2013 GT500 news

by svtwin73 Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:01 am

Ford Motor Co. is introducing four new 2013 Mustangs in its bid to unseat the Chevrolet Camaro as the top-selling U.S. sports car.

The head-to-head competition will be on full display this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where General Motors Co. will unveil the new 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1 convertible.
Ford is fighting back with the new 2013 Shelby GT500 that provides 650 horsepower — 100 more than the outgoing model. The car, which has a 5.8-liter V-8 under the hood, has a top speed of more than 200 mph.

"With this 650-horsepower GT, the race is starting," said Joe Phillippi, analyst with AutoTrends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J.

The other updated Mustangs, all of which go on sale in the spring, include more power for the 5.0-liter V-8 model; it now gets 420 horsepower. The 444-horsepower Boss 302 has new reflective striping. A freshened GT has features designed for the track.

"Our passion for performance is alive and well even as we make more green vehicles," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. president of The Americas.

The full lineup, to be built at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, has a new exterior design with a more prominent grille, hood, LED lighting and new wheels.
The 2013 Mustang lineup recognizes that many owners seek track time.

Enthusiasts will appreciate the car's new track apps that allow the driver to time their prowess on the track, recording and saving their best results. The 4.2-inch screen even has its own Christmas tree to mimic lights at a track that count down to the start.

The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that gives the driver the option of manual control is now standard.

And a new package enhances the Recaro seat package with headrests that have room for helmets.

"We've got a lot in the pipeline and we're going to keep it coming," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.

As for Mustang vs. Camaro: "The changes will strengthen our hand and we'll let the customers decide," Fields said.