How much horsepower does each + signify?
Although the specifications for the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 are a closely guarded secret within the Blue Oval company, the company is open to showing potential buyers the model at events such as the 2019 Ford Nationals. This video gives a glimpse at the future muscle car as well as the test mule used to develop its aerodynamics. There might also be an Easter egg, or a typo.
The Shelby GT500 plaque shows the supercharged V8 of 5.2-liters producing “700++ Horsepower”. Another sign at the 2019 Ford Nationals displays the output as “700+ horsepower.” This sign’s visual confusion can be explained by the fact that the marketing representative behind it added an extra + to make it more visible. We can’t rule out Ford engineers tweaking the powerplant and looking for ways to increase the output. Ford has not yet released the GT500’s final horsepower and torque numbers.
This GT500 is shown in its base configuration. It does not have the optional carbon fiber track package. The car does not have the Recaro seats, carbon fiber wheels, or fixed rear wing. These minor aesthetic changes make the GT500 more street-stalking grand tourer than it is track-ready.
The GT500 aerodynamic test muet reveals a different, more aggressive design. The company started with a GT350 and used it as a reference. It initially used a slightly different layout to heat extractor, which had small raised sections on the slats. This element was removed by the designers for production. The rear spoiler is made of tape and foam.
Carl Widmann, GT500 engineer, also takes a look under the hood and explains some details. The strut tower brace, which is unique among other models, uses magnesium to keep it light and strong. Widmann also takes the wheel to demonstrate the sounds of the various exhaust modes.