Like its legendary 1960s Shelby American predecessors, the 2022 GT500 is driven by Ford’s most powerful V8—a hand-built, supercharged 5.2L engine known as the Predator. This engine is factory-rated at an impressive 760 horsepower at 7,300 RPM and 625 lb-ft of peak torque at 5,000 RPM. Key features of the Predator include a 2.65L Roots-type supercharger and an air-to-liquid intercooler.
In a drag race video by Sam CarLegion on YouTube, the GT500 takes on a fierce rival: the Dodge Hellcat Challenger. The Hellcat is equipped with a 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8, which delivers 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though it weighs a bit more at 4,366 pounds, the Hellcat remains a tough contender.
However, despite its power, the GT500’s lighter weight and sophisticated transmission give it a clear edge. With launch control and ultra-quick shifts, the GT500’s acceleration is ferocious, quickly distancing itself from the Hellcat. Watch the video to see how it all went down on the drag strip.