2013 GT500 Review
I am not a writer, by any means, I just tried to put my thoughts all in once place. If at the end of reading, you have questions, please feel free to ask*
After months of anticipation- I picked up my 2013 Shelby GT500 on Thursday from Rick Ford in Hemlock Michigan.
Before *I get into my review of the car, I figure I will give some background on the car and myself
Its a Deep Impact Blue, no stripe coupe
Electronics Pack
Recaro seats
This is my 6th Cobra, and 7th Mustang. I replaced my 2008 Shelby GT500 (546whp) with this one
I've driven Ferrari F430s, Porsche Turbos, Audi R8s, Ford GT's and many other exotic/sports cars. It takes quite a bit to impress me at this point.
That being said- I ordered my 2013 GT500 at 9:30am on 3/7- with a "guess delivery date" of some time in July.
I've been in the "car business" since I was a kid- and I am now a consultant in the industry- but NOT in a car dealer.
Once This car came out, I took to SVTP with my knowledge of the Industry, and tried to provide as many timely updates to the SVTP faithful as I could.*
I found out in Early April that my car was scheduled to be built the 1st week in May. WoW! I was not prepared, still had to sell my 08- and wanted to tuck a little more money away. Sold my 08, in 4 days- for asking price- had a great month at work, and was able to comfortably purchase the car.
Fast forward a month- "Chris your car has been put on a truck for delivery"*
My car was delivered on 5/19 to Rick Ford. I got on a flight this past wednesday, and drove it back- all 784 miles Thursday.
Being that there arent many of these cars around yet, I wanted to give those of you still waiting for this car, or possibly thinking about ordering, some driving impressions after spending over 1300 miles in the car the last few days
I'm going to cover the following facets of the car; Comfort, Technology, Speed, Power, looks, and Ergonomics
Comfort
I almost ordered a no-option car- as I really didnt care much myself. But one of my friends said "if you have a Recaro option you just order them, trust me" So I did. My 08 had the stock seats and after 3 hours of driving, my lower back would start to cramp up. It took hour 9 of my drive back from michigan for my back to start acting up- and I think it was more of just being in that position for so long- not the seats. Also- The alcantara steering wheel felt supple in my hands
Tech
Wow- this car has all of it. The my ford touch/sync/ nav whatever it is is pretty awesome. Being able to listen to BPM, check the weather, and find out where I am going at the same time is awesome. And when I get 50miles to empty, the GPS pops up all the gas stations near me!
I don't like how I have to come to a complete stop to change the Nav destination- I have a passenger- they arent driving, why can't they change it?
The Launch and traction control works! And works well. After 3 500+ rwhp mustangs, its amazing to feel what its like to actually HOOK in 1st gear!
Speed
This thing moves- It is scary how all of a sudden you are WELL over 100mph in 3rd gear (yes i cut through canada, so i found that out while in Canada). Without even getting completely into the pedal.*The power delivery is smooth, and linear- not aggressive and neck snapping like my modded 08 GT500 was.
If you are not used to a car with this type of power, it will scare you.
Power
Lets face it- it has a TON of it. The car spins tire when you nail it in 3rd gear at 70, traction control grabs and its like warp speed. It sucks you back into the seat, and if your girlfriend is wearing a skirt--well she's definately going to be flashing the glove box!
I'll have to update this more as I have a chance to actually use all of it, whether it be on the dyno or at New England Dragway
Even with all that power, I averaged 21MPG on the trip home, and 23MPG today on a 2 hour round trip.
Looks:
"OMG is that a 2013?" from the kid in the Red Camaro SS. "Yes it is" I replied "bro- that car isnt even out yet! I almost drove into the car in front of me when I saw it"
"How old are you?" Says the kid in the Maxima "28" I reply. "Bro, how did you get your hands on a preproduction car, you must work for Ford or something!"
"Is that a test mule" (when I still had the black vinyl all over the front of it)
"why is there no grille, is it broken?"
"I got a 69 Camaro at home that would smoke this thing"
Those are the comments I have gotten when in traffic this weekend. Everyone has said wow that paint color is gorgeous, and I have to agree. The Wheels I like ALOT very happy I did spring for the SVTPP- I like these much better!*
Ergonomics
Everything is right at my finger tips- I dont have to remove my hands from the steering wheel to change the radio, or see what type of MPG I am getting
The shifter is easy to reach, and easy to shift, maybe even a bit notchy, which is what I like.*
Ford did an awesome job with this car. If you are on the fence, go order one. You will be happy you did.*
I will add pics in the next post
I am not a writer, by any means, I just tried to put my thoughts all in once place. If at the end of reading, you have questions, please feel free to ask*
After months of anticipation- I picked up my 2013 Shelby GT500 on Thursday from Rick Ford in Hemlock Michigan.
