2013 GT500 Rumors
3/15/11, 04:22 PM
#1
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3/15/11, 04:36 PM
#2
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Only a month after the unveiling of the 550-plus-hp 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, word is leaking out that Ford will substantially advance the muscle-car wars with a 2013 Shelby GT500 making a pants-bursting 600-plus horsepower.
Our well-informed sources say the stratospheric output figure, which could be as high as 620 horses, is the result of boring out the current 5.4-liter V-8 to 5.8 liters and swapping the existing Eaton M112 supercharger for the same firm’s more-efficient and quieter TVS unit. This supercharger, with its four-lobe rotors, is the blower of choice for the Audi S4, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and, interestingly, the Camaro ZL1.
The 5.4-liter in the current GT500 makes an already pretty absurd 550 hp. The car rips to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.4. Based solely on the horsepower increase, we estimate that the 2013 model will drop almost half a second through the quarter, for a 12.0-second run. As it is already traction limited, we don’t see the 0-to-60 number changing much. We do, however, anticipate that it’ll be a straight-up ***** to launch consistently, at least without the addition of a launch-control system. If it isn’t limited to 155 mph, as the current car is, the 2013 GT500 should be capable of topping 190 mph.
Like all 2013 Mustangs, the GT500 will sport a body altered with the goal of looking somewhat less retro and more modern and edgy, according to sources. And, yes, we do take “modern” to imply the addition of LEDs to the head- and taillight assemblies. You won’t see any of the new bodywork in the spy photos here. This powertrain mule caught today in Dearborn wears familiar bodywork (and 2011 Mustang GT headlights) but rides very low over a set of current GT500 Performance package wheels. What won’t change is the basic rear-suspension design. That’s right: This most insanely powerful of Mustangs will keep its live axle. It’ll just be a little, er, livelier.
The new model is, of course, still a long way off. Hell, the 2012 ZL1 that it’s intended to battle won’t go on sale for another 11 or so months. Expect the 2013 GT500 about 10 months after that, leaving you plenty of time to save your dollars. You’re going to need about 60,000 of them to buy one.
Our well-informed sources say the stratospheric output figure, which could be as high as 620 horses, is the result of boring out the current 5.4-liter V-8 to 5.8 liters and swapping the existing Eaton M112 supercharger for the same firm’s more-efficient and quieter TVS unit. This supercharger, with its four-lobe rotors, is the blower of choice for the Audi S4, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and, interestingly, the Camaro ZL1.
The 5.4-liter in the current GT500 makes an already pretty absurd 550 hp. The car rips to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.4. Based solely on the horsepower increase, we estimate that the 2013 model will drop almost half a second through the quarter, for a 12.0-second run. As it is already traction limited, we don’t see the 0-to-60 number changing much. We do, however, anticipate that it’ll be a straight-up ***** to launch consistently, at least without the addition of a launch-control system. If it isn’t limited to 155 mph, as the current car is, the 2013 GT500 should be capable of topping 190 mph.
Like all 2013 Mustangs, the GT500 will sport a body altered with the goal of looking somewhat less retro and more modern and edgy, according to sources. And, yes, we do take “modern” to imply the addition of LEDs to the head- and taillight assemblies. You won’t see any of the new bodywork in the spy photos here. This powertrain mule caught today in Dearborn wears familiar bodywork (and 2011 Mustang GT headlights) but rides very low over a set of current GT500 Performance package wheels. What won’t change is the basic rear-suspension design. That’s right: This most insanely powerful of Mustangs will keep its live axle. It’ll just be a little, er, livelier.
The new model is, of course, still a long way off. Hell, the 2012 ZL1 that it’s intended to battle won’t go on sale for another 11 or so months. Expect the 2013 GT500 about 10 months after that, leaving you plenty of time to save your dollars. You’re going to need about 60,000 of them to buy one.
3/15/11, 04:38 PM
#3
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Hmm...I was under the impression that the 'old' modulars (4.6L, 5.4L, etc) were on their way out. Adding the TVS blower would probably net 600+ hp, but it would probably put the car back in gas guzzler tax territory. Ti-VCT and/or DI would help, but the 5.4L 4V S/C is such a low volume engine that I can't see it being worth the engineering expense to add them. Also, doesn't the current car already use LED tail lights?
Last edited by Captain Spadaro; 3/15/11 at 04:40 PM.
