2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Breaks 200 mph
What do you get when you plant the world’s most powerful production V8 beneath the hood of the thoroughly revised 2013 Ford Shelby GT500? None other than the fastest, most powerful production Mustang ever offered, capable of 650 hp, 650 lb.-ft. of torque and an eye-popping top speed in excess of 200 mph.
And that’s just for starters.
“It might just seem like we’re putting a bigger engine into the car. But it’s been a balanced approach through and through,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. “We’ve completely redone the car to be even more sophisticated in terms of handling and control than the prior model.”
This includes putting the new Shelby GT500 through a comprehensive wind-tunnel workout to improve aerodynamics. Thus, the front fascia and splitters were reshaped to keep the car firmly on its feet in even the most demanding driving scenarios. As just one example of this, engineers were able to dial in 33 percent more effective aero loading at a speed of 160 mph, while other efforts to make the Shelby GT500 more slippery also resulted in more downforce, less drag and improved cooling.
Driving dynamics have been improved as well, with all relevant systems retuned to handle the GT500’s new power-up. Then, to help drivers stretch the envelope even further, many of those systems’ settings can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.
“We took a completely different approach with this car so drivers can choose their settings instead of a computer making the selection,” Hameedi said. “Nearly every system the driver interacts with can be tailored to his or her situation including the Bilstein electronic adjustable suspension, launch control, AdvanceTrac and steering assist levels.”
And speaking of launch control, the new system for the ’13 Shelby GT500 now allows drivers to calibrate launch rpm based on tire temperature, road surface and other conditions. Launch control on the car remains integrated with both engine and traction control, providing yet another exclusive advantage.
A more powerful standard Brembo braking system also has been added to the spec sheet, featuring larger front and rear rotors, new six-piston front calipers and more robust brake pads, while the GT500’s options list has been expanded with two fresh hardware packages.
The GT500 Performance Package includes both a Torsen limited-slip differential for enhanced traction along with SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers that can be adjusted for either maximum performance or more comfortable everyday driving. In addition, to wring every ounce of capability out of the GT500, a new Track Package is available with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler.
Of course, the heart of the matter here is, in fact, the extensive upgrade given to the powertrain of the 2013 Shelby GT500. The engine itself benefits from new cross-drilled heads and engine block, updated camshaft profiles, and a larger, more efficient supercharger. This new unit was designed specifically for the GT500 and boasts a larger cooling fan, a new fan shroud with high-speed pressure relief doors, a more efficient air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and a higher-volume intercooler heat exchanger.
“SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “We encapsulated every aspect of performance in this car – whether it’s 0-60, top speed, racetrack or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this car perfectly fits his or her needs.”