650 HP 2013 Mustang GT500

[Gearhead999s]

Holy Crap!



http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...-and-info-news

Occupy Horsepower seems to be the sentiment at Ford these days as the Blue Oval seeks elite output for everyman. Earlier this year, we told you the next GT500 was going to produce north of 600 hp, but even we weren’t prepared for the 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque announced as the car debuts at the Los Angeles auto show. Is that “God Bless America” we hear?

Engine Overhaul

While punching out the old 5.4-liter aluminum block V-8 out to 5.8 liters, the GT500’s powertrain crew also updated the heads for better cooling, changed the camshaft profiles, added piston squirters and higher-flow fuel injectors, swapped the old supercharger for a larger and more efficient TVS unit that ups boost from 9 to 15 psi, and fitted a larger intercooler. The result is an extra 100 hp and 90 lb-ft compared to the 2012 model. The cooling system was upgraded to dissipate the excess heat, and a carbon-fiber driveshaft, upgraded clutch, strengthened transmission (with revised gearing), and sturdier rear axle were deemed necessary to cope with the extra grunt. To help the driver cope, the GT500 is equipped with an adjustable launch-control function.

Despite the GT500’s barbaric output, Ford has come a long way from the muscle cars of yesteryear, wherein engineers fitted a bigger, more powerful engine and called it good. A new front fascia is home to the same revised headlights as the other ’13 Mustangs, and there’s a new front splitter. That last bit is important, as Ford says the new GT500’s top speed is in excess of 200 (!) mph. Chew on that, Camaro ZL1. Heck; chew on that, Corvette Z06, with your piddling 198 mph. Overall, Ford says the 2013 GT500 has 33 percent more downforce at 160 mph than its predecessor. With a Mustang joining the 200-mph club, drivers will appreciate standard Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in the front and larger rotors and new pads at all four corners.

For Corners, Too

With 650 hp, no bend in the road will be far away. To address those curves, the new GT500 gets optional electronically-adjustable Bilstein shocks. Part of the Performance package—which also includes a Torsen limited-slip differential and Recaro seats—the Bilstein dampers offer drivers a choice of Normal and Sport modes. If you intend to unleash your Shelby on a closed course, you might want to also opt for the Track package. It adds supplementary coolers for the engine oil, rear differential, and transmission.

The GT500 receives the same exterior revisions as the rest of the 2013 Mustangs and the Boss 302. Those updates include the aforementioned headlights, new LED taillights set in a blacked-out tail panel, and body-colored rocker extensions. A quad-tipped dual-exhaust system and two new forged-wheel designs are unique to the Shelby GT500.

While we have no official word yet on pricing, we’re expecting a hearty bump from the GT500’s current base of $49,605. Considering how much more grunt it has than the 580-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1—not to mention its 12-horse edge on the $113K Corvette ZR1—even $60,000 for the new GT500 would be one helluva bargain. View Photo Gallery

[veightkiller]

Thats insane if the pricing stays below 70k thats a real bargain.

[GMW]

Wow.
I've already taken a 2012 out for a test drive this year and I couldn't seem to tame the beast. Traction was my biggest issue and throwing another 100 hp at the car doesn't seem to correct that.

[stefan]

That's nice.. but I think the all-motor boss is still a cooler concept. I'm more impressed with the Coyote's development. Not sure that 650hp is really all that impressive from a supercharged massive 5.8L V8. Flame suit on?

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by stefan

That's nice.. but I think the all-motor boss is still a cooler concept. I'm more impressed with the Coyote's development. Not sure that 650hp is really all that impressive from a supercharged massive 5.8L V8. Flame suit on?

One word

[stefan]

Well it's pretty, I'll give you that. That is some lovely powdercoating too.

[pro-tect mobile]

Sorry, but its still a Mustang. Cheap inside and out. I would rather have a Viper or Z06 any day of the weak.

[bunnn]

Originally Posted by pro-tect mobile

Sorry, but its still a Mustang. Cheap inside and out. I would rather have a Viper or Z06 any day of the weak.

Ford has been making enough improvements throughout their line up to gain my respect. So what if it's "just a stang," at their pricing they are hard to ignore.

[Kyoshi71]

650hp through those shitty cast exhaust manifolds and a wet sump pan?
Are you sure this is the engine?

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

650hp through those shitty cast exhaust manifolds and a wet sump pan?
Are you sure this is the engine?

Supercharged engines do not need tuned headers to get power just lots of volume.Everybody says they do not handle well so why would you need a dry sump S65's are a wet sump FYI!

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Everybody says they do not handle well so why would you need a dry sump

Hahahaha, I guess you're right!

