The NMRA is pleased to announce that Roush Performance will sponsor Super Stang, one of its most popular classes that features S197 Mustangs competing against each other with “index” style rules. Super Stang regularly attracts over 25 cars per event with many of the racers coming out of shop-backed teams that include Team JDM, Brenspeed, and Evolution Motorsports.

“The NMRA is very excited to have Roush Performance join our family of major sponsors,” said Charlie Harmon, president of ProMedia Events. “We have had a long history with Jack Roush and his daughter, Susan, who attend NMRA events on regular basis. To have Roush’s performance division participate and support the NMRA as a major sponsor will further elevate our series.”

“The NMRA Super Stang Class is the perfect fit for Roush Performance,” says Tim Wheeler, VP of Sales and Marketing at Roush Performance. “Our products and performance technologies go hand-in-hand with the late model Mustang vehicles running in this class, and we’re looking forward to an exciting race season with the NMRA.”

For more information call 800-59-ROUSH or visit www.roushperformance.com.

We hope you’re not tired of our coverage of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, because we’ve got one more gallery of photos to show you. After unveiling the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible alongside a mint condition 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R during their press conference yesterday, Ford has put the two cars on a show stand as the highlight of their display. The two cars make for an interesting comparison, and it’s amazing to see how far Ford, the Mustang, and SVT have come in the past twenty years in terms of performance, design and refinement. As far as Fox Body Mustangs go it’s hard to get any cooler than the ’93 SVT Cobra R, but the same could be said for the ’13 GT500 when it comes to the S197 platform.

So which would we choose? It’s a tough call. The SVT Cobra R is certainly rarer and will likely hold its value better, but for a daily driver we’d have to go with the Shelby. Let us know which one you would rather have in the comments section, and you can have a look at both cars side by side in the gallery below.

Photos ©2012 MustangsDaily.com

We’ve already shown you plenty of images of the new 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible including both the official press photos as well as pictures from the live debut at the Chicago Auto Show. We’re Mustang-obsessed, though, so we’re bringing you even more images of every detail of the new Shelby rag top.

Like the coupe, the new GT500 Convertible has received styling updates to the front and rear including a wide open grille, double splitter, new taillights and quad exhaust tips. Under the hood is the new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 with 650 horsepower, powering the car all the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The suspension system is improved as well, with an available adjustable  setup available with the SVT Performance Package.

You can view the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible in detail in the gallery below.

Yesterday Ford debuted the new 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible, but in our opinion the real star of the show is this 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R. Ford brought out the car to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SVT, a fitting tribute since the 1993 SVT Cobra made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show exactly two decades ago.

Although it doesn’t have the horsepower of the modern Shelby (who could have imagined in 1993 that a factory Mustang would have 650 horsepower), the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R was capable of impressive performance. The 5.0-liter high-output V8 rated at 235 horsepower is the same as the one in the standard SVT Cobra, but the two cars have many differences. Visual changes include the removal of the fog lights to feed cool air to the brakes, and Ford also fitted special 17-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear tires. Inside the car has been stripped of anything nonessential, and the radio, air conditioning, rear seats and all sound deadening material are absent. Ford didn’t stop there, though, and added larger front and rear brakes, adjustable Koni shocks with heavy duty springs, larger front and rear anti-roll bar and a strut tower brace. Finally, additional modifications for track use included a power steering fluid cooler, an external engine oil cooler and an aluminum radiator.

The performance of the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R was impressive for the time, with testing showing that the car was capable of going 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and running the 1/4 mile in 14 seconds flat at 100 mph. The real value of the car, though, is its rarity. Only 107 were ever produced by Ford.

We went through the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R on display at the Chicago Auto Show in detail, and Ford even allowed us to photograph the interior and open up the engine bay to have a look at the motor. Amazingly, only 4,183 miles have been put on the car since now.

Check out the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R in detail in the gallery below.

Photos ©2012 MustangsDaily.com

We’ve seen plenty of pictures of the 2013 Shelby GT500, but until now we haven’t seen the car in action. Thankfully Ford has released a new video of the new 650 horsepower GT500 on on the racetrack, giving us our first opportunity to see and hear the car on the road. The video also shows Tanner Foust doing a hot lap in the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible at Virginia International Raceway, and, of course, the drifter/rally driver/Top Gear USA host manages to get the Shelby a little sideways at one point.

