Critical Knowledge:

• Adopts exterior and interior updates from 2010 Mustang
• More powerful, now with 540 horsepower
• More torque, now with 510 lb.-ft.
• Reduced aerodynamic drag; 2 mpg better highway fuel economy
• Functional hood extractor for improved underhood cooling
• "Gurney Flap" rear spoiler to tune for downforce
• Stability control includes track-driving mode with greater handling thresholds
• Built in Flat Rock, Mich.
• On sale in spring of 2009

Introduction
Shelby-badged Mustangs date to 1965, when a WWII war veteran, former flight instructor, 1950s auto racer, exotic car builder, and zesty chili chef from Texas named Carroll Shelby partnered up with Ford to create more powerful, better handling versions of the successful pony car. Though Shelby and Ford collaborated only until 1969, his name and performance-tuned Mustangs are synonymous to car enthusiasts. Shelby and Ford didn't work together again until the 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra Concept and Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept, debuts that foretold the arrival of Shelby-badged vehicles that people could actually buy.

The Shelby GT500 arrived for 2007, a significantly more powerful version of the Mustang available in coupe or convertible format. Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) took Shelby's guidance and advice while creating the car. Now, with the imminent arrival of a restyled and re-engineered Mustang, a similarly updated Shelby GT500 arrives with more power, more torque, and even better highway fuel economy.

For more information:

• See 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Pictures
• Browse other Ford models
• Read more Previews