2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Shelby GT500 (2020–2023)
In addition to the Bullitt edition Mustang GT, the Shelby GT500 moniker returned in 2019 as a 2020 model, after a six-year hiatus. The new GT500 has a supercharged motor based on the GT350's 5.2 L V8 block, but with a cross-plane crankshaft as opposed to a flat-plane crankshaft (as in GT350), which generates 760 hp (567 kW).




Mach 1 (2021–2023)
The Mach 1 returned as a 2021 model, marking the first time the nameplate has been used since 2004. The Mach 1 uses the GT's 5.0L "Coyote" V-8 producing 480 hp (358 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m) at 4,600 rpm, borrowing several parts from the Shelby models. Ford engineers were originally targeting 525 hp (391 kW) and 450 lb⋅ft (610 N⋅m). The lightweight TREMEC six-speed manual transmission, intake manifold, oil-filter adapter, engine oil cooler, and front and rear sub-frame are shared with the Shelby GT350, while the rear axle cooling system, rear toe link, and rear diffuser are shared with the Shelby GT500.





Model Description

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

This is a 1:18 scale model in die-cast metal with plastic parts. This model shows off in that there is no doubt that this is a Shelby car. With the Shelby name everywhere, this is a well made and crafted model. It's solid and with a minimum of small plastic parts that one would normally see on these models, but even so you still need to handle carefully.

The Body

The paintwork is excellent. I like the metallic colour, and this is the same colour you would get on the real car, and care has been taken to ensure paint quality. There are no problems such as cracking or any bubbles with no chipping. This is a 2-door vehicle, and this model has both doors, bonnet and boot/trunk opens. The doors open reasonably well which gives a good look into the interior. Both doors are fitted well with excellent clearance and no over gaps. The external mirrors have been attached solidly, but still needs to be handled carefully. The main reason that models like these external parts is that they can break easily, and you cannot in most cases get replacement parts. The bonnet is a perfect fit. This is a premium model in which great care has been taken in the assembling of this model. The front of the model shows a distinctive radiator grill, but also it leaves no doubt that this is a Shelby Mustang. On the bottom air scoop and that famous cobra, this model shows us a powerful car. All the lights both front and rear have been fitted nicely. Those wheel rims with those tires are especially done in black and you can see the discs and also the brake callipers. All those decals have been done well to scale and fitted with care. And that includes the twin white stripes right from the front to the rear. The boot/trunk is fitted well and also opens reasonably. Nothing really to find fault with this model.

The Interior

In a lot of models, the interior detail can be something to desire. But this model has a very good interior in that just about all those features that are on the original car can be seen. Black works well with the blue. The seats show good detail with the addition of the seat belts a nice touch. The rear seat shows the same quality as in the front seats with its detail. The consol between the front seats shows good detail that continues to the dashboard. The detail showing all those screens and radio are extremely well done. The air vents in that greyish colour add more realism to that dashboard. I am surprised that considering the tiny size, you can read the instruments. That steering wheel will turn the front wheels, but it can be a little difficult. I wouldn't do it as I think it is fragile. That steering wheel is typical Ford but has that added Shelby features like the cobra that makes it definitely unmistakable.

The Engine

This engine I find fault with. To me its the same look that you would get in a 1:24 or a 1:32 scale model. This is a premium car that would cost a lot and would be regarded as something special. That Shelby Cobra name should show not in the excellent body and interior, but also in that engine.While the motor detail is good, that is spoilt by the outer parts of the engine like the radiator, air intake battery, and those other parts that would give it more of that real engine a better and more realistic look. That special engine needs that attention to detail. As it stands, it's more like an ordinary Mustang engine that does not show that real Shelby Cobra GT500 engine.

The Boot/Trunk & Undercarriage

That finish is as well done as the other opening parts. The boot/trunk opens reasonably and has a good gap when closed. There is no indication on what the spare looks like, but simply on the model is an empty space. That air spoiler on the boot/trunk lid has the carbon fibre look and feel. The undercarriage is quite basic in that it shows the underneath of the motor as well as the gearbox. The most impressive part is the exhaust system that starts up on the side of the engine and right to the tail pipe outlets. Done in a more light chrome it gives it that more realistic look. There is only a basic look at the other parts like the rear differential and the suspension.

The Conclusion

This is a good model. It has its faults that are mainly in the presentation of the engine.Just looking at this model it gives a very good impression. Comparing the model with the real Shelby, shows that it copies it in the most important areas and its quite realistic. I like it. Ours is that metallic blue with black interior, which gives this model class and shows again that Shelby Cobra that this is a performance car. I give it a 4.75 / 5.00. Robin Finlay 14/03/2023.