The Unforgettable Drag Racing Journey of the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
As the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 roars out of the Edmunds garage for the last time, it leaves behind a legacy etched into the annals of drag racing history. This beast of a machine, an S550 Shelby, boasts a 5.2-liter V8 engine, delivering a mind-blowing 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. What else would you expect from something that once sported a $71,395 price tag, ballooning to $81,280 with additions like Recaro seats, a Handling Pack, and a Technology Package? It was never cheap, but oh, was it worth it.
The GT500’s power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring that every ounce of that mighty horsepower gets translated into track-dominating speed. Yet, this Shelby isn't just about monumental power – it's also an icon of indulgence. After burning through 26,513 miles, it logged a real-world fuel economy of 13.6 mpg. But put this workhorse on a track, and it guzzles gas at a staggering 4.5 mpg in a 30-minute session, underscoring that this Mustang was meant for moments, not miles.
Dueling the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost
One of the most spellbinding moments in its drag racing saga was the face-off against the $103,010 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, armed with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine pushing out 807 hp. Despite the Challenger's apparent advantage on paper, the Mustang triumphed with a quarter-mile finish in 11.7 seconds at 128.9 mph, leaving the Challenger trailing at 12.6 seconds at 123.1 mph.
Running with the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Not to be outdone, another memorable duel featured the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. This $98,710 sedan sports a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Blackwing’s impressive manual gearbox, the Mustang came out on top, evidenced by a photo finish showing the Shelby snatching victory twice in a row.
The Ultimate Test: Corvettes and More
Racing the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the $160,505 epitome of American engineering, was as intense as it gets. Despite its high price and engineering marvels, the GT500’s 90 extra horsepower and 165 lb-ft more torque couldn't secure the win. The Z06 accelerated from 0-60 mph in an eye-watering 2.6 seconds, leaving the Mustang's best 4.2-second time as a distant memory. In the quarter-mile, the Corvetter clocked 10.7 seconds at 131.2 mph, while the GT500 finished in 11.5 seconds at 132.4 mph.
The Mustang also faced the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera and 2020 Corvette Stingray. While the Shelby eventually won their track battles in 11.3 seconds at 129.9 mph, the real-world desert conditions saw different results, with the lighter, nimbler competitors often outpacing the Ford.
Modern Titans and Electric Foes
The 2023 BMW M8 Competition and 2022 BMW M4 Competition brought European finesse, with the former crushing quarter-miles in 10.9 seconds at 128.3 mph. The latter’s 503 horsepower and laser-focused engineering provided a tough challenge, but the Mustang showed its mettle again in the “U-drag” races with its superior muscle.
More modern challenges came from EVs like the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, emphasizing that sometimes legacy isn’t enough against innovation. The GT500 held its ground against the fully electric adversaries, demonstrating that there’s still plenty of life left in muscle car heritage.
In all its races, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has proven itself a quintessential drag racing champion, a testament to Shelby American's relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. While its racing days at Edmunds may be over, its legacy will continue to be felt on drag strips and in nostalgic recountings by gearheads far and wide.