2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

The new-for-2011 aluminum-block 5.4-liter V8 replaces the older iron-block version, reducing weight by more than 100 pounds while delivering 550 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. As the cherry on top, fuel efficiency increases as well, and the car is no longer subject to the gas-guzzler tax. Environmental Protection Agency-estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway/17 mpg combined with the only available transmission, a six-speed manual with "a positive, if somewhat notchy, action" according to Car and Driver. The new V8 is the centerpiece of the convertible GT500, and experts can't say enough good things. BusinessWeek.com says the supercharged Shelby GT500 "has one of the most appealing exhaust notes of any car in existence" and Cars.com adores the "rich interlude of growling, hissing and other certifiably bitchin' noises."

The raucous soundtrack isn't all though, as the V8 and GT500 suspension tuning deliver stunning performance. Automobile Magazine's reviewer states that "power is predictably awesome" and some reviewers may consider even that to be an understatement. The Detroit News says "the GT500's hard acceleration can sprinkle a little salt even in a preacher's sermon."

Due to the engine's lower weight, all experts say that the 2011 GT500 convertible has greatly improved handling and better balance. The newest Shelby GT500 convertible "is now planted and confidence inspiring" according to Wes Siler from Jalopnik.com. He goes on to say that cowl shake has been reduced this year thanks to chassis stiffening, and other reviewers agree that it's been minimized. Braking performance is stellar as in the 2010 model, and grip remains prodigious.

Ride quality is harsher in the GT500 as opposed to its cheaper Ford Mustang siblings. There's no mistaking this car for a performance machine as hard bumps and rough road surfaces can mire the ride quality, causing choppiness. Some reviewers say that it still has a moderately comfortable ride; Autoblog.com describes it as "a supple stiffness that remains comfortable." The new optional SVT performance package reduces any remaining comfort in the ride by introducing more aggressive suspension calibrations as well as new large front and rear wheels with aggressively treaded tires. The verdict on the SVT package is mixed. Some reviewers say that it is in keeping with the GT500 convertible's reason for being, and others say that it just makes the ride too harsh in real-world conditions.

Electric steering replaces the hydraulic-steering system found in last year's model, and most enthusiasts rejoice, saying it doesn't sap away feel or feedback. Some experts go so far as to say the electric steering is indistinguishable from its hydraulic counterpart. Edmunds.com editors say the new steering provides "a true sense of what's going on at the tire/road interface," and they go on to call it "as surprising as it is refreshing." A few attenuate this assessment by saying that while very good, it could stand to give the driver more feedback. Edmunds.com also laments that the steering column tilts but does not telescope.

Styling gets mostly high marks. The exterior is bold, over-the-top, aggressive and retro-inspired, and the overall look is sinister and attractive. The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible shares most of what's on the inside with other Mustangs, save for the Shelby's bolstered leather seats and some special trim pieces. Most reviewers find the interior to be a high-quality affair, but a few feel that it should be nicer given the GT500's lofty base price compared to similarly appointed lower-trim Ford Mustangs. Those few reviewers that sample the convertible specifically lodge no complaints about the well-constructed power soft top. Maximum luggage capacity is just 9.6 cubic feet. 

The 2011 Shelby GT500 convertible's standard features include 19-inch wheels, leather seats, xenon headlights, Brembo brakes and an eight-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio functionality. An optional Electronics package adds navigation, an upgraded stereo, dual-zone climate control and HD Radio. The GT500 convertible comes standard with Ford's Sync system that responds to voice commands, integrates mobile phones and controls features like the optional navigation and audio. Reviewers like Sync and find its controls easy to navigate. Also new for 2011 is Ford's MyKey feature which allows users to preprogram limitations like a preset top speed and audio volume for certain physical keys -- a useful feature if you plan on handing your GT500 over to your eager teenager.

Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, front side airbags, stability control, traction control and antilock brakes. Since the GT500 convertible is a variant of the 2011 Ford Mustang convertible with the same standard safety features, the more pedestrian Mustang's safety ratings should give a very strong idea of the GT500's safety performance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2011 Mustang convertible its highest 5-star rating for front impacts for both the driver and passenger, and again for side impacts for the rear passengers. In NHTSA's test, officials note that it was possible for rear passengers to hit their heads against the convertible roof's linkage mechanism, thus increasing the likelihood of head injuries. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also tested the 2011 Mustang convertible, and gives it its highest rating of "Good" for front-, side- and rear-impact protection. Note, however, that the Shelby GT500 convertible has not been specifically tested by either organization.

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible is markedly improved this year. Edmunds.com explains that "numbers can't convey what an absolute thrill it is to tear off a big greasy burnout in the GT500 or pitch the car into a raucous powerslide." While many experts point out that buyers could save about $15,000 by opting for the impressive 5-liter V8 in the Mustang GT convertible, the GT500 convertible has little in the way of direct competition. After all, features "such as iconic design and spine-compressing performance, just never go out of style" as Edmunds.com puts it.