3/15/11, 04:40 PM
#4
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Hmm...I was under the impression that the 'old' modulars (4.6L, 5.4L, etc) were on their way out. Adding the TVS blower would probably net 600+ hp, but it would probably put the car back in gas guzzler tax territory. Ti-VCT and/or DI would help, but the 5.4L 4V S/C is such a low volume engine that I can't see it being worth the engineering expense to add them.
3/15/11, 04:51 PM
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3/15/11, 04:56 PM
#7
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I have no idea how long the deal Ford has to use the GT500 name runs. As for the engine, I can't see the 5.4L sticking around much longer, certainly not for the next generation car.
3/15/11, 05:03 PM
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3/15/11, 05:11 PM
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3/15/11, 05:31 PM
#12
This is one heck of a pissing contest going on between the pony cars. I just wish Dodge would add their stream into the mix. Come on Viper powered Challenger!! 
3/16/11, 04:00 AM
#13
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Hopefully a set of 11" wide rear wheels are in the mix for this as well. If they're going to throw gobs of power at it, they need to focus on getting it on the ground.
3/16/11, 04:26 AM
#14
GTR Member
To all those that poo-pooed the idea of changes for the 2013 MY 
They can badge this Shelby, GT500 or SVT.....I don't care. It's gonna be a beast! I agree about the need to be able to put all that power down though, otherwise it's a bit of a waste.
That test mule has got a killer stance though
Oh, and a bit of nip n tuck on the bodywork/lights? Looking forward to that
They can badge this Shelby, GT500 or SVT.....I don't care. It's gonna be a beast! I agree about the need to be able to put all that power down though, otherwise it's a bit of a waste.
That test mule has got a killer stance though
Oh, and a bit of nip n tuck on the bodywork/lights? Looking forward to that
3/16/11, 06:12 AM
#16
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Who knows, that engine may go into other products (anyone want to see a 600+ hp Raptor?
)
3/16/11, 09:51 AM
#17
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Unlikely. With the end of the S197 platform drawing near, the development of the IRS for a short run would be a waste of money IMO. This rumored engine may live on in the new platform, whatever that may be, and might be more justifiable down the road.
Who knows, that engine may go into other products (anyone want to see a 600+ hp Raptor?)
Who knows, that engine may go into other products (anyone want to see a 600+ hp Raptor?
)
3/16/11, 09:56 AM
#18
Shelby GT350 Member
Ford Engineer 1: "Our GT500 owners are having a hard time gettiing their cars to hook up with all that 550 Hp in the cars. Thus they just aren't getting the off the line speed they are looking for in the car. What do we need to do to fix this?"
Ford Engineer 2: "MOAR POWER!!"
Ford Engineer 1: "Were you even listening?"
Ford Engineer 2: "MOAR POWER!!!"
Ok, so we've passed the threshold of useful power at this point. There has to be something in line to help out the car to hook up. Though this will just be gobs of bad *** Chuck Norris power.
I figure as long as the 2010+ body style stays around, the GT500 will be around. It started with the 2005 because...duhh...it looked like the original Mustang body style, the 2010+ is a play on that. So I don't think I'll make any judgments as to how long the GT500 moniker will stick around until I see the 2015. The we'll see if it rolls over to SVT Cobra. Maybe, still not even sure.
I think most assumed the 5.4L block would be around for a little while. Don't know what they have up their sleeves for the new possible engine so we'll see that too. Should be interesting.
Ford Engineer 2: "MOAR POWER!!"
Ford Engineer 1: "Were you even listening?"
Ford Engineer 2: "MOAR POWER!!!"
Ok, so we've passed the threshold of useful power at this point. There has to be something in line to help out the car to hook up. Though this will just be gobs of bad *** Chuck Norris power.
I figure as long as the 2010+ body style stays around, the GT500 will be around. It started with the 2005 because...duhh...it looked like the original Mustang body style, the 2010+ is a play on that. So I don't think I'll make any judgments as to how long the GT500 moniker will stick around until I see the 2015. The we'll see if it rolls over to SVT Cobra. Maybe, still not even sure.
I think most assumed the 5.4L block would be around for a little while. Don't know what they have up their sleeves for the new possible engine so we'll see that too. Should be interesting.
3/16/11, 12:02 PM
#20
I Have No Life
The good news is the car is getting more power...
the bad news is some sacrifices had to be made, and they went with cheaper/smaller tires.
It now comes with 205s...
hahah
See my sig :P
the bad news is some sacrifices had to be made, and they went with cheaper/smaller tires.
It now comes with 205s...
hahah
See my sig :P