2023 Shelby GT500 CODE RED specs

Ford’s next-generation Mustang is around the corner, but Shelby isn’t done injecting more power into the current model. The builder introduced a limited-edition evolution of the GT500 called Code Red that receives a long list of upgrades including a twin-turbocharged V8 capable of making 1,300 horsepower.

Long-time Shelby fans will recognize the name Code Red: it was used in 2008 on a prototype also designed as a twin-turbocharged GT500. Although the model never received the green light for production, the lessons that Shelby learned during the project weren’t consigned to the attic.

“Code Red is designed to be the pinnacle of Shelby Mustangs. While we never put it into production during 2008, many were keen to own one. The current-generation Shelby GT500 is so robust and spectacular that many of the issues we encountered 14 years ago no longer exist,” explained Shelby president Gary Patterson.

The most important changes are under the hood, where Shelby removed the 5.2-liter Voodoo V8’s supercharger and replaced it with two turbochargers. The list of modifications also includes Manley pistons and connecting rods, ARP main and head studs, a Ford Performance engine oil pump gear, a Fathouse Performance intercooler, upgraded fuel pumps, ID1300x fuel injectors, high-flow air filters and three-inch stainless-steel turbo downpipes — this is a serious (and seriously comprehensive) build. All told, the engine develops 1,000 horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque when burning 93-octane gasoline (way up from 760 and 625, respectively, in the stock GT500), but feeding it E85 increases those figures to 1,300 and 1,000, respectively.

Suspension modifications (including height-adjustable front and rear springs) and performance half-shafts help keep the power in check. Visually, the Code Red stands out from the GT500 with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, a widebody kit, numerous carbon fiber add-ons (including the hood), and edition-specific emblems. Shelby also added leather upholstery and removed the rear seats.

Shelby will build 30 units of the Code Red (10 each for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 model years), and pricing starts at $209,995 excluding the cost of the donor car, which carries a base price of $80,815 (including $1,395 in destination charges) for 2022. Options include Le Mans-style stripes and painted stripes.

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If you thought the FordShelby GT500 needed even more power, the legendary American automaker has heard your cries. The new Shelby GT500 Code Red is the latest upgrade package available to add to the already powerful Ford Mustang GT500.

Available for the US market, the Code Red package adds to the GT500’s powerful powertrain and allows the entire package to deliver 1,000 HP with normal fuel and 1,300 HP with E85 racing fuel. This makes the modified GT500 Code Red primed for straight-line performance.

Interested in learning more about this limited-edition version of the GT500? Here are 10 things we just learned about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red.

10/10 The Ultimate Mustang

2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500via Ford

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red is a unique package that owners can add to the already-powerful GT500. Ford offers a wide range of Ford Mustang models, with the entry-level version being the EcoBoost Fastback which starts at just $27,470.

2020-Ford-Mustang-Shelby-GT500-13

Ford also released two convertible models and a few performance models as well. This includes the Mustang Mach 1 and Mach 1 Premium models, but the ultimate version of the two-door coupe is the Shelby GT500. This powerful model comes with a starting price of $79,420 and includes a 5.2-liter V8 engine that can produce 760 HP and 625 lb-ft of torque. The Code Red package adds to the GT500 in almost every way, making it the most powerful Mustang on the market right now.

9/10 Unique Body Kit

shelby-gt500-code-red-rear-angleVia: Shelby

While the Shelby GT500 does offer a Carbon Fiber Track Pack, the Code Red package radically transforms the entire exterior of the legendary muscle car. This includes a unique hood and a more aggressive front bumper that adds to the overall look of the car.

Shelby-GT500CR-front-angle-viewVia: Shelby

The upgrades continue along the side profile of the car as the Code Red Mustang comes with a wide and muscular stance. The rear also gets an upgrade with a rear diffuser, a dominant rear wing, and tons of carbon fiber to help reduce the car’s overall weight.

8/10 Dominant Rear Wing

Speed Phenom YouTube Channel Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby Code Red rear viewvia: Speed Phenom YouTube Channel 

The Code Red package includes unique badging that includes the red color accents around the exterior of the car. However, the most notable upgrade is the dominant rear wing that adds rear downforce to the car at high speeds. This helps make the car even more powerful on track.

Code Red Mustangvia Shelby

The rear wing is made from carbon fiber, allowing the car to improve its performance without adding any extra weight to the package. The carbon fiber accents surpass what you could expect with the standard Carbon Fiber Track Pack available with the GT500 from Ford.

7/10 Supercharged V8

GT500 Code Redvia Shelby

The biggest reason anyone should consider getting the Code Red package is for the upgraded engine. The Shelby GT500 comes with a 5.2-liter V8 that can produce 760 HP and 625 lb-ft of torque. The Code Red package extends this to over 1,000 HP and 780 lb-ft of torque.

