Ford has unveiled the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible at the Chicago Auto Show.
Like the coupe version, the Shelby GT500 Convertible is powered by a supercharged 5.8L V8 that packs 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world. The V8 is mated to a standard six-speed manual. According to Ford, the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is faster around a track than the outgoing model. The new convertible shaved nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning helped make it quicker around the track.
“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”
The unveiling of the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible also marks the 20th anniversary of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT). The official launch of SVT came during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles.
