Dateline: 11.17.11

What’s a MUSTANG doing at CorvetteReport.com???

I suppose we should have known it wouldn’t last forever. Since 2009 the 638-HP LS9 engine that powers the C6 ZR1 has been the official “Most powerful mass production engine in Detroit history.” Well, it seems that Ford has a better idea and weren’t about to let GM hold the gold forever.

The new Shelby will be packing 650-horsepower and 600 lb-ft or torque from it’s supercharged 5.8-liter V8. While that’s only 12-horsepower and more than the LS9 and 6 lb-ft of torque less than the LS9, bragging rights are bragging rights. In the real world, will it matter? No. But the numbers are the numbers. The question is this. Will Chevrolet engineers pull out the “special chip” to goose the ‘12 or ’13 LS9 past the new Mustang? Aftermarket engineering companies, such as Lingenfelter Performance Engineering have proven that there’s PLENTY of red meat left in the stock LS9, such that with just a few bolt-on changes, the LS9 can easily close in on 700-horsepower. So, could Chevrolet use one of its trump cards and squash the new Ford? Sure! Will they? Who knows.

And what of the ‘12 580-horsepower ZR1 Camaro? The media hyped “The Return of the ZL1 Legend,” is coming up 70-hp short of the Camaro’s old rival, and is looking like, well, horsepucky!

Hey Chevrolet! Are you going to let Ford get away with raining on your 100th birthday year AND your race-proven flagship ZR1 Corvette with a Mustang? Say it ain’t so! Do it for Louis! – Scott

PS – For more info on the 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang, CLICK HERE.