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4.5 stars
"Just a flat out Beast!"
Pros: Fast, great sound, good looks, collectors item
Cons: Dealer markups, the breakin period doesn't allow full supercharger use
Summary: Just bought a convertible Shelby GT 500 which are really difficult to find. The coupe is being produced at close to a 4-1 ratio over the convertible for 2007. I took this one off the dealer floor for sticker price plus the guzzler tax of $1,300. However, to get to that price, I had to negotiate down a ridiculous $25,000 "market value" adjustment. That's right; the dealer wanted $25K above sticker just to sell the car. If you go to buy one, be prepared to negotiate hard. Your best leverage would be to try to buy a 2007 at the end of the year. I think this is what finally convinced them to let me have it.
So how is the car? In a word...wow. Just silly. When brand new, the supercharger is locked and it appears to gradually unlock up to 500 miles during the break-in period. (This is confirmed according to the owner's manual but it isn't too specific.) But I can tell you that this car is ridiculously fast before the supercharger boost kicks in and when it does, you will probably laugh out loud as I did.
Handling is solid although I haven't really put it through the ropes. The car has a fairly heavy clutch and launching has been difficult as I am either close to stalling or melting my tires. And that's with the traction control on.
I have to say that while I have owned Porsches, Jags, and other fast cars, I have never driven anything like this. I absolutely love this car and once broken in, I will probably store it. It could be used as a daily driver I suppose but you wouldn't want to do that to such a magnificent machine.
Bottom line: I'd rate this car easily a 9 out of 10. Why a 9 and not a 10? I'd like to see the interior/exterior touches of the Shelby GT put in the GT 500. Things like the hood pins, Shelby plaque, and the cue ball Hurst shifter are nice touches and would really perfect the car in my opinion. Then again, if they did that, then nobody would buy the Shelby GT.Updated
So if you're thinking about buying the GT500, you might be tempted to wait until the GT500 King of the Road is released since it has 540HP vs the 500HP of the GT500. Well, what I can tell you is you is aside from some tehnical adjustments to the car's setup, you can have the King's performance and sound for approximately $1,800 in aftermarket modifications.
I took my car to the dealer and had them install the SVT Racing Package consisting of a cold air intake, free flowing exhaust, short throw shifter, timing adjustments, and a new oil filter. This is the same kit that comes standard on the King. After these mods, my car puts out almost 545HP and 510lb/ft.
I thought this car was fast before but now, it's almost ridiculous. In 2nd and 3rd gear, this car now has neck-snapping acceleration. In fact, this car is becoming almost too fast to drive on a regular basis since you can easily jump over legal limits with a flick of your right foot and the live rear axle can makes things...interesting.
Oh, and the new exhaust note is much stronger and rewarding than stock so if nothing else, the exhaust system is worth it.Updated
So if you're thinking about buying the GT500, you might be tempted to wait until the GT500 King of the Road is released since it has 540HP vs the 500HP of the GT500. Well, what I can tell you is you is aside from some tehnical adjustments to the car's setup, you can have the King's performance and sound for approximately $1,800 in aftermarket modifications.
I took my car to the dealer and had them install the SVT Racing Package consisting of a cold air intake, free flowing exhaust, short throw shifter, timing adjustments, and a new oil filter. This is the same kit that comes standard on the King. After these mods, my car puts out almost 545HP and 510lb/ft.
I thought this car was fast before but now, it's almost ridiculous. In 2nd and 3rd gear, this car now has neck-snapping acceleration. In fact, this car is becoming almost too fast to drive on a regular basis since you can easily jump over legal limits with a flick of your right foot and the live rear axle can makes things...interesting.
Oh, and the new exhaust note is much stronger and rewarding than stock so if nothing else, the exhaust system is worth it.
