" The newest Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is nearly 3.5 seconds faster than the outgoing 2012 GT500 with performance package at Sebring International Raceway. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 with 650 horsepower, Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and new Brembo brake system are key enablers for the improved performance"

Imagine what the the 2013 GT500 coupe will do if the the worse handling convertible is improved this much!

This is a vid with Tanner Foust driving the the GT500 around the track:
[autostream]http://autostream.com/camaroz28/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=2494& transactionid=1328726228-7023417277&posted_by=smooth3d_www.camaroz28.com&yo utube_video_id=4KhnKQmdrkc[/autostream]

Personally Ford id playing coy with the 2013 Gt500 numbers, giving the other players a false sense of hope.

 

So what you are saying is, you need to buy the optional suspension to get the best performance?

-Geoff

 

Ummh yeah whats your point?

 

Perhaps the point is the same that Al Oppenheiser famously made not too long ago.

 

The video is at VIR, not Sebring. So which track is it supposed to be 3.5s better at, VIR or Sebring?

 

Sebring I believe.

 

Ok and? We know that The GT500 has a performance package, thats nothing new. To me its a empty statement. It comes down to this which performs better overall when properly equipt.

 

My point is "You want to race it? That will cost you extra".

-Geoff

 

So I guess then it is OK to put a smaller pulley on the ZL1? Or maybe road race tires? because putting extra stuff on it still keeps it even in Ford land.

The point is, it is an out of the box dyno queen. You want to race it? That will cost extra.

-Geoff

 

That faulty logic, because you modding your car. This is straight from the factory, bud

 

Exactly, I've learned to quit arguing with these guys about this car because no matter what they will come up with an excuse and when those don't hold water they will pull out old reliable, "It's a Ford. If it is faster than the Camaro they will have all kinds of excuses or say it should beat it, it's pointless I've learned.

 

Quoted For Truth

 

I don't know what this has turned into but Oppenheiser's point was not only that the ZL1 came ready go to the track standard, but that it would be better on the track as well. Specifically Nurburgring. This was in part due to the fact that Ford did not bother to release 'Ring times.

 

Nor would Ford accept an open challenge by GM allowing Ford to take their best driver and pit it against the ZL1.
Ford has yet to take this offer up.

 

I think the Cobra is a pretty sweet car, but I will be pretty surprised if it is able to keep up with a ZL1 on a road course. Articles I've read on the Zl1 make it sound very composed. The drag strip should be a close race as we all know there are diminishing returns when you're putting down this much power.

I actually prefer the method with which Ford is packaging the GT500. 95% of these cars will never see the road course, so why not give buyers the option to save $5000 and get a more street oriented car? Then again, who knows, I havent done the market studies. Perhaps people who are shopping for these cars want all the options and are willing to pay them. It's probably cheaper for GM to offer just one flavor of car as well, it sure makes manufacturing simpler.

Either way, both cool cars. To each his own!