2015 Mustang at Global Time Attack
There are many aftermarket companies that have gotten their hands on the new 2015 Mustang. We’ve seen plenty hit the drag strip, but Hillbank decided to take theirs to the 2015 Global Time Attack/Super Lap Battle Finals at Buttonwillow Raceway. We got in contact with Mike and here’s what he reported.
First, the Mustang was classed in Street, which is for the guy whose car is still street-driven just like Enthusiast, but modifications begin to open up. E-85 is allowed, you can swap the engine with a larger one, but it must still retain its catalytic converter and be from the same manufacturer, and while you must use DOT tires, you can get stickier 140 UTQG-rated versions. Street Class allows for roll cages to be installed, but they are not allowed to penetrate the firewall, and you can’t rip away the interior except to fit it. Finally, professional drivers are not allowed to compete.
Global Time Attack and Super Lap Battle Final takes place at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Buttonwillow, California, and is the biggest Time Attack event in the United States and North America. This event, and every final, used the Clockwise 13 course and that is where all the records have been set. If you pull off a one-minute, 50-second time or faster, you’re flying around this configuration. Mike was able to turn in a time of 2:07.982 around CW13, but that placed him tenth of ten in class, but he was also racing against a 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51, M3, FR-S, M4, and a host of other cars that were prepared for the class.
Here are Mike’s views on the new 2015 Mustang:
Suspension
“What can I say? This car is worlds better than the outgoing model. There are flaws with the car on the track, however. The shocks can’t hold up to the weight of the car being thrown from corner to corner. Dampening, dampening and more dampening. The track pack suffers from a lack of rebound dampening. The situation got worse the longer I was on the track. The spring rate wasn’t as apparent as the bobbing from corner load to exit. Overall, the rear-end was very well-planted and just took a couple laps to really start pushing the car.”
Brakes
“The Performance Pack Brembos were fantastic; no fade on the stock setup. The pad was matched very well for the small 255s in the front. A larger, stickier tire will most definitely require a more aggressive pad, steel lines and some fluid.”
Tires
“To be fair here, the Pirelli P-Zero is a fantastic tire in its segment. These tires like to be at 40 psi hot and are extremely predictable there. We’re going to be moving to square 285 Hankook RS3s for the class we’ll be competing in 2015.”
Overall feel
“The new Mustang is lots of fun, but it needs some love for the track. Originally we ordered the car with Recaros, but got impatient after the car was damaged by hail. Anyway, the stock seats are going to leave you burying your knee and bending the steering wheel to stay in control. The suspension isn’t going to cut it if you want to put decent track times down. There is just not enough damping. Tire compound and grip will help a lot with corner entry and sustained cornering. The P-Zeros just howl as they get closer to their “let loose” point. The transmission still gets very sloppy for 5th gear when it gets hot. We’ve lost fifth gear on other track cars with the same symptoms.”
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
images [Speedhunters]