2020 Mustang GT500 Impresses at OKC Auto Show
A true monster, the GT500 backs up its bark with a heck of a lot of bite. It’s a surefire instant classic.
Ford’s incredible top-dog Mustang is pretty much just arriving at Ford dealerships nationwide. As the ultimate muscle car, the GT500 is essentially an absolute riot. Critics already hailed it as one of the best sports cars money can buy right now. And the crazy mark ups have unfortunately begun, with no end in sight. It’s that very special time in a Mustang’s life cycle when everything feels so fresh and new.
To that end, The Mustang Source recently stopped by the OKC Auto Show for a chance to see the GT500 up close. Overall, the car looks just as great in the flesh as it does in press photos. It’s sure to impress everyone once they get behind the wheel.
To our eyes, the most noticeable aspect of this particular Mustang GT500 is the 20 inch carbon fiber wheels. Part of the Carbon Fiber Track Package, they look magical, like something from the future. But the future is now. The wheels mark the second Ford to offer carbon fiber wheels. Previously, they were equipped on the Mustang GT350R. But these aren’t the same wheels. In fact, they’re improved over their predecessor. Plus, they’re not coated in any paint whatsoever. As a result, the exposed weave looks absolutely incredible. These wheels are one of the components that separate the GT500 from the rest of the Mustang lineup.
In addition to carbon fiber wheels paired to a set of Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 performance tires, buyers opting for the Carbon Fiber Track Package will also get a GT4 carbon fiber wing. Ford also developed some special Recaro seats as part of the package. With an $18,500 price tag, the special package easily costs as much as a fairly new, certified pre-owned Mustang. But that dollar amount clearly enhances the GT500 to the point where it’s absolutely worth considering.
Aside from all the carbon fiber goodness spread throughout our featured GT500, the other standout aspect of this Mustang is the front end. In contrast to the other models, the GT500 looks far more menacing as a result. Obviously, that’s a result of all the cooling that’s necessary for the 5.2 liter flat plane crank V8. In addition to being an absolute beast, it needs to hold up to repeated abuse on the track. Fortunately, it’s functional and attractive.
Overall, the Mustang GT500 looks amazing. And in a bit of an ironic twist, the most expensive Mustang is also the most accessible. Enthusiasts may dislike the exclusion of a manual transmission, but the Tremec 7 speed dual-clutch has so far proven a good fit. Besides, 760 is hard to tame. And a major benefit of the transmission is that it makes the GT500 a much better daily driver. In any event, the GT500 is a major achievement from Ford. And it just might result in a major carbon fiber push that sees its use on more performance models in the near future.
Photos: Michael Kinney for The Mustang Source