2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Test Drive

On-Sale Date: Now

Price: $54,200; $65,000 for a loaded convertible

Competitors: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Nissan GT-R, Porsche Cayman R

Powertrain: 5.8-liter supercharged V-8, 662 hp, 631 lb-ft; six-speed manual, RWD

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 15/24

What?s New: All new Mustangs are getting an exterior freshening up for 2013, but the GT500 is also getting a bored-out 5.8-liter supercharged V-8. That, plus a lot of aerodynamic tweaking, sends the car to a 202 mph top speed, according to Ford.

Tech Tidbit: The GT500 is loaded with go-fast tricks and tweaks unexpected on a car at this price, such as a carbon-fiber driveshaft and optional oil, differential, and transmission coolers.

Driving Character: This 662-hp powerhouse is stunningly competent and forgiving on the racetrack, the biggest surprise is what a livable day-to-day driver it is.

The heavy-duty Tremec six-speed manual shifts well. Clutch effort is light. And while the GT500 would be happier blasting down twisty back roads or ripping down the dragstrip than sitting in traffic, it?s more than prepared for the in-city daily commute. The 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 radials are quiet and versatile; Brembo brakes are excellent and fade-resistant. Inside, the leather Recaro buckets add class to an otherwise plain-Jane interior.

Favorite Detail: There are so many to choose from, so let?s pick this clever one: At the product briefing, engineers demonstrated small plastic flaps on the sides of the radiator that automatically open when more air flow-through is needed. Even Ford public relations reps said they weren?t aware of them until that moment.

Driver?s Grievance: There?s nowhere to hide in such a majestic machine. When downtown Atlanta traffic ground to a halt, two women in a Pontiac Grand Prix ahead of us stuck their camera phones out the sunroof to shoot the Shelby. Immediately behind us, a kid in a Honda Civic was taking a picture over the steering wheel with his camera phone.

Bottom Line: It isn?t that tough to build a 200 mph car anymore, but frankly, doing it at this price and still including all the safety features, creature comforts, styling cues, and a full factory warranty?so far, it?s the automotive achievement of the year. With a base price of $54,200, including shipping and everything you really need, the GT500 is downright remarkable, especially when a Mustang GT can easily top $40,000. Of course, good luck finding a Ford dealer who will sell you one at list price.

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