You can check out the new video below:

Ford has debuted various packages and colors of the 2013 Mustang over the past few months, but one version we haven’t seen until now is one with the Brembo Brake Package. The option isn’t much different than on the 2011-2012 model years, with front Brembo 14-inch, 4-piston brakes, the same 19-inch wheels, and summer performance tires. Those who prefer automatic transmissions will be glad to know that the Brembo Brake Package will be available on automatic-equipped cars for the first time for 2013. Pricing for the package is set at $1,695.

Those who want something even more performance oriented than the Brembo Brake Package might want to take a look at the GT Track Package (option code 55R). Available only on the GT coupe with the manual transmission, it includes everything in the Brembo Brake Package plus a Torsen differential with 3.73:1 gears, the Boss 302 radiator and an engine oil cooler.

You can see the 2013 Ford Mustang with the Brembo Brake Package in detail in the gallery below.

Photos ©2012 MustangsDaily.com

For 2013 Ford has given the Mustang several new features along with the refreshed exterior design. One of those new features is the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that allows the driver to choose between fully automatic operation and manual control. Unlike some other transmissions, the SelectShift will not override a driver’s gear selection, allowing truly full control. The shifter also features a button on the side of the shifter and also has a more modern design.

Ford has several Mustangs on display here at the Chicago Auto Show, offering a good look at various models and option packages. One of the Mustangs featured the new SelectShift transmission, giving us our first look at the new shifter. Overall it’s undoubtedly its an improvement over the previous 6-speed automatic, and we love the leather and aluminum trim. Even so, we wish the manual shifting could be done using a different method, either via paddle shifter or by moving the entire shifter. Perhaps it’s something we can look forward to for 2015…

Photos ©2012 MustangsDaily.com

Late last night Ford released official details and photos of the new 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible, and today they officially revealed the car at the Chicago Auto Show. Like the coupe that made its debut at the L.A Auto Show, the GT500 Convertible has been upgraded with the new supercharged 5.8-liter V8 with 650 horsepower. The convertible doesn’t have the same 200 mph top speed, though, as Ford has limited it to 155 mph. The Shelby drop top’s performance doesn’t disappoint, though, and Ford says that the 2013 convertible is 3.5 seconds a lap faster around Sebring raceway than the 2012 model.

The launch of the 2013 Shelby GT500 also represents the 20th anniversary of SVT, as Ford’s Special Vehicle Team debuted the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra at the Chicago Auto Show back in 1992. To celebrate the occasion, Ford brought out a very rare 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra R along with the new Shelby, which we will show you more of later. Until then, check out the photos from the press launch of the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible in the gallery below.

Photos ©2012 MustangsDaily.com

The official launch of SVT came during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. Now Ford returns to Chicago to celebrate its past and look to the future with the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible.

In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles. The 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, which demonstrates just how far the products have come in 20 years. The 2013 Shelby GT500 with its 650-horsepower V8 marks the latest offering from one of the oldest and most successful automotive performance groups in the world.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

The 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is faster around a track than the outgoing model. The new convertible shaved nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models.

Keys to the improved lap times are the power boost from the new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower, as well as the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

Accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button, normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. The upgraded dampers allowed SVT engineers to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track, while still being able to maintain desirable on-road manners.

A new Brembo brake system also is a key enabler in boosting the performance of the convertible. The new brakes offer drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, while new six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors further improve braking performance. More aggressive brake pads also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence.

Similar to the coupe, the convertible will be offered with a Performance Package that also can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

20 years of high-performance innovation

Each of the more than 210,000 SVT vehicles produced since 1993 has been designed and developed with the four SVT attributes in mind: Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. These hallmarks still guide the brand’s vehicle development today.

“In the past 20 years, SVT has engineered world-class mid-engine supercars, front-wheel-drive performance cars, rear-wheel-drive muscle cars and high-performance on-road and off-road pickup trucks,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “There is no other performance house in the world that can match that diverse résumé.”

