Shelby goes Code Red with new 1,300-hp twin-turbo Mustang

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The speed freaks at Shelby American have been sating their customers’ need for speed for ages, applying their talents to everything from sports coupes to 4x4s. Now, they’ve created the Code Red, a machine using the Ford Mustang GT500 as its base, and tuned to a scarcely believable 1,300 horsepower.

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Oh — and they’ll cost US$209,000 per copy. Plus the cost of a GT500. Cheap as chips, then.

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Before going too far, know that sky-high power output – accompanied by a rated 1000 lb-ft of torque – is only made when this pony is fed E85 oats. The unique properties of that fuel help boost the Code Red’s numbers there, up from ‘only’ 1000-ish horsepower and 780 lb-ft of twist. These sums are likely to be sufficient in a pinch when one can only find 93-octane high-test.

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Billed as more than a drivetrain upgrade, Shelby American also goes to town with widebody styling and suspension tuning, plus a tweak of the interior. Under the hood they swap the elite supercharged 5.2L V8 for a twin-turbo system, fitting custom 10.5:1 pistons and PAC valve springs in addition to other goodies. An intake and intercooler system feature a so-called “ice tank” with reservoir, plus a custom turbo scavenger system and Tial blow-off valve for entertaining noises. Speaking of which, fans of the F&F franchise will be gratified to learn this vehicle has a MoTeC system exhaust.

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Tires are beefy meats, as you’d expect, 30-series hoops with a 305 cross-section up front; and 345 in the rear. Those are 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels attached to suspension gear featuring ride-height-adjustable front and rear springs. Carbon fibre is scattered around like cash at a political convention, showing up on the front splitter and rear diffuser, that pedestal wing, and the piano-sized hood. There is no back seat.

Shelby American will modify GT500s from the 2020 to 2022 model year inclusive, though they say they will only do 10 from each production annum. Methinks if someone shows up with a bag of cash and a persuasive temperament, they’ll drive away in the eleventh copy. After all, Shelby American can handle the truth — which is that, on this eve of total electrification, moneyed gearheads who love their speed will line up for one last crack at internal combustion.