Not bad, the 2010 Mustang GT w/ Track Pack racked in 3:13.3, on-par with the 2009 Cobalt SS Turbocharged's time of 3:13.0 from last year's Lightning Lap.

They said the Pirelli P-Zero's were the big heroes for the 2010 GT.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p_2009-feature

 

Was an interesting read. Seemed like the GT was a far more enjoyable drive than the GT500, even if the GT500 was a lot faster due to its big but very heavy motor. P Zero tires did apparently save the day as the rest seemed to have familiar Stang traits, good (agility) and bad (brakes and twitchy steering). Wonder what '11 will have in store beyond the obvious big bump in power.

The Camaro nipped it a bit -- 3:09.5 vs 3:13.3 -- but again, big motor there though it seemed a bit soft in transitions. Perhaps a bit more chassis tuning and stiffer suspension bushings would help here, though there's no getting around the sheer size and mass issue.

Another interesting thing was how the Porsche Cayman matched its big brother 911's time, despite ceding 65hp. Goes to show its not only how fast a car goes (in a straight line), but how well a car goes fast (everywhere else) that matters.

 

Having owned both an S197 GT and GT500, the GT nowhere near even remotely is the drive the GT500 is. =) My GT had brembos, 4.10's, MGW shifter, exhaust, eibach + tokiko as well. GT500 is still stock. Good riddance to the GT! The GT500 does take considerable more skill to drive due to the power it has.

 

Did you have a 2010 GT with the track pack? Because that's what they used for this Lightning Lap.

 

The GT is signficantly down on power for a course as big as VIR with the speeds that can be achieved. Cars with big power are shaving off seconds on the long straights.

The 5.0 time should be very similar to the Camaro's; if not slightly faster.

 

I am thinking a 5.0L GT with the Track Pack/Brembo package might turn faster laps than the GT500. The 2010 TP is faster through a couple of the technical corners.

 

My components were superior to those of the TP as were my Michelin PS2 tires.

 

I think GT500 could get 5 seconds quicker if for love of all that is Holy Ford would ditch the worthless F1's on the car. Going to just PS2's makes it a new car. Massive improvement in stopping distance, hard turns, the works. The F1's let go anywhere for any reasons even when warmed up. Will Ford do it? Doubt it. They have a love affair with the F1's since they are the cheapest tire money can buy in 285/19.

 

Not sure about 5 seconds, but they would be an improvement. Ford under-tires the GT500 up front. They need to put wider rubber up front.

Also, Ford needs to better balance the car out in terms of F/R weight.

 

I'm running 275 / 325 =D

Balance is better in 2011. Throw the battery in the back and it's great.

 

Well if you spend 50k on a GT500 vs 30k for the GT you had better get someting for that additional 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!

 

Easily worth it. The GT500 is a bargain.

For some reason I think all people know about the GT500 is it has "more HP" and all you need to do to match one is put a blower on a GT. The GT500 is a total package. Please remember:

2x250mm dual disc clutch
610lb/ft torque rated transmission
real leather on all seats, not leather inserts on vinyl like GT
hand built engine which can withstand 750rwhp with reliability
unique body panels and look
better seats with alcantera inserts
alcantera wrapped steering wheel
short throw shifter with unique billiard ball ****
4 pot brembos up front
19x9.5" forged alloy rims
factory supercharger with complete intercooler system
shiftlight and shiftone built in
carbon fiber clutchpacks and high torque pinion bearing in rear end
stronger driveshaft
side airbags standard
message center and all "premium GT" features standard
electronics package ( you said $50,000, at that price GT500 has this package )

There is more, but hopefully you understand you *do* get your $20,000 worth compared to a stripped $30k GT.

 

Can you please provide a picture showing the 325's on the rear of your 2010 Shelby. I'd be VERY interested in seeing this.

 

It is a fine example of automotive engineerring, I'll give it that.

 

Yeah Ill take some. I coped this guy:

http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/ind...rom-weldcraft/

and sent my rims off to be widened to 11.5" at the same place.

 

Check out the Corvette Grand Sport time versus the Z06. I still feel the Corvette is the best bang/buck for a performance car although the Mustang is a bit more versatile (more interior room, larger trunk, higher GC).

 

The GS is badass. I'd prefer the 7.0L though!

 

If I was in the market for a 50K sports car, that would be my choice hands down. The Vette is the best bang for the buck vehicle on the market.

 

Fixed =)

 

I've been thinking about a 08 Corvette Z51. I am waiting though to see how the 2011 Mustang GT performs.