There seem to be many of us that were very excited about the GT500 concept, but have now become less impressed with what appears to be the final production version of the GT500 (i.e. hideous hood, no IRS, supercharger choice, interior, etc...)

So for those of you in the same boat as me, what other cars you have been considering if you decide against the GT500?


I recently started looking at the vette and the 350Z. But then I heard about Nissan's/Infiniti's new GTR prototype...what a good-looking car. They are tight-lipped on the specs, but it will probably have about 450HP. Unfortunately I'll have to wait at least 2 years and save about $70,000 if want it.
Here are some links...
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?sh...978&hl=infiniti
http://www.gtr-proto.com/

Mod: Can you edit the title... It should read "Other Considerations"...sorry for the typo.

 

A Mustang SE, maybe a tuner such as Steeda would not be a that bad deal. The problem with the Mustang enthusiasts is we have a tendency to long for the top gun and don't want to miss out by compromising. Anything short of that brings the "what if" syndrome and a lot of second guessing.

Another alternative is to mod the GT500 to one's taste, which is not the brightest or logical of ideas since out of the box is much better. I would think there are not too many who would want to change the character of a GT500 and transform it into a mutt.

 

I think that the new Z06 is an incredible deal. Fortunately, I am more of a Ford guy. If you are not sure about the GT500, wait to see what else Ford pulls from under it's sleeves

 

I think I am going to wait for a 2008 Mustang special edition and make the plunge, assuming I can get one on the x-plan. The problem with the Z06 is it has $20,000 dealer markup also. So as you think the GT500 is hitting Z06 territory, it is not because of the markup on that car also.

 

For sure... There is still lots of time before my next purchase; it will be interesting to see what comes out in two years.

 

No GT-500 for me. I'm not big on S/C engines and really don't need 475 HP in the first place.

I'm holding out for a SE with a 5.4 N/A with hopefully 375 HP.

 

I really like the GT-R, the 350Z, the G35 coupe, and the Z06

 

If I decide against the GT500, I'll wait for the '08 SE like V10. I'm too much of a Ford and Mustang enthusiast to buy anything else!!

 

that is one ugly car in you original post. but anyway, i think the GT-500 is a great looking car, yes the lack of IRS is pretty lame but they are trying to keep the price in line with previous cobras. also i wonder if they will make one without stripes

by the way, i dont think the gt-500 is going to be widely available. you could be holding out for this car and never get it.

 

Yeah get that other car that has only 450hp for 70grand when the GT500 is going to have closer to 500hp for 40grand which sounds like the better buy here?

Anyone who thinks the GT500 is a ugly car must be smoking something the GT500 is going to be the best looking car on the road this car looks better then a viper.

By the way did anyone see that new magazine where the new viper coupe and Ford GT and the new Z06 went head to head the new Z06 smoked the viper and they said it is just as quick as the Ford GT anyone else see that magazine the new Z06 is one awesome car just make it look better.

 

Yeah, I saw that article, but I don't recall any one vehicle "smoking" any of the others. I seem to remember all three being close in terms of specs and performance, however the biggest difference was in their prices.

EDIT: Link to above mentioned article...
http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThrea...57302&bottom=20

 

Yeah, the GT 500 seems to be a case of decreasing content, regressing engineering and bloating price, all in a wrapper that's losing it's styling finesse. While it will undoubtedly be a straightline boomer and do reasonably well on smooth, flat curves, it really doesn't quite seem to have that ineffable "It" that would justify its bloated price premium as compared to what the earlier Cobras charged over their GT kin.

I've always loved the M3. While not quite as much motor in terms of raw output as the GT500, it has a balance, sophistication and full spectrum performance compantency that the GT500 lacks. Of course it does cost a bit more, ignoring any inevitable price gouging on the GT500. But has much better material quality and engineering quantity -- no truck axle trussing up the hiney end of this car. And it has that ethereal drivers feel and exquisite balance that transends numerical data and stopwatches but makes for such a great driving experience. It's embodies the concept of what is most important is not how fast a car goes, but how well a car goes fast.

My hope had been that Ford would have pulled off a V8 M3 at a $15K discount. Rather, it seems to be little more than a hot-rodded and tarted up Mustang GT that's $10K more than it's technically more sophisticated Cobra predecessor.

 

Well, besides the GT500, I have my eyes opened for:
the new 2007 BMW M3 (rumors are it will either have a V8 or V10, 4 liters and at least 400 hp, most likely at least 420, if not more.), the Audi RS4 (4.2L V8, 414 hp and four wheel drive which in New England is very useful), the Z06 + the regular Vette (still quite a bargain overall and now with a 6sp SMG-style sequential gearbox).

As far as in the pipeline for a bit of a longer wait, I must admit I am eagerly waiting for Chrysler not to screw up and cancel their project (or worse, making it look like the Charger) for a 2008 Dodge Challenger. I, like probably many other people, have seen a photochopped pic of what it could look like and even if it would only come remotely close to that, it would be a gorgeous looking car (I am a bit biased because my #1 favorite muscle cars are Mopar's B and E Body (<--see Cudas and CHALLENGERS). Though I am also a fan of Galaxies and Fairlanes with the mighty 427 side oiler. So Ford has a bit of my heart too).

As for the GT500, I absolutely love that car, but I have serious doubts that the SRA will be able to handle 450 hp + in an effective and safe way.
With a very good IRS setup, the GT500 would be my #1 choice, instead of being in spot # 5 or # 6...For the rest, she is just perfect...
(no flames please, it's just my sincere opinion)

 

I already made my choice - 05' GT with a S/C and lowering kit.

I actually prefer the look of the GT's to the GT500 since my favorite all time car is a '69 MACH I and the '05 GT with the fog light arangement just nailed the look I wanted.

As for performance, a S/C to bring it to 400 - 450 RWHP and a lowering kit to improve the handling and looks should do me just fine.

Total cost should be about 25K + 6K for the s/c + 1K for the lowering kit bringing the total to about $32K. For me the perfect car at a much lower price and you can get it now.

I plan on lowering the car this winter and then as soon as the factory warranty is up adding the s/c.

Doug

 

Hi Dave, glad to see the interest still up on the GT500 issue. I've dropped my fanatic quest for an auto trans in the thing and will be happy to just have the thing priced reasonably enough that I can seriously consider it.

But....if that fails and Ford (or the dealerships) become excessively greedy, I'll wait for the next gen Bullitt - which is expected (by all accounts) in 2008 on the 40th anniversary of the movie.

It (like the original 2001 remake) shouldn't be excessively priced and by then, a few engine mods (or maybe a bump up to a naturally aspirated 5.4) will make it almost as attractive as the '07 releases.

Mark

 

New M3 = 400hp V8

and

What rhumb said, but not as sophistimacated...

 

double post

 

triple post

 

Me? Gt blown & lowered, Marauder blown & lowered, SRT-8...there are choices....just not my first....

 

Well, Nissan is showing the concept for the new '07 G35 coupe at the autoshows in January - and rumor is it will be upped to about 350 horses. Not as powerful as the GT500, but it will run circles around the Shelby on the slalom, have a vastly better interior, more amenities...and it will be less expensive.