Fortunately, one of our staff was there to capture the moment on video.
Click here to watch the spy video in full via our YouTube page.
Unfortunately, the weather conditions weren’t all that great, meaning the driver of the Shelby GT500 was unable to extract all that the iconic muscle car has to offer.
Why Ford had the car testing at the ‘Ring now that its final specs have been revealed is unknown, though the Blue Oval may be hoping to set a new lap time for the Mustang, something we’re yet to see for the modern lineup. We’ll be testing the car ourselves in the coming weeks so stay tuned for our first drive report, but in the meantime sit back and enjoy the sounds of its sweet supercharged V-8.
The new unit is mostly aluminum and features a unique supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, plus updated camshaft profiles. According to official dyno charts, its peak power rating comes at just 4,000 rpm--and stays well above 500 horsepower all the way to redline. That'll make for one very quick-accelerating car.
Another key feature of the car is its six-speed manual transmission, which includes an upgraded clutch and is paired with a lightweight but sturdy carbon fiber driveshaft. Its final drive ratio is now 3.31:1 and Ford promises the car will be capable of a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
First sales are scheduled to start this summer.
