2010 Shelby GT500: Why The Convertible Sucks

Early this morning, our first drive review told you how awesome the new 2010 Shelby GT500 is. There's only one problem: none of those compliments apply to the convertible.

Well that's not totally true. The 2010 Shelby GT500 Convertible does get the new 540 HP engine, but power was never a weakness with the GT500. Handling was. The new convertible carries over the suspension and steering of the 2007 Shelby GT500 Convertible.

Where the coupe gains larger, 19" wheels, firmer damping, stiffer springs, a smaller front anti-roll bar and a stiffened steering, the convertible doesn't and still floats with dangerous imprecision and, with the new AdvanceTrac stability control system off, still wants to spin and kill you. It also suffers from the usual convertible issues of scuttle shake and chassis flex thanks to the roof getting lopped off. It runs the smaller wheels in an attempt to mitigate the effect bumps have on stability. Basically, it's the old car with new styling and 40 more horsepower. And as you remember, the old GT500 was an exercise in praying to whatever god you may believe in that the car would hold on to the road if it hit even the slightest bump, gulley or pothole.

It costs more too. While the coupe starts at $48,175, the convertible is $53,075 (including destination and delivery). So while the new Shelby coupe's a better beast, be afraid of the drop-top. Be very afraid.