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    Techie Bird Birdman's Avatar
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    Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    2013 Ford Shelby GT500
    Appearance

    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.

    http://media.ford.com/images/10031/112311_cut3.mp3Jamal Hameedi (sound bite)
    “There are thousands and thousands of loyal customers out there right now and really what we wanted to do was bring them back to the showroom and give them a very compelling reason to upgrade to the latest and greatest Shelby.” :15 sec.

    OVERALL LOOK




    Birds eye view


    FRONT






    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.







    INTERIOR

    As a part of the “Performance Package” you can opt for a pair of Cobra logoed “Recaro” front seats shown here


    Billed as "The Most Powerful Production V8 in the World Boasting 650 Horsepower, Top Speed of 200+ MPH"


    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://media.ford.com/images/10031/112311_cut1.mp3
    Jamal Hameedi (sound bite)
    It absolutely is the most powerful and it really is just the ultimate Mustang that you can buy off the showroom floor with a full factory warranty nothing that we’ve ever done has approached the performance levels in the Mustang line-up… of this car.” :15 sec.




    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,

    (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

    (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
    .





    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 the 3gpm previous pump

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

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



    http://media.ford.com/images/10031/112311_cut5.mp3 Jamal Hameedi (sound bite)

    “So what we did, the gearing that we implemented on this car helps a lot, we increased the compression ratio, that helps fuel economy quite a bit and we worked a lot on the engine calibration to absolutely minimize the fuel consumption.” :14 sec.

    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.


    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 axel's are also upgraded to handle more torque as well as a new pinion bearing.

    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




    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.

    STOPPING

    .Brembo braking system: A new Brembo six-piston calipers in front along with larger front rotor (380mm) and larger rear rotors (350mm) help improve brake fade and a new Master Cylinder. Also 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. .




    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 3 piece front splitter.
    Check out the outer edge design on the new downforce- generating front splitter
    .




    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 Torsen limited-slip differential also comes with the Performance Package The new dampers adjust both compression and rebound to preset levels
    .



    “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.







    The 2013 Shelby GT500 offers two new sets of lightweight 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. The tire pressure sensors are also new capable of working at 200mph+ speeds
    .




    http://media.ford.com/images/10031/112311_cut4.mp3Jamal Hameedi (sound bite)

    ”What we’ve done for the 13 cars we’ve made all of the content of the prior-performance package standard, so you get the, the forge wheels tires, the Gen-2, supercars F-1 Good years standard and suspension tuning of the performance package, that comes standard.

    And then what we did was to take another step forward is we created a new performance package for 13, which incorporates Bilstein electric dampers and a Torsen Rear limited slip differential.” :32 sec




    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
    .




    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)



    Photos courtesy of FMCO, Torsen, Bilstein
    Last edited by Birdman; 11-25-2011 at 08:01 PM.

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    Club Member Carnut's Avatar
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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    I read on that they are going back to a dual disc clutch.

    I wonder what is different than the previous dual disc clutch that they ditched in 2010, any ideas?

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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    I love all the improvments in the GT500. I am really looking forward to the reviews of this car and the pricing for all the options.

    If there is any chance of me getting one, I want the track pack for sure!
    2008 Red Super Snake
    CSM # 08SS0067
    TVS, 2.65 VMP upper pulley, L&M TB & Plenum, 80 lb FRPP Injectors, Cobra Jet MAF, DynoTech 3.5 DS, Revan Racing Radiator and Heat Exchanger, KR Mufflers, Custom Stereo
    A.E.D. Tuned on 91 pump gas
    682 RWHP, 652 TQ

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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    Quote Originally Posted by Joker View Post
    I love all the improvments in the GT500. I am really looking forward to the reviews of this car and the pricing for all the options.

    If there is any chance of me getting one, I want the track pack for sure!
    I would expect the cost for a 2013GT500 with all the options will be around $60,000 but that is speculation on my part based on what the competition is asking for their top dog which I believe is in the mid 50's.

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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    Wow, that's a long way from what I paid for my 07.

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    Birthday Boy Gr8snkbite's Avatar
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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    Wow.....one piece CF DS.....
    Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently....

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    HSURB-N-ATOR HSURB's Avatar
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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    I really like the no grill look. Awesome factory racer.

    I need one for the driveway.

    HSURB®

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    Techie Bird Birdman's Avatar
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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    Quote Originally Posted by Carnut View Post
    Wow, that's a long way from what I paid for my 07.
    True but so is the rest of the car itself a "long way" from the 07's....IMO it's well worth it especially considering it's a world class car now with unmatched HP and 200+ mph top speed capability and handling putting it in rare company, most of which are in tripple digit $$$$.

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    Techie Bird Birdman's Avatar
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    Re: Birdman's Review of the 2013 GT500

    Quote Originally Posted by Carnut View Post
    I read on that they are going back to a dual disc clutch.

    I wonder what is different than the previous dual disc clutch that they ditched in 2010, any ideas?
    They increased the diameter slightly and are using a different material. Pedal pressure is a bit higher as well my guess is they went to the dual disc to help keep pedal pressure to a minimum.

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