DETROIT—The most powerful street-legal Ford Mustang ever built will go on sale this fall.
A 5.2-liter supercharged V8 will crank out 760 horsepower in the 2020 Shelby GT500.
The new version has a beefed-up suspension and brakes. It also has a seven-speed automatic transmission that Ford promises will shift smoothly on commutes and quickly on the track.
The engine is hand-built at a Michigan factory and comes with unique pistons and other parts. It can crank out 625 foot-pounds of torque, a measure of rotational force.
The Shelby GT500 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) in around 3.5 seconds, although Ford didn’t release a precise number. That’s slightly slower than the mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, which General Motors says will do it in under three seconds.
Performance powertrain engineering manager Patrick Morgan says the new version is aimed at Mustang enthusiasts who also want track performance.
He said the car can go from zero to 100 mph (161 kilometers per hour) and back to zero again in 10.6 seconds.
The car comes with pumps that can send gas to the fuel injectors all the way until the tank is empty. It also takes 11 quarts of oil with an oil pan that can keep the engine lubricated during extreme cornering moves on the track.
The First 2020 Ford Mustang Sells for $1.1 Million to Help Children With Diabetes
“Mustang Sally, think you better slow your mustang down ... you been running all over the town. All you want to do is ride around Sally; ride, Sally, ride!” goes Mack Rice’s R&B anthem of 1965. The song was allegedly penned as a joke after singer Della Reese wanted a new Ford Mustang.But the latest model is no joke.
Automobile behemoth Ford have launched their newest Mustang coupe, and in addition to some impressive statistics, it’s worth a lot more than the company’s first model from 1964.
Hearts were pounding and bidders were on the edges of their seats at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
But it wasn’t all big cars and big money. To add dimension to the proceedings, the slot was being auctioned by Ford in a benevolent gesture to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The worthy organization will benefit from all monetary proceeds.
Craig Jackson, owner of Barrett-Jackson auctioneers, placed the winning bid himself. It’s no secret that Jackson is a huge Mustang fan and dedicated collector; he already owns several historic GT500 models. Jackson’s $1.1 million bid proved to be the second highest price ever paid for a Mustang at auction.
The auction prototype of the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 was a show-stopping yellow; however, Jackson will be able to order whatever configuration and color he likes when he cashes in on his auction win.
The Barrett-Jackson auction was a field day for car lovers. In addition to the astonishing Shelby GT500 bid, the auction showcased the first pre-production Mustang coupe, a 1964 model, hand built at the Ford Pilot Plant. Only three survive. For the sake of conscientious historical accuracy, the ‘64 model was used during the filming of the upcoming “Ford v.Ferrari” film directed by James Mangold, released this year.
Hold your breath. It sold for $192,500.
