Stunning Performance
and Control: 2020 Shelby GT500 Achieves Supercar Acceleration with 760
Horsepower and 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
Photo Galleries:
Carbon Fiber Track Package
Exterior Detail
Exterior and Interior Detail
-
Achieving
0-100-0 in 10.6 seconds, the Shelby GT500 sends drivers on a visceral
driving experience typically reserved for exotic supercars thanks to its
760-horsepower engine, ultra-quick Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
and the largest front brakes of any domestic sports coupe
-
Its
first-in-class 7-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers more consistent
power and torque compared to manual transmissions, while its
computer-controlled mechanism can upshift as quick as 80 milliseconds –
faster than a blink of an eye – making it the most capable Mustang
powertrain ever
-
Shelby
GT500’s five drive modes fully optimize the capabilities of the
dual-clutch transmission and active chassis systems – from ultra-smooth
road shifts in normal mode to forceful powershifts in drag mode –
providing a personality for every type of performance driving
DEARBORN,
Mich., Aug. 5, 2019 – As the most powerful street-legal Ford ever built,
the all-new Mustang Shelby GT500 harnesses world-class muscle and
powertrain technologies to attain supercar levels of performance. Its
first-in-class 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, race-bred control
strategies and advanced drive modes deliver a car that performs unlike any
other domestic sports coupe.
Its 760-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 engine is the most power- and torque-dense
supercharged V8 in the world. With 625 ft.-lb. of torque funneled through
a Tremec® TR-9070 DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Shelby GT500
achieves a 0-100-0 in 10.6 seconds, thanks also to the largest front
brakes of any domestic sports coupe (16.5-inch rotors) and available
carbon fiber wheels, each wrapped in a Ford Performance-spec Michelin
Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire.
Beyond the raw power and ultra-fast shifts, advanced control systems
optimize the capabilities of the chassis and powertrain to create distinct
drive modes – or personalities – to get the maximum performance from every
aspect of the Shelby GT500 performance hardware.
“The range of brute-force drag acceleration, seamless road shifts and
amazingly smooth shifts on the track further highlights how the soul of
the Shelby GT500 is elevated in our most advanced Mustang ever,” said Ed
Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “Effortlessly handling the
760 horsepower is our segment-first Tremec dual-clutch transmission, with
an advanced control system that enhances GT500’s five drive modes to
deliver a driving experience once reserved only for exotic supercars.”
Dual-clutch transmission delivers
Applying 625 ft.-lb. of torque to the pavement effectively requires a
transmission and driveline that can do more than just handle a massive
amount of power. Ford Performance engineers collaborated with Tremec to
design a gearbox that offers maximum driver control with stunningly fast
shifting and greater performance across a wide spectrum of driving
environments. The team’s “and” solution is the Tremec TR-9070 DCT 7-speed
dual-clutch transmission.
“In many ways, this is like having two transmissions in one,” said Pat
Morgan, Ford Performance powertrain manager. “On one hand, it enables
performance at the outer reaches of straight-line quickness with minimal
torque interruption, yet provides an incredible amount of finesse and
control in track environments for maximum stability and predictability at
the limits of lateral acceleration.”
To firmly and smoothly deliver torque, the TR-9070 DCT dual-clutch
transmission has a novel wet clutch system with five friction plates in
the odd-gear pack for a total of 155 square inches of surface area. In the
even-gear pack, six friction plates provide 136 square inches of surface
area. Transmission fluid is applied to the clutch surfaces only during
thermal events for optimal cooling and minimal parasitic loss. Seven
non-sequential helical forward gears with advanced triple cone synchros
are carefully matched to the engine’s torque curve and are pre-selected by
an electrohydraulic shift mechanism using energy-efficient low-leak
solenoids that can execute shifts as quick as 80 milliseconds in sport
mode.
Inside the control system, timing is everything. Shift points and clutch
modulation are orchestrated by a computer-controlled mechatronics system
that simultaneously reads dozens of vehicle and environmental factors –
including engine and transmission rpm, driver input and g forces, and
clutch and shift fork positions – to pre-select and engage the optimum
shift for every driving situation. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
are direct-wired to the transmission to avoid CAN-bus vehicle
communication system delays and initiate shifts as fast as 130
milliseconds, further enhancing responsiveness and connected feel.
“Contrary to popular belief, fast shifts do not always equate to better
road performance,” said Morgan. “In every driving situation, we emulated
what professional drivers do, whether it’s a smooth, precise heel-and-toe
shift of a professional track driver or a much more forceful powershift
like drag racers. We’ve designed the perfect shift every time.”
Drive modes add more personality
The 2020 Shelby GT500 has five drive modes that further enhance the driver
experience with a flick of the console mounted mode switch. It instantly
changes the car’s personality from a moderated “normal” car to a “track”
master with more aggressive throttle responsiveness and gear selections.
The system changes nearly every aspect of the car’s behavior, including
ride dampening, stability control, antilock brake modulation and steering
feel – even the sound and instrument panel change. Inside the TR-9070 DCT
dual-clutch transmission, drive modes influence transmission shift points
and feel.
In normal mode, the system selects gears and shift timing for moderated,
everyday driving and seamless shifting. In sport mode, shift character
changes, slicing shift timing by roughly 20 percent while throttle tip-in
is more responsive and rpm ranges extend longer into the maximum torque
curve.
Selecting track or drag mode further changes the shift characteristics to
pure performance. For maximum straight-line quickness, gear changes use
“over-torque” shifts for uninterrupted power delivery, similar to
powershifts that give an extra torque hit in between upshifts. Take the
Shelby GT500 into a turn, however, and the transmission immediately adapts
with smooth, quick and seamless shifts to ensure maximum lateral g
cornering by minimizing driveline disturbances.
Drive modes aside, an rpm-selectable launch control and electronic line
lock through Track Apps® enable synchronous powertrain strategies that
deliver optimum quarter-mile runs, while an always-on pseudo launch
control enables spirited launches at any time without having to select a
drive mode.
“Every aspect of the Shelby GT500 driving experience changes with the mode
– be that the throttle responsiveness and snap of the shifts you feel in
the seat of your pants, or the ‘pop and burble’ of the exhaust in
performance modes. It’s a full multisensory visceral experience,” said
Morgan.
Power output is transmitted to the 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip independent
rear suspension via a carbon fiber driveshaft for reduced rotational mass
and torsional distortion, plus larger halfshafts
and a redesigned rear suspension hub for added strength.
# # #
GT500 and Shelby are registered trademarks of Carroll Hall Shelby Trust.
Horsepower and torque ratings are based on using fuel as per SAE J1349
standard; actual performance may vary.
|