Ford is not offering the Shelby GT500 in the UK, but luxury car dealer Clive Sutton is offering a significant alternative. The UK-tuned right-hand-drive CS850GT was unveiled in 2021, with the same-specific CS850R track-focused CS85R later this year. Both models unlock supercharged V8 to 847 hp (632 kW / 859 PS), a tweaked chassis and an aggressive carbon-fiber bodykit, supercar-level performance from the muscle car.
The CS850R is improving the CS850GT recipe following customer feedback and is more suitable for track driving. The “R” has a new Ford performance T2-R torsion differential with a shorter final drive gear ratio (3.55 to 3.37) and a new suspension system with upgraded anti-roll bar instead of Pro Active Shock, Linear Springs and Stock Magnuride units.
See also: Hertz A 900 HP Mustang Shelby GT500-H will rent for $ 399 per day
Beneath the bonnet is a heavily redesigned 5.0-liter V8 with a whiplash supercharger, intercooler and a quad-active Xforce exhaust. The power output has almost doubled to an impressive 847 hp (632 kW / 859 PS), with a gigantic 902 Nm (665 lb-ft) of torque transmitted to the rear axle via a six-speed manual gearbox. Note that the Shelby GT500 produces 760 hp (567 kW / 770 PS) and 847 Nm (625 lb-ft) of torque from its supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V8.
The redesigned bodykit made of carbon fiber is inspired by the GT500 but looks even more aggressive. It includes a new front bumper with a larger intake, a vented bonnet, side inlets in the front fender, side seal extensions, an optional rear wing, a more prominent rear diffuser housing quad exhaust pipes and a 20-inch wheel set. By Vossen. The Mustang also gets an LED lighting unit, which includes a color-adjustable tri-bar headlight. Finally, it can be personalized with dual racing stripes and race red brake calipers that match the red accents inside the re-upholstered cabin featuring Nappa Leather and Alcantara.
See also: Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR 900 returns with HP and Carbon Fiber Kit
The CS850R starts at 121,000 ($ 147,939) in the UK, although this number could be even higher if you choose some optional extras. Still, there aren’t many right-hand-driven vehicles that offer such power within that price range.
Browsing through Clive Sutton’s inventory we found an imported Shelby GT500 for £ 125,000 ($ 152,857) and a CS850GT listed for £ 115,000 ($ 140,628). If you were in the UK, would you choose a more powerful tuned RHD Mustang or deal with stock LHD Shelby?
CS850R
CS850GT