2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is Most Powerful Production V8 in the World!

by Patrick Rall

Ford Motor Company announced today the specifications on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 and after much speculation, we know that the new super muscle car is really (and we mean really) powered by a new supercharged 5.8L V8 making 650 horsepower – making it the most powerful production V8 engine in the world. 

After the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was introduced with 580 horsepower, everyone expected to see the Shelby GT500 Mustang get a jump in power to the 600 horsepower range, but rather than just barely besting the Camaro ZL1, Ford went big, with 650hp and 600lb-ft of torque.  This means that the 2013 GT500 packs more of a punch than even the Corvette ZR1 and the previous Dodge Viper.

Unlike the 2013 Ford Mustang V6, GT or Boss 302 which received a fair exterior refresh, the 2013 Shelby GT500 retains the look of the 2012 models, although Ford did make some subtle changes to improve the aerodynamics of the new super muscle car, allowing it to go 200 miles per hour in stock form!  A revised front fascia works in conjunction with front and rear splitters to create 33% better aero load at 160mph than the currently available GT500.

While the improvements made on the outside of the 2013 Shelby GT500 help it to reach incredible top speeds, the the big news is big power.  Big, big power.  Almost every part of the drivetrain has been refined or replaced for 2013, and that starts with the new 5.8L V8. The new V8 features a cross drilled engine block and cylinder heads to handle the boost supplied by the new TVS Series 2300 supercharger, while new camshafts help this new engine to breathe.  A revised cooling system with a larger radiator, a larger cooling fan and an improved front mount intercooler help to keep this engine running smoothly while producing 650 horsepower and 600lb-ft of torque.

Next, helping the 2013 Shelby GT500 get all of this power to the wheels safely and efficiently is a revised 6-speed manual transmission fitted with a new clutch, which all channels the power through a new carbon fiber driveshaft and back to the 3.31 rear differential.  20″ rear wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires help the GT500 get traction while 19″ rims up front with the same times help get it through the turns.  Further helping the 2013 GT500 to corner as hard as it launches is a revised suspension system with traction and stability control, while a massive Brembo brake package helps get the high performance pony car stopped.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 comes with two high performance packages – the SVT Performance Package and the Track Package upgrade.  The Performance package returns from last year with Bilstein electronically controlled shocks with multiple modes for optimal ride quality and handling.  For those who want a little punch, the 2013 GT500 can add on the Track package, which adds an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler, and transmission cooler – all of which allow the car to stand up to the abuse of lengthy track days.