What Is the Mustang FR500?

While most Mustang models are intended for street use, a few are designed for the racetrack only! Ford developed a concept for the high-performance Mustang FR500 in 1999 as an offshoot of the SVT Cobra produced that same year. The FR500 was a product of Ford’s Special Vehicles Team, a unit formed in 1993 to oversee the development of the company’s high-performance vehicles.

The Mustang FR500 Concept Featured a Powerful Engine

As one might expect from a vehicle designed for racing, the Mustang FR500 concept was equipped with a robust 5.0L V8 engine that was modified to produce a rating of 415 hp. A modified intake head, which eventually became known as the FR500 cylinder head, was also developed, along with a special exhaust system. All of this enabled the FR500 to reach a top speed of 175 mph.

Exterior Design

As far as the exterior, the FR500 concept included an aerodynamic hood scoop and shaved side scoops to make the vehicle more suitable for racing. Uniquely shaped rear windows and special C-pillar covers gave the vehicle a sleek, sporty appearance. Other exterior features included a carbon fiber hood and front fascia, as well as carbon fiber fenders that were necessary because of the vehicle’s longer wheelbase.

Specific FR500 Models

When it made it to production in 2005, Ford ended up producing three FR500 models that were specifically designed for road racing. In 2008, Ford also released the FR500CJ, a drag racing machine developed to mark the 40th anniversary of Ford winning the prestigious NHRA Winternationals in 1968. The updated version of the Cobra Jet drag racer was equipped with a supercharged 5.4L V8 400 hp engine modified with a Whipple Blower to produce an impressive 900 hp. The prototype for this vehicle brought $375,000 at auction in 2009.

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