Considering the tame and asthmatic rubbish Ford put the 'Mustang' badge on through the majority of the '70s and '80s, it was once hard to imagine this day would come. The first 200mph Mustang has been unveiled in the shape of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, featuring the most powerful production V8 engine in the world.
The 650bhp hunk of muscle - some 100bhp more powerful than the previous generation GT500 - was unveiled to an enthusiast crowd in downtown Los Angeles at a private event prior to the LA Auto Show last week, with an 88-year old Carroll Shelby pulling off the cover and proclaiming it his favourite Mustang thus far.
Due to go on sale next year, the Shelby GT500 was the headline act of the 2013 Mustang range introduced in its entirety in Los Angeles. The other models on offer - base V6 Mustang; V8 Mustang GT and V8 Mustang Boss 302 - all feature minor design revisions and more technology over the 2012 cars, but were understandably overshadowed by the Cobra-badged high-performance edition.
The entry-level V6 Mustang makes a strong case for performance with reasonable economy, boasting over 300bhp while returning 36mpg. It and the 420bhp GT model - with a 5.0-litre V8 - both feature a more prominent grille, new LED lights and new wheel choices for 2013, while an optional GT Track Package will tempt track enthusiasts. It includes a Brembo brake package with 14-inch vented front discs, engine cooler, upgraded radiator, Torsen differential and unique 19-inch wheels.
A further jump in performance is available with the 2013 Mustang Boss 302, and Pony Car tragics will appreciate the heritage touches that pay homage to the iconic Boss 302 from 1970. With its traditional hockey stick stripes starting along the top of the bonnet and optional School Bus Yellow paint, it has the old-school muscle style to match the 444bhp and 380lb.ft available from its 5.0-litre V8. A limited run of 750 Laguna Seca Boss 302s will also be produced, featuring a racier chassis setup and deleted rear seats.
The 2013 Shelby GT500 can't help but steal thunder from the rest of the range however, with the aluminium-block 5.8-litre V8 pushing the Mustang into supercar territory with 200mph potential, 650bhp and 600lb.ft of torque. It has an uprated powertrain to cope too, including an all-new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, carbon fibre driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Throw in a Torsen limited slip differential, launch control and six-piston calliper Brembo brake kit and the aerodynamically enhanced Shelby is eminently track ready.
Traditional Mustang enthusiasts have much cause to celebrate this ultimate interpretation, not least because the Shelby GT500 trumps its recently-revealed 580bhp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 rival.
The V6 and V8 GT 2013 Mustangs will be on the road in the US in early 2012, with the Boss 302 and mad dog GT500 following soon afterwards. As for UK enthusiasts, Ford has made no mention of any Mustang models being available officially here, so it will be, as ever, down to the hardcore few to bring in grey imports.
Iain Curry - 21 Nov 2011
