2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to start at $54,995

The muscle-car hammer known as the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will start at $54,995 for the coupe and $59,995 the convertible. Both prices include the $795 destination charge.

The 200-mph pony car from the Blue Oval comes with a 650-hp, 5.8-liter supercharged V8 and a manual transmission standard.

For $3,495, buyers can add the SVT Performance package, which includes a Torsen differential, 19-inch front wheels, 20s in the rear, Bilstein adjustable dampers and unique rear springs for improved performance. It also includes a package-specific instrument cluster and gear-shift knob.

Inside, the $2,340 Electronics package adds voice-activated navigation, satellite radio, HD radio and dual-zone temperature control. Leather Recaro seats will tack on another $1,595 to the 2013 Shelby GT500's price.

With all of the goodies added up, the price of admission is $62,425 on the Ford Web site.

Chevrolet's muscle machine, the Camaro ZL1, also starts out at $54,995 but has more options available to raise the price.

To commence with the dreaming, check out both the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Camaro ZL1 configuration pages.

By David Arnouts