2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

662 Horses - will exceed 200 mph!

The Shelby is a higher performance variant of the Ford Mustang which was built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 and Shelby Automotive from 1968 to 1970. Following the introduction of the fifth generation Ford Mustang, the Shelby nameplate was revived in 2007 for new high performance versions of the Mustang but this time designed and built by Ford.

The 2013 models had various improvements and differences compared to the GT500 of 2012 including new front end sheet metal along with standard High-Intensity Discharge/HID headlamps and a new LED tail light assembly.  Upfront the 2013 Shelby GT500 had no grill due to the massive amount of cooling required for the vehicle. Most of the other changes describe the increased size related to increased performance demands such as twin fuel pumps, larger fuel injectors, larger-diameter clutch, larger fan, three-row intercooler, beefed-up Tremec 6060 six-speed with an internal oil pump and a single-piece carbon-fiber driveshaft. As well, larger Brembo front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, reinforced axle tubes, and aero tweaks help the car reach 200+mph safely. Ford said the changes resulted in a 14-percent reduction in drag and a 66-percent increase in front-end downforce. For fun, an RPM-Adjustable Electronic Launch-Control function is standard.

A Performance Package was offered, adding cockpit-selectable adjustable Bilstein dampers with Normal and Sport settings and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. The Track Package for road racing provided a transmission cooler, nose-mounted differential cooler and an air-to-oil engine-oil cooler. Both optional packages, original cost of $5300, are on this Shelby being offered.

With a car like this, you inevitably focus on the numbers. Road test provided a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds at over 125 miles per hour. By comparison the '13 GT500 is faster than both the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06. Ferociously tall gearing means third gear is good for 140 mph and first gear is long enough to reach highway speeds. Slam a redline shift from second to third, and you'll hear the rear tires chirp"¦just don't show any reaction"¦look like you expected the Shelby performance!

This All-Black 2013 Shelby GT 500 has a menacing front-end that looks like no other Mustang with the SVT Shelby Cobra Snake standing guard at the side of that wide open grill-less mouth that is desperate to capture all the air available. Exterior striping includes double-shadow Black Racing Stripes down the middle of the car and along the body. The all black theme is included in the black-out style of headlights/tail lights, dual racing mirrors, door handles and the contoured-to-the-body rear deck competition Spoiler.  The only silver exterior appointments are the wicked Shelby Cobra Snakes at the front, side fenders and at the back end the Shelby lettering over the sinister snarling snake round center badge. This is a one owner Shelby and is in show room condition with approximately 2628km/1630 miles since new.

The GT500 was developed by Ford's SVT division, the same loon lab responsible for the Ford GT and so naturally the focus is engine grunt and performance. The heart of this Shelby is the 5.8-liter 4V DOHC supercharged V-8 HO with 662 galloping horses having a claimed 200-plus-mph top speed. Now that could easily do more than just get you into some legal trouble. The Eaton supercharger in the engine's valley displaces 2.3 liters and takes more horsepower to operate than is produced by the Ford Fiesta. With further regard to durability the 6-speed manual transmission, the only gearbox available with the GT500, was considerably strengthened. The helix angle of the gears had been changed for more torque capacity. Performance is further aided by sticky Goodyear Eagle Supercar tires that were built specifically for this car. The 19" front tires were tuned for maximum lateral grip to help the car change direction, whereas the 20" rears emphasize excellent forward bite. Mounted on beautiful multi-spoked gunmetal SVT racing wheels further enhance the black look. The break-away characteristics under power are quite smooth and controllable as long as the driver is reasonably judicious with the throttle. This is a well-balanced GT that's totally at home on a road course yet remarkably civil in everyday situations.

It's loud with the deep burbling exhaust sound that is part of muscle car beauty. Neighbors will hear it come to life in the garage. Shameless power and speed when even feathering the accelerator garners more speed than you'll likely ever really need. You will find that the suspension really is refined and the weight of the car makes it a very predictable machine.

SVT interior is Charcoal Black Leather with Black horizontal ribbed inserts - comfortable and tasteful. The all-black theme continues inside with the snarling snake embossed in the seat backs and in the center of the race grip inspired steering wheel. The driver has great viewing of all the black faced gauges while gripping the classic White Ball Shifter with the 6-speed pattern. As well, all the comforts of the Mustang of the day - Air Conditioning, Shaker AM/FM Stereo/8 Speakers, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Power Brakes, Power Locks, Power Seats, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Decklid, Dual Power Racing Mirrors, Clock and leather Tilt-Adjustable Steering Wheel.

This Shelby is designed to be a Dragstrip King, Road Course Warrior and Boulevard Cruiser!The driving choice is yours to experience.