- Hand-built supercharged 5.2-liter aluminum V8
- Rated at 760 horsepower
- Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
- Zero to 100 mph and back to zero in a stunning 10.6 seconds
- Five drive modes optimize capabilities of the DCT and active chassis
- Largest front (Brembo) brakes of any domestic sport coupe
- Due at Ford dealerships this fall, pricing TBA
When Ford unveiled its awesome 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 at the January Detroit North American International Auto Show, we were suitably impressed. They told us then that its supercharged 5.2L V8 would generate better than 700 horsepower, and they are now confirming that it will be a supercar-like 760 ponies. But how does this relatively modest-size DOHC V8 — which Ford calls, “the most power-and torque-dense supercharged V8 in the world” — effectively generate its massive 625 lb-ft of torque and deliver it to the pavement?
For starters, its aluminum block features weight-saving wire-arc cylinder liners and high-flow aluminum cylinder heads, forged steel connecting rods and improved lubrication and cooling compared to the GT350 engine from which it’s derived. A 2.65-liter Roots-type supercharger with air-to-liquid intercooler is tucked (inverted to keep its height down) into the V8’s valley, its structural oil pan reduces vibration while adding strength, and a patented active baffle system keeps oil where it’s needed. Then comes its ultra-high-tech driveline.
Dual-clutch transmission
Ford Performance engineers collaborated with Tremec to design the GT500’s TR-9070 DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to offer “stunningly fast” shifting and strong performance across a wide spectrum of driving conditions. “In many ways, this is like having two transmissions in one,” said Ford Performance powertrain manager Pat Morgan. “It enables performance at the outer reaches of straight-line quickness with minimal torque interruption yet provides an incredible amount of finesse and control in track environments for maximum stability and predictability at the limits of lateral acceleration.”
The DCT’s shift points and clutch modulation are orchestrated by a computer-controlled mechatronics system that simultaneously reads dozens of vehicle and environmental factors — including engine and transmission rpms, driver input, cornering forces and clutch and shift-fork positions — to pre-select and engage optimum shifts for every driving situation. And steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters direct-wired to the transmission initiate shifts as fast as 130 milliseconds. “In every driving situation we emulated what professional drivers do, whether it’s a smooth, precise heel-and-toe shift of a professional track driver or a much more forceful powershift like drag racers. We’ve designed the perfect shift every time,” said Morgan.
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Drive modes
Five drive modes selected by a console-mounted switch can instantly change the GT500’s personality from “normal” car to “track master” with more aggressive gear selections and throttle responsiveness. The system changes nearly every aspect of the car’s behavior, including ride dampening, stability control, antilock brake modulation, steering feel and even the engine’s sound. In Normal mode, it selects gears and shift timing for seamless gearchanges in everyday driving. In Sport mode, it cuts shift timing by roughly 20 percent with more responsive throttle tip-in and rpm ranges extended higher into the torque curve. Track and Drag modes further change shift characteristics to maximize performance.
An rpm-selectable launch control and electronic “Line Lock” (through Track Apps) help optimize quarter-mile runs, while an always-on pseudo launch control enables spirited launches at any time without having to select a drive mode. For fast cornering, the DCT delivers smooth, quick and seamless shifts to help achieve maximum lateral g’s. And all this awesome output is delivered to the 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential via a carbon fiber driveshaft for reduced rotational mass and torsional distortion.
Thanks to substantial technology transfer from Ford GT and Mustang GT4 racing programs — when the 2020 Shelby GT500 hits the road this fall, it will offer the best cornering and track times of any Mustang ever built. We can’t wait to give it a run.
