2013 Shelby GT350 – Black and Beautiful

          Adding to the already impressive design tweaks, the biggest change to the Shelby GT350 for 2013 is the availability of Ford’s entire color lineup. Previously Shelby had only offered blue with white stripes for 2011, with red and blue (both also with white stripes) also becoming available in 2012, but for 2013 the company decided to let customers order a GT350 in any color the standard Ford Mustang is offered.

          This was put into practice with the very first GT350 built for 2013, featuring the eye-catching hue of Gotta Have It Green, which we saw earlier this month in Monterey.

          Of course, not everyone wants the attention that comes with a brightly colored car. For those that prefer something more stealthy, this black-on-black 2013 Shelby GT350 might be a more appealing option. On display at Galpin Ford’s Shelby 50th Anniversary car show this past weekend, the car required a closer look with details like the near-imperceptible matte black stripes.

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2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible

          In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles. The 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, which demonstrates just how far the products have come in 20 years. The 2013 Shelby GT500 with its 650-horsepower V8 marks the latest offering from one of the oldest and most successful automotive performance groups in the world.

          “The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

          The 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is faster around a track than the outgoing model. The new convertible shaved nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models.

          Keys to the improved lap times are the power boost from the new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower, as well as the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

          Accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button, normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. The upgraded dampers allowed SVT engineers to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track, while still being able to maintain desirable on-road manners.

          A new Brembo brake system also is a key enabler in boosting the performance of the convertible. The new brakes offer drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, while new six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors further improve braking performance. More aggressive brake pads also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence.

20 years of high-performance innovation

          Each of the more than 210,000 SVT vehicles produced since 1993 has been designed and developed with the four SVT attributes in mind: Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. These hallmarks still guide the brand’s vehicle development today.

          “In the past 20 years, SVT has engineered world-class mid-engine supercars, front-wheel-drive performance cars, rear-wheel-drive muscle cars and high-performance on-road and off-road pickup trucks,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “There is no other performance house in the world that can match that diverse résumé.”

          Since 1993 more than seven different SVT vehicles have been produced, including several versions of the Cobra and Shelby GT500, the F-150 Lightning performance pickup and F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, plus both three- and five-door versions of the SVT Focus. Special SVT Mustang Cobra R models were made in 1993, 1995 and 2000.

          SVT has joined with Team RS in Europe to form the Performance Vehicles Group to devise a strategy for all future global performance Ford cars. The resulting Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car, giving drivers around the world the opportunity to share the exhilarating performance, excellent handling, addictive sound and sporty design Ford’s ST badge represents. The Ford Fiesta ST Concept also signals the next step in Ford’s global performance vehicle strategy and hints at how a future Fiesta ST model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global small car portfolio.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

          The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance by delivering 650 horsepower and a track-tested top speed of more than 200 mph. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world.

          Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

          And nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly.

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Shelby GTS

          Fulfilling the desire of Ford Shelby GT fans worldwide, executives with Shelby American Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. introduced today the new Shelby GTS post-title package for the 2011-2012 Ford Mustang at the New York International Auto Show. Available with a either a V6 or V8, normally aspirated or supercharged, the Shelby GTS is the spiritual rebirth of the popular 2007-2008 Ford Shelby GT.

          “The Ford Shelby GT was introduced in 2007 as an agile, reliable and affordable muscle car,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc. “It dominated its SCCA racing class and was a popular canvas for enthusiasts to create their dream Shelby. Our Shelby GTS picks up that mantle and expands upon it with a choice of V6 or V8 power for a new generation of Shelby enthusiast who wants a car built just for them.”

          Ever since Ford introduced the 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 Mustang for the 2011 model year, the Shelby research and development team has been secretly developing the GTS package. Once the Shelby GT350 was finalized in both coupe and convertible versions, the skunkworks team accelerated the project. Working with partners at Ford Racing, Borla and Baer, Shelby American enhanced the car’s suspension, strengthened the braking and coaxed more power out of the engine.

          “The V6 Mustang is a particularly good platform for the Shelby GTS,” noted Shelby American vice president of operations Gary Patterson. “It’s even lighter and more nimble than the GT. And the V6 Shelby GTS makes about as much horsepower as the V8 in the Ford Shelby GT, but with better fuel economy at a lower price.”

          The post-title package starts at $9,995.00, not including the base car. Superchargers and other options are available that allow buyers to personalize their dream Shelby. A limited number of the Shelby GTS will be built with reservations starting April 21; production is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The 2012 Ford Shelby GTS post-title package includes:

• Ford Racing handling pack including new springs, tuned stabilizer bars and front strut tower brace
• Fresh air package for the normally aspirated V6 tune or V8
• Borla exhaust system
• Shelby / Baer brakes
• Unique deep draw hood featuring classic Shelby design
• Black billet upper grill with Ford “Running Pony” emblem
• Unique Shelby front fascias
• Shelby LeMans stripes and side stripes
• “Shelby GTS” vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
• “Powered by Ford” side badges
• “Shelby” lettering across the rear deck lid

The many options available include:

• Shelby superchargers for both V8 and V6 models
• 6 piston Shelby/Baer Brakes
• Adjustable control arms
• 18” to 20” wheels and tire packages
• Watts link rear suspension
• Two tone leather interior

“Our Shelby GTS is a fantastic way to pump up the capabilities of a stock Mustang within a budget without sacrificing performance,” added Mr. Luft. “It’s a car that reaches a younger buyer while acknowledging the economic realities of our times.”

          Shelby American is also exhibiting the 800 horsepower 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, 2012 Shelby GT350 coupe and convertible at their booth, #1325, during the New York Auto Show. Those interested in a Shelby should call (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.shelbyamerican.com. Customers can build their dream Shelby online with Shelby American’s new “Build-One” program at http://shelbyamerican.com/buildhome.asp.

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