That's what I thought too, until I had a 2010 GT coupe for two days as a loaner car.

 

It definately depends on you perspective and what you have been used to driving.

I have kinda come to accept that I will always be upgrading the suspension on my new cars. Once you get used to driving a car with a good suspension it is hard to go back. It is strange because growing up the cars I drove way past their limits didn't even close to the suspension the 11 gt vert came with stock. I guess I am becoming more refined in my old age

 

It is all in personal preference and what are your handling expectations. For my driving habits the 2011 vert is more than enough, and I get to enjoy the sunshine on nice summer days.

 

Agree with Mach1. I knew what I wanted, got it, and am very happy with my vert. I just drive, enjoy the view, and relish the sensation of being in the seat of a new Mustang.

 

Did they compare it to the Camaro Convertible?...oh wait....

 

LOL, exactly. That's one of the MULTIPLE reasons I didn't consider a Camaro. Sorry I've been down on the vert. It IS exemplary, and still fast as hell, as C&D found. If we can get just one halfway decent photo of Shotzky's car (j/k) I think I'll be sold on the handling pkg. The problem is - which to do 1st - handling pkg or axle-back, and WHICH axle-back?

 

I guess I deserve that...lol I will try to get a better one this weekend.

Not even really much of a contest.

 

Though I doubt anyone would have the top down in a storm, convertibles don't offer the same Faraday Cage that keeps you safe in a car as desctribed by WhiteBird. So yes you can be struck in a vert with the top down, with the top up though, the supports complete the Faraday Cage and you are protected because a path is provided around you.


Verts are made for top down cruising anyway not hardcore corner carving.

 

That's where I respectfully disgree on philosophy, if not on the physics (which are undeniable) - Many race cars are "convertibles" - i.e. open cockpit. The love of riding in the open air should not be to the exclusion of aggressive, corner-carving driving. Not saying the 'vert can or should do it all equally as well as the coupe, just saying that claiming it doesn't need to try/come close is a cop-out.

 

I'm disappointed by the article and by these comments, especially from people who have only driven 2010 and earlier models. The 2011 has been stiffened compared to even the '10.

I was used to driving a very solid little Focus, and was expecting to give up some chassis stiffness. I have been thrilled with the integrity of this car, both on the interstate on on switchbacks. Only the worst pavement throws it out of whack, and only momentarily -- probably due more to the live axle than anything else.

Do not take anyone's word for it. Drive one yourself.

 

I agree.

And just for you DD.

Here are those pictures

 

Prior to buying my 08 GT, I drove a friends GT/CS Vert, and as soon as I test drove my car, I instantly knew it drove and handled better. I'm sure its the same way with the 2011's?!

But, I drove my other friends 2010 GT500 Vert, and fell in love with it. I thought it handled very good and I loved the steering and the brakes! But, then again.....its a $51k Shelby!

If I buy a GT Vert, I know I am giving up some of the performance. But, thats okay with me.
Performance isn't the prime reason for buying that car. I want the vert experience with a little extra muscle.

 

shotzy your next mod should be to buy a real digital camera so we can finally see what your car looks like

 

Shotz – Thanks for those pics! I think I could live with that ride height! IIRC you went with the 2010 FRPP “handling pack” for the ‘vert. Do you think it’ll be identical to the 2011 package (whenever that’s offered)? I e-mailed your Reghan Racing (sp?) guys & have not yet received any response. Looks like they’ll be about 3 hours from me next spring when they visit VIR. I am also pricing out the install labor with a local Ford friend. Still, where’s the 2011 FRPP handling pack?!?

GTJ: You bring up an interesting point & a question for anyone who knows – what exactly (if any) differences would there be in the structure of a 2011 Shelby GT500 convertible & a 2011 GT convertible and are those improvements (if any) back-fittable to a GT? Looking under my car, I could only see a few light cross-braces F & R, nothing that would indicate a weight increase of 187 lb (or whatever C&D said) over the coupe. I was expecting to see something really substantial down the length of the rocker panels, but saw nothing obvious.

 

hear hear! I 2nd that!!

 

I know My money has been a little tied up lately


Well the handling pack for the coupe is the same for 2005 - 2011. So I am sure it wont be to much different. I believe the new motor is slightly lighter than the older one. But it works great on my car. Granted I am not a suspension GURU but I probably wouldnt notice the difference either way. Give Rehagen a call and ask for Dean. The number is on the site or PM and I will find it for you. See what the price difference is between your local FRPP dealer. It was pretty big for me and plus it was cool to watch the whole processs.

 

I'm torn...these verts look so incredible lowered, but you really give up what little comfort you had in the first place, and oh, the rattles that manifest! I did it with my 2007 (although it's really lowered too much) and I'm nervous about doing it with my 2011.

For a hot minute I considered going with a coupe...but once you've dropped the top, it's hard to go back especially if you really like cruising around in the sunshine.