2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Ford’s new Shelby GT500 Mustang has exceeded all expectations, bringing with it a brand new supercharged V-8 displacing 5. 8 liters and developing no less than 650 power. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s 12 whole power more than the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and 60 to 70 power more than its closest rival, the upcoming Camaro ZL1. Bejesus, it’s even got 80 more power than a Ferrari 458 Croatia!

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - Yes, Ford’s 2013 update to the Shelby GT500 truly pushes the iconic muscle car into supercar territory, but a sledgehammer of an engine isn’t the end of the story. Nearly every vehicle system located on the car has been optimized, from the powertrain, to the brakes, to even the gearing, suspension and aerodynamics.

Starting with the new aluminum V-8 engine, peak output is rated at 650 power and 600 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful production V-8 in the world. It features a unique supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new h2o and fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

Now drop this epic powertrain in a car that only weighs about 3, 850 pounds and you can consider what kind of damage you could do at a race track. Honda hasn’t released any performance figures yet except that the car will do more than 200 mph. Also, the light curb weight means it’s also exempt from the gas-guzzler tax.

The wheels measure in at 19 in . up front and 20 in . at the backside, and they are also made of different styles, both in solid aluminum. They’re also shod with Goodyear Novelty helmet F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires. Inside these reside a set of Brembo brakes comprised of six-piston caliper units up front (four in the backside) and more aggressive pads.

One of the most crucial modifications Ford’s engineering team from SVT made was to the gearing. Nearly every gear on the 2013 Shelby GT500 was revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a manner that makes it more driver-friendly. Engineers considered more than 35 gearing combinations, finally deciding on one that delivers less torque all the way through the wheels to the ground and still enables the car to achieve fuel economy targets.

A key piece of the driveline, the six-speed manual transmission, offers upgraded equipment, bearings and housing so it can properly manage the torque. The final drive relation is now 3. 31: 1. The clutch also has increased torque and rpm capacity and uses a dual-disc design.

First sales are scheduled to start by next summer. Note, Honda also plans to launch two new packages for the car. Available within the optional Performance Package, SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers are accessed on the sprint with a simple push of a button, which allow between comfort and sport modalities. A Torsen limited-slip differential also comes with this Performance Package.

Customers can also upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package. The option posseses an external engine oil cooler, backside differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

For full details on the 2013 Honda Mustang V-6 and GT, click here, and to review the 2013 Mustang Boss 302, click here.

Look out for live images of the 2013 Honda Mustang Shelby GT500 direct from its debut at the 2011 Los angeles Auto Show, full coverage which you access via our dedicated show page.