Despite more of an emphasis on small cars, hybrids and electric vehicles than ever, performance is still alive and well. In fact, the pony car and horsepower wars have reached a fever pitch. Ford shocked the world at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last November when it unveiled the 2013 Shelby GT500.
It was announced as the most powerful Mustang ever, coming stock with 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Those are absolutely insane figures for a Mustang. Supercar-level power, all in a package that still has a live rear axle and aerodynamics that remain largely the same as the stock car.
Not to mention, all that power sent to the rear wheels exclusively rather than through an all-wheel drive system. Look out when these things hit the roads – you don’t have to be a driver with skill to purchase one. As far as power goes, rival General Motors has had a recent history of under-promising and over-delivering on power output figures. We’ve seen this to be the case with the GT500’s rival, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Now Ford is doing the same thing.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has tested the 2013 GT500, only to find out it actually makes more power than Ford estimated. Team Shelby reports the SAE has certified the GT500 at 662 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, up by 12 horsepower and an even more impressive 30 pound feet of torque. Te competition has its work cut out for it if they want to match these figures.
Where will it end though? This horsepower war is getting pretty insane. The insurance on these things will be through the roof. It’ll be interesting to see what Chevrolet’s next moves are with the ZL1, as well as Street Racing Technology over at Chrysler. Will they be able to resist trying to outdo Ford?
