Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020-)

 

The Shelby GT500 is the top-of-the-line, fastest, and most powerful Mustang. The newest GT500 is also the most powerful Ford vehicle in history. The current GT500 has been around for roughly a year, with the example above being the only one I've spotted in the wild thus far. It is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of nearly 200 mph and an 11-second quarter mile time. Distinguishing the Shelby GT500 from the other Mustang models are a more aggressive front end, Cobra badging instead of the standard Mustang badging, additional hood vents for increased aerodynamics, a bigger rear wing, more aggressive side skirts, and a rear seat delete, along with other options. Pricing for the new Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang starts at approximately $74k, with options and dealer markup pushing the flagship 'Stang past $100k. In regards to the Mustang lineup for 2021, the Shelby GT350/R will be on its way out, while the Mach 1 will be making its return and the electric Mach E crossover will be going on sale for the first time. Overall, the 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang improves on the greatness of the GT350 and is one of the coolest Mustangs ever made and one of my favorite Mustangs of all time. It is a beast on the track and in a straight line, and it makes its presence known everywhere it goes. In terms of muscle cars, I prefer the Shelby GT500 over the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, but I see it as neck and neck with the Chevy Camaro ZL1/1LE. 

Karma Revero GT

 

The Karma Revero is a rebranded, restyled, and updated Fisker Karma. The example above is the current GT model that received a facelift for the 2020 model year. Why is Karma now a standalone brand? Henrik Fisker introduced the Fisker Karma back in 2011, but roughly five years later, his company declared bankruptcy and sold its assets to a Chinese company known as Wanxiang Group, who rebranded Fisker as Karma Automotive. Powering the Revero GT is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder sourced from BMW and paired to two electric motors. This setup produces 536 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 125 mph. It has an estimated electric range of 61 miles but can travel up to 80 miles before the battery runs flat. Like many electric vehicles, the Karma Revero GT's only transmission option is a 1-speed automatic. It seats two up front and two in the rear with its center console extending the length of the cabin. The Revero GT carries a base price of $146,600, with fully loaded examples coming in at over $160,000. It doesn't offer as many cool features or perform as well as the Tesla Model S, but the Karma Revero GT stands out to me because it is more rare and looks more polarizing than the Model S. I have spotted my fair share of Fisker Karmas in the past, but I hadn't seen a new Karma Revero up close until my most recent visit to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks two months ago. I also found it unexpected since I usually don't see rare and unusual vehicles in mountainous areas with rough terrain. What made that moment even more special was that the sides of the Karma Revero above stated "PRE-PRODUCTION TEST VEHICLE". You may not notice the designation right away, but you will once you zoom into the second photo; not something you or I would see on the road everyday. 

In addition, speaking of unexpected vehicles in the mountains, parked a few vehicles down from the Karma Revero GT that day were a Mercedes-AMG C63 coupe and a new Toyota Supra next to each other, which was pretty crazy. I did get photos of those two vehicles, but they will be reserved for potential posts in the future. 

In the meantime, here is an example of the Fisker Karma, the Karma Revero's predecessor, that I spotted two weeks after my trip to Kings Canyon and Sequoia two months ago.