Photo : D.R. - Ford Motor Company

The Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs from November 16 to 27, saw the launch of the 2013 vintage of an American sports icon: the Mustang Shelby GT 500.

The new Shelby GT 500 climbs to new heights: its new 5.8-litre aluminium V8 develops 650 hp, making it the most powerful Mustang ever made. This engine is equipped with a new type supercharger, the TVS 2300, with a volume of 2.3 litres and also benefits from a new drive shaft made ​​of carbon fibre. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox, and a strengthened dual disc clutch. The Mustang Shelby GT 500 has a control system for a standing start, which allows the driver to choose the optimal engine speed according to temperature and tyre grip. It reaches a maximum top speed of over 320 km/h, and a lot of work has been done on the body to maximize downforce at high speeds.

It is Carroll Shelby, who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, to whom we owe the birth of the first Shelby GT 500 in 1967, the most powerful Mustang of the time with a 7 litre V8 engine. Major changes were made ​​to the bodywork, giving it a very sporty and aggressive character. The new 2013 version is the heir to that heritage.

The advertisement below shows Carroll Shelby driving his creation in 1968.

Jean-Philippe Doret
(Source: Ford press information)

Photo : New Mustang Shelby GT 500 with the most powerful production V8 in the world.