Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, better known as SVT, first made its mark at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the debut of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and the SVT F-150 Lightning. Two decades later, Ford returned to Chicago to celebrate SVT’s 20th anniversary by unveiling the powerful new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.
Sharing its engineering with the hardtop GT500 coupe, the convertible version is powered by a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine producing an astonishing 650 horsepower. The massive output places the GT500 Convertible among the most powerful production muscle cars of its era while delivering the open-air driving experience Mustang fans crave.
Ford also focused heavily on performance upgrades for the new model. Equipped with the optional Performance Package, the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible laps Sebring International Raceway nearly 3.5 seconds faster than the previous-generation model, showcasing significant gains in both power and chassis capability.
The improved performance comes from a combination of the upgraded supercharged V8, revised suspension tuning, advanced Bilstein electronically adjustable dampers, and enhanced Brembo braking hardware. Drivers can switch between Normal and Sport suspension settings, allowing the GT500 Convertible to balance everyday comfort with track-focused precision.
Ford also offered an available Track Package, adding extra cooling systems for the engine, transmission, and differential to improve durability during aggressive driving sessions.
The 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible not only celebrates SVT’s rich performance heritage but also demonstrates how far Ford’s engineering has evolved over the past 20 years, blending raw power, modern technology, and everyday usability into one seriously capable muscle car.
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