Shelby GT500 Launch Control Allows Drivers to Fine Tune Controls

The 2013 FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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Shelby GT500Ford Shelby GT500United States of America, 2011 > present3 photos
will be the first Ford vehicle to be equipped with launch control. The system in the GT500 allows drivers to fine tune the specific settings of the launch control system including selecting at what rpm the system releases. The driver can also determine the stability control mode, steering mode and damper control. 

“Launch control is essentially a special mode of the traction control system that integrates the brake and engine management systems to keep the tires balanced on the peak of the mu-slip curve in order to achieve maximum thrust,” said John Pfeiffer, senior engineer, SVT Vehicle Engineering. 

When the driver activates the the launch control, drivers just have to put their foot down and then release the clutch normally. The computer holds the engine at the desired revs and modulates the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel slippage. 

Ford gave drivers the ability to select the rev range to cope with different traction conditions. If it were wet or somehow slippery, the driver can set the launch control as low as 3,000rpm or as high as 4,500rpm in high grip situations. The system remembers the settings even after the car has been turned off. If the system detects too much wheel slippage that would be caused be too wet of a track or too much dust, it reverts automatically to traction control. 

The driver's launch control, damping mode, stability control and steering mode are displayed on the 4.2in LCD screen in the instrument cluster. All of the systems are controlled by switches on the center console. 

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

The 2013 GT500 is powered by a 5.8l, supercharged V8 with 662hp and 631lb-ft of torque. The redline is at 6,250rpm with fuel cut-off at 7,000rpm. It gets 15mpg city and 24mpg on the highway.