balances torque being transmitted all the way through the wheels and grip to the ground.
A key piece of the driveline, the six-speed manual transmission, offers upgraded gears, bearings and housing so it can properly manage the torque. The final drive ratio is now 3.31:1 for optimized overall vehicle gearing to complement the massive torque. The clutch has the torque and rpm capacity to match the massive output of the engine, and uses a dual-disc design.
"It might just seem like we're putting a bigger engine into the car. But it's been a balanced approach through and through," said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT global performance vehicles chief engineer. "We've completely redone the car to be even more sophisticated in terms of handling and control than earlier models."
Other keys for improved traction management include:
Torsen(R) limited-slip differential: When customers order the optional Performance Package, they get a Torsen limited-slip differential that helps the rear suspension deliver maximum torque and traction better and longer under track conditions
Launch control: The launch control system lets drivers set the desired launch rpm depending on tire temperature, street surface or other conditions. Unique to SVT's launch control is its integration with both the engine control and traction control
Brembo braking system: A Brembo brake system offers drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, both on the road and the track. Six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors help improve resistance to brake fade. New brake pads that are more aggressive also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence
Aero advancements
Significant aerodynamic work was done on the new Shelby GT500 to ensure the car has proper downforce for optimum performance at all speeds. Engineers were able to determine how to harness the air that was moving around and through the car to improve the cooling system, maximize downforce and minimize drag.
The front fascia and splitters were modified to handle the extreme loads at 200 mph, resulting in a car that tracks more securely and feels more planted to the road at higher speeds. It offers 33 percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the 2011 model.
Superior ride
Shelby GT500's driving dynamics work in concert with all the content on the car. Handling, all AdvanceTrac(R) settings and steering assist levels within selectable steering have been tuned to account for the massive powertrain output. The unique traction control system and electronic stability control settings help drivers achieve maximum performance on both street and track.
Both systems can be completely disabled in controlled track situations where maximum driver skill is utilized, or fully engaged for maximum safety during normal driving or in less-than-ideal traction conditions. Intermediate sport mode allows drivers to push their cars hard at the track without completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more aggressive driving before the traction control and electronic stability control intervene.
"We took a completely different approach with this car, so drivers can choose their settings instead of a computer making the selection," Hameedi said. "Nearly every system drivers interact with can be tailored to their specific situation including the Bilstein electronic adjustable suspension, launch control, AdvanceTrac and steering assist levels."
The 2014 Shelby GT500 offers two sets of forged-aluminum wheels including a unique wheel for cars with the optional packages. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are coupled with Goodyear Eagle(R) F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all vehicle configurations.
Taking it a step further
Sometimes Ford Shelby GT500 customers want to enjoy their car on surface streets. Other times, they just want to let loose on the track. Two optional packages give them the choice.
Available as part of the Performance Package, SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers are accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button. Normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track, and less body roll while cornering and pitch under braking.
"The adjustable shocks let us develop our car on the track without any compromise," said Baldori. "Before, we had to tune the car with street implications in mind. Now we can go as extreme as we want on the track setting and still offer the customer a comfortable ride on the road."
Enthusiasts can upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package for all-out performance. The option comes with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability. The coolers play an essential role in preventing crucial components from overheating under high-speed conditions.
The 2014 Ford Shelby GT500 is built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
50 years of Mustang
The Ford Mustang is about to become the newest member of a very exclusive club - vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. In its first 49 years of production, Mustang has gained a worldwide base of avid fans. Mustang's unique combination of style, performance and affordability established an entirely new class of sporty cars that has inspired numerous competitors.
Over the past 49 years each of the more than 8.5 million Mustangs produced has been built in America, most of them close to Ford's home base in Dearborn, Mich. Mustang has come to evoke a variety of emotions in customers and fans - freedom, independence and being true to one's self - just to name a few. The Mustang attitude of limitless possibilities is universal and enduring, and fans around the world will be honoring that heritage with numerous celebrations as the original pony car heads into the next 50 years.