Latest reports indicate that the new 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which costs $54,995, will feature 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque. The announcement was made according to the SAE ratings released by Ford. The GT500 is powered by a supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 engine, which is currently the most powerful production V-8 in the world. Ford, however, is confident about its increased horsepower as it beats many giants in the industry.

The GT500 tops the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG by 99 hp and the powerful Cadillac CTS-V by 106. The vehicle will have 232 more horsepower than the base Chevrolet Corvette. However, what is to be noted is that the GT500 even beats the gladiatorial Vette ZR1, featuring 638 hp and 604 lb-ft, which is considered as the best. The Chevy Camaro ZL1, featuring a supercharged V8 engine with 580 hp and 556 lb-ft, can meanwhile be described as the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500′s most significant competitor.

Earlier, when Ford announced that the Shelby GT500 would feature increased horsepower figures, that would challenge most other vehicles, it was not sure as it had not yet been SAE certified. But now, Ford got its approval to raise the horsepower stats. In this era of supercars, horsepower numbers are considered as an impressive factor. But the fact is that it shares its importance in any performance vehicle with other features such as the braking, steering, and suspension tuning.

Even with the most powerful production V8 in the world, the 2013 Shelby GT500 improves on the fuel efficiency of the 2012 model with an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with no gas guzzler tax. The vehicle will probably be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

via Car and Driver