Having dispatched with the 580-horsepower ZL1 before even hitting the streets, you didn't think the new 650-horsepower Shelby Cobra GT500 would sit idly by and leave the ZL1 convertible alone, did you? We didn't either, and now we have the photographic proof to back up that feeling.
Based on previous GT500 coupe-to-convertible transformations, we weren't expecting much from this one and we were right. It's essentially the same car, but with a folding cloth roof replacing the fixed one.
What spy photos don't show, however, is the significant bracing it's going to take to put 650-horsepower to the ground without pretzeling a topless Mustang.
hondacura4 says:
04:23 PM, 01/ 5/12
I bet this thing is mean from a roll!
garrym says:
04:40 PM, 01/ 5/12
Mike, what makes you say this is a 2014 model? Have you been told its coming next year as a 14 model? We should be seeing the debut of the next generation Mustang in 2014. Please clarify.
Now, that makes me wonder with a downsized Mustang is the next generation body structure going to be stout enough for 600 plus horsepower? The current horsepower war is getting a little crazy. Perhaps the last harrah before the beloved V8 disappears from the automotive landscape?
zr1man says:
08:25 PM, 01/ 5/12
580 or 650 horsepower, makes no difference, the ZR1 will blow the doors off this thing and leave it in the dust. And it's available now.
Chevy Runs Deep
spqr309 says:
03:23 AM, 01/ 6/12
Music to True Mustang fans. Just waiting how how much it weighs compared to last years model. Now that gas is going back up (thanks Iran) could this be the end to the Horsepower war?
lostboyz says:
03:34 AM, 01/ 6/12
@zr1man, what is your motivation exactly?
Nobody buys verts to be competitive anyway. It's for that rich guy down the street to cruise on the weekends. It's a beautiful thing, don't get me wrong, but no thanks.
blueprint1 says:
07:25 AM, 01/ 6/12
When CAFE finally converts to the revised EPA figures / testing procedures, V8 cars will die off. For those with the "want" and the $$$, last call.
gts09 says:
09:54 AM, 01/ 6/12
Hahaha zr1 man is such a troll like he must read rage comics or something, but this is sick me likey likey.
gtrguy2012 says:
11:05 AM, 01/ 6/12
Give me a ZL1 over this, this car had problems putting 500 hp down let alone 150 more.
BigFordFan150 says:
12:22 PM, 01/ 6/12
I think the HP wars have gone way too far. 500 is enough. LOL. This thing looks great though and fast too. I just dont know about the standard black back end peice and the dark taillights. I like the current back end better.
gtrguy2012 says:
06:14 PM, 01/ 6/12
650 is stupid. Maybe if you are a D1 drifter.
strangelove says:
12:07 PM, 01/ 7/12
zr1man, why be a fanboy? Cool cars are cool cars. Unless you're a kid, I'm not sure why you'd staunchly represent just one make.
On the other hand, the horsepower-to-weight ratios suggest the ZL1 will definitely not dust the GT500, especially with standard launch control.
It'll be fun to watch though. Well, maybe not if you're a Chevy fanboy, because the Mustang will be faster.
09tbss says:
04:42 PM, 01/ 7/12
I would trade alot for this car. And btw these are ment to own from a rolling . Most racing happens from a rolling on the highway. You need to be in a TT Corvette to touch this. For the $ame MONEY that I$...
flopper says:
01:59 PM, 01/ 8/12
Can it still do 200 mph?
marcus1701 says:
06:12 AM, 01/ 9/12
The best part about this car is the fact that it doesn't look like it has 650hp. I'm sure most people think 650 is overkill but with the new GT packing 450 this is a great step up!
pisado says:
07:41 AM, 01/ 9/12
Great looking car. I still have not found anybody that can explain to me why american convertibles(Mustang, Corvette, Sebring) do not have pop up roll bars?