2013 Ford Shelby
GT500 Debuts As Most Powerful Production V8 in the World with 650
Horsepower, Top Speed of 200+ MPH
•New Ford Shelby GT500 is powered by an aluminum 5.8-liter
supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of
torque, making it the most powerful production V8 engine in the
world
•Nearly every vehicle system has been optimized including
powertrain, brakes, gearing and suspension
•New Shelby GT500 sets a performance-driven design standard with
new downforce- generating front grilles, aggressive splitter, new
quad exhaust system and two new forged-aluminum wheels
•Also new for 2013 is an optional Performance Package with SVT-designed
Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip
differential. The offering can be coupled with a track package for
all-out racetrack performance
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2011 – The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby
GT500 – raises the bar high on performance with the introduction
of the new 2013 model that goes on sale next year delivering 650
horsepower and a top speed of more than 200 mph.
“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.”
The 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and
600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8
in the world. The 3,850-pound car also stays exempt from the
gas-guzzler tax.
Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for
producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger,
new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a
new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and
axle.
A larger, more-efficient supercharger flowing more air through the
engine is key to helping produce the massive 650 horsepower. The
new TVS series 2300 creates 2.3 liters of displacement and is a
unique design to the 5.8-liter engine.
The entire cooling system has been significantly updated on the
new 5.8-liter engine. It now includes a larger cooling fan, fan
shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient
charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an
intercooler heat exchanger with volume increased 36 percent.
Revised gearing
Nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 was revised to
manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it
more driver-friendly. Engineers considered more than 35 gearing
combinations, finally deciding on one that balanced torque being
transmitted all the way through the wheels and grip to the ground.
A key piece of the driveline, the six-speed manual transmission,
offers upgraded gears, bearings and housing so it can properly
manage the torque. The final drive ratio is now 3.31:1 for
optimized overall vehicle gearing to complement the massive
torque. Every gear besides fourth was optimized for competing
performance metrics. The clutch has increased torque and rpm
capacity and uses a dual-disc design.
“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, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve completely redone the
car to be even more sophisticated in terms of handling and control
than the prior model.”
Other keys for improved traction management include:
•Torsen limited-slip differential:When customers order the
optional Performance Package, they will get a Torsen limited-slip
differential that helps the rear suspension deliver maximum torque
and traction better and longer under track conditions
•Launch control: A new launch control system lets drivers set the
desired launch rpm depending on tire temperature, street surface
or other conditions. Unique to SVT’s launch control is that it is
integrated with both the engine control and traction control
•Brembo braking system: A new Brembo brake system offers drivers
enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, both
on the road and the track. New six-piston calipers in front along
with larger front and rear rotors help improve brake fade. New
brake pads that are more aggressive also help the car achieve high
deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence
Aero advancements
Significant aerodynamic work was done on the new Shelby GT500 to
ensure the car has proper downforce for optimum performance at all
speeds. Engineers were able to determine how to harness the air
that was moving around and through the car to improve the cooling
system, maximize downforce and minimize drag.
The front fascia and splitters were modified to handle the extreme
loads at 200 mph, resulting in a car that tracks more securely and
feels more planted to the road at higher speeds. It offers 33
percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the
2011 model.
Superior ride
The new Shelby GT500’s driving dynamics have been improved, now
working in concert with all the new content on the car.
Handling, all AdvanceTrac settings and steering assist levels
within selectable steering have been tuned to account for the
updated content. The previously available unique traction control
system and electronic stability control settings help drivers
achieve maximum performance on both the street and the track.
Both systems can be completely disabled in controlled track
situations where maximum driver skill is utilized, or fully
engaged for maximum safety during normal driving or in
less-than-ideal traction conditions. Intermediate sport mode
allows drivers to push their cars hard at the track without
completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more
aggressive driving before the traction control and electronic
stability control intervene.
“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.”
The 2013 Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of forged-aluminum
wheels including a unique wheel for cars with the optional
packages. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are coupled
with Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all vehicle
configurations.
Taking it one step further
Sometimes Ford Shelby GT500 customers want to enjoy their car on
surface streets. Other times they just want to let loose on the
track. Two new optional packages on the 2013 model give them the
choice.
Available as part of the optional Performance Package, SVT-designed
Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers are accessed on the dash
with a simple push of a button. Normal mode gives customers a more
comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about
performance, delivering improved response time on the track and
less body roll while cornering and pitch under braking. The Torsen
limited-slip differential also comes with the Performance Package.
“The adjustable shocks let us develop our car on the track without
any compromise,” said Kerry Baldori, Ford SVT Global Performance
Vehicles chief engineer. “Before, we had to tune the car with
street implications in mind. Now we can go as extreme as we want
on the track setting and still offer the customer a comfortable
ride on the road.”
Enthusiasts can upgrade their Performance Package with an
additional Track Package for all-out performance. The option comes
with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and
transmission cooler for further durability. The coolers play an
essential role in preventing crucial components from overheating
under high-speed conditions.
The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance
International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
