Ford’s legacy is paved with high-performance vehicles, from tire-shredding muscle cars to track-dominating monsters and straight-line rockets. When it comes to pure, unadulterated quarter-mile speed, one Ford stands above the rest, eclipsing even some of Ford’s supercars. While quarter-mile times might be debated for their real-world relevance, they remain an undeniable benchmark of speed and acceleration. And in this metric, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby Gt500 reigns supreme as the fastest production Ford ever built for the quarter mile. This isn’t some garage-built drag racer; this is a factory-engineered beast designed to conquer the strip straight out of the dealership.
Ford Logo
Unmatched Quarter-Mile Dominance
The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 isn’t just about menacing looks; it delivers staggering performance figures to back up its aggressive styling. Ford officially clocked the GT500 at an astounding 10.7 seconds in the quarter-mile. However, independent tests have even recorded times as low as 10.6 seconds at a trap speed of 133 mph, solidifying its position at the top. Remarkably, this blistering pace makes it 0.2 seconds quicker than Ford’s own 647-horsepower GT supercar, a vehicle engineered for ultimate velocity and boasting a higher top speed of 217 mph.
The GT500’s power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds. This acceleration figure catapults it into the realm of supercars, placing it shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the quickest and most exotic machines on the planet.
fastest sedan
The Ferocious Predator V8 Engine
Powering this quarter-mile marvel is the heart of a true beast: the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 engine. Ford unleashed its full engineering prowess to create this monster, which churns out a colossal 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. At the time of its release, this made it the most powerful production Mustang ever created by Ford, a title it held until the arrival of the even more track-focused Mustang GTD.
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2-liter Supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 760 hp @ 7,300 RPM |
| Torque | 625 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 seconds |
| Curb Weight | 4,200 lbs |
Source: Ford
Unlike traditional muscle cars that often demanded manual gear changes for optimal performance, the GT500 is equipped with a lightning-fast seven-speed Tremec dual-clutch transmission. This advanced gearbox executes gear changes in a breathtaking 80 milliseconds – faster than the blink of an eye – ensuring seamless power delivery and maximizing acceleration.
Beyond sheer power, Ford also prioritized thermal management in the GT500’s design. The front grille is significantly larger than the GT350’s, boasting a 50% increase in size. This allows for massive airflow to cool the engine and prevent heat soak, enabling consistent high-performance runs without performance degradation even under demanding conditions.
Track-Ready Handling Prowess
While renowned for its straight-line speed, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is far from a one-trick pony. Ford engineered it to be a capable track weapon as well. It features an advanced adaptive suspension system utilizing magnetorheological dampers at all four corners. This sophisticated suspension technology allows the GT500 to handle corners with surprising agility and precision, defying expectations for a muscle car weighing over 4,200 pounds.
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
High-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or even more aggressive Cup 2 tires provide exceptional grip, while massive Brembo brakes with 16.5-inch front rotors ensure immense stopping power, allowing drivers to confidently harness the GT500’s immense speed and control it effectively on both straightaways and winding tracks. The GT500 stands as a testament to Ford’s ability to create a multi-faceted performance car, equally adept at drag strips and road courses.
The Ford GT: A Close Second in the Quarter-Mile Race
While the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 holds the crown for the fastest quarter-mile time among production Fords, the 2017 Ford GT is a very close contender. This supercar, with its exotic looks and cutting-edge technology, completes the quarter-mile in a mere 10.8 seconds at 134 mph, just a hair behind the GT500.
2017 Ford GT
Instead of a V8, the Ford GT utilizes a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. While it has less power than the GT500, the GT prioritizes lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency. Weighing in at a mere 3,354 lbs, it’s significantly lighter than the GT500, contributing to its impressive performance.
2017 Ford GT Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 647 hp @ 6,250 RPM |
| Torque | 550 lb-ft @ 5,900 RPM |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Top Speed | 216 MPH |
| Dry Weight | 3,054 lbs |
Source: Ford
Although the GT500 might be the quarter-mile king, the Ford GT excels in overall track performance, particularly on road courses, where its lighter weight and aerodynamic advantages come into play.
The 2020 GT500’s Value Today
Given its exceptional performance and status as the fastest quarter-mile production Ford, the 2020 GT500 has unsurprisingly held its value remarkably well, and in some cases, even appreciated. For those seeking to own this modern muscle car icon today, expect to pay a premium.
Currently, the average price for a 2020 GT500 hovers around $104,976, according to Classic.com, with prices fluctuating based on mileage, condition, and optional extras. Low-mileage examples and those with sought-after option packages have commanded even higher prices at auction, with some reaching as high as $187,000. This premium reflects the GT500’s rarity, performance, and desirability as a collector car. As time progresses, well-maintained GT500s are likely to become even more coveted, especially those with rare configurations.
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 transcends the typical muscle car label. It’s a high-performance masterpiece that can challenge supercars in terms of acceleration and track capability, while remaining surprisingly refined for street driving. With its thunderous 760 horsepower, blistering 10.7-second quarter-mile time, and track-tuned handling, the GT500 is a modern legend. It’s a powerful statement from Ford, proving their unwavering commitment to performance and solidifying the Mustang’s place in automotive history. Driving a GT500 is an unforgettable experience, a raw and exhilarating encounter with pure American muscle and engineering excellence.
