Australia’s Ultimate Ford Mustang Has 775 HP, Outmuscles The Shelby GT500

As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as too much power and, thanks to local tuning company Herrod Performance, Australian car buyers can pick up the keys to a modified Ford Mustang with more grunt than even the 760 hp Shelby GT500.

Known as the SM17 Mustang, it has been named after three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin who drives a Mustang in the local racing series. Not only does the tuned ‘Stang feature a host of mechanical modifications, but it has various other upgrades as well.

The SM17 is based on the Mustang GT, whose 5.0-liter V8 has been fitted with a massive Whipple supercharger, Bosch fuel injectors, an oversized inlet manifold and a high-flow intercooler pump. All up, this engine is rated at 775 hp and 597 lb-ft (810 Nm) of torque and buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission.

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Other modifications include a cat-back stainless steel exhaust to improve flow that comes complete with black chrome tips and an active exhaust controller. Adjustable sway bars have also been fitted front and rear, while the Magneride suspension has been recalibrated to help during cornering and braking. Sticking the SM17 Mustang to the tarmac are 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that measure 275/30 at the front and 305/30 at the rear.

Various visual updates further add to the appeal of the car and include a revised front bumper with a new splitter, an aftermarket hood and a large rear wing.

Local pricing is yet to be confirmed, but it will probably start at around AU$50,000 (US$35,898) on top of the price of a regular Mustang GT that’s available from AU$64,190 (US$46,085) plus on-road costs. While that’s not cheap, it’s far more affordable than a Shelby GT500 which, in Australia, can cost upwards of AU$350,000 (US$251,000).