[604]

Originally Posted by pro-tect mobile

Sorry, but its still a Mustang. Cheap inside and out. I would rather have a Viper or Z06 any day of the weak.

Lol are you really saying chevy's and dodge's are better quality than the new shelby? The new ZR1 is pretty nice from the inside....but who would pay over 100k for a vette? And vipers? Plastic and engine on wheels. Have you ever sat inside of any of them!?....

If they keep the price of this thing near the 2012 price....then hats off to you Ford

Yeah im a ford guy

[JA///MES]

GREAT!!!! IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE!

[Giccy]

Originally Posted by bunnn

Ford has been making enough improvements throughout their line up to gain my respect. So what if it's "just a stang," at their pricing they are hard to ignore.

+1

[Grail05]

last time i sat in a Shelby and the Laguna Seca mustang OMG sold for almost 60k but damn inside is just plain plastic.. everything freaking moves.. the door panels center console and other shit...

sorry i hate the interior quality but i still wouldnt mind getting one and if i do.. i will gut the F out of them... 2 seater gutted mustang ....

[Gearhead999s]

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...-gt500-feature

[BMRLVR]

My Fiance really wants a Mustang Convertible......... I guess we will have to get a new GT500 convertible!!! I am not a big mustang fan, but how can you argue with 650HP from a bone stock car for around $70-80K CAD

[STALKER]

A few of us here attend a Ford dealer event at Mosport, plenty of really high horsepower Mustangs, I can't keep track of all the different models. I was in the intermediate group, a few of the cars in my group had well over 600Hp, I think a few of them were even pushing closer to 700HP. I'm no F1 driver, but I had zero issue keeping them all in my rear few mirror or closing the distance and passing them after the straights.

I have driven a Z06 at Road Atlanta and IMO, the performance is crazy and the premium you pay for it over the Mustang is justified.

Boss 302 Mustang is the one too have.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by STALKER

A few of us here attend a Ford dealer event at Mosport, plenty of really high horsepower Mustangs, I can't keep track of all the different models. I was in the intermediate group, a few of the cars in my group had well over 600Hp, I think a few of them were even pushing closer to 700HP. I'm no F1 driver, but I had zero issue keeping them all in my rear few mirror or closing the distance and passing them after the straights.

I have driven a Z06 at Road Atlanta and IMO, the performance is crazy and the premium you pay for it over the Mustang is justified.

Boss 302 Mustang is the one too have.

According to Car & Driver the Gt500's are faster around VIR than our M3's.Wait till the new one shows upThe Boss 302 LS is still quicker but it is on stickier rubber.

http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...erformance.pdf

I instructed in a 800 horse upgraded Super Snake at Mosport & wheelspin was an issue in the lower 3 gears.We were at 160 mph by the time we got to the marshaling post at corner 7 where I was having him lift I think a GT 500 with a good driver could give us a very hard time on a smooth track that has high speed corners like Mosport.

[STALKER]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

According to Car & Driver the Gt500's are faster around VIR than our M3's.Wait till the new one shows upThe Boss 302 LS is still quicker but it is on stickier rubber.

http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...erformance.pdf

I instructed in a 800 horse upgraded Super Snake at Mosport & wheelspin was an issue in the lower 3 gears.We were at 160 mph by the time we got to the marshaling post at corner 7 where I was having him lift I think a GT 500 with a good driver could give us a very hard time on a smooth track that has high speed corners like Mosport.

Agreed, in the right hands it will be very quick.
One reason I def mentioned that I was in the intermediate group, LOL.

Was a great event though.

[stefan]

GT500 is only a comparison to the M3 due to pricing. Otherwise, it's not a fair comparo. Strap a supercharger to the M3 and then let's talk. I think the Boss 302 is a much closer comparison, not that I can really see anyone cross-shopping the two.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by stefan

GT500 is only a comparison to the M3 due to pricing. Otherwise, it's not a fair comparo. Strap a supercharger to the M3 and then let's talk. I think the Boss 302 is a much closer comparison, not that I can really see anyone cross-shopping the two.

The Boss is the direct comparision to the M at $35000 less if you listen to the media.In the 5 or so days that I have had Boss 302's out in the advanced/instructor group it has never been an issue to stay or pull on them on a long straight at both Mosport & Watkins Glen and to be quicker on the overall lap.
I drove a 5.0 GT that was supercharged to 615 horse that was otherwise stock.Loved the horsepower with well over 150 mph at Mosport at the hump but the car felt quite floaty & disconnected compared to our M's.It would need a fair bit of suspension upgrading to feel really good on the track but that is fairly cheap to do on a Stang.