Launched a couple of days ago at the North American International Auto Show, Ford Shelby's GT500 is the fastest street-legal Mustang ever.

Ford did not reveal all the facts about the car but some very important numbers were given. With a very large supercharger bolted onto its 5.2-liter V8 that is shared with the GT350, the engine is said to produce more than 700bhp. This allows the car to hit 100km/h from a stop in mid-three seconds and a quarter mile score of under 11 seconds.

Paired to a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, power is sent to the rear via a carbon fibre driveshaft and comes with a few modes including normal, sport, drag and track. Party pieces like line-lock and launch control are also present.

Handling wise, the car gets new suspension geometry, lighter coil springs, next-gen MagneRide dampers and a new electronic power steering unit. Six-pot Brembo calipers combined with massive 420mm two-piece rotors up front make sure the car has ample stopping power too.

Two handling packs are available. The less aggressive one includes adjustable strut top mounts and a spoiler with Gurney flap while the all-out Carbon Fiber Track Package includes 20-inch carbon wheels that are half-an-inch wider at the back, custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, an adjustable GT4 wing and no rear seat.

Inside, the usual suede and carbon fibre touches spice up the cabin while a set of Recaro racing seats is optional.