The legacy of Carroll Shelby and the Ford Mustang is etched in automotive history, starting with the iconic 1965 Shelby GT350. This collaboration injected raw power and performance into the already popular Mustang, creating an instant legend. In 1967, the Shelby GT500 took things to another level with its big block engine, solidifying the Mustang’s place in muscle car lore. Fast forward forty years, and Shelby and Ford reunited to unleash another beast: the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Boasting the title of the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced at the time, the question was simple: could this new iteration live up to the legendary Shelby name?
The pairing of Mustang and Shelby has always been synonymous with exhilarating performance. Therefore, the engineers tasked with designing the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 faced the challenge of creating a truly exceptional machine that would not only honor but also amplify the Shelby heritage.
Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), under the watchful guidance of Carroll Shelby himself, started with the robust foundation of the contemporary Mustang chassis. From there, they meticulously integrated a suite of high-performance components, transforming the GT500 into the most formidable production Mustang the world had seen.
The Roar of 500 Horses: Engine and Performance
At the heart of this magnificent machine lies a supercharged 5.4-liter, 330 cubic-inch, twin-cam V8 engine. This powerhouse churns out a staggering 500 horsepower, accompanied by a robust 480 pound-feet of torque. This immense power is achieved through an intercooled Roots-type supercharger, delivering 8.5 pounds of boost, and high-flow cylinder heads derived from the legendary Ford GT. The impressive 2007 Shelby Gt500 Hp figure is not just a number; it’s a testament to the engineering prowess behind this car.
To effectively harness and transmit this immense power to the rear wheels, the GT500 is equipped with a heavy-duty 6-speed manual transmission and clutch. Under ideal launch conditions, this setup allows the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, and conquer the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at a blistering 112 mph. These figures highlight the raw performance capabilities directly linked to the 2007 Shelby GT500 HP output.
However, as with any high-performance machine, less-than-perfect conditions, such as a slightly damp surface, can introduce wheelspin and impede the initial launch. Despite this, the GT500 impresses with its broad powerband and eager-to-rev nature, devoid of the sometimes-unrefined characteristics of classic Shelby Mustangs. The power delivery is smooth and progressive, making the 500 horsepower readily accessible and enjoyable.
Image: Side profile of a red 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 showcasing its powerful stance and performance tires.
Even with its formidable power, the GT500 doesn’t completely disregard fuel efficiency, at least by muscle car standards. Government fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Real-world driving yields around 17 mpg when using premium gasoline, a noticeable improvement compared to its gas-guzzling muscle car predecessors from the 1960s.
Handling and Braking: Beyond Straight-Line Speed
The 2007 Shelby GT500 is engineered for more than just straight-line acceleration. Ford aimed to create a car that was equally adept at cornering as it was at conquering the quarter-mile. SVT engineers meticulously recalibrated the shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars to achieve this. The 3-link Panhard rod rear suspension draws inspiration from Ford Racing’s Mustang FR500C competition car, enhancing handling prowess. Sturdy 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 45-series front and 40-series rear performance tires further contribute to the car’s cornering capabilities.
During testing on the tight corners of Summit Point Raceway’s Jefferson Circuit, the GT500 exhibited a slight push in initial turn-in, attributable to the heavier powertrain. However, this sensation dissipates as power is applied mid-corner, resulting in a remarkably balanced feel.
The GT500 truly shines in long, sweeping corners. The steering is responsive, offering excellent weight and feedback, allowing for precise control. While exhibiting slightly more body roll than anticipated, the handling represents a significant advancement over the standard Mustang GT. Although it might not be a revolutionary leap given Shelby’s racing pedigree, it’s a clear step in the right direction.
Braking performance is where the GT500 truly embodies race car capabilities. Massive 14-inch Brembo cross-drilled rotors with 4-piston calipers up front, and 13-inch vented discs at the rear, provide immense stopping power, bringing the car to a halt from 60 mph in a mere 121 feet. Impressively, these brakes maintain their exceptional power and feel even under repeated hard use, lap after lap.
Aggressive Styling: A Nod to Shelby Heritage
The 2007 GT500 visually embodies its performance pedigree with aggressive yet refined styling cues. The front fascia is more pronounced, featuring blacked-out grilles and a functional air splitter. The muscular hood, adorned with traditional Le Mans stripes on the hardtop version, incorporates functional heat extractors near the front edge. The rear end features a distinctive vintage-style ducktail spoiler. Shelby and Cobra badges are strategically placed throughout, including a Cobra emblem reminiscent of the original fuel cap.
Image: Interior view of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, highlighting the Cobra badged steering wheel and sporty seats.
The interior, however, takes a more understated approach. While functional, it lacks the overt retro styling of the exterior. Leather seats offer enhanced lateral support for spirited driving and feature embossed Cobra logos, although only red cars receive color-keyed center panels. The gauge cluster features an SVT-style speedometer and tachometer, swapped in position to prioritize the tachometer for performance driving. A Cobra badge adorns the three-spoke steering wheel. Otherwise, the interior largely retains the familiar Mustang twin-cockpit layout – clean, functional, but not overly flamboyant.
Pricing and Conclusion: The Shelby Legacy Continues
As expected for a vehicle bearing the Shelby name, the GT500 commands the highest price tag of any factory Mustang in its lineup. The GT500 coupe started at $42,975, and the convertible at $47,800. For those seeking a more accessible Shelby experience, Ford also introduced the Shelby GT, a retail version of the Shelby GT-Hertz rental car, offering 325 horsepower at a lower price point.
Forty years separated the original GT500 from the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Like its predecessor, the 2007 model takes an already excellent car design and elevates it to completion. It is a vehicle of impressive capability and surprising refinement, a worthy successor that has undoubtedly earned the right to carry the Shelby name. The 2007 Shelby GT500 HP figure is just the beginning of the story – it represents a holistic package of performance, handling, and iconic styling that honors the Shelby legacy while forging its own path.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.4-Liter Twin-cam V8
- Horsepower: 500
- Torque: 480 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.9 Seconds @ 112 MPH
- 60-0 MPH: 121 Feet
- EPA: 13 MPG City/ 21 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 17 MPG
