We can all agree, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a game changer. Yet, for reasons with which we cannot agree, Ford has decided to list as an $18,500 option the Carbon Fiber Track package rather than simply calling a GT500 with the option a “GT500R.” It did so with the base GT350 ($61,535) and the GT350R ($74,530), a $12,995 difference. What gives?
No matter how you option a GT500, it has the same, brilliant 5.2-liter/760-hp/625-lb-ft supercharged DOHC 32-valve V-8 and seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual transmission, carbon-fiber drive shaft, and a Torsen limited-slip differential with a 3.73:1 ratio out back. The distinct drive modes are the same: normal, sport, slippery, track, and drag strip.
Regardless of marketing strategy prohibiting an R badge, here are the 11 things that transform an already breathtaking Mustang Shelby GT500 into the hellraising GT500R, at least that’s what we’re calling it.
- The stock 11.0 x 20-inch flow-formed aluminum alloy wheels at all 4 corners are replaced by 11.0 x 20-inch (front) and 11.5 x 20-inch (rear) exposed carbon-fiber wheels.
- The base car’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (305/30R20 front; 315/30R20 rear) summer tires are swapped out for streetable track tires, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (305/30R20 front; 315/30R20 rear).
These changes alone decrease unsprung weight by 35 pounds at each corner while serving up a noticeably and measurably higher level of grip.
- The GT500R is fitted with adjustable strut top mounts. This means a real track rat can set up his car for different events or tracks.
- Beefier springs mean a slight ride penalty but sharper steering response and better body control. They also lower the car by 15mm (0.6 inch).
- Because of the lighter wheels and stronger springs, the magnetorheological shocks in the GT500R get a different “tune” with regard to compression and rebound characteristics.
- The otherwise optional Recaro front seats are standard in the GT500R. These seats have belt pass-throughs that accommodate five-point harnesses.
- Speaking of seats, who needs rear seats that add weight? The GT500R deletes them making it a two-seater.
- The GT500R has a unique front fascia combining a large splitter down low and what would be the equivalent of “dive planes” on the leading corners.
- The stock GT500 has a low flow-through composite rear wing, but the GT500R’s manually adjustable carbon-fiber wing stands tall on uprights. It’s literally pulled off of the GT4 race car.
- In lieu of the base GT500’s black plastic dashboard panel, the GT500R’s is covered with exposed carbon fiber.
- The combined effect of these changes transforms the demeanor of the GT500 from criminally loud, fast, fun, well-sorted, and highly predictable sports car—with more power than it sometimes knows what to do with—to a limited-production track-focused world-class supercar that excels and thrives because of that power.
Ford is taking pre-orders now, so choose wisely. Deliveries begin in the fall of 2019.
Read our 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 “R” review HERE.
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Source: WORLD NEWS