Since 1993 more than seven different SVT vehicles have been produced, including several versions of the Cobra and Shelby GT500, the F-150 Lightning performance pickup and F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, plus both three- and five-door versions of the SVT Focus. Special SVT Mustang Cobra R models were made in 1993, 1995 and 2000.

SVT has joined with Team RS in Europe to form the Performance Vehicles Group to devise a strategy for all future global performance Ford cars. The resulting Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car, giving drivers around the world the opportunity to share the exhilarating performance, excellent handling, addictive sound and sporty design Ford’s ST badge represents. The Ford Fiesta ST Concept also signals the next step in Ford’s global performance vehicle strategy and hints at how a future Fiesta ST model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global small car portfolio.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance by delivering 650 horsepower and a track-tested top speed of more than 200 mph. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world.

Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

And nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

It was on this day twenty years ago, February 6, 1992, that Ford announced the Special Vehicle Team (SVT), forever changing the Ford Mustang. The program, originally headed by the legendary John Coletti, was developed to create high performance vehicles, and while a few other Ford vehicles received the SVT treatment including the Contour, Focus and F-150, the Mustang was always the main focus. Beginning with the SVT Cobra in 1993, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team began a tradition of offering the ultimate in factory Mustang performance that continues today with the 650 horsepower Shelby GT500.

Here’s a look back at the Mustangs that SVT has developed and produced over the past 20 years.

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra  The original SVT Mustang. The Cobra debuted in 1993 with an upgraded version of the 5.0-liter V8 producing 235 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque thanks to high-flow cylinder heads, an upgraded upper intake manifold, a more aggressive camshaft, a larger throttle body and high-flow fuel injectors. The T-5 5-speed transmission was also upgraded to handle the extra power, and a unique suspension system developed by Tokico was also used.

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R  The rarest of all SVT Mustangs (only were 107 built), the 1993 Cobra R is the first in a line of legendary “R” Mustangs that were designed to drive on the racetrack. Upgrades from the standard SVT Cobra model include larger front and rear brakes, power steering fluid and external engine oil coolers, a strut tower brace, aluminum radiator, unique 17-inch wheels with Goodyear tires and adjustable Koni shocks. The 5.0-liter V8 retained the same specs as the one in the standard Cobra, but it had less weight to push around thanks to the deletion of the radio, air conditioning, rear seats and all sound deadening material.

1994-1995 SVT Cobra  For 1994 the SVT Cobra received the new styling of the SN-95 Mustang as well as upgraded brakes, a new rear suspension setup and wider wheels and tires. The SVT Cobra model was further differentiated from the standard Mustang GT thanks to a unique front bumper with round fog lights and COBRA embossed on the rear bumper. The 5.0-liter V8 remained for 1994, although it received a slight bump in output to 240 horsepower. In 1995 a removable convertible hardtop became an option.

1995 SVT Cobra R  SVT decided to once again produce a Cobra R model for 1995. Like its predecessor the Cobra R featured a variety of upgrades to perform at the racetrack including the deletion of the rear seats, radio, power windows and air conditioning. Unlike the 1993 model, however, the 1995 SVT Cobra R received an upgraded engine in the form of Ford’s 5.8-liter Windsor V8 that produced 300 horsepower. A beefier Tremec 3550 5-speed manual replaced the T-5 unit, and a larger fuel tank and a heavy duty suspension were also installed. The exterior featured a unique hood to clear the larger engine as well as deleted fog lights that fed cool air to the front brakes.

1996-1998 SVT Cobra  In 1996 Ford replaced the aging 5.0-liter V8 with a new “modular” 4.6-liter engine. Although smaller, the new powerplant had a higher output – 305 horsepower and 300 lb-ft torque – mated to a Borg Warner T-45 5-speed transmission. During this time SVT also released a very limited edition Cobra with “Mystic Chrome” paint that shifted color depending on the light.

