actually, I don't beleive its a tq arm in the new Mustang, just an upper control arm in the center.. thats why its mounted a little wierd.

 

ANY?? It's been done. The 2000 Cobra R pulled 1.01g's. . Now I know you're going to argue that it wasn't a regular production car. However, the current Cobra skidpads a little above 0.9g's, pretty close to the IROC's 0.92. If the current Cobra skidpads at 0.9, then I would expect the next Cobra with it's new stiff chassis, wider track, and a desire to outdo the previous generation will pull at least 0.95, probably closer to 1.0g.[/QUOTE]

Well, lets see here, my '87 Formula will pull about the same skid pad #'s as a brand new Cobra? Shame on Ford! If I was to spend that kind of money, I better have to peel my face off the side window with a spatchula after ripping down a curvy road!

 

Does anyone here have a video of a skidpad test? I always read about it but have never seen it done...

 

If what I've seen is a skid pad test, and I believe it is, you drive the car around a large diameter circle, like 200 feet Dia, and increase your speed (and thus G's) until the tires break loose.

I'd be willing to bet you've seen pictures or video clips and didn't realize it.

 

Skidpad numbers aren't the only test of handling prowess. Ex: Honda s2000 pulls .90 to .92 g's on the skidpad as well, yet its handling manners and capability is more refined/better than either Camaro/Cobra.

I believe the McLaren F1 only manages .86g's, yet that thing is a track terror. So skidpad numbers aren't "everything" when it comes to handling.

 

I think 'everything' would be they call 'balance'.

 

Skidpad says very little about balance. Just a test of grip. But yeah, balance is key. That's why you can drive a 3rd gen that'll pull .92g's and an NSX that'll also pull .90-.92 g's and notice the handling characteristics are worlds apart despite the similarities in the skidpad figures.

 

I'd like to put todays muscle/sportscar rims and tires on a nice condition IROC-Z and see what it would do! They got those high .8's-low .9's with 245/50's on 16" rims, and on tire technology from about 18 years ago......

 

IROC-Z's put down some good numbers....but not for free. If you use a relatively crude chassis...like a 20 year old 3rd gen (ie, struts and live axle), the only way you'll get impressive numbers is with drastically reduced wheel travel. OK, if you are on a glass smooth surface...but wear your kidney belt if you're not. And..hit a bump at mid-turn with a loaded suspension and the 3rd gen's "5th spring", (that is, the flexy flyer structure)...and stand by for some excitement .

I love my IROC, but even if my SVT Contour pulls slightly less g's on a skid pad....it's "handling" is exponentially better.

 

Yup, IROC's are straight handling/pretty lousy ride. But that handling!! (I don't mean ride quality) The 5th Gen needs to try and equal out both areas. Which is one reason I wonder if they'll break the g rating of 3rds. With technology though, who knows. (but like I said, put rims/tires maybe even some chassis work on an IROC that makes it match the new stuff and see what happens )

When I said I can't imagine any M*stang handling better it was sort of a joke, but I really meant new model for new model. (and not counting factory racecars) You gotta have fun with the M*stang guys.

 

BTW Z28, since when have you owned that F*rd?! I must've missed that!

 

You mean like the 4th Gen did?

 

Somewhat. I found 4th Gens to still be rough, just not like 3rds Gens. (with decreased handling and response, not like they were terrible though) Well, I had a while behind a 35th SS with every factory performance option available, so maybe you can expect that ride to be rougher. If they can make the car handle better and have even a little more compliance by some way of technology, that would be nice. (it would also keep down interior rattles) Maybe having a base suspension with an upgrade option on every model would be good, even on the SS and Z28 which would already be upgraded to their character by default, but could be taken even further for those that do not care about compliance. The ones that do care, simply would not order the option, but could still get a Z28 if they wanted. You'd get the engine/breaks/styling that you desired by ordering the model you like but could choose what level you wanted the suspension to be basically.

 

Believe me, I gave GM a chance!

I was simply looking for a 5 passenger, fun to drive, daily driver....with a manual trans, in a liveable package. The closest thing GM had to offer me at the time was the GTP. No manual trans though, and it handled like a pig.

I was on the verge of buying an Audi A4 Sport...when I passed by an SVT dealer...and on a lark...test drove an SVT Contour. Whithin 40 seconds of that test drive, I knew I would buy it! I actually preferred the SVT Contour's driving experience to the A4's (the A4's motors felt like boat anchors to me)....and saving 4 or 5 grand wasn't bad either.

Since this was the first Ford I've ever purchased, it took alittle adjusting for me....but you know what?...when you're on your back detailing it's undercarriage....it's no longer just a Ford, it's MY CAR.


Sooo, what's the moral of the story? To GM....if you build a Chevy pony car...and call it Chevelle, Excalibur or anything else other than C*A*M*A*R*O....you'll lose yet one more sale.

 

You could always get a Mustang