2013 Shelby GT500

To out-do the Camaro ZL1, Shelby knew it needed massive power. The 2013 GT500 uses an aluminum 5.8 liter V8. Sounds good, right? It gets even better. From there, they added a 2.3 liter TVS series 2300 supercharger, which is more efficient and larger than the one used in the current GT500. The entire cooling system has been upgraded with a larger fan for cooling, better-flowing intercooler pump, intercooler heat exchanger with 36 percent greater volume, and fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors. All of this can add up to only one thing: MASSIVE power. The new Shelby puts out 650-hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque. Talk about a monster! Despite all this power, the GT500 still is exempt from the gas-guzzler tax. Shelby claims this is the most powerful production V8 in the world.

To handle the most powerful production V8 in the world, Shelby made several improvements to the drivetrain. In the past, the Shelby has trouble laying down all its power with the live rear axle. For the 2013 car, engineers wanted improved torque management for better drivability. They toyed with over 35 combinations of gearing, finally deciding on a 3.31:1 final drive ratio to balance torque and grip. All gears (except for 4th) were also optimized. The transmission remains a 6-speed Tremec, but the clutch now uses a dual-disc design as is more durable. The optional Performance Package includes a Torsen limited-slip differential, allowing best torque and traction for longer periods of time. Another exciting new feature is the addition of a launch control system. This lets the driver select the desired RPMs they'd like to launch at based on tire temperature and other conditions. It is integrated with both engine and traction control. All of these updates and new features should give the even-more powerful Shelby even-more impressive performance.

The 2013 Shelby may initially appear like the current model, but there are several visual and aerodynamic enhancements for 2013. Engineers figured out new ways to harness all that air traveling around and through the car to improve cooling, increase downforce, and reduce drag. The car's front fascia and splitters were enhance so they could handle the massive loads of 200 mph speeds. These modifications give the car 33 percent more effective aerodynamic loading at 160 mph. Two new forged wheels have been introduced as well, including a special model for cars that carry optional packages. All wheels come with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires. Other modifications common to all 2013 Mustangs include HID headlights and blackened taillight panels.

Shelby knew that in order to compete with the ZL1, they had to design a car that handled well in addition to all its power. The car still features AdvanceTrac, Ford's traction control and electronic stability system. The beauty of this is that its settings can be adjusted. If you're at the track, you can turn all aids off. If you're on the street, you can choose the Intermediate setting to blend performance and safety. Want to play it safe? Turn everything on. Steering assist has also been tweaked for a better driving experience. Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers, larger rotors, and new pads help slow all that power down. As with AdvanceTrac, just about everything else can be adjusted: launch control, steering assist, and the optional Bilstein electronic suspension. The Bilstein electronic suspension comes with the SVT Performance Package and can be adjusted to either Normal (balancing comfort and performance) or Sport (tightens things up for the track) modes. Another optional package is the Track Package, which gives you maximum performance. The included external engine, rear differential, and transmission coolers help maintain durability under extreme performance conditions. All-in-all, the car should be able to take turns extremely well.

The 2013 Shelby GT500 features a similar interior to the current model. Leather should be standard, along with air conditioning and other common amenities. A navigation system is optional, as are special Recaro seats (a must if you're serious about performance).

Max Horsepower: 650 hp
Max Torque: 650 ft-lbs
Max RPM: 7000

Engine: Supercharged aluminum 5.8 liter V8
Supercharger: Eaton 2.8 liter TVS series 2800
Intercooler: 3-row
Transmission: 6-speed manual Tremec TR6060
Drivetrain Ratio: 3.31:1
Optional Suspension: Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers
Brakes: Brembo, six-caliper

0-60: Should be much improved from current model, should be under 4 seconds
1/4 mile: Should be at least a half-second faster than current