For the first time, Shelby American has created a production version of one of its EXP or experimental cars. Dubbed the Shelby GT500 Code Red, this is the first limited edition twin-turbo car offered by the company.
Despite the visual differences from the regular Shelby GT500, the Code Red is powered by an upgraded 5.2-liter V8 engine with high-performance components, backed by a premium twin-turbo intercooler, new fuel system and engine management system. among others.
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All that and more contributes to a final output of over 1,000 horsepower (746 kilowatts) and 780 pound-feet (1,058 Newton-meters) of torque when running on 93 octane fuel. Feed the car with E85 Ethanol and it will deliver up to 1,300 -hp (969 kW) and 1,000 lb-ft (1,356 Nm) of pull.
In addition to the drivetrain upgrade, Shelby American also added a widebody package, along with new wheels, tires, axles, suspension tuning, interior, badges, carbon fiber hood, and more.
This isn’t the first time Shelby American has created an experimental GT500 Code Red. In 2008, the company built a twin-turbo Code Red with the help of Nelson’s Racing Engine which reengineered the 5.4-liter V8. However, it was never made due to its high cost and extreme nature, making the car unreasonable to produce. Shelby notes that “many of the problems we encountered 14 years ago no longer exist.”
The 2008 GT500 Code Red is just one of four experimental cars Shelby American has built over the past 60 years. The other three were the 1968 Green Hornet, 1967 Super Snake, and 1967 Little Red. All of these cars served as “test grounds for innovation,” and for the first time, one car went into production due to high demand.
Only 10 units per model year will be made for the 2020-2022 Shelby GT500, with packages starting at $209,995 (excluding the base car). Every purchase of Code Red comes with a membership in Shelby TeamCarroll Shelby’s worldwide club was founded in 2008, and will be documented in the official Shelby Registry.
