These days Ford has been going big at American auto shows, and the 2011 L.A. Auto Show is no different. They had something new to discuss regarding just about every model. But we’ll start with the again King, the Shelby GT500.

650 Horsepower. 202 MPH. 2013 Shelby GT500

By now you probably know that the 2013 Ford Mustang has received substantial updates in both the looks and performance department. Now sporting the same front end as the GT500, all Mustang models also sport a new rear end that tackles the most-criticized part of the 2010 Mustang; the booty. The Mustang GT also receives a horsepower increase, from 412 to 420 ponies, and the BOSS 302 model gets a new color (School Bus Yellow) and some new hockey stripes.

But the biggest news by far comes from Camp Shelby. The 2013 GT500, in addition to sporting the new rear end, now boasts a remarkable 650 horsepower. Yes, you read that right; 650 horsepower. The new 5.8 liter V8 engine makes 650 horsepower and 600 ft-lbs of torque, while tipping the scales at 3,850 lbs.

How did they make an extra 100 horsepower versus last years model? A new supercharger to start, along with cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, along with a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission, and rear-end. The 2.3 liter supercharger is unique to the 5.8 liter V8, and a revised cooling system includes a larger fan and heat exchanger with volume increased 36%. And wah-la, 650 horsepower.

And then there is the Performance Package, which includes a Torsen limited-slip differential. Also part of the Performance Package is a Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers which allows users to choose between “Normal” and “Sport” mode for a more spirited driving experienced. A new launch control system helps control all that power and torque to the ground, and a new Brembo braking system provides superior stopping power. Ford also improved the aerodynamics, allowing for minimal drag and maximum downforce, allowing the Shelby GT500 to reach a top speed of 202 mph.

More Tech, More Muscle

And that is just the GT500. The Mustang V6 and GT also recieve a number of improvements. The Mustang GT now offers SelectShift automatic transmission, which allows drivers to select between auto and manual driving styles. Also available only the manual transmission-equipped Mustangs is the new GT Track Package, which includes the Brembo Brake package, a 3:73 gears, upgraded engine cooler, a bigger radiator, and the same Torsen limited-slip differential found on the BOSS 302 Mustang. The new look also sports LED headlights and taillights, and manual transmission-equipped Mustangs will debut a new hill assist system.

Finally, the V6 model now offers the Performance Package on automatic transmission-equipped Mustangs, and either leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro seats are available on both V6 and Mustang GT models.

Lots of bold new features for the Mustang. So what is next for America’s favorite muscle car?