The most potent Mustang ever squares up to the threat of the Camaro ZL1.
Ford has unveiled the 2013 version of the Mustang, and the majority of the changes to the standard car are fairly subtle. It has some new HID headlights and LED tail lights and a re-profiled front bumper, while the 5.0 V8 engine has gained an extra 18bhp, taking it to 414bhp in total. GT versions can now be had with an optional track pack which donates the Torsen differential and Brembo brakes from the track-focussed BOSS 302 version.
The BOSS 302 itself gains the same styling changes as the lesser versions but is now available in a rather lovely yellow and black colour scheme that pays homage to the original BOSS 302 from 1970.
So nothing major, then? Just a few tweaks to keep the Mustang fresh in its perennial fight against the Chevrolet Camaro. Well, yes - except for one thing: the top of the range Shelby GT500 has gained a new engine.
The 2012 GT500 sported a 5.4 litre V8 which produced 550bhp, and that seemed sufficient until Chevrolet upped the stakes with the imminent arrival of their Camaro ZL1 and its 580bhp V8. Ford haven't taken this lying down, and felt the need to respond in kind, so the 2013 GT500 will pack an enlarged 5.8 litre supercharged V8 that produces a staggering 650bhp and 600lb of torque!
Let's just repeat that; next year you will be able to walk into a Ford dealership and buy a Mustang with 650bhp, for around $50,000. That's more power than any production Porsche, more power than the legendary McLaren F1, and nearly two hundred more horsepower than a Ferrari F40.
Top speed is said to be 202mph, which will no doubt be an exciting ride since like every other current Mustang model, the GT500 still utilises a live rear axle. Those cost savings have to come from somewhere, so there's no high-tech multilink rear end for this potent pony, although a Torsen LSD is available as an option. The omission of an LSD as standard must mean that Ford expect this car to appeal primarily to drag racers and drivers who don't plan on venturing near too many corners.
The Shelby GT500 is unveiled to the public at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS). In time for the same show, General Motors have announced that the Camaro ZL1 will cost $54,995, and GM have already claimed that the ZL1 can lap the Nürburgring in an impressive 7m41. We wait to see if any driver is brave enough to attempt a similar time in the GT500.
While the Camaro is likely to be officially imported into the UK in small numbers, Ford has no plans to bring the current Mustang over to this side of the pond. Expect to pay around £50,000 to bring one in privately. I have seen mention on the internet that the new lights on the Mustang may not be legal in the UK though, which might prove an issue if alternatives cannot be fitted. Still, it'd make one hell of a track day car...
Drive Cult's Jamie Wolfcale is attending the press day at the LAAS and will be reporting back with more info on the Mustang, Camaro and other launches.
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