Z/28 if it ever shows up will be badass. Will definitely smoke my car. I'll need some mods.

 

I think it will be much like the Hennessey Camaro. It will be quicker in a straight line, but the GT500 will be a better performing, and more balanced car overall. If they manage to shave some weight off the Camaro before the Z28 comes out, it may be a different story though.

Hopefully by the time the Z28 sees the light of day (if ever), the GT500 will have a new motor (TT 5.0????) although as the Super Snake has proven, power isn't really the issue, it's putting it down properly.

 

The SVT models (at least the car models) have always been manual only. Cobra, Contour, Focus. Taurus SHO doesn't count. I believe the SVO Mustang was manual only too, but not 100% sure on that.

That being said, I don't see how the GT500 being available with an auto would dilute the brand and heritage. The original Shelby Mustangs could be had with automatics. And considering how many Cobra/GT500 owners take their cars to the strip (not to mention how many have swapped in 4R70s or 5R55s) they might as well invest a little money in offering an auto with the current GT500. It would expand the market for these cars and I call BS on not having an automatic strong enough. Many 05-09 GT owners have ran their stock 5R55 autos with power-adders and have had no problems. And like I said, many GT500 owners have used it too. The new 6spd auto will be used in everything from the F-Series down to the Mustang, and if it's stout enough for the 5.0's 390 ft/lb of torque, then I'm sure it's overbuilt enough to handle whatever the GT500 will be putting out next year.

 

laser, the GT500 packs a ****ton more torque than the 5.0L. 120 more is A LOT. The TR6060 is rated at 610. That's how overbuilt it is. I doubt Ford's auto for the 5.0L could meet the durability requirements the GT500 demands. A stronger one will be needed.

 

True, but you think the 6R whatever it is will only handle 400 ft/lb? I think not. But I agree, something stronger would be needed. I just think it's time they offered the GT500 with an automatic and paddle shifters. The price-point and features that the car is being equipped with, are placing it among some very high end company. Why not capitalize on it and offer an automatic to reach out to those who want something different/faster than a BMW 335i/M3 or Mercedes E63 coupe. You could make a case that those buyers won't cross shop a $50k Mustang, but hmm maybe that could be due to it being manual only? Not like Lincoln or Mercury have anything exciting to entice those buyers away from German/Japanese showrooms.

Not to mention, might even draw some away from Maserati and Jaguar showrooms. I'm sure there are enough buyers out there who can afford an M3/GranTurismo/E63/XK that might want something a little different than everyone else on the block, and an automatic equipped GT500 could be just what Ford needs to grab that market.

 

Although I perosnally dont like them, a DSG would be very fitting for an SVT car.

 

I saw this guy asking about the Z28 when I brought my Corvette in for service.


Seriously, though- it isn't just old guys that buy Corvettes (although I see that a lot). I purchased mine when I was 23. It was used, but only 29k at the time.

Anyhow- back on topic. I think the GT500 should stay manual. The manual is part of the soul of the GT500. If you want an automatic, but a GT Premium with auto, then add a FRPP supercharger and upgrade the suspension, tires, and brakes.

 

Says who? The original GT350 and GT500s were available with automatics. I believe the KRs even were. Now if you were to say that "manual transmissions are a part of SVT's soul", it would be more accurate. As I mentioned, all previous SVO/SVT cars were manual only. The Lightnings were the only SVTs to my knowledge that had automatics.

That being said, while "young" guys may buy used Vettes/Cobras/GT500s, "old" guys mostly buy them new. Couple that with how many owners have swapped in autos into their Cobra/GT500s for track use, and I see a very viable market for Ford to offer an automatic in the GT500 to.

 

It all makes sense now.

It is certainly understandable how difficult it might be having a muscle car or a sports car which can easily reach 160 mph and applying for a handicap permit without an A/T.

 

I only just recently got down driving a manual. Never had one around to practice on, but once I started with a manual picked it up real quick. Even before I could drive manual I would have said leave the GT 500 a manual... now that I can I want it left a manual even more. It's part of the experience of driving a car like that to me. And if they do get an auto, please no paddle shifters... not in a Mustang!

 

What is this "automatic transmission" you'z guys are speaking of?

 

the 04 auto 4RW75 Handles 500RWHP with no problems.. Its a very very good transmission

 

Guys...

I'm a manual transmission driver and wouldn't have it any other way. It's part of the experience of driving a performance car.

 

Say what you want about automatic transmissions but some car manufacturers auto's shift faster than drivers with manuals on their best day!

Mercedes Benz 7 speed auto first seen in the SL63 AMG now in the E And SLS, soon to be C, and perhaps more. That gearbox switches gears in 100 milliseconds = .1 second. It also has settings that amplify the range. C: comfort/Casual. S: sport. S+: Sport plus. M: Manual. That transmission is seamless. While in S+ for example, say you're going 70 mph in 7th gear and nail it all of a sudden, it will immediately drop it into 3rd gear to give you the Rev and power band.

The BMW's SMG gearbox, seen in many of their cars... 80 milliseconds. = .08 seconds.

Ferrari F1 Auto seen in the F430 does it in 16 - 20 milliseconds. = .016 - .02 seconds.

The average manual shift time takes about 200-300 milliseconds. = .2-.3 seconds.

Also, the early Shelbys (and gt500's?) had automatics no?

If Ford were to develop an automatic similar to the above, and make it cost effective, I'd see no reason as to why they wouldn't offer it in the future, Say 2020-2022? ( the new new body style perhaps ha I just went there!!)
Just my 2 cents!

 

All that is awesome and i love technology.. but there is nothing like the fun/thrill/feel of shifting your own gears i don't care how slow i shift them lol

 

I couldn't have said it better...

 

I agree with having a proper manual. My current car is an auto, and not by choice. I can't stand it.

But with the nostalgic marketing of the GT500 and ballooned price point, Ford could be reaching out to a wider audience by offering an automatic. And that's not even considering the autos shifting faster these days. I couldn't care less as I'm not a race car driver.

The Cobras were all manual only, many owners have swapped in autos for the strip. The original Shelbies were offered with autos. I think they should be today.

But doesn't matter, as Ford has and probably will keep them manual only. So meh... :shrugs: