With 662 horsepower and 631 ft-lbs of torque on tap, the 2013 Shelby GT500 has become the most powerful Mustang Ford has ever built. But with all of that horsepower comes great potential for car-totalling destruction with an inexperienced driver at the helm. Luckily Ford is including an incredibly advanced launch control system with the 2013 Shelby GT500 that should allow even the worst drivers a smooth, consistent launch off of the line.

The 2013 Shelby GT500 Launch Control system is user-adjustable for one, allowing experienced and newbie drivers alike to fiddle with the settings to their preferences. The Launch Control system is essentially an extension of the traction control system, managing both brakes and engine output to ensure the maximum amount of grip and forward thrust possible. Drivers can adjust the desired engine speed for launching, from 3,000 to 4,500 RPM’s depending on track conditions.

Even so, Ford has been careful not to make the Launch Control system too intrusive. The Launch Control system won’t drive the Shelby for you, but it will help deliver consistent times and speeds to 2013 Shelby GT500 drivers. With drivers in mind, the Launch Control system seems set to deliver an incredible performance advantage for Shelby drivers who take their new Shelby to the drag strip. Sounds like another great tool added for the Shelby stable.