When it comes to the auto industry and making predictions, it can be pretty hard to pinpoint the launch of a new car. Automakers are notoriously tight lipped about new car unveiling, only release information in the form of press releases a day or two before the show opens to the automotive press. That was why we got sucked into wrongly predicting that the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible would debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

This time though Ford really did bring a 650 horsepower droptop Shelby to the Chicago Auto Show, and now we’ve got access to the first official photos.

Ford has a long history of unveiling performance cars at the Chicago Auto Show, including the 1993 SVT Cobra Mustang. The Chicago Auto Show was also where Shelby American unveiled the GT350 Convertible last year, it’s first convertible (if you don’t include the GT500) since 1970.

With a 650 horsepower 5.8 liter V8, the 2013 GT500 coupe is said to have a top speed of over 200 MPH and sprint down the 1/4 mile in the mid 11-second range. The convertible GT500 still gets the same 650 horsepower 5.8 liter V8 engine, but a lower top speed. Actually, a much lower top speed; the 2013 Shelby GT500 is limited to just 155 mph thanks to an electronic governor. That’s a shame, but on the same token most people will never come even close to 200 mph anyways.

Don’t think the GT500 droptop is any slouch though. At  Sebring International Raceway the Shelby GT500 convertible shaved 3.5 seconds off of its lap time compared to the 2012 model, thanks in large part to more horsepower but also an electronically-adjustable suspension system designed by Bilstein.

It’s the little things that have always set Shelby apart though. To help celebrate the 20th anniversary of SVT, a special lighted SVT door sill is also being included on 2013 Shelby GT500’s. It’s both a beauty and a beast, now with a no-roof option. What more could you want in an American supercar?