IDK if the E package is necessary, but I would def go glass room and recaros

 

E pkg, Recaros would be a must and the glass roof (meh) lower priority.

 

The Electronics package will become dated quickly. Not sure the value of having an overpriced NAV with expensive map updates. The only thing of real value to me is the electronic climate control.

 

I am sure I can save a bunch of $$$$ by not getting the electronics package. I just hope there is not something in the electronics package that might be essential for enjoying the performance of the car. Does the electronics package show any performance parameters ?

 

I'm definitely buying one, waiting to see what the options will be. I really wanted Kona Blue so not sure on color yet, that was my favorite color so far. I think I will go for the PP but not the coolers unless they are cheap, recaros, nav I can take or leave, and I guess just waiting to see what Ford finally releases.

 

In the '12 and previous years models, there was no performance apps on the electronics package. As can be seen from the sneak peak Track Apps posts, displayed on the new 4.2" LCD screen between the tach and speedo on the 2013 Mustangs V6/GT Premium as well as Boss models. The nav screen shows updated graphics, so it looks like the user interface has been upgraded, but whether they offer additional features or apps is unknown.

Don't know for sure if the GT500 will share the same dash, but it's a fair bet it might, as shown on this link;

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...e-power-report

 

I'm concerned about the push button adjustable bilsteins. I would most likely want to lower the car and I'm not sure how that would work with those or if it would mess up the interaction between shocks/struts and springs. Most likely I'd want a high quality set of coilovers which would render the whole push button thing moot. Plus I'd probably like some aftermarket wheels. Something a bit wider in the back if possible. So until I see an order guide and specs I'm dead in the water. I would definitely want all the coolers though.

 

I am in the same boat, definitely going to change the wheels as well as the stance of the car. I don't see myself needing the push button sport mode and since the gearing is the same I think the performance package is no longer a must. Plus if I can save some money on the car that would be great too.

 

I want the coolers but dont know if I want Recaros. I want to keep the weight down so I will have to see how much weight the coolers and Recaros add. Launch control sounds good, but do I really want it. I just wish I could get a GT500 in competition orange with black seats with orange inserts. Maybe Ford will offer CO later on in the model run. I can always hope, right ?

 

There might be a weight difference but standard seats feel heavier than the Recaros, at least the back do.

 

I would really like to buy a '13 GT500 but I have a hard time paying that kind of money for what is essentially a toy in this part of the country. I have too many toys now that hardly ever get driven but at least those are all paid for.
And about that 200 plus mph top speed, I'm betting the limiter will still be set at 155 or something a little less insane than 200. Like 5 mph higher than a ZL1?

 

Congrats Gary!

As for me I'm keeping my 11 gt500. Really happy with it!!!

 

Hmmm.... could you enumerate the many shortcuts taken with the GT500?

Was it the iron block? Was it the lack of IRS? Was it the Mahle rods?

It couldn't have been the Cobra R/Ford GT derived cylinder heads or the more efficient M122 compressor, or the Ford GT derived clutch, or the tranmission rated for 600 ft/lbs, or the revised suspension which used higher durometer bushings in the rear control arms and the front strut mounts or that the suspension used dedicated dampers and springs that were 40% higher compared to the GT, or maybe its the 4 piston Brembo/1 piston TRW brakes, or the heavy duty rear axle, or maybe its the staggered tire fitment?

Or maybe it was the better bolstered seats, or the revised instrument cluster, or the revised interior for that matter?

Or maybe it was the exterior? The ducktail maybe? The revised front end which not only made the car distinct but also aided cooling? Or maybe it was the hood which vented hot underhood air?

Or maybe it was the meager 200+ hp upgrade over the standard GT prior to the 2011 models?

Frankly, I can pick out a great many more details on your Boss that reek of cost control or taking shortcuts.

Now you can certainly accuse Ford of letting the GT500 languish but prior to the introduction of the Boss and to a lesser degree the track pack/brembo cars, the GT500 was the highest performing Mustang you could get. From 2007 to 2011 if you wanted the best handling and fastest accelerating factory Mustang with an artificially capped 155 mph top speed, there was only one choice.

 

Thanks George!

I only wish they offered it in sterling gray because yours is one bad *** ride!

 

Sterling Gray is on the 2013 ordering guide for the Mustang if I remember right. I sure hope it is available on the GT500, because that is my color choice as well.

 

Somewhere somebody had the colors for the 2013 GT500. Hopefully that was premature or wrong, but they included red candy, race red, white, UA black, grabber blue, deep impact blue, and ingot silver if memory serves.

 

I hope sterling grey comes back...it's the best looking color on the mustang for my taste.

 

my comment there was too harsh and didn't accurately reflect what I was intending to say. I get your point on the boss (the shortcuts)...and understand the issue - I worked at Ford for many years and have solid empathy for the financials of making specialty programs like the Boss and GT500 work.
My point is / was that I believe the '13 car will, for many years, be viewed as a bad-*** sports car without any mods...a really strong attempt, by Ford, to put out a machine that is, really, better than the sum of it's parts. That's what makes the Boss a great car...it's difficult to fathom such a capable car at the $40k price point. Sure, there are shortcuts, but a lot time / effort / elbow grease went into making that car magic. I think the same attention is being put into the '13 gt500. I don't think the same can be said for the early gt500's. I know that will **** people off (and I'm a big gt500 fan, btw)...I just never got the sense that guys stayed up late and awakened in the middle of the night sweating the details on those cars...just my opinion. There are lots of good parts on those cars, as you point out. I just don't see them coming together in a package that's clearly better than the sum of it's parts...the kind of car that captures the imagination of future buyers.

So to the main point on resale value, my guess (it's just a guess) is that the '13 cars will hold their value better than the earlier cars because they're better sorted and because it looks like a car that Ford really put some wood behind the arrow on...and I think people value that effort. At least it's what I value. I've been away from Fords for some time but always wanted a gt350 or gt500 and never paid any attention to old Boss cars. The reason I bought a '12 Boss is that I know they put in a ton of effort on the car...and it shows. I believe the same is true of the '13 gt500...so I'm going to get one...and it may replace my Boss.

 

I checked and I saw nothing specific, Kabooka. Your best bet is to go to your Ford dealer and have one spec’d out in that color and see if it comes up.

Have a happy New Year, guys!!

Deysha

 

Nice, I'm calling them in the morning! Happy New Year to you too sir, best wishes.