Last week we got the first rumors about the launch of a 1,300-horsepower Code Red package for the current Shelby GT500. It seems that Shelby only needed a few days to confirm those rumors, as today we got the official details the GT500 Code Red. If the name sounds familiar is because Shelby used it for the first time back in 2008 when it revealed the first Code Red package for the GT500. Production for this generation will be limited to only 30 units - 10 for each GT500 production years, but the bad news is that the Code Red is not street legal.
As its name suggests, the new Shelby Code Red is based on the current GT500. From factory, the muscle car is powered by a 5.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. The Code Red package add a twin-turbo setup to the already powerful V-8 that considerably improves the final output figures. But the list of updates is a lot longer than just a pair of turbos, and it also includes new custom-made pistons, new valves, and new air filters, plus a new intake, and a new intercooler system. Shelby also installed a new exhaust system with 3-inch stainless steel turbo downpipes. After all the changes, the Code Red delivers an amazing 1,300 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque when running on E85. The system can also run on 93 octane pump gas and still manages to push 1,000 horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque.
Shelby said nothing about how the Code Red package improved the GT500’s performance figures, but in its base form, it goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 180 mph.
The Code Red package is more than just a drivetrain upgrade, as it also offers a widebody package, new wheels, tires, axles, suspension tuning, interior, badges, carbon fiber hood, and more. For the exterior look, Shelby is offering a plethora of carbon fiber elements, including a large front splitter, open rear diffuser, wide body side rocker wings, rear wing spoiler, and vented hood. Each element was designed with performance in mind and helps improve the car’s aerodynamic features. The car will ride on a new set of forged aluminum wheels sized 20x11 up front and 20x13 at the rear. They are wrapped in high-performance tires, sized 305/30/20 up front and 345/30/20 in the back. Shelby is also upgrading the suspension with ride-height adjustable front and rear springs and Ford Performance front and rear sway bars.
In the cabin, the rear seats were removed, and a harness bar was added to make the car safer on the track. The seats are covered in high-quality leather and feature a cool "Code Red" badge. Random carbon fiber elements and embroidered floor mats complete the interior look.
As you can imagine, the Code Run doesn’t come cheap. Shelby announced a price of $209,995 not including the cost of the donor car. For the money, you will get the engine upgrade, plus the widebody package with new wheels, tires, axles, suspension tuning, interior, badges, carbon fiber hood, and more. If from the factory, your GT500 came with carbon fiber wheels you will get them back, but Shelby keeps the rest of the parts after the conversion. The package is limited to only 30 units.