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Hang on to your hairplugs. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has the same 650 horsepower supercharged 5.8L V8 making 600 lb-ft of torque. But unlike the 200 mph coupe, the ‘vert will only top out at 155 mph. The vert does get 6-piston Brembo brakes, a carbon fiber driveshaft, an upgraded clutch, electronically adjustable Bilstein shocks and a Motley Crue Greatest Hits CD in the Shaker audio system.
13 Comments on “2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible Good For “Only” 155 MPH: 2012 Chicago Auto Show...”
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I assume that this is from lesser tires being installed on it. Any word on that?
Perhaps due to slightly lower-spec drive line components. Or maybe just so that it doesn’t step on big brothers toes.
Don’t you need the word “convertible” somewhere in the title?
I’m sure it has to do with it being a convertible, and the top not being designed to sustain speeds that high, as well as the poor aerodynamics on a convertible. I understand that high-end makers can get a drop-top to go much faster, but they don’t share a convertible top with a $25k lower-end model like this Shelby does.
The drive-line components or tires are no different than the coupe.
Most likely its an electronic limiter, brought to you by the nice folks in Ford’s legal department. Frankly I am very surprised they even let the coupe go to 200. Maybe they were out sick that day…
I think you are right though, the convertible top most likely cannot handle it, plus the aerodynamics of the car with the top down could wreak havoc, or cause unintended flights, as well. No doubt someone will soon figure out how to remove the limiter, then we will see videos on YouTube of upside down flying GT500 verts… LOL
If they’re going to ruin the top speed they may as well just drop a 6 in it or not make the car.
Sure because the entire experience of owning a GT500 is ruined by not being able to go 200mph with the top down. Because THATS important.
Being able to drop the top once and for all by simply holding down the loud pedal long enough, would be a nice convenience.
Well what else is it good for? Its a Mustang so it handles like junk, it has boxy aerodynamics, weights a lot, and costs a lot.
Now having a Mustang that can go 200mph out of the box? Thats cool! having a Mustang thats been neutered? Not cool.
If I want a Shelby thats quick in stop light races I’ll go grab a Shelby GLH or a Daytona.
Wait, I thought the Kia Optima was going to get the Motley Crue CD as standard…
“6-piston Brembo brakes, a carbon fiber driveshaft, an upgraded clutch, electronically adjustable Bilstein shocks and a Motley Crue Greatest Hits CD in the Shaker audio system.”
That all sounds quite impressive and inviting, but you lost me at “Motley Crue…”
No deal!
Last time I had a GT500 Coupe, I opted for Neil Young, but I think ragtop buyers are more of the Posion/Whitesnake/Crue demographic.
My cousin’s friend’s brother took a convertible ‘Vette up to GPS verified 150 with the top up. Other than being pretty loud it was fine, or so he told me.