Four hundred and fifty plus horsepower from a 5.4-litre supercharged V8, essentially a detuned GT engine, is what awaits the lucky buyers of the stunning new Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, due on sale next year. This 450bhp is backed up by an equally awesome four hundred and fifty pounds feet of torque. The most powerful production Mustang yet has been developed by Ford's SVT in conjunction with living legend Carroll Shelby and features design cues harking back to the original '60s Shelby Mustangs.

The GT500 is the latest in what is promised to be a long production series of SVT cars offering enthusiasts and serious drivers alike the product to satisfy their needs, and ensuring there is a Ford for all budgets. Take the Mustang as a prime example: $20,000 for a V6 at the lower end of the scale, with this GT500 at the opposite end. The GT500 features a six speed 'box, appropriately beefed up to cope with the high output engine. Keeping the Mustang on the black stuff is a finely tuned suspension set-up with a fat 19-inch rim shod in high performance rubber at each corner. Large (14 inch front and 13 inch rear) dinner plate brake discs complete the picture to make sure this pony can be reined in with the minimum of fuss.

Design detail in the GT500 complements the retro cues of the new Mustang perfectly. Classic white stripes adorn bonnet, roof and boot and a functional front and rear splitter and spoiler set-up not only looks good but also optimises airflow over and under the car. The big ducts on the bonnet provide added cooling to the potent V8. The final touches are an aggressive front grille and Shelby and SVT badging.

The interior receives the upgrades befitting of the GT500's heritage; swathed in black leather not only on the dash, but also the door panels, armrest, shift gaiter and handbrake. Titanium surrounded gauges and chrome switchgear provide the lighter edge and the heavily bolstered red leather SVT seats have a snake logo embroidered into their backs, an appropriate finishing touch for this icon's cabin.

The GT500 goes on sale next year following its debut at this week's New York Motor Show. It is unlikely to be sold here in the UK, although limited numbers of imports may be available from specialists.

Dave Jenkins - 1 Apr 2005