Hemmings eWeekly (5 Oct 06)

[mockingbird812]

For what it's worth....

Driven: 2007 Shelby GT 500

The majority of our readers tell me they do not like reading about new cars. I guess they believe there are no muscle cars being built today. Take off the blinders, and feast your eyes on the Shelby GT 500.
Immediately upon firing the big 5.4-liter V-8, you know it’s a Ford. Ford engineers have always mastered a true 1960s exhaust note, and the Shelby's is no exception.
Slipping the six-speed into first gear and easing out the clutch, I feel like I’m driving an economy car: It’s that smooth, no evidence of bucking or jerky motions. I notice a light coming on inside the speedo cluster. My, is the “check engine” light already coming on? No, it’s an orange arrow telling me to shift, like the mid-1970s Japanese motorcycles I had new.
Just a tad before 2,000 rpm, the annoying light comes on, but goes out if you keep your foot on the accelerator. The transmission takes some getting used to as the gearing is very close. The engine has a wide power band, and when you nail it, you can hear the supercharger winding up. There is a 15 p.s.i. boost gauge in the center of the dash cluster.
The engine pulls strongly and sounds great. The big Brembos bring the car to a halt lickety-split. I find the black bucket seat quite comfortable, along with the leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, backing this thing up is a pain, as the rear spoiler obstructs my view—not good if the neighbor’s kid is playing nearby.
All in all, I find the car a formidable performer, but the Corvette Z06 will blow the doors off the Shelby.
- By George Mattar