So here it is, the first "surprise" of 2009, the 2010 Shelby GT500. As you might expect, it's much like last year's GT500 except for the new bodywork and a healthy bump in horsepower. Our man in Detroit has all the details on the 2010 Shelby Mustang here, and rest assured it is quite the potent pony car.
We will take a moment, however, to point out one annoying trend that we hope disappears like Madoff money in 2009: the fuel efficient muscle car. It's not that we don't appreciate a few extra miles-per-gallon here and there, but when the first paragraph of a Shelby GT500 press release talks about its improved fuel economy on the highway we just want to puke.
Remember Ford, it's a 540-horsepower, supercharged Mustang, not a Focus.
Happy New Year.
cwc1 says:
02:18 AM, 01/ 1/09
Considering the beating that Detroit has taken in the press and from Washington lately, they want to put a green and improved fuel economy spin on anything they can - even on a muscle/pony car.
I'm all for having both MPG and power when it's technically feasible and cost effective, but not when an oppressive legislature mandates it, as that compromises the mission of the car. Such things make me wonder if the hyper-performance cars as we've know them are in their last days for a long period, like what happened in the early '70s. I hope not.
andys120 says:
01:37 PM, 01/ 1/09
If you take the attitude that increased fuel efficiency and performance are incompatible you are wrong, there's plenty of new high performance iron that delivers amazing speed and reasonable fuel efficiency, the Corvette C6 is a great example.
Ford and General Motors realize they are doomed
if they do not pursue both performance and efficiency and as a consumer who hasn't forgotten how expensive gas can be I applaud them.
You may return to putting your head in the sand.
estreka says:
04:30 AM, 01/ 2/09
I don't like the front end treatment. The regular Mustang looks far better.
Agreed on the greenie points.
hondacura4 says:
09:15 AM, 01/ 2/09
"It's not that we don't appreciate a few extra miles-per-gallon here and there, but when the first paragraph of a Shelby GT500 press release talks about its improved fuel economy on the highway we just want to puke."
Ed, Id understand your issue with the press release if it stated the improved fuel economy deteriorated acceleration or caused a loss in power but its the exact opposite. These days I give credit to any automanufacturer who can make the drivtrain more efficient in the real world while retaining or improving performance. This should be commended.