• Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    2013 Ford Shelby GT500
    First Look at overall Apearance and Performance Changes

    There were a few subtle cosmetic changes made to the 2013 over the 2012 and a few aerodynamic as well. Even some that look cosmetic but are there to translate into better engine and transmission cooling.


    OVERALL LOOK

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_03-1.jpg http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_05-1.jpg
    Birds Eye view

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_38-1.jpg
    FRONT

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_04-1.jpg

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_06-1.jpg

    REAR

    The most noticeable appearance changes were done to the rear deck tail lights and fascia giving it a more muscular look including the “dual” tail pipe tips on each side.
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_18-1.jpg
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_19-3.jpg
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_19-2-1.jpg


    INTERIOR

    As a part of the “Performance Package” you can opt for a pair of Cobra logoed “Recaro” front seats shown here http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_09-1-1.jpg
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_22-1-1.jpg
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_20-1.jpg

    Billed as "The Most Powerful Production V8 in the World Boasting 650 Horsepower, Top Speed of 200+ MPH"
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_43-1-1.jpg

    POWER


    The punched out 5.4 to 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world.
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_12-1.jpg http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_13-1.jpg

    Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including :

    (1)more efficient TVS supercharger that ups boost from 9 to 15 psi,
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_37-1.jpg

    (2) new cross-drilled block and updated the heads for better cooling

    (3)improved camshaft profiles,(Gt40)

    (4) New pistons are used with oil squirters for improved cooling

    (5) a higher-capacity oil pump

    (6) a 7000 rpm red line upped from it’s predecessor’s 6250 rpm red line
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_43-2-1.jpg

    (7) The cast-aluminum oilpan is larger now by 1.5 quarts, and replaces the stamped steel pan.

    (8) higher-flow fuel injectors,

    (9) Ford’s patented plasma transferred wire-arc coating protects the bores.. The forged crank is about the same, but better balanced with a titanium slug to support a new redline of 7000 rpm, up from 6250
    .



    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_16-1-1.jpg
    The entire cooling system has been significantly updated on the new 5.8-liter engine. It now includes a

    (1) larger cooling fan,

    (2) fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors,

    (3) a more efficient charge air cooler,(4" taller)

    (4) a higher-flow intercooler pump (7gpm up from 3gpm)

    (5)an intercooler heat exchanger with a 36 percent increase in volume.

    the larger 3-row intercooler, up from a 2-row.

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_02-1-2.jpg

    With all these improvements the 3,850-pound car also stays exempt from the gas-guzzler tax.



    DRIVELINE


    TRANSMISSION

    The TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, offers upgraded gears, bearings and housing so it can properly manage the torque in a more controlled smooth transition.
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...r-6060_650.jpg

    For the first time the Shelby GT500 will utilize a 2.66 close ratio first gear thus eliminating the dreaded “nose dive” from 1-2 shift and will get the GT500 to about 62 mph at 7000 rpm . In fact every gear besides fourth was optimized.,.

    The final drive ratio is 3.31:1 for optimized overall vehicle gearing to complement the massive torque.

    The transmission’s optional external cooler uses an integrated mechanical pump. (Track package)

    The clutch also has increased torque and rpm capacity and uses a dual-disc design
    .

    DIFFERENTIAL ***


    Torsen limited-slip differential: When customers order the optional Performance Package, they will get a Torsen limited-slip differential that helps the rear suspension deliver maximum torque and traction better and longer under track conditions
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...torsenT2-R.jpg
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z.../T2R_webpl.jpg


    T-2R Operational Info..
    Due to the preload springs, the TORSEN T-2R will stay locked with low torque inputs. This allows the vehicle to maintain drive, and thus momentum and mobility, during extreme conditions such as inside wheel spin or lift in a corner, or starting from a complete stop on split µ grade. When the ring gear torque overcomes the preload, the unit will differentiate and bias normally, behaving like a conventional Torsen T-2. This is particularly useful to drivers who compete in road racing and autocrossing, as well as drivers of unladed pickup trucks, or SUVs who have to deal with poor weather conditions, or an occasional off-road trail, or for anyone who wants the best traction possible for their street car. The current applications for the TORSEN T-2R include the Ford 8.8 inch axle
    DRIVESHAFT

    Connecting the new upgraded transmission to the Torsen T2 differential is a 11-lb.-lighter single-piece carbon shaft than the previous two piece DS . Chosen for it’s ability to deliver all that power and torque with ease and do it safely at 200mph speeds. http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...driveshaft.jpg

    STOPPING

    .Brembo braking system: A new Brembo six-piston calipers in front along with larger front (390mm) and rear rotors (350mm) help improve brake fade. New brake pads that are more aggressive also help the car achieve high deceleration inspiring more driver confidence in bringing their car under control, both on the road and the track.
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_01-2-1.jpg

    HANDLING

    The 2013 GT500 has a wopping 33 percent more downforce at 160 mph than its predecessor partly due to it’s redesigned track tested more aggressive front splitter.
    Check out the outer edge design on the new downforce- generating front splitter.

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...GT500_01-1.jpg


    To address those curves, the new GT500 gets optional *** Electronically-adjustable Bilstein shocks.
    Available as part of the optional Performance Package, SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers are 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 and pitch under braking. The new dampers adjust both compression and rebound to preset levels
    .

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...idecontrol.jpg http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...steinsport.jpg

    “We took a completely different approach with this car so drivers can choose their settings instead of a computer making the selection,” Hameedi said. “Nearly every system the driver interacts with can be tailored to his or her situation including the Bilstein electronic adjustable suspension, launch control, AdvanceTrac and steering assist levels.”



    TRACTION

    Launch control: A new launch control system lets drivers set the desired launch rpm depending on tire temperature, street surface or other conditions. Unique to SVT’s launch control is that it is integrated with both the engine control and traction control
    Handling, all AdvanceTrac settings and steering assist levels within selectable steering have been tuned to account for the updated content. The previously available unique traction control system and electronic stability control settings help drivers achieve maximum performance on both the street and the track.
    Both systems can be completely disabled in controlled track situations where maximum driver skill is utilized, or fully engaged for maximum safety during normal driving or in less-than-ideal traction conditions. Intermediate sport mode allows drivers to push their cars hard at the track without completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more aggressive driving before the traction control and electronic stability control intervene.
    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_42-2-1.jpg

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_41-1-1.jpg




    The 2013 Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of light weight forged-aluminum wheels including a unique wheel for cars with the optional packages. The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are coupled with Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all vehicle configurations. New TPM sensors that work at the 200+mph high speeds.

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_36-1-1.jpg

    PERFORMANCE PACKAGE***

    The new SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers with a choice of Normal and Sport modes

    A Torsen limited -slip differential,

    Recaro seats

    TRACK PACKAGE ***

    Enthusiasts can upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package for all-out performance. The option comes with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability. The coolers play an essential role in preventing crucial components from overheating under high-speed conditions.

    As stated above the
    transmission’s cooler uses an integrated mechanical pump, while the differential’s has an electric pump actuated by temperature.Flexible air deflectors that route air to an enlarged radiator with greater cooling capacity are also employed.


    The "grille" is almost non existent allowing air to more freely flow into the upsized radiator and coolers and is directed by the angled framing around the outside edges that work to increase airflow to the new engine
    .

    http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...500_02-1-1.jpg

    5.0 Mustang & Super Fords recorded this at the Los Angeles Auto Show
    2013 GT500 improvements walk through by Jamal Hameedi SVT Chief Engineer(go to the 1.36 min mark)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QsZdG16-V8
    This article was originally published in forum thread: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500 started by Birdman View original post