Spied: 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Only a month after the unveiling of the 550-plus-hp 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, word is leaking out that Ford will substantially advance the muscle-car wars with a 2013 Shelby GT500 making a pants-bursting 600-plus horsepower.

Our well-informed sources say the stratospheric output figure, which could be as high as 620 horses, is the result of boring out the current 5.4-liter V-8 to 5.8 liters and swapping the existing Eaton M112 supercharger for the same firm’s more-efficient and quieter TVS unit. This supercharger, with its four-lobe rotors, is the blower of choice for the Audi S4, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and, interestingly, the Camaro ZL1.

The 5.4-liter in the current GT500 makes an already pretty absurd 550 hp. The car rips to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.4. Based solely on the horsepower increase, we estimate that the 2013 model will drop almost half a second through the quarter, for a 12.0-second run. As it is already traction limited, we don’t see the 0-to-60 number changing much. We do, however, anticipate that it’ll be a straight-up bitch to launch consistently, at least without the addition of a launch-control system. If it isn’t limited to 155 mph, as the current car is, the 2013 GT500 should be capable of topping 190 mph.

Like all 2013 Mustangs, the GT500 will sport a body altered with the goal of looking somewhat less retro and more modern and edgy, according to sources. And, yes, we do take “modern” to imply the addition of LEDs to the head- and taillight assemblies. You won’t see any of the new bodywork in the spy photos here. This powertrain mule caught today in Dearborn wears familiar bodywork (and 2011 Mustang GT headlights) but rides very low over a set of current GT500 Performance package wheels. What won’t change is the basic rear-suspension design. That’s right: This most insanely powerful of Mustangs will keep its live axle. It’ll just be a little, er, livelier.

The new model is, of course, still a long way off. Hell, the 2012 ZL1 that it’s intended to battle won’t go on sale for another 11 or so months. Expect the 2013 GT500 about 10 months after that, leaving you plenty of time to save your dollars. You’re going to need about 60,000 of them to buy one.

Thanks to: Car and Driver