Shelby GT500 Code Red: Mustang with 1,317 hp

The Mustang Shelby GT500 - which we have already driven - is Ford’s most powerful production model ever, yet it pales beside Shelby American’s latest creation. Under the Shelby GT500 Code Red specification, this model has been developed to produce 1,317 hp.

Its name immediately reveals this Mustang’s more extreme nature. Initially an experimental Shelby American project, it has now been approved for an exceptionally limited production run of just 30 cars.

Needless to say, none of them will be road legal. They have been conceived and engineered for maximum straight-line performance on America’s famous drag strips.

Based on the current-generation Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the Code Red retains the same 5.2-litre V8 engine. However, this unit has been reworked and upgraded by Fathouse Performance, an official Shelby American partner.

How did output rise from 760 hp to 1,317 hp?

In the standard Shelby GT500, this engine develops 760 hp, but the Code Red version extracts considerably more from the V8. Its supercharger has been replaced by a pair of turbochargers, cooling capacity has been increased, and a dual-feed fuel system has been fitted, allowing the use of racing-fuel blends.

Running on 93-octane petrol - equivalent to 98-octane petrol in Europe - the V8 produces more than 1,114 hp and 1,057 Nm of peak torque. With E85 fuel, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, the Shelby GT500 Code Red unleashes its full force, reaching 1,317 hp and more than 1,356 Nm of maximum torque.

The result is the most powerful production Mustang ever, although - as we should stress again - it is not permitted on public roads.

“Although it cannot be driven on the street, it is very capable through most medium-speed corners. But when the turbos start spooling, the car is much better used going straight,” explains Vince LaViolette, head of Research and Development at Shelby American.

More than just extra power

To cope with this increase in output, the GT500 has also received a stronger transmission, an adjustable Eibach suspension kit and an upgraded Baer braking system. This ‘monster’ uses Pirelli P Zero tyres at the front and stickier Nitto NY555R tyres, intended for drag racing, at the rear.

Power is not the GT500 Code Red’s only calling card, as Shelby American has also fitted a new wide-body kit, new 20-inch wheels, a carbon-fibre bonnet and an even more aggressive interior.

How much does the Shelby GT500 Code Red cost?

As noted above, Shelby American will build only 30 examples of the GT500 Code Red, split into 10 units based on the 2020 Shelby GT500, 10 based on the 2021 GT500 and 10 based on the 2022 GT500.

The modification package starts at $209,995, equivalent to €210,277. On top of that, buyers must also add the cost of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 used as the donor car, which starts at €128,490 in Europe.