Getting behind the scenes of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 was an experience that’s hard to keep quiet about. After spending time with the development team at the Nürburgring—and even riding along as ballast during testing—it became clear that this car is far more than just an incremental upgrade.
At the heart of the new GT500 is a significantly reworked V8 engine. Displacement has grown to 5.8 liters, and the engine now revs up to 7,000 rpm. Rather than switching to turbocharging or an independent rear suspension, Ford engineers focused on refining and strengthening what already worked. The existing platform, originally designed for much lower power outputs, has proven robust enough to handle nearly double the horsepower.
The upgraded engine features a larger Eaton TVS supercharger paired with an improved intercooler, along with reinforced internal components such as new pistons, upgraded bearings, and enhanced cooling systems. The result is a development output of around 650 horsepower, with clear potential for even more in its final form.
To handle the increased power, the GT500 receives a stronger drivetrain, including a revised twin-disc clutch and a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission with optimized gearing. A lightweight one-piece carbon-fiber driveshaft replaces the previous two-piece unit, improving both strength and efficiency. The differential has also been upgraded to a torque-sensing helical unit for better traction and control.
Cooling and durability were major priorities during development. The car features multiple cooling systems for the engine, transmission, and differential, along with improved airflow management through a redesigned front end. Larger brakes and enhanced components ensure the GT500 can handle both track and street use under extreme conditions.
Suspension upgrades play a key role in transforming the driving experience. The GT500 now features electronically adjustable Bilstein dampers with two distinct modes—one for everyday driving and another for aggressive track performance. The difference between the two is dramatic, offering both comfort and razor-sharp handling when needed.
Testing at the Nürburgring highlighted just how capable the new setup is. Compared to the previous model, the 2013 GT500 feels significantly more precise, with reduced body roll and improved stability. Combined with performance tires and a refined chassis setup, it delivers a far more controlled and confident driving experience.
Additional features like launch control are also in development, aimed at improving consistency during hard acceleration. While it may not rely heavily on complex electronics, the GT500 focuses on delivering raw, usable performance.
In the end, the 2013 Shelby GT500 represents a carefully engineered evolution—one that prioritizes strength, balance, and real-world performance over unnecessary complexity. It’s a machine built not just to compete, but to dominate.
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