Just another magazine article
http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/07/03/preview-2013-ford-shelby-gt500/
All you need to know about the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 can be wrapped up in these digits: 662 and 631. They are its monstrous horsepower and torque output — now let your imagination run wild.
Ford’s global performance team, with input from Carroll Shelby, the late legend himself, has created the most badass Mustang ever. Having the opportunity to drive this beast on a closed track without the worry of flashing red lights in the rear-view mirror was pure ecstasy for this car junkie.
Imagine being able to tackle the challenging course at Calabogie Motorsport Park north of Ottawa in such a track-capable machine — the only fear was the real possibility I’d turn all those ponies loose at the wrong moment and end up chewing up turf (or worse.)
Surprisingly, to me at least, all that power was so manageable, due mainly to the car’s nifty traction and stability control technologies, plus some expert guidance around the circuit by one of Calabogie’s resident instructors. Still, there’s no mistaking the feel of 662 horses being given free rein when you put the go pedal to the floor. They kick you back in the seat with authority.
Even more impressive is all that torque. After initially playing with the six-speed manual gearbox, I found the more prudent way around the circuit was to just stick with the third and fourth cogs and let that awesome grunt do its thing. The Shelby’s ability to pull so hard coming out of a tight corner is truly jaw-dropping.
The soul of the Shelby is a 5.8-litre aluminum-block V8 that’s been given a near-total makeover for 2013 to make it the most powerful production V8 engine on the planet. Among the upgrades, there’s a larger, more efficient 2.3L TVS supercharger sitting atop a revised intake manifold, with camshafts from the Ford GT supercar controlling the delivery and extraction of gases in those eight cylinders. The engine’s complete cooling system has been upgraded to cope with the heat generated by the additional power. A larger cooling fan has been added and the shroud has high-speed pressure-release doors.
The grille mesh has been removed so the maximum amount of airflow reaches the larger radiator and intercooler. These changes appeared to be effective as there were no overheating issues during our media session despite 30-degree air temperatures and non-stop flogging of the Shelby on the race track.
To make the engine’s massive output more manageable, Ford engineers reworked the Tremec gearbox, changing the ratios an all but fourth gear to ensure the torque gets to the ground in the most efficient manner. The gearbox bearings and housing were beefed up, as was the clutch, which is now a dual-disc type. A new carbon-fibre driveshaft, which is 5.83 kilograms lighter than the current shaft, transfers the power to the rear differential, now with a final gear ratio of 3.31. A Torsen limited-slip unit is available as part of the optional performance package for those owners intending to use their Shelby on a race track.
In addition to the road course laps, an acceleration test was also on the agenda at Calabogie — and it, too, was a blast. Ford says the Shelby will reach 96 kilometres an hour from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds — and it’s true. Using the onboard launch control system (part of the new Track Apps package available on all Mustangs and standard on the GT, Boss 302 and Shelby), I managed to clock a 4.4-second run despite incurring significant wheelspin on the shift into second gear. For a full quarter-mile run, the Shelby is capable of an 11.7-second pass with a terminal speed of 201 km/h. It’s flat-out top speed, for those who dare, is 321.86 km/h.
All that power and performance plus a slight improvement in fuel efficiency: 13.9 litres per 100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, compared with the previous rating of 14.5 and 8.8.
As impressive as the “go” aspects are, equally important is the Shelby’s capacity to stop. To ensure you’ll be able to reel in the car after high-speed excursions, its Brembo braking system has been upgraded with new six-piston calipers up front and larger rotors front and rear. The current brake pads have been swapped for more aggressive units to help deal with the higher speeds the car is capable of attaining. Again, despite the continuous abuse we journos inflicted on the Shelby, there was never a hint of brake fade. On the acceleration test, especially, because of the limited runoff area, I had to hammer the brakes hard, yet they responded without issue after every pass.
I can tell you the handling dynamics of the car are superb, thanks to upgrades to the Bilstein suspension components designed to handle the car’s increased potential. The electronic assists, such as the power steering, traction control and stability system, have also been recalibrated to help drivers keep the car on its intended line. (If your skills behind the wheel are high enough, you can completely disengage the control systems and handle things on your own.)
What I can’t tell you, though, are typical review points such as interior comfort, amenities, wind noise and the like — I was having too much fun to notice. I can say the Shelby is an exceptional car that’s easily manageable despite those huge power output numbers. It’s equally capable of tearing up a race track on the weekend, then making the commute to the office Monday morning. How could you not love that?
Pricing on the GT500 coupe starts at $61,699, while the convertible version has a base price of $66,699.
