The 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a force among collectible American muscle cars. The newest model holds true to its Shelby racing tradition while offering additional power and performance-enhancing additions. The new GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one remarkable package. It’s powered by anew, aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which makes 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase over the 2010 model. It’s also the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, due to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city. Fuel economy increases come from the new aluminum-block engine that is 102 pounds lighter, Electric Power Assist Steering and aerodynamic modifications to the underside of the car.

The new motor uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a procedure that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of motor cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners normally used in aluminum engine blocks. This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers enhanced overall performance and sturdiness, along with functional benefits of reduced friction among piston rings and cylinder bores, superior heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight redution of 8.5 pounds compared to a normal steel-sleeved aluminum block.

The Mustang Shelby GT500 is equipped with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip rear differential with 3.55:1 gear ratio or an optional 3.73:1. Stopping performance is provided by Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and 14-inch vented rotors. New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even additional performance out of their GT500 for racetrack-ready driving. Using all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to take to the racetrack with these new Mustang Tires. The tires offer excellent dry traction and defined handling with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound. The elective package also offers exclusive styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear-axle ratio and stiffer springs.