Car and Driver's Lighting Lap
#1
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#4
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wow 4th place in that competition is very impressive. that track looks awesome, i wonder how far it is from east texas...
edit: 18 hours! lol
edit: 18 hours! lol
Last edited by ShaneM; 1/25/12 at 08:37 AM.
#5
I can't remember where I saw this, I think it was here, but a Ford engineer wheeled an '11 GT500 to the tune of 2:58 on the same course and configuration they use for the Lightning Lap..... Makes you wonder what the best a stock Boss has ever done there.....??????
#6
Originally Posted by adam81
I can't remember where I saw this, I think it was here, but a Ford engineer wheeled an '11 GT500 to the tune of 2:58 on the same course and configuration they use for the Lightning Lap..... Makes you wonder what the best a stock Boss has ever done there.....??????
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR7PIZhFUdc&feature=player_embedded
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR7PIZhFUdc&feature=player_embedded
#7
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Wow, that was a good performance. Even more impressive is what they had to say about the Boss 302.
Forget the numbers for a moment. The Boss 302 Laguna Seca (the raciest of racy factory Mustangs) fires so many of the right neurons that it could be the one car we’d drive forever. Ford excelled by focusing on the full high-performance experience, not just this 444-hp Mustang’s acceleration or lap times. Sometimes the feel, the sounds, and, yes, the smells can overshadow what a car achieves on the track.
At this point, you might be suspecting that we’re trying to cover up lackluster lap times with all this fuzzy talk of feel. We are not. The Boss is the quickest Mustang we’ve ever run at VIR. Forget the GT—this car posted a lap time 1.2 seconds quicker than last year’s 550-hp Shelby GT500. Only a Corvette Grand Sport beats the Boss on a speed/dollar metric.
But the Corvette doesn’t have the Mustang’s side-exhaust outlets that blast their rumble right under your ears. In our notebook, we scribbled: “God’s own engine roar.” Electric power steering doesn’t dull the Boss’s road feel. The cue-ball shifter is just about perfect. And the stitching on the seats looks fantastic.
If we were looking for faults, we’d say that the rear end has too much grip (the Laguna Seca model wears 10-inch-wide rear wheels, 0.5 inch wider than the regular Boss 302’s). That huge front splitter is there to increase front-end traction, but it’s not enough. The upside is that the rear never threatens to snap around. The Boss is a kitten to drive, though it sounds like a tiger. We lapped it until the tank ran dry.
Forget the numbers for a moment. The Boss 302 Laguna Seca (the raciest of racy factory Mustangs) fires so many of the right neurons that it could be the one car we’d drive forever. Ford excelled by focusing on the full high-performance experience, not just this 444-hp Mustang’s acceleration or lap times. Sometimes the feel, the sounds, and, yes, the smells can overshadow what a car achieves on the track.
At this point, you might be suspecting that we’re trying to cover up lackluster lap times with all this fuzzy talk of feel. We are not. The Boss is the quickest Mustang we’ve ever run at VIR. Forget the GT—this car posted a lap time 1.2 seconds quicker than last year’s 550-hp Shelby GT500. Only a Corvette Grand Sport beats the Boss on a speed/dollar metric.
But the Corvette doesn’t have the Mustang’s side-exhaust outlets that blast their rumble right under your ears. In our notebook, we scribbled: “God’s own engine roar.” Electric power steering doesn’t dull the Boss’s road feel. The cue-ball shifter is just about perfect. And the stitching on the seats looks fantastic.
If we were looking for faults, we’d say that the rear end has too much grip (the Laguna Seca model wears 10-inch-wide rear wheels, 0.5 inch wider than the regular Boss 302’s). That huge front splitter is there to increase front-end traction, but it’s not enough. The upside is that the rear never threatens to snap around. The Boss is a kitten to drive, though it sounds like a tiger. We lapped it until the tank ran dry.
#8
Currently a Corvette Owner!
I just read the entire article this morning, then I see your video, thanks for posting! My favorite line about the Boss 302 LS..."We lapped it until the tank ran dry."
#10
I laughed when I read that. Last time is was at VIR I did the same thing. I was with the fabulous Chin group, who allows a 90 minute final run with all groups. I was out there for about 60 minutes until my car stalled halfway through the Climbing Esses. I was at about 1/16 of a tank and refused to go in to pit and refuel. Just couldn't tear myself away from the track. Apparently going around one of the turns, some air got into the fuel line and stalled it out. I just parked next to the flag station for 30 sec then it started right up. I wonder if there is such thing as a fuel tank baffle?
#11
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#12
Shelby GT350 Member
Originally Posted by Krnnerdboy
YIKES! who cares about the rest, the boss got murdered by the panamera!
but a nice job by ford regardless!
but a nice job by ford regardless!
#13
Cobra R Member
Originally Posted by Automagically
550 Hp, twin turbo V8, AWD and a superior budget and all Porsche attention to chassis work.
#14
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Yeah the inside definately makes you forget about the exterior. Kind of reminds me of marriage when the wife isnt a hot 20 something anymore.
Disclaimer- In case my wife sees this, you are still beautiful honey. Inside and out.
#15
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Disclaimer or not - if she sees that post you're done.
#18
Originally Posted by Automagically
550 Hp, twin turbo V8, AWD and a superior budget and all Porsche attention to chassis work.
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