VIDEO // 2011 SHELBY GT500 SET NEW RECORD @ VIR

Ford's all-new 2011 Shelby GT500 just shed nine seconds off its lap time at Virginia International Raceway. Powered by a 550 hp supercharged V8 and having lost 120 lbs courtesy of an aluminum block (amongst other things), the latest iteration of Ford's all-mighty muscle car was also equipped with the track-day SVT Performance Package, which includes lighter wheels, stiffer springs, and a higher rear axle ratio. The package, which was intended to reduce lap times on a 2.3-mile course by three seconds, has instead reduced the GT500's lap time from 3:07.4 (set by the 2010 GT500) to 2:58.5 on VIR's 4.1-mile course // [comment]