Watch the Shelby Mustang GT500 Obliterate Hellcat, Charger, and Corvette C7
In a thrilling display of raw power and superior engineering, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 recently showcased its dominance on the dragstrip, taking on some of the most formidable opponents in the muscle car world — the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the 392-ci HEMI Charger, and the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06. These epic quarter-mile duels were a sight to behold, with the Shelby GT500 emerging as the undisputed champion.
The first showdown was against the Charger. Even though the Charger got a head start, the GT500 quickly closed the gap, crossing the finish line in just 10.02 seconds at a blistering 147.13 mph (236.78 km/h). The Charger, despite its impressive performance, clocked in at 10.94 seconds at 124.02 mph (199.59 km/h).
What makes the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 from the S550 generation a force to be reckoned with? Under the hood, it boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, churning out a massive 760 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This muscle car can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3 seconds, and the model on the strip might have had even more firepower, judging by its racing prowess.
The competition was no slouch either. The Charger’s 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) supercharged HEMI V8 SRT engine, sporting 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, is typically found on the Scat Pack trim. Given the Charger’s close times, it’s possible it had some performance enhancements up its sleeve.
Next, the GT500 went head-to-head with the Hellcat. In an adrenaline-fuelled rerun of its previous race, the Mustang once again trailed at the start but surged ahead to clinch victory with a stunning 9.67-second finish at 148.48 mph (238.95 km/h). The Hellcat lagged behind, completing the race in 10.95 seconds at 130.72 mph (210.37 km/h).
The Hellcat is a beast in its own right, powered by a 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine that churns out 717 horses and 656 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking even more power, the Hellcat Redeye or Challenger SRT Super Stock variants offer up to 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque with their High-Output Hemi V8 engines.
In the final matchup, the GT500 faced the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06. The Shelby crossed the finish line in 9.94 seconds, clocking in at 143.75 mph (231.34 km/h), while the Corvette finished in 10.58 seconds at 133.43 mph (214.73 km/h). The Corvette, with its 6.2-liter V8 producing 641 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, fell short against the might of the GT500.
The Shelby GT500 is part of a storied legacy that includes the remarkable 2020 Bold Edition Super Snake. This exclusive model, offered in just 30 out of 500 Super Snakes, came in vibrant colors like Twister Orange and Green Lime, each delivering 710 horsepower, while an even more potent variant offered 825 horsepower.
A more recent iteration, a 2021 Shelby GT500, was modified by a Texas garage to unleash a staggering 974 rear-wheel horsepower, further showcasing the endless potential of the GT500. And the race to further optimize doesn’t stop, with aims to push the boundaries to over 1,100 horsepower, bringing this muscle car into hypercar performance territory.
Looking ahead, the seventh-gen S650 2024 Shelby Super Snake continues to set new standards. Limited to just 250 units for the US, this latest incarnation offers up to 830 horsepower, with prices starting at $159,995.
Finally, the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800, an electric vehicle, shows Ford’s commitment to innovation. With a staggering 1,800 horsepower, it leapt down the quarter-mile in a mere 7.759 seconds, showcasing the future of muscle cars.