Car and Driver recently tested a Ford Shelby GT500 convertible on the open road and gave a somewhat disheartened opinion of the poster child Ford Mustang. Much of the public hype and media glitz about the vehicle's launch and production might have foreshadowed thoughts of a "silver bullet" Ford Mustang that could eliminate the competition, while maintaining composure and style. Tests on acceleration, noise levels, and overall handling were but a few items of scrutiny the GT500 was put through. The immediate impression is that they did not enjoy the car 100% and seemed to think it is overrated by the attention is has received. Do they feel it is completely disappointing? No. Rather, the test group sought to square up elements of the car's reality to the expectations everyone talks about. Check out their review and keep reading (below) for the crucial stats on the Shelby GT500 they tested.

Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
Estimated price as tested: $51,000 (base price: $47,800)
Engine type: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 330 cu in, 5411cc
Power (SAE net): 500 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 480 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length/width/height: 188.0/73.9/55.7 in
Curb weight: 4008 lb

Zero to 60 mph: 4.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 20.6 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 108 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g
EPA fuel economy, city driving (C/D est): 15 mpg
C/D-observed fuel economy: 17 mpg