The most powerful production V-8 in the world sits under the hood of the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, According to the Society of Automotive Engineers. The 5.8-liter supercharged power plant in the high-performance Mustang is SAE-certified at 662 horsepower and 631 pounds-feet of torque.
The previous version produced "only" 550 hp and 510 pounds-feet of torque from its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. Ford says the 2013 model isn't as much of a gas hog as you'd expect. Compared with the previous model, the revised front fascia and splitter help manage airflow and make the car more aerodynamic, also helping gas mileage.
The 2013 Shelby GT500 is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment and is "the most fuel-efficient car with over 550 horsepower in any segment available in America," Ford said in a statement. The GT500 achieves an EPA- estimated 15/24 mpg city/highway and does not require a gas guzzler tax. Competitors include the 580-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the 470-hp Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. The former is EPA-rated at 14/19 mpg, and the latter is rated at 14/23 mpg.
The 2013 Shelby GT500 will be built at Ford's Flat Rock, Mich., facility and goes on sale later this year.