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For the first time in history, Shelby has transformed a concept car into a limited-edition production car, and here's all we know.

The Mustang Shelby GT500 is known to be one of the boldest and strongest muscle cars in the game. There are so many reasons to love it, like the MagneRide suspension system that gives you a smooth ride, its Supercharged 5.2-liter Cross-plane V8 that makes 750 horsepower look like child’s play, and the gigantic Brembo brakes that put you in charge of all those horses. It takes on a cool, enhanced exterior design that blends in unique styling cues and performance components while preserving the same Ford Mustang Shelby DNA that made it the star it is today.

Right now, Ford's next-generation Mustang is on the way, but Shelby isn’t yet done with the current model, as the brand is giving the GT500 more power, capability, and extra wings to soar to the top of the muscle car segment. Most recently, the famous American marque introduced a limited-edition development of the GT500 called Code Red, which receives a long list of upgrades, including a twin-turbo V8 capable of developing 1,300 horsepower and about 1,000 lb.-ft of torque.

Firstly, if Code Red rings a bell, it's because the name was used more than a decade ago on a 2008 prototype that received the same twin-turbocharged GT500 designation. But, unlike the new Code Red, the old prototype never made it into production due to the high costs of producing the vehicle back then, but it clearly gave Shelby a pathway to what we have received today. So, for the first time in history, Shelby has transformed a concept car into a limited-edition production car. One outstanding and noteworthy feature in the new Code Red is the GT500's drivetrain, which drops the original supercharger and adopts twin turbos instead. Starting at $209,995, only 30 units of the Red Code will be produced - ten each for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years.

Let’s dive into the ridiculously powerful Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red, discussing all the outrageous features it has to offer, and why it’s an absolute must-have Shelby Mustang.

RELATED: Why The Shelby Mustang GT500 Muscle Car Is A Supercar In Disguise

The Code Red nameplate started with the 2008 Code Red experimental build. With so much demand for a high-performance GT500, the Code Red was designed to be the best of all Shelby Mustangs, offering superlative power output, matchless performance, and outstanding design.

Despite never making it to the production stage, the 2008 model had some impressive features, like the re-engineered 5.4-liter V8 with a then-new dual-feed fuel system that blended in high-octane racing gas. Its powertrain also replaced the supercharger with a pair of turbos. The brand also worked with AMS to create a speed-sensitive boost controller for the car and enhanced the engine’s cooling capacity. With more performance-enhancement features added, the old Cold Red made a powerful statement.

On the outside, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red looks so unique, bold, and confident that, at first glance, it might even look like an exclusive simulated 3D rendering, or something straight out of the remastered version of the famous Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit game.

At the front, the GT500 Red Code boasts the same stylish grille, along with a Shelby carbon fiber hood that conceals the engine, and the Carbon fiber front splitter. There is a special Code Red badging that further makes the vehicle stand out. The 2022 model year versions will top this up with the 60th Anniversary Badging that isn’t available on the former 2020 or the 2021 trims.

Mounted on the rear, upper surface of the GT500 Red Code's trunk is the Carbon fiber pedestal wing that extends across the trunk’s width, which increased the car’s stability. We also love the unique Carbon fiber rear diffuser that not only increases rear downforce but also accentuates the rear end with a sporty touch. The Shelby-themed rocker panels, featuring cool rocker wings and stripes, form the GT500's structural integrity while strengthening the ride structure. Located at the bottom of GT500’s exterior door frame are the cool-looking door sill plates that not only protect the door frames but also add a special style to them.

The inside of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red looks largely similar to the one in the current generation lineup but includes special leather upholstery and embroidered floor mats. It also replaces the rear seat with a harness bar.

RELATED: This 1,300-HP Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Gives A Porsche And McLaren A Run For Their Money

As we mentioned earlier, the Code Red model received a significantly modified GT500's engine, which replaces the supercharger with twin turbos. Naturally, the engine also has a full kit of headers and 3-inch stainless Active exhausts that handle the Xona 7869S Dual Ball bearing turbos. Features like the Coated Aluminum Intercooler Piping, Custom Turbo Scavenge, and the Tial Blow Off Valve make up the engine’s robust cooling system.

The engine has received a lot of updates, including NGK Spark Plugs, new Custom Manley Pistons, ARP studs, and the Ford Performance Oil Pump Gear. The best upgrade to the engine is the new E85 fuel system. With all these in store, the V8 makes 1000 horsepower and 780 lb.-ft of torque when you’ve filled it up with 93 octane pump gas. But, when running on E85, the power output is bumped up to a staggering 1300 horsepower and 1000 lb.-ft of torque.

Performance-wise, the GT500 Red Code is equipped with SHELBY forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 305/30/20 front and 345/30/20 rear tires, as well as the ride-height adjustable front and rear springs and the Widebody package, among other features.

Wilfred Nkhwazi is a screenwriter, actor, and sports car enthusiast from Blantyre, Malawi. He has written 2 feature films and a thriller trilogy. Wilfred is pursuing an Electric Car Technology program and spends a lot of his time writing for hotcars.com, penning down fast whips, celebrity collections, and everything else in-between. When he isn't writing, he loves to take long drives around the city, make music, and drink hot chocolate.