The Ford Mustang is the pinnacle of American-made muscle and the Shelby GT500 is one of the best ever in Ford's lineup of this historic car. However, it does have some shortcomings, but they are overshadowed by the immense power and sheer performance when the Mustang is driven in anger.

The GT500 is also one of the most precise Mustangs to ever grace the track or road, given the optional aero upgrades, giving it a reputation as something of a track monster. Below are some things we may have forgotten about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

10 Price

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source: Ford Media Center

For such a unique version of one of the most popular muscle cars of all time, the Mustang Shelby GT500 was never going to be cheap. But all things considered, it's actually quite good value for money.

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source: Ford Media Center

Starting prices for the GT500 begin at slightly over $70,000 making it a pricey Mustang indeed. However, for that you do get a whole lot of car, particularly when it comes to the Shelby's engine. To put this into context, the standard 4-cylinder Ford Mustang fastback coupe starts at just over $26,000 with the entry level V8 version starting at just over $35,000.

9 Engine And Power

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source: Ford Media Center

Perhaps the Shelby GT500's biggest selling point is the monumental level of power that this car delivers. The engine in the Mustang is Ford's range topping 5.2-liter V8.

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source: Ford Media Center

This engine produces a staggering 760 hp, thanks to the supercharger that has been added to boost the output just that little bit extra. The supercharger in question is a 2.65-liter Eaton unit, which helps push the Mustang's performance to the absolute limit.

8 Carbon Fiber Package

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source: Ford Media Center

Quite surprisingly and very unlike what you would find on your more traditional Mustang, the GT500 can be kitted out with an optional carbon fiber package. This adds an air of finesse to the otherwise brash Mustang.

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source: Ford Media Center

Giving it an almost European, sports coupé like feel, the carbon fiber package includes 20-inch carbon fiber wheels as shown here, leather Recaro racing seats, a carbon fiber GT4 wing and a few other extras.

Related: Here’s What A 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR Costs Today

7 Instrument Cluster And Tech

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source: Ford Media Center

One of the most modern inclusions on the GT500 was its instrument cluster. This came in the form of a 12-inch gauge cluster which is fully digital, giving a contemporary feel to an otherwise old school muscle car.

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source: Ford Media Center

Other technological aspects of the Mustang include Ford's track apps, which allow for acceleration and braking performance and G-force monitoring. A 12-speaker B&O sound system is also optional for those less excited by the prospect of the more than audible V8.

6 Fuel Economy

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source: Ford Media Center

One of the things we'd perhaps like to forget about the GT500 is its fuel economy. The high-powered V8 is quite literally the opposite of what you'd want if fuel economy is top of your priorities. Of course, it should be noted, no one is buying this car for its efficiency.

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source: Ford Media Center

Plenty of time will be spent at the pumps with the GT500. Of course that's to be expected and is the nature of the beast, however, this could be quite tiresome if you plan to use the Mustang as a daily driver. The Ford manages a fairly poor 12 mpg in city and 18 mpg on the highway. Somehow even less than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.

5 Convenience Features

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source: Ford Media Center

Luckily, as a Ford vehicle, plenty of time was taken to equip the GT500 with a good amount of convenience features, making for a pleasant driving experience.

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source: Ford Media Center

For starters, to help put the power down, a launch control system is included as standard. There is even heated side view mirrors too, but they are an option.

Related: Ford Mustang GT Gets 808 HP By Hennessey For Legend Edition Release

4 Comfort And Build Quality

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source: Ford Media Center

Standard comfort equipment on the GT500 comes in the form of dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed front seats with cushions capable of both heating and cooling, as well as a six-way power driver's seat.

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source: Ford Media Center

The Mustang should be more than comfortable enough for the average passenger, although it's a slight let down when you realize that the choice of materials elsewhere in the cabin are below average to say the least and cheap plastic is a common sight within the GT500's interior. The build quality is otherwise fine, however it would have been nice to see the interior handled with a little more elegance to match the price tag.

3 Safety

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source: Ford Media Center

Again, further reiterating the point of the GT500 being a performance car is its list of safety features, or lack of. Ford didn't see fit to include the sorts of features you may expect in other coupes or muscle cars, even.

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source: Ford Media Center

The list is barren and excludes most expected modern day features and consists solely of available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert.

2 Handling And Performance

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source: Ford Media Center

The performance of the Mustang makes up for all the other shortcomings and then some. This is what customers want and is what makes the GT500 worth the $70,000 price tag.

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source: Ford Media Center

The V8 is powered in tandem with a seven speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. It will hit 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and will genuinely compete against supercars sold at over twice the price of the Mustang. If you choose the optional carbon fiber package, the Mustang is even precise when cornering and the GT wing provides some much appreciated downforce and extra grip. Going one step further, you can even choose to remove the rear seats for less weight and added performance.

Related: Here's What Makes This Ford Mustang The Winningest Shelby Ever

1 Exterior Features

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source: Ford Media Center

Even without the optional carbon fiber package, the Mustang still looks menacing. It certainly has a presence and an aggressive look that is difficult to match even compared to other muscle cars.

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source: Ford Media Center

The exterior features include a GT dual exhaust with quad tips, as well as some very aggressive looking hood vents. A number of Shelby badges are included too as a reminder of the cars' homage to the brand. The huge width of the Mustang also adds to its presence and will turn heads for sure.