Highlights

Top
Bottom
By Mark Kleis
Wednesday, Feb 8th, 2012 @ 4:20 pm

Marking the 20th anniversary of Ford ’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) division, which first debuted the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning in Chicago in 1992, Ford has now revealed the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible.

The Shelby GT500 Convertible will share the same, all-new 5.8-liter all-aluminum supercharged V8 that produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque in the coupe version of the muscle car, with the only “power” difference arriving in a lower electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, rather than the head-removing 200 mph plus figure obtained by the coupe counterpart.

“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.â€

To commemorate the 20-year anniversary of SVT’s debut, Ford will equip all GT500 Convertible models with special illuminated SVT-emblem door sills not found on the coupe model. Aside from that, expect a car that as much a performer as a convertible variant of a coupe can be. Ford says the 2013 Shelby GT500 with the optional Performance Package will best the 2012 model around any track, shaving 3.5 seconds off the lap times at Sebring International Raceway.

The convertible features SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (with the Performance Package) and the all-new chassis tuning. As a result, drivers can push a button on the dash to switch between “Normal” and “Sport” modes. “Normal” provides the most comfortable ride and is suited for driving on public roads commonly filled with irregularities such as potholes. Push the button again for “Sport” mode and the suspension tightens, forgoing comfort for grip with less body roll and reduced pitch during braking.

Also equipped are new Brembo brakes which Ford says were instrumental in boosting performance of the convertible model, boasting six pistons and larger front and rear rotors.

Should the Performance Package not be enough for the most discerning and aggressive drivers, that package can further be upgraded to the Track Package which adds an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

Be sure to check back later Wednesday for a live image update of the all-new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible straight from the Chicago auto show floor.

Live photos by Chris Doane.

Related Articles

left
right
0 Comment
  

LeftLane

Login

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Left lane News.
    All rights reserved.