2013 Shelby 1000 unleashes its 1,200 horsepower ahead of NY show reveal

Fri, 22 Mar 2013

True story: Last fall, I had the opportunity to spend a week with Ford's new 2013 Shelby GT500 – the Blue Oval's factory Mustang with 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque. It's an amazing beast, to be sure. I'm not sure if it was Michigan's damp streets strewn with potholes and wet leaves, but at no point did I ever say to myself, "You know, Ford is on to a really good thing here, but what it really needs is about twice the power." And yet, for people in warmer climes with infrastructure in better nick – or for those whose muscle cars live their lives out on the track, there's apparently sufficient demand to warrant just such a beast.

Quick studies will recall that Shelby American launched its 1000 last year to commemorate its 50th anniversary, but it is returning to the New York Auto Show with a fresh version based on the 2013 GT500 I drove. The 2013 Shelby 1000 whips up 1,200 horsepower on pump gas thanks to beefed-up forced induction, engine internals and cooling. Wisely, it also incorporates an adjustable suspension and big brake package to make sure those ponies have the best chance being safely deployed to the ground.

What price the world's most powerful "production" muscle car? $154,995 for starters – donor GT500 not included. What, no convertible variant?

NEWS RELEASE

SHELBY AMERICAN BRINGS WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL STREET PRODUCTION MUSCLE CAR BACK TO THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

LAS VEGAS – March 22, 2013 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK), will introduce the 2013 version of the most powerful production, street legal muscle car in the world on March 28, 2013, at the New York International Auto Show. The company will have on display its 2013 Shelby 1000 S/C version with 1,200 horsepower, which is based on the Ford Shelby GT500. Beginning with Ford's new massive 5.8L V8 power plant, the 2013 Shelby 1000 puts unprecedented horsepower to the pavement, while running on pump gas.

"The 2012 Shelby 1000 was launched to great acclaim at the New York Auto Show last year to celebrate our 50th anniversary," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. "We're bringing back the Shelby 1000 to New York, but with Ford's new 2013 Shelby GT500 as the base car. With its new engine, launch control, adjustable suspension and other new enhancements, we've created a car with even more capabilities. The 2013 Shelby 1000 incorporates everything we've learned over five decades of creating high-performance vehicles."

While the stock 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 offers 662 HP, Shelby American strips the 5.8 liter engine down to the block, strengthens the internals and then cranks up the power. Combining a finely tuned adjustable suspension with a performance cooling package, big brakes and serious horsepower, the Shelby can outperform exotics costing three-to-four times more.

"The 2013 Shelby 1000 is the most powerful production muscle car on the market," said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American's test driver. "But this car cannot be defined by just its amazing power. The steering provides wonderful feedback and the car tracks beautifully, giving it an athletic feel. It attacks corners, ripping through them with minimal body roll and tremendous grip. Yet the Shelby 1000 can be so docile that you can cruise it down the streets of Manhattan."

The 2013 Shelby 1000 S/C track version runs on pump gas and is rated at 1,200 HP. The post-title package starts at $154,995, not including the base GT500. A limited production of 100 2013 Shelby 1000's will be built and each will be numbered and documented in the official Shelby Registry.

Shelby American to Unveil 2013 Shelby 1000 at NYIAS (2/2)

Shelby American will also unveil another vehicle at the New York International Auto Show. Like the Shelby Focus ST, it will not be Ford Mustang based.

Shelby American is now accepting orders for the limited edition 2013 Shelby 1000. Those interested in reserving a car should contact the Shelby American Sales team at (702) 942-7325 or visit www.shelbyamerican.com.

About Shelby American, Inc.
Shelby American manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. Shelby American offers the Shelby 1000, GT350, GT500 Super Snake, and GTS post-title packages for the current generation Ford Mustang, as well as the 2013 Shelby Focus ST. For more info, visit www.shelbyamerican.com.

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Shelby 1000 Specifications
*S/C Version
Shelby/Ford Racing 4.0L Supercharger with inlet pipe and MAF
Shelby Spec. Assembly Rods, Pistons, Rings, Oil Pump & Bearings
Shelby Blower Grind Camshafts
Shelby Spec. Titanium Retainers
Shelby Stage 3 Ported Heads

Shelby Spec Main Studs
Shelby Spec Head Studs
Shelby Spec High Capacity 8 qt. Oil Pan
Shelby Super Twin Clutch and Flywheel Kit
Shelby Billet Transmission Support
Shelby Performance Fuel Injectors
Shelby Performance 1000 HP Fuel System
Shelby Custom Aluminum Driveshaft
Driveshaft Safety Loop
Shelby Rear Suspension Upgrade
Shelby/Wilwood Brakes (6 piston front, 4 piston rear calipers)
Shelby/RR Belt Tensioner
Shelby Overdrive Pulley
Borla Headers*
Three-inch Catback Exhaust
Shelby Performance Cooling Package
Shelby K-Member with Control Arms
Shelby Billet Aluminum Watts Link
Shelby Water Pump
Shelby Carbon Fiber Coil Overlay Kit
Shelby MGW Short Throw Shifter
Shelby Billet Forged 3 Piece Wheels in Matte Black or Natural Aluminum Finish 20x9 (front) 20x11 (rear)
High Performance Tires
Shelby Custom Rear End with Cooler
Shelby A Pillar Gauge Cluster
Shelby Oil Air Separators
Shelby Caster Camber Plates
Shelby 1000 Custom Fiber Glass Hood
Shelby 200 Amp Alternator
Custom Rear Deck Filler Panel
Shelby 1000 Reflective Side Graphics
Shelby Custom Interior Upgrade
Shelby 1000 Custom Car Cover
Shelby Museum Delivery Included

Additional Shelby 1000 Options
Shelby/Kenne Bell Supercharger
Shelby Wide Body Conversion

By Chris Paukert