Horsepower Enough?
Shelby has been a longstanding name associated with powerful automobiles. From Carroll Shelby’s racing career in the 50-60s to the legendary cars he helped to build – AC Cobra, Shelby Daytona, Dodge Viper, GT40, GT500. With Shelby’s passing last year, his legend continues with the 2013 Shelby 1000.
Building on top of the “most powerful engine ever produced in an American vehicle,” the Shelby GT 500 5.8L V8, the Shelby 1000 adds a Shelby/Ford Racing 4.0L Supercharger and a host of other go-fast engine goodies…raising the horsepower from 662 to a whooping, you guessed it, 1000hp.
Released at the New York Auto Show, the Shelby 1000 sits atop a host of Shelby collaborations with Ford. Shelby American, Inc also offers a Shelby Focus ST, GT500 Super Snake, and other past and present Mustang modifications.
Although impressive, I can’t help but wonder what someone with 1000 hp is ever going to do other than show off at the dragstrip? Regardless, the availability of near-from-the-factory performance is comforting amidst a time of eco-regulation. If you feel 1000hp is a little overkill, there’s always the GT500 Super Snake which offers 850hp.
While most engines are decreasing in displacement and cylinder number, Ford’s Shelby GT 500 will give you a classic V8 with a very healthy 5.8L. The cast aluminum block comes with a TVS 2300 supercharger and can operate at a 7,000 redline for up to eight seconds. At only 18 combined mpg, they estimate you’ll spend $4,150 more in fuel costs over 5 years (highway patrol tickets not included)…but it seems a fair price to pay for all the fun on the road you’ll have.
-Kristin Cline
