This time we had the opportunity to evaluate one of the last productions of the alliance between the Special Vehicle Team Ford (SVT) and Shelby: 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
The 2012 saw the death of Carroll Shelby, who was one of the icons of motorsport and the American automobile industry. Carroll not only known as a great driver in the late 50s, but also distinguished by innovative design and creation of various sports cars.
60 years of experience manifest in the 2013 Shelby GT500 engine. This is a new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 capable of developing up to 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque.
For this year increased its displacement (+0.4 liters) and included some elements of the Ford GT. The result was the increased power (+100 HP) and the fuel consumption reduction (-1.0 MPG).
The tremendous power is channeled through a sports manual transmission coupled to a six-speed shaft carbon fiber. The latter distributes the power to the rear wheels exclusively through a specially developed differential for this vehicle.
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The suspension system was designed and manufactured by the brand known Bilstein sports suspension. One can choose from firm damping (Sport) or soft (Normal) via a button located on the left side of the instrument panel. In this same area there is another button you can choose to configure the system-power-assisted steering, among the same options.
Furthermore, vented disc brakes have been provided by Brembo, which ensure the necessary power to stop this vehicle in 102 feet from 60 miles per hour.
Inside we find a optional Recaro sport seats ($ 1,595) lined in leather with excellent lateral support and a large cobra embroidered on the back, on whose flanks incorporated holes to install seatbelts sports.
Officially, this vehicle is able to accommodate up to four occupants, two fronts have enough space to ensure comfort, but subsequent occupants are not as lucky.
The instrument panel has two round gauges, simple, clear and large. The interesting thing was the small digital panel (LCD 4.2 ") between them, where we can configure the information displayed via the steering wheel mounted controls.
If you choose to add the SVT Track Package ($ 2,995) not only manages the central black lines on the outside, but also the software and hardware needed to monitor the performance of the vehicle during its journey through high performance testing.
Outside the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is clearly distinguishable from the "ordinary Mustangs" through special front grille, which is adorned with a cobra on one side, the headlights have a classic design with projection technology Mustang HID The wheels are forged aluminum 19 "front and 20" rear, the front fenders are also adorned with the emblem of the cobra.
Behind functional find a large spoiler, a diffuser, two dual tailpipes made of stainless steel and other emblem that highlights the joint effort between Shelby and SVT teams.
The driving experience on the Shelby GT500 is typical of a "muscle-car", ie loud, powerful and very proud. Despite the 662 HPs management is docile, but this can change quickly will the driver.
The priority is safety, so installed systems to prevent accidents such as ESC and ABS. Also find air bags front and side for front occupants and an automatic SOS alert in case of accident.
The price of the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 starts at $ 54.200. Our test unit reached $ 63.475 including destination charge ($ 795).
In conclusion, the Ford Shelby GT500 is a great toy for adults like to take the opportunity to take your car to the circuit while using it in their daily routine. Despite being an extremely powerful car, their levels are reasonable fuel consumption (15 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway) provided you keep control of your right foot.
No doubt that this is a horse that would be in my stable.
