Ford has now offered a Hi-Po Mustang as opposed to tiddlers. The new Ford Mustang GT500 is a supercharged stang with first-grade hardware intended to provide an affordable alternative to the Germans and Italian super-cars.
Powered by a supercharged 5.2-litre V8, the Mustang GT500 has more than 700 horsepower (522kW) driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Electronic trickery provides the driver with a choice of modes, including a zero to 100 kays in less than four seconds.
Retardation is by Brembo with enormous 420 mm brake discs and Brembo calipers, while active shock absorbers assist keeping the monster on the road (or track).
This new variant of the Mustang is claimed to be the most powerful road-going Ford in history. Ford has come a long way since the T-Bird.
Body modifications are not such as to make the car look much different from the standard model. Outside, changes are to improve cooling and downforce plus carbon fiber spoilers and wheels.
Similar to the regular Mustang, the GT500 features a digital driver’s instrument cluster and large central infotainment screen hooked up to sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Deep-bolstered sports seats join a suede covered steering wheel and rotary gear selector similar to the latest Ford Focus.
While the standard Mustang does come out in RHD, and there’s a few rumbling around Pattaya, Ford has no plans to release this model other than in LHD. “We don’t have the volume to support a factory Shelby effort. We know there’s an appetite for those cars we would love to offer it locally. Unfortunately we don’t have them set up for right-hand-drive.”
The good news is that stronger-than-anticipated demand for the sold-out Mustang Bullitt limited-edition coupe in most markets should result in new models in the future.