1999 SVT Cobra  Ford launched a new SVT Cobra in 1999 with the “New Edge” styling, but the changes were more than skin deep. For the first time in the Mustang’s a history an independent suspension replaced the solid rear axle out back. The 4.6-liter V8 was rated at 320 horsepower and 317 lb-ft torque

2000 SVT Cobra R  After a five year absence the Cobra R model returned for 2000, although the track-ready model wasn’t dulled down during its time off. The 2000 Cobra R is the most aggressive Mustang ever built and is essentially a street legal race car. Under the hood the 4.6-liter engine was swapped in favor of a 5.4-liter V8 producing an underrated 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque. The Cobra R was incredibly capable at the track with a suspension system co-developed by Eibach and Bilstein, Brembo 13-inch front brakes, sticky BFGoodrich G-Force KD tires, a race fuel cell and a close-ratio Tremec T56 transmission. The exterior also played the part, with an aggressive front splitter, side exhaust and a massive rear wing. Magazine tests showed that the 2000 SVT Cobra R was capable of producing more than 1.0g of lateral acceleration on the skidpad, could reach 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and had a top speed of more than 175 mph.

2001 SVT Cobra  While very similar to the 1999 model, the 2001 SVT Cobra received several substantial updates due to findings that the 4.6-liter V8 wasn’t producing the as-advertised power. After a year-long pause in production for 2000, SVT rectified the situation in 2001 with a heavily revised 4.6-liter V8 using an all-new engine block and redesigned cylinder heads. Several other changes were made, including switching to a Tremec 3650 transmission, upgrading the axles and differential, as well as subtle exterior and interior updates.

2003-2004 SVT Cobra  The SVT Cobra entered the forced induction era with the introduction of the 2003 model. Codenamed “Terminator” by SVT, the new Cobra featured an all new high-strength cast iron block in favor of the standard aluminum version and featured forged internals to handle the extra power from the Eaton M112 supercharger. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 390 horsepower and 390 horsepower, although many owners easily modified their cars to produce much more thanks to the strong components of the engine that could handle the additional horsepower. During this time Ford also produced a few limited edition SVT Cobras including a 10th Anniversary edition and the Mystichrome SVT Cobra with color shifting paint.

2007-2009 Shelby GT500  The SVT Cobra era ended with the launch of the S197 Mustang in 2005, but it was soon replaced by the Shelby GT500 in 2007. Developed by SVT in cooperation with Shelby, the 2007 GT500 features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 producing 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft torque making it a fitting continuation of the SVT.

2008-2009 Shelby GT500KR  Built as a modern version of the 1968 Shelby GT500KR, the new “King of the Hill” featured several upgrades compared to the standard Shelby GT500 including a new suspension setup and unique Goodyear Eagle F1 supercar tires for improved handling as well as a new intake system that allowed for the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 to produce 540 horsepower. Visually the GT500KR is set apart by its aluminum 18-inch wheels, unique front and rear fascia and lightweight carbon fiber front splitter and hood. Production was limited to 1,571, the same number of cars produced in 1968.

2010 Shelby GT500  The GT500 received a new look in 2010 along with the standard Mustang, but it was also upgraded to match the performance of the GT500KR. Output of the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 was changed to 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft torque, and a variety of other changes made for a much improved car as well. SVT further developed the suspension system for better handling, a new clutch system provided better delivery of power to the 6-speed manual transmission, and a new shifter allowed for easier and quicker shifts.

2011-2012 Shelby GT500  Development of the Shelby GT500 continued in 2011, with SVT replacing the heavy iron block supercharged 5.4-liter V8 with a new lightweight aluminum block unit. The suspension system was also revised to compensate for the reduced weight on the front of the car. For the first time SVT also offered a Performance Package for the GT500 that included Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, lightweight forged aluminum wheels, 3.73 gears and a performance-tuned suspension.

2013 Shelby GT500  SVT shocked the automotive world with the launch of the all-new 2013 Shelby GT500 at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque thanks to an increase in displacement to 5.8-liters and a larger TVS2300 supercharger system, the new Shelby GT500 is capable of reaching more than 200 mph. SVT also fine-tuned the suspension system at the famous Nurburgring race track in Germany to ensure that it handle with the world’s best supercars. New features for 2013 also include a Torsen limited-slip differential, a new Brembo brake system, a launch control system and slightly revised bodywork for improved aerodynamics.