Ford Shelby GT500: 6to6 Barcelona motordays-2014
First unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, Ford Shelby GT500 was the most powerful Mustang at the time. The DOHC 4 valves per cylinder 5,812 cc (5.8 L; 354.7 cu in) supercharged and intercooled V8 engine is certified to produce 662 bhp (671 PS; 494 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 855 N⋅m (631 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm of torque, with a claimed top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). The new GT500 weighs 3,850 lb (1,746 kg), and was available from May 2012.
The 2013 models had various improvements and differences compared to the GT500 of 2012 including new front end sheet metal along with standard HID headlamps, along with a new LED tail light assembly. The new 2013 Shelby GT500 also had no grill, due to the massive amount of cooling required for the vehicle. Performance changes included twin fuel pumps (a Mustang GT’s single supply pump, twice over), larger fuel injectors, a grippier and larger-diameter clutch, a larger fan, a three-row intercooler (the previous car used a double-row unit), a beefed-up Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with an internal oil pump, and a single-piece carbon-fiber driveshaft.
Larger Brembo front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, reinforced axle tubes, and aero tweaks to help the car reach 200 mph (320 km/h)+ safely. According to Ford, the changes have resulted in a 14-percent reduction in drag and a 66-percent increase in front-end downforce. Also new for 2013 was a larger front anti-roll bar and retuned springs. An rpm-adjustable electronic launch-control function was standard, as was a four-mode electronic stability control system.
A Performance package was also offered, adding two-mode adjustable Bilstein dampers and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. In addition to the Performance package, a Track package for road racing could be ordered bringing a transmission cooler, a nose-mounted differential cooler for the Torsen limited-slip unit, and an air-to-oil engine-oil cooler.
A Motor Trend magazine May 2012 road test provided a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds at 125.7 mph (202.3 km/h). By comparison, the ’13 GT500 was faster than both the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06.
Performance claims include a manufacturer’s claim of 202 mph (325 km/h); Car and Driver: 189 mph (304 km/h)).
