GT500KR Achieves 1.0g
8/8/08, 07:23 AM
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GT500KR Achieves 1.0g
First we find that the GT500KR's horsepower is underrated, now it's pulling 1g on the skidpad. Is this the best-performing Mustang ever built?
2009 Shelby GT500KR
The changes, on paper, may not seem significant. Try telling that to the engineers at Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), and they’ll be quick to say otherwise. Handling tests conducted by SVT prior to the launch of the Shelby GT500KR proved that small, calculated changes to aerodynamics and suspension tuning can make big improvements. In fact, the Shelby GT500KR is capable of sustaining 1.0g of grip around the skidpad, a number considered to be the upper stratosphere of road-legal sports cars.
Kerry Baldori, Chief Vehicle Engineer for SVT, talks about aerodynamics saying, “Our goal with the Shelby GT500KR was to increase downforce on the front wheels versus the GT500, while at the same time giving it a more balanced aerodynamic package.” SVT achieved just this by adding a larger carbon fiber front splitter, lowering the ride height, and installing a low-drag rear spoiler. These changes not only increased front end downforce by 31%, but they also managed to reduce drag by three percent.
Changes to the suspension tuning compliment the new aerodynamics to bring the Shelby GT500KR to its incredibly high grip levels. Revised struts that are 17% stiffer front and 7% stiffer rear reduce pitch and roll, and increased negative camber in front gives the car more grip in turns. The Shelby GT500KR is also lowered 20mm in front and 15mm in back to lower the center of gravity. Finally, exclusive to the GT500KR are new Goodyear F1 performance tires with a brand new rubber compound for North America. These tires are not available on any other car in the U.S., and are made of a special rubber that is as close to an R (race) compound as you will find on the street.
All of these changes, while seemingly small, propel the Shelby GT500KR into the top level of the sports car handling echelon. The Shelby GT500 is a capable car in its own right, but leave it to SVT to find even more performance out of an already high performing sports car.
8/8/08, 08:15 AM
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I KNEW IT!!!
That car is too much money for performance capability that's only slightly above the GT500. Remember when the GT500 was only rated at 475 hp?? That's one thing I love about Ford and that's playing the underdog for what ever reason. That car is a freakin MONSTER! Sweet!!! The big Daddy has arrived..
That car is too much money for performance capability that's only slightly above the GT500. Remember when the GT500 was only rated at 475 hp?? That's one thing I love about Ford and that's playing the underdog for what ever reason. That car is a freakin MONSTER! Sweet!!! The big Daddy has arrived..
8/8/08, 10:06 AM
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mustang68w: It is a matter of degree--ninety degrees, to be precise...Gravity exerts a force of one G vertically downwards whereas handling counteracts forces applied horizontally if the surface is "flat" (perpendicular to the force exerted by gravity)--banked turns or specific peculiarities of a given section of highway may not be perpendicular to the force exerted by gravity so they change the force measurements generated by handling accordingly.
In handling, the central idea is to keep things under control horizontally to counter centrifugal force laterally. When you can control a vehicle's lateral forces at a cornering speed that generates a sideways force equal to the vertical force of gravity, you have achieved a cornering force of one G.
Greg "Eights" Ates
In handling, the central idea is to keep things under control horizontally to counter centrifugal force laterally. When you can control a vehicle's lateral forces at a cornering speed that generates a sideways force equal to the vertical force of gravity, you have achieved a cornering force of one G.
Greg "Eights" Ates
8/8/08, 11:37 AM
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Roush Stage 3's have been demonstrating over 1g skidpad numbers for 3 years now....
Given the extra weight of the GT500's I would be willing to bet the Roush cars would STILL hand the GT500 or 500KR it's backside on the track.
More fluff from a company/man whose time has passed.
Given the extra weight of the GT500's I would be willing to bet the Roush cars would STILL hand the GT500 or 500KR it's backside on the track.
More fluff from a company/man whose time has passed.
8/8/08, 11:58 AM
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No Mention of Fuel Milage! Aye Carumba!
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8/8/08, 04:22 PM
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Roush Stage 3's have been demonstrating over 1g skidpad numbers for 3 years now....
Given the extra weight of the GT500's I would be willing to bet the Roush cars would STILL hand the GT500 or 500KR it's backside on the track.
More fluff from a company/man whose time has passed.
Given the extra weight of the GT500's I would be willing to bet the Roush cars would STILL hand the GT500 or 500KR it's backside on the track.
More fluff from a company/man whose time has passed.
hmm...i have to diagree there.
8/9/08, 01:50 PM
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8/11/08, 04:07 PM
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Roush Stage 3's have been demonstrating over 1g skidpad numbers for 3 years now....
Given the extra weight of the GT500's I would be willing to bet the Roush cars would STILL hand the GT500 or 500KR it's backside on the track.
More fluff from a company/man whose time has passed.
Given the extra weight of the GT500's I would be willing to bet the Roush cars would STILL hand the GT500 or 500KR it's backside on the track.
More fluff from a company/man whose time has passed.
