2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Gets Advanced Launch Control

Would the late Carroll shelby have been proud of the 2013 GT500? We believe so, because even though some of the underpinnings of the car are crude, there are things that are thoroughly impressive, like the fact that it produces 662 horsepower, making it the most powerful pony car ever built.

This blue smurf of a car might seem like an overpowered brute at first, but Ford say they’ve fitted a complicated launch control system that’s as advanced as any out there. This system takes into account the engine speed, tarmac conditions, weather and even drive preferences to deliver the best off-the-line performance.

“We recognize not every driver has the same style, and surface, tire and climate conditions vary,” said Eddie Khan, SVT Engineering supervisor. “Most of our competitors’ launch control systems have a fixed engine launch speed. We’ve given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to adjust the engine speed to achieve best and most consistent performance, no matter where and when they drive.”

Read More

Ford fits launch control to 2012 GT500

In a move that would undoubtedly meet with the approval of recently departed Carroll Shelby, Ford Motor Co. has announced that it is to fit launch control to the latest version of the Shelby GT500 Mustang.

The cars that bear the name of the legendary maker are always at the upper echelons of Ford's line-up and the 2012 GT500 is no exception. In fact with 671hp and 855Nm from the supercharged 5.8-litre engine the Mustang sports (Ford says) the most powerful production V8 in the world - and probably needs the traction control to put the power down.

The system, developed by Ford's Special Vehicles Team (SVT), has two settings making it suitable for new and experienced racers alike. With launch control in its default setting, the driver just has to press the accelerator pedal to the floor and release the clutch leaving the electronics to sort out how much of the V8's power to send to the tarmac. The more advanced setting allows the driver to modulate at what revs the system launches to take account of differing road surfaces.

"We developed this system to enable 90 per cent of drivers to be able to achieve very fast, smooth and consistent starts with the Shelby GT500 regardless of their skill level," said Eddie Khan, SVT Engineering supervisor. "Experienced drag racers may be able to get away slightly quicker, but chances are they won't be as consistent."

Somewhere Carroll is doing a nine-second quarter mile.

Read More