We’ve already agreed that the Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic movie cars of all time. But few Mustangs are more iconic than the Shelby GT500 – ah Eleanor. Alongside the new Ford Mustang Bullitt at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford has teased what is being touted as the most powerful production Ford ever. The Shelby GT 500 name lives on with a new model to be released in 2019 set to deliver more than 523kW (700hp).
With more than 700 horsepower, the 2019 Shelby GT 500 fastback coupe will be twice as powerful as the original 1967 Shelby GT 500. The 2019 edition of the Shelby GT 500 will be powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to achieve the claimed figure, and will feature a host of advancements beneath the surface to allow it to be used on the street, the drag strip, and the track.
Though the teaser video doesn’t reveal much, we can see a fixed spoiler indicative of the extensive aerodynamic upgrades that will also be part of the Shelby GT 500’s bag of tricks.
The Dodge Hellcats haven’t had many rivals until now, but with the Shelby GT 500, they may have met their match. Though it is as of yet unconfirmed, with Ford releasing the Mustang in right hand drive (RHD) configuration and with Shelby South Africa supplying many upgraded Mustangs to the South African public, expect the 2019 Shelby GT 500 to be available locally – but at a hefty price.
