8 February. 2012. The Muscle Car War continues. Ford, clearly cheesed off about the existence of the 580HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, have just jumped back to the top of the power charts with their brand new 2013 Shelby GT500. Now available in rag-top spec, this Detroit slugger packs a 5.8-litre supercharged V8 that’s good for 650 horsepower (485kW) and 812Nm of torque. Top speed? Well you’re looking at an M5-slaying 321km/h in the Coupe and a slightly more sensible 250km/h in the Convertible.

Other special features include the optional performance Package that bolts in Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and as well as a Brembo brake system. Ford claim that these goodies make the new Shelby GT500 3.5-seconds faster than the outgoing model at Sebring International Raceway. So, Chevrolet, it looks like the ball’s back in your court…