Base 2020 Shelby GT500 Weight Leaked, Much Heavier Than Expected
New GT500 is a whopping 4,225 pounds according to a leaked dealership screenshot, but here’s why it doesn’t matter much.
A lot of people are churning the pot concerning the 2020 Shelby GT500 and its newly-leaked weight from an alleged screenshot on Mustang6G.com forums. And while we’ll admit we were taken aback briefly, there are several key factors we need to remember.
Alleged, Not Official
It’s really easy for us to get caught up in the hoopla and argue back and forth when it comes to these types of bombshell leaks. But we need to remember that this is coming from what is essentially an unverified source. So take this, as well as any leak, with the proverbial grain of salt.
But for the sake of argument, let’s assume the numbers are accurate here.
Front-rear Weight Bias
As you can see in the photo above, the weight distribution is only slightly better than the 2014 GT500 (57:43), but only slightly worse than the newer GT350 (54:46). It is also wider and shorter (2014 version was 73.9 inches wide, 54.8 inches high). Sure, the previous generation weighed 3,850 wet, but remember that the new GT500 has much more tech than its predecessors. We need to also consider that this screenshot makes no distinction from the track version (which comes with different standard equipment) other than height differences.
Plus, we already know that it goes from 0-100-0 really, really quickly.
Component Weight
You must also consider that the new Shelby GT500 is loaded with loads of heat exchangers, auxiliary radiators and intercoolers. Which is a very good thing, as initial testing showed an increase in air-cooling by 50 percent versus the GT350. The new 5.2-liter Predator V8 has a 2.7-liter supercharger with a built-in intercooler, so that also adds to the count.
Base model comes with flow-formed wheels, while the Carbon Fiber Track package comes with carbon fiber ones. Both are 20 inches. Both are fitted with huge 16.5-inch/14.5-inch rotors mated with big-honkin’ 6-piston/4-piston Brembo brakes. So while the flow-formed wheels are obviously heavier and the brakes are heftier, the stopping power is still fantastic, especially since the car still has a front-heavy bias.
DCT-only
Finally, you need to remember that Ford’s new supercar comes with the Tremec TR-9070 7-speed dual clutch as its only transmission. And as with any DCT, shiftable auto or any slushbox out there, they are always hundreds of pounds heavier than their manual counterparts. Despite this, the new Tremec DCT shifts blisteringly-quick at less than one-tenth of a second, so redline shifting will basically be perfect.
We all know that the Shelby GT500 will have 760 horses and 625 lb-ft of torque under the hood, which will be more than enough to push it along nicely in a straight line. The track package (again, this screenshot doesn’t discern the equipment differences from the base) will obviously be lighter, have better suspension and will produce plenty of downforce to keep it planted on the ground and flat around corners. Despite this, the base model is still lighter than either Hellcat offerings, and will handle curves and twists better, too.
Photos: Ford Motor Co.
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