The Blue Oval has unveiled the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 right before its debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show.
The North American car maker says this new version, capable of reaching top speeds of 200+ mph is powered by a 5.8-litre engine which according to them is the most powerful production V8 in the world. This unit which features an aluminium block, produces 650 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque, and most of its parts have been redesigned in order to maximize performance.
Some of these newly optimised engine components include a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft
profiles and a new carbon fiber driveshaft.
The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has also received an updated cooling system featuring a larger cooling fan, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and a bigger intercooler heat exchanger.
The clutch and transmission have also been revised in order to make the car achieve its fuel economy targets and the company’s engineers have considered 35 gearing combinations before deciding on one that delivers less torque.
The 6-speed manual in the new Ford Shelby GT500 has a final drive ratio of 3:31:1 while the clutch, which now uses a dual-disc design, has increased torque and rpm capacity.
Other key areas that have been improved on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 include aerodynamics, the braking system and the suspension.
Ford says the new Shelby GT500 is now available with an optional Performance Package consisting of Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential, features which can be coupled with a track package as well.
Production for the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will take place at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, but its pricing was not announced yet.
