Autoblog

Chevy Camaro ZL1 lines up against Ford Shelby GT500 on the dyno

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford

Inside Line took the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, together, on a field trip: to Westminster, California where where they were both tested on the same dyno at MD Automotive, run the by same operator on the same day. In case any memories need refreshing, the specs run thusly: the ZL1 has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 belting out 580 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 556 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm, for a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 184 miles per hour. The Shelby GT500 rocks up with a supercharged 5.8-liter boasting 662 hp and 631 lb-ft, for a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Both get the power down via six-speed manual transmissions.

All things being equal, the dyno returns should have them split by something like 82 hp and 75 lb-ft. But good luck with equality, at least on this day: the Camaro charted 497 hp and 497 lb-ft, a the kind of 15 percent drop you might expect due to driveline losses, and just 11 percent of its torque sapped.

The GT500 would have none of it, charting 595 hp and 603 lb-ft. That leaves an on-the-road gap of 98-hp to the ZL1, and even though it loses more torque percentage-wise, it still comes out at an absolutely insane 603 lb-ft.

This latest info gives a new round of ammo to the armchair testers until the comparos start rolling in. But as numerous folks have commented on the dyno tests, what's really important is this: this is a great time to be a car enthusiast in America. Scroll down to check out the video.

Continue reading Chevy Camaro ZL1 lines up against Ford Shelby GT500 on the dyno

Chevy Camaro ZL1 lines up against Ford Shelby GT500 on the dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Ford's Shelby GT500 gun for 200 MPH on Italy's Nardo Ring

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ford

There's a reason the speedometer on the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 reaches all the way to 220 mph. By all accounts, Ford poured a substantial amount of development resources into the supercharged creation by running it through the ringer at some of the world's most hallowed courses. Those include the infamous Nürburgring and Italy's massive Nardo Ring. The automaker has finally released a video detailing some of that work, specifically on the Shelby GT500's high-speed dynamics. In order for a production vehicle to safely operate at 200 mph, the machine needs to not only be able to achieve the speed, but also to maintain the velocity safely.

It also needs to be able to stop at a moment's notice. As such, engineers ran the 642 horsepower sportscar up to V-max and proceeded to induce a full ABS stop. That must have been an interesting moment behind the wheel. Check out the video for yourself by scrolling below.

Continue reading Watch Ford's Shelby GT500 gun for 200 MPH on Italy's Nardo Ring

Watch Ford's Shelby GT500 gun for 200 MPH on Italy's Nardo Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #283

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Performance, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Kia, Toyota, Diesel

Ford Shelby GT500, Chevrolet SS, Kia diesels

Episode #283 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan and Zach chat about the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, the Chevrolet SS, and Kia exploring diesels for the U.S. market. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #283:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2012 Audi A6
2012 Honda Fit

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:08:54

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #283

Autoblog Podcast #283 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is your toupee's worst nightmare

Michael Harley — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Ford

Slather on an extra glob of Gorilla Glue adhesive, as the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible is going to seriously strain hairpieces. Like its GT500 Coupe sibling, introduced late last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the drop-top is fitted with a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 making an astounding 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, which makes it the most powerful eight-cylinder production engine in the universe.

Ford says the new model, equipped with the optional Performance Package that includes Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers, is capable of running Sebring International Raceway about 3.5 seconds quicker per lap compared to the 2011 and 2012 models (both down 100 horsepower against the 2013 model). Curb weight should be a couple hundred pounds heavier than its closed-roof cousin courtesy of additional bracing on the power-operated convertible soft top.

The Shelby GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, will blast into showrooms this summer. Our best guess for pricing says the 2013 model will start just under $65,000.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is your toupee's worst nightmare

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is your toupee's worst nightmare originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaro ZL1 Chief Engineer says "You're Welcome" to Ford Mustang fans

Zach Bowman — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ford

"For Mustang fans, you're welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us."

The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has apparently rustled some snakes within General Motors. Al Oppenheiser, Chief Engineer behind the mighty Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has officially made a statement about the newest member of the Mustang family, saying that the GM wonderchild has encouraged Ford to come at Chevrolet with both barrels blazing. Oppenheiser says that the Mustang has been playing catch-up with the Camaro since the fifth-generation debuted in 2009, and that the GT500 is no different. The GM engineer points out that that the Camaro ZL1 will be track-ready right out of the box while its Blue Oval rival will require additional performance packages to stand up to a road course.

"The days of 'no replacement for displacement' are over, and it's not enough to be fast in a straight line," Oppenheiser writes. We couldn't agree with that sentiment more, but we suspect it will still be hard to argue with the significantly lighter Mustang and its new 650 horsepower supercharged V8. As you may recall, the last-generation GT500 wasn't exactly slow around Virginia International Raceway. In the end, the only way this throwdown will be settled is on a racetrack. Hit the jump to read Oppenheiser's full statement as seen on Camaro5.

Continue reading Camaro ZL1 Chief Engineer says "You're Welcome" to Ford Mustang fans

Camaro ZL1 Chief Engineer says "You're Welcome" to Ford Mustang fans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Shelby GT500 looks angry, wants out

Zach Bowman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

We've got to admire the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The vehicle could very possibly be the least-aerodynamic sports car on the face off the planet that's capable of knocking off 200 mph. How does it do it? Lots and lots of power. Ford completely reworked the vehicle's drivetrain for 2013, starting with the engine. The larger 5.8-liter aluminum V8 now spits out a full 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque courtesy of a larger supercharger. Ford calls the 2013 Shelby GT500 the most powerful production V8... in the world. The muscle-bound Mustang looks plenty impatient lounging on the show floor of the 2011 LA Auto Show.

Buyers looking for even more performance may opt for the GT500 Performance Pack, which throws in electronically-adjustable Bilstein dampers and a Torsen limited slip rear differential. Still not enough to satiate the go-fast itch? Good thing the 2013 GT500 is also available with a Track Package that bolts on an external engine oil cooler, transmission cooler and rear-differential cooler.

Even better, the 2013 Shelby GT500 weighs 270 pounds less than its chief rival, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and manages to dodge the gas guzzler tax. We're in love.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 looks angry, wants out

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 looks angry, wants out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2013 Shelby GT500 to boast over 600 horsepower

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Ford, Rumormill

The golden age of horsepower ended a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, right? Well, no. In reality, it seems that every new model year brings more and more ponies from the likes of the reborn Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger along with the stalwart Ford Mustang.

According to the internet rumormill, that pattern isn't going to change any time soon. Car and Driver reports that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will boast as much as 620 horsepower. Naturally, the powerplant providing all those ponies will be a supercharged V8, in this case bored out to displace 5.8 liters instead of the 5.4 we've been seeing for the last several years.

Car and Driver's math tells us, assuming the power and weight estimates are in the ballpark, to expect a scorching 12.0-second quarter mile time from the 2013 GT500, a top speed that could be as high as 190 miles per hour and a sticker price of roughly $60,000.

For what it's worth, Chevrolet is estimating that the supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine that will power its Camaro ZL1 - the top run (so far) of Chevy's muscle car lineup - will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, that's all subject to change...

[Source: Car and Driver]

Rumormill: 2013 Shelby GT500 to boast over 600 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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