Before *I get into my review of the car, I figure I will give some background on the car and myself
Its a Deep Impact Blue, no stripe coupe
Electronics Pack
Recaro seats
This is my 6th Cobra, and 7th Mustang. I replaced my 2008 Shelby GT500 (546whp) with this one
I've driven Ferrari F430s, Porsche Turbos, Audi R8s, Ford GT's and many other exotic/sports cars. It takes quite a bit to impress me at this point.
That being said- I ordered my 2013 GT500 at 9:30am on 3/7- with a "guess delivery date" of some time in July.
I've been in the "car business" since I was a kid- and I am now a consultant in the industry- but NOT in a car dealer.
Once This car came out, I took to SVTP with my knowledge of the Industry, and tried to provide as many timely updates to the SVTP faithful as I could.*
I found out in Early April that my car was scheduled to be built the 1st week in May. WoW! I was not prepared, still had to sell my 08- and wanted to tuck a little more money away. Sold my 08, in 4 days- for asking price- had a great month at work, and was able to comfortably purchase the car.
Fast forward a month- "Chris your car has been put on a truck for delivery"*
My car was delivered on 5/19 to Rick Ford. I got on a flight this past wednesday, and drove it back- all 784 miles Thursday.
Being that there arent many of these cars around yet, I wanted to give those of you still waiting for this car, or possibly thinking about ordering, some driving impressions after spending over 1300 miles in the car the last few days
I'm going to cover the following facets of the car; Comfort, Technology, Speed, Power, looks, and Ergonomics
Comfort
I almost ordered a no-option car- as I really didnt care much myself. But one of my friends said "if you have a Recaro option you just order them, trust me" So I did. My 08 had the stock seats and after 3 hours of driving, my lower back would start to cramp up. It took hour 9 of my drive back from michigan for my back to start acting up- and I think it was more of just being in that position for so long- not the seats. Also- The alcantara steering wheel felt supple in my hands
Tech
Wow- this car has all of it. The my ford touch/sync/ nav whatever it is is pretty awesome. Being able to listen to BPM, check the weather, and find out where I am going at the same time is awesome. And when I get 50miles to empty, the GPS pops up all the gas stations near me!
I don't like how I have to come to a complete stop to change the Nav destination- I have a passenger- they arent driving, why can't they change it?
The Launch and traction control works! And works well. After 3 500+ rwhp mustangs, its amazing to feel what its like to actually HOOK in 1st gear!
Speed
This thing moves- It is scary how all of a sudden you are WELL over 100mph in 3rd gear (yes i cut through canada, so i found that out while in Canada). Without even getting completely into the pedal.*The power delivery is smooth, and linear- not aggressive and neck snapping like my modded 08 GT500 was.
If you are not used to a car with this type of power, it will scare you.
Power
Lets face it- it has a TON of it. The car spins tire when you nail it in 3rd gear at 70, traction control grabs and its like warp speed. It sucks you back into the seat, and if your girlfriend is wearing a skirt--well she's definately going to be flashing the glove box!
I'll have to update this more as I have a chance to actually use all of it, whether it be on the dyno or at New England Dragway
Even with all that power, I averaged 21MPG on the trip home, and 23MPG today on a 2 hour round trip.
Looks:
"OMG is that a 2013?" from the kid in the Red Camaro SS. "Yes it is" I replied "bro- that car isnt even out yet! I almost drove into the car in front of me when I saw it"
"How old are you?" Says the kid in the Maxima "28" I reply. "Bro, how did you get your hands on a preproduction car, you must work for Ford or something!"
"Is that a test mule" (when I still had the black vinyl all over the front of it)
"why is there no grille, is it broken?"
"I got a 69 Camaro at home that would smoke this thing"
Those are the comments I have gotten when in traffic this weekend. Everyone has said wow that paint color is gorgeous, and I have to agree. The Wheels I like ALOT very happy I did spring for the SVTPP- I like these much better!*
Ergonomics
Everything is right at my finger tips- I dont have to remove my hands from the steering wheel to change the radio, or see what type of MPG I am getting
The shifter is easy to reach, and easy to shift, maybe even a bit notchy, which is what I like.*
Ford did an awesome job with this car. If you are on the fence, go order one. You will be happy you did.*
I will add pics in the next post
