Some
cars are forgettable -- those metal boxes on wheels that simply get you from A
to B. Then there are cars that you'll never forget -- the special ones that
take your breath away. With its aggressive styling and an engine that can
impress even the most jaded automotive enthusiast, you'll never forget the 2012
Ford Shelby.
The Ford Mustang has already been our top pick among the
muscled-up pony cars, and the GT500 simply cranks up the power to supercar
levels. With 550 horsepower underfoot, this mega Mustang spanks Dodge
Challengers and Chevrolet Camaros in the quarter-mile. The Shelby furthers its
lead when the road begins to twist, thanks to a well-tuned suspension and
sticky supercar tires.
With a price tag approaching $50,000, though, supremacy doesn't
come cheap. That's more than double what the plenty capable 305-hp Mustang V6
costs and almost $20,000 more than the already raucous Mustang GT. That's a lot
of scratch for a Mustang, especially one stuck with an interior not much
different from a well-equipped Mustang GT. Unimpressive interior materials and
a tilt-only steering wheel are even more glaring oversights at this price.
But on the whole, these are minor blemishes next to everything
that's great about the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. It's a quicker thrill than the
Camaro and the Challenger, and its backseat makes it more practical than a
Corvette. No doubt it will be a fond deathbed memory for those lucky enough to
own one.
