Let’s face it there are two types of car buyers: practical individuals who just need something to get them to and from their daily destinations and automotive enthusiasts who forge a love affair with their vehicles. For decades the Ford Mustang has been owned and cherished by the ‘enthusiasts’ group and as the Ford Motor company continues to make improvements on this beloved American icon the romance continues.

The old GT500 version of the Ford Mustang proved to be a favorite among car aficionados. Now 2011 marks the return of the 5.4 liter aluminum engine. Huge power numbers will make your head spin at 550 horsepower. Now only is the 5.4 liter engine back after many years, but the all new GT 500 is lighter and more importantly faster. These are all great thing in a muscle car. Plus this version comes tuned by SVT Performance which added components to the suspension. This new 2011 Ford Shelby also gets lightweight wheels with better performing rubber.

The 2011 Shelby GT500 weighs in at 3820 lbs. which is 100 pounds lighter than the 2010 model. Also the weight is better distributed at 57/43 front to rear weight distribution. This is near Ferrari territory, all coming from a car with a gigantic 5.0 liter V-8 engine under the hood. Speaking of the engine lets crack this puppy open. Most significantly the engine block is not made of aluminum instead of iron. The aluminum block is not only lighter, but it can distribute heat easier. Why is heat a factor? Well the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 has a big supercharger sting on top of the engine. The Shelby also has DOHC which control 32 valves for efficiently moving air and exhaust out of the cylinder. Out back the 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque is transferred to the pavement through a 3.37 limited-slip rear end.

Performance times are what you would hope to see out of a Supercharged Muscle car! The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 can clip off 0-60 MPH in the low 4-second range. The