Ford Shelby GT500 for 2013
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The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the
bar high on performance with the introduction of the new 2013 model that goes on sale across North
America 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, race track or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this
car perfectly fits his or her needs.”
The 5.8-litre V8 aluminium-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making
it America's most powerful production V8. Oddly enough, despite the power, the 3,850-pound car is
apparently exempt from America's gas-guzzler tax.
Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimised for producing the additional horsepower,
including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new
carbon fibre 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 provides 2.3 litres of displacement and
is a unique design to the 5.8-litre engine.
The entire cooling system has been significantly updated on the new 5.8-litre 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 per cent.
Revised gearing
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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 optimised
overall vehicle gearing to complement the massive torque. Every gear besides fourth was optimised 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
tyre 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 callipers 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
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Aero advancements
Significant aerodynamic work was done on the new Ford 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, maximise downforce and
minimise 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
per cent 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 utilised, 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 Ford Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of forged-aluminium 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 tyres 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,
Michigan, USA.
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