(continued from above)
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.
Similar to the coupe, the convertible will be offered with a Performance Package
that also can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine
oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further
durability.
The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is serving as the celebratory vehicle of the 20th anniversary
of Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT).
Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible: Review (2/2)
