The 2012 Shelby GT500. The name itself conjures images of raw power and untamed performance. This car isn’t about subtlety; it’s about visceral thrills and a driving experience that grabs you by the scruff of the neck. For those obsessed with horsepower figures and performance statistics, the 2012 Gt500 Specs are a siren song. Let’s dive deep into what makes this machine tick, exploring the numbers and the experience behind them.
Engine and Performance Specs
At the heart of the 2012 GT500 lies a beastly engine, a testament to American muscle car engineering. Ford decided to showcase this powerplant, leaving it uncovered for all to admire, a refreshing change from the plastic shrouds often found in modern vehicles. This engine isn’t just about looks; it’s about delivering staggering performance figures.
Hand-Built 5.4L Supercharged V8
The centerpiece of the 2012 GT500 specs is its hand-built, 5.4-liter V8 engine. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill V8; it’s force-fed by an intercooled supercharger, ensuring a relentless surge of power across the rev range. The engine proudly displays signatures of the builders, a mark of the care and precision put into each unit before it’s mounted into the GT500 chassis. The visual appeal is undeniable, with the exposed blower and blue valve covers making a statement about the power within.
Horsepower and Torque Figures
Diving deeper into the 2012 GT500 specs, the horsepower and torque figures are what truly define this car. The supercharged 5.4L V8 churns out a massive 550 horsepower at 6,200 RPM. This peak horsepower figure ensures exhilarating top-end performance and a thrilling experience when pushing the car to its limits. However, horsepower is only half the story. Equally crucial for real-world driving and that neck-snapping acceleration is torque. The 2012 GT500 delivers a formidable 510 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. This abundance of torque, available lower in the rev range, is what gives the GT500 its incredible responsiveness and ability to launch from a standstill with authority.
Acceleration and Top Speed
These power figures translate directly into impressive performance statistics. The 2012 GT500 specs sheet boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 4.3 seconds. While not class-leading by today’s standards, it’s still blisteringly quick, especially considering the car’s weight and rear-wheel-drive configuration. The quarter-mile sprint is dispatched in approximately 12.3 seconds, a testament to the GT500’s drag racing pedigree. While top speed figures weren’t explicitly mentioned in the original review, it’s safe to assume the 2012 GT500 could reach speeds well in excess of 150 mph, making it a true high-performance machine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy in a car like the 2012 GT500 is almost a comical consideration, but for the sake of thoroughness and the official 2012 GT500 specs, it’s worth mentioning. The manufacturer’s claimed fuel economy figures were around 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. However, as the original review humorously pointed out, achieving these numbers in real-world driving, especially with the car’s performance potential, is highly unlikely. Expect to see figures significantly lower, particularly if you’re indulging in the GT500’s performance capabilities.
Drivetrain and Handling Specs
The 2012 GT500 specs aren’t just about the engine; the drivetrain and handling components are equally crucial in translating that power into a thrilling driving experience.
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Purists rejoice! The 2012 GT500 is exclusively equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. This reinforces the car’s driver-focused nature, demanding engagement and rewarding skilled driving. While the shifter was described as “grumpy” and “notchy” in the original review, it’s part of the car’s raw and mechanical character. The clutch, on the other hand, was praised for its smooth and compliant operation, making everyday driving more manageable than one might expect from such a powerful machine. The gear knob, a classic cue-ball design atop a short lever, adds to the tactile and engaging driving experience.
Suspension and Brakes (Brembo)
To manage the immense power and ensure respectable handling, the 2012 GT500 specs include a performance-tuned suspension. While not designed to be a razor-sharp track weapon, the suspension provides a firm and controlled ride, allowing for confident cornering and handling. The ride is firm, as expected in a performance car, but remains comfortable enough for everyday use. Braking duties are handled by Brembo brakes, renowned for their stopping power and fade resistance. These brakes are essential for a car with the GT500’s performance capabilities, providing confident and consistent braking performance even under hard use.
Weight and Dimensions
The 2012 GT500 is not a lightweight sports car, with a curb weight of around 3,969 pounds for the coupe version (the convertible is slightly heavier). This weight contributes to the car’s feeling of solidity and stability, but also impacts agility to some extent. Detailed dimensions for the 2012 GT500 specs would include a length of approximately 188 inches, a width of around 73 inches, and a height of roughly 55 inches. These dimensions place it firmly in the muscle car category, offering a substantial road presence.
Exterior and Interior Specs
While the performance specs are the main draw, the exterior and interior of the 2012 GT500 also contribute to its overall appeal and character.
Exterior Features
The 2012 GT500 differentiates itself from the standard Mustang with several distinctive exterior features. These include unique front and rear fascias, a functional hood with heat extractors, and prominent Shelby badging, including the iconic snake logo. The wheels are staggered in size, with 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear, shod with high-performance tires to maximize grip. The large exhaust tailpipes further emphasize the car’s performance intentions. While sharing the Mustang silhouette, the Shelby GT500’s visual cues make it clear that this is no ordinary pony car.
Front view of the 2012 Shelby GT500 showcasing its aggressive styling
Interior Features
The interior of the 2012 GT500, while functional, leans towards the basic side, especially when compared to modern luxury performance cars. The seats are praised for their comfort and support, offering excellent bolstering for spirited driving. Alcantara inserts are used on the seats, steering wheel, and door panels, adding a touch of premium feel. The instrument cluster features a speedometer that was criticized for its non-linear scale and font choice. Technology features include Ford’s SYNC system (in non-navigation equipped models), and a Shaker sound system, though the real sound system most owners will appreciate is the V8 engine under the hood. Practicality is limited, with small storage spaces and a trunk that is further compromised in the convertible version.
Front seats of the 2012 Shelby GT500 with Alcantara inserts and Shelby badging
Center console of the 2012 Shelby GT500, highlighting basic controls and design
Conclusion
The 2012 GT500 specs tell a story of raw power, visceral performance, and a distinctly American muscle car experience. With its hand-built supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the GT500 delivers exhilarating acceleration and a soundtrack to match. While not the most refined or technologically advanced car, the 2012 Shelby GT500 prioritizes the driving experience above all else. For those seeking a modern muscle car with classic appeal and unapologetic performance, the 2012 GT500, with its impressive specs and untamed character, remains a compelling choice. It’s a car that demands respect and rewards those who dare to unleash the beast within.
