Ford introduced the breathtaking speeds of the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 at the LA Auto Show late last year, and promised a convertible version would make its way to Chicago in February. Much like the coupe, the convertible roars to life with a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine rated at 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Yup, it's still the fastest production model Mustang ever produced, and it will roll into showrooms this summer.

This year's Shelby GT500 is also the celebratory vehicle of Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT), as this year marks 20 years of performance power. And, we have to say - SVT sure does know how to celebrate the right way. With the 2013 model, they knocked 3.5 seconds off the GT's lap time around Sebring International Raceway.

In 20 years, Ford's SVT has produced more than 210,000 cars and trucks under seven different nameplates. Just to put all of this work into perspective: the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra was powered by a 235-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. At the time, 235 horsepower was a pretty fierce horsepower rating - doesn't seem like much compared to 650, though, does it?

Kerry Bladori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles Chief Engineer says, "The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is. All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis."¹

That is to say, with the Performance Package, drivers will enjoy top speeds and handling on the track. But, with the simple press of the 'normal mode' button on the dash, the car will perform equally well on a road trip or weekend outing.

So, how about it? Are you ready to learn more about the fastest production model Mustang ever produced? Be sure to stay tuned with Finish Line Ford, 2100 W Pioneer Parkway Peoria, IL 61615 for more news and updates as they're available.

And remember to stop by and see both the convertible and coupe versions of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 when they arrives this summer - just in time for drop-top weather.

Source: ¹http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-ford-shelby-gt500-convertible-chicago-2012/