GT500 Code Redvia Shelby

While these performance stats are possible with standard fuel, the Code Red package can perform at a much higher level with high-performance, E85 fuel. This allows the Mustang to achieve 1,300 HP and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

6/10 Racing Fuel Performance

Speed Phenom YouTube Channel Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby Code Red front side viewvia: Speed Phenom YouTube Channel 

The V8 that comes with the Shelby GT500 Code Red is a seriously powerful engine. The engine was completely re-engineered by Nelson’s Racing Engines and comes with a dual-feed fuel system that allows for a blend of racing fuels to be used when needed.

ford-mustang-shelby-gt500-imported-by-peicher-us-cars

The engine cooling capacity was also increased to handle excess heat, allowing the overall package to produce around 1,300 HP and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque. These performance stats are made possible with E85 unleaded fuel, one of the most efficient racing fuels on the market.

5/10 Tuned Suspension​​​

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: The beast of the muscle car world.via: MotorWeek

The Ford Mustang GT500 comes with a magnetic-ride suspension system that promises a smooth ride regardless of the track you’re on. While the standard suspension system was impressive on the track, the Code Red package comes with a sport suspension that delivers even more performance.

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The new suspension system allows you to have more control over the entire system. This means that you can stiffen or loosen the suspension depending on what the track requires. This level of customization makes the GT500 Code Red the perfect track car for collectors.

4/10 Upgraded Brakes

Code Red Shelby GT500 Leak Wheel And Brake Closeupvia Michael Van Runkle

The Code Red package comes with a fully upgraded brake system. The brakes were developed by both Shelby and Baer, allowing for the Code Red package to deliver the most impressive braking performance of any Shelby sports car in history.

2020-gt500-27-1572318014via Shelby

The Shelby GT500 Code Red also comes with Shelby forged aluminum wheels. These wheels are wrapped in 305/30/20 front and 345/30/20 rear tires. The package also allows you to adjust the ride height so that you can easily set up the car to be track-specific.

3/10 Interior Details

Shelby GT500 Code Redvia Shelby

The Shelby GT500 Code Red comes with tons of upgrades throughout both the exterior and interior of the two-door muscle car. While the standard Mustang comes with backseats, the Code Red removes the backseats to save on weight.

shelby-code-red-interior-1661266025via Shelby

The interior of the Shelby GT500 Code Red also includes signature red leather and unique badging on the seats and sides of the car. While much of the convenience features were removed from the GT500, the infotainment system and dashboard remain fairly standard. This allows the car to be an insanely powerful track car without the complications of a full racing car.

2/10 Limited Edition

Black Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red Via: Shelby

Shelby specializes in creating unique and rare sports cars. With the Code Red package, Shelby has announced that they will only take 10 GT500s from 2020, 2021, and 2022. This means that production is capped at just 30 units in total.

Shelby GT500 Code Redvia Shelby

The Shelby GT500 Code Red was designed for the ultimate track day. While the car is not street legal, it promises to be one of the best two-door sports cars to take on the track. The entire car is built for track performance and even includes performance brakes and suspension for improved handling around corners.

1/10 Eye-Watering Price Tag

Shelby GT500 Code Redvia Shelby

If you want to get yourself the ultimate version of the iconic Ford Mustang, the Code Red package is going to set you back around $209,995. However, it’s important to know that this is the price for the additional package alone, not the underlying GT500.

Shelby GT500 Code Redvia Shelby

This means that owners are going to need to secure themselves a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 for around $79,420 first. The additional $209,995 Code Red package means that owners are going to need to pay around $289,415.

How fast is the Shelby GT500 Code Red?

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.

What engine does the Code Red GT500 have?

7/10 Supercharged V8 The Shelby GT500 comes with a 5.2-liter V8 that can produce 760 HP and 625 lb-ft of torque. The Code Red package extends this to over 1,000 HP and 780 lb-ft of torque.

How much HP does the Code Red have?

Shelby American announced a limited production run of a 1300-horsepower variant of the Ford Mustang GT500, named the GT500 Code Red. Shelby will build 30 total examples of the Code Red, 10 for each of the 2020 through 2022 model years.

How much horsepower does a 2023 Shelby GT500 have?

The Mustang Shelby GT500 is a high-powered ride that easily made it onto the Car and Driver Editors' List. As the most powerful Mustang in the model's history, the GT500 has a supercharged V8 under the hood. This 5.2-liter behemoth produces 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque.
While not street legal, it's very capable at moderate speeds in most any curve. But when the turbos spool up, the car is best enjoyed moving straight ahead.” Now CODE RED has returned for a second time, this time though a 2020-2022 Shelby GT500 will be utilized for the build.

Is the Shelby Super Snake faster than GT500?

The Whipple supercharger gives the Shelby Mustang 825 horsepower—65 more than its Ford-built rival. A manual transmission is also available, an option the new GT500 lacks. But on the track, it was the GT500 that came out on top. It's difficult to say why the GT500 accelerates faster than the Super Snake.