Showing just 438 miles on the odometer, this 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible presents like new. It’s finished in black with a black interior and power-operated top, and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires are set upon graphite-colored SVT alloy wheels, lending the Shelby a remarkably understated yet bold appearance. Powered by the 5.4L/550 HP supercharged V-8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, it’s very well equipped with a full gamut of niceties, with dual-zone climate control, leather Recaro seats, a Shaker AM/FM stereo system, full instrumentation, rear spoiler, high-intensity discharge headlights and Brembo brakes among other standard amenities and optional extras. While the Shelby GT500 offered a lot for the money, the 2012 model year saw some exceptional advancements under the hood. Prior to 2011, the 5.4L was a cast iron unit, which was fabulously durable but exceedingly heavy. The press lovingly referred to it as the truck engine, because, for the most part, it was a heavily modified truck engine. It was also a major heat sink, and under hard use, it could lose power due to heat encapsulation. It had to work harder to deliver power. Knowing there were some deficiencies, engineers worked diligently to overcome the obstacles and developed a 5.4L with an aluminum block. Using 6-bolt, billet main bearing caps and plasma-transferred wire arc liner coatings on the cylinder walls, the durability and strength were increased. The engine was fitted with a Roots-style supercharger, and a new, larger, two-row intercooler provided 40% more cooling. In the end, the engine gained 10 additional horsepower and lost 102 pounds. Along with the increased front and rear spring rates, lowered ride height and stiffer shocks, it all conspired to create a GT500 that offered much better handling all around. To boot, electric power steering replaced the hydraulic unit, making for a much easier steering experience that firms up as speeds raise. All things considered, the 2012 GT500 was a fabulously exceptional evolution of the brand.
