I'll assume here that you're talking about the Ford GT...in which case, on what possible level do you consider it a flop? Name me one production car on the road today that outperforms it for less than 2, or 3-times the price. I personally think the GT was everything it was cracked up to be and more!
A flop would be a car that doesn't sell, that's not the case with any shelbly or the ford gt for that matter, They can and will sell all they build. I'm not out to offend anyone, I just think these cars deserve some praise. For cars with a back seat, they are pretty awesome. I just read that fords contract with shelby is up in 08, if it's not renewed, there will be no more shelby's after this year. I think it was cool having the shelby mustang back again. If they don't renew the contract, that will even drive the prices up higher, needless to say I'll never be able to own one. They still have the boss, bullet, machs, and so on, so there will still be a lot of cool stangs in the works, it was just neat having the shelby name as well.
I'll name you one. The 2008 Nissan GT-R. It's running a 11.7 quarter and 0-60 in 3.5 seconds stock for $70k. Now this is a lot for your money. It comes out in June and is just starting to appear in mags now.
http://www.motortrend.com:80/roadtests/coupes/112_0712_2008_nissan_gt_r/technology_specs.html
I love mustangs just as much as anyone else on this forum but I don't think they represent the latest in technology and innovation. They are a raw HP producing American beasts. They don't handle well, they don't kill on street courses and they don't park themselves. Although they look great and are capable of great things. People who buy the super snake aren't buying it and expecting it to be the fastest car on the road. They are buying a piece of American History and a damn good looking car.
http://www.motortrend.com:80/roadtests/coupes/112_0712_2008_nissan_gt_r/technology_specs.html
I love mustangs just as much as anyone else on this forum but I don't think they represent the latest in technology and innovation. They are a raw HP producing American beasts. They don't handle well, they don't kill on street courses and they don't park themselves. Although they look great and are capable of great things. People who buy the super snake aren't buying it and expecting it to be the fastest car on the road. They are buying a piece of American History and a damn good looking car.
Somehow I doubt the higher ups were thinking let's make them heavy so they'll be safe....
Just buggin' ya.
I completely agree that costs need to be kept down to keep them affordable to the 25-65 year olds. And I also agree that there is a hell of a lot of bang for the buck... for GTs and Sixers.
300 hp at 25 grand. Not many other companies can do that. It was a great deal in my opinion, as in a lot of other people's on these boards it would seem. I mean, we all bought them. I'm extremely happy with my choice. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
But to me a GT500 is a GT with bolt ons and a fancy name tag. It doesn't even have IRS.
And I'm sorry, but with 50 grand + price tags, Ford doesn't need to "keep costs down" on the Shelbys. They aren't trying to make Shelbys accessable to everyone.
All I'm saying is that, we don't NEED 605 hp. What we need is a better way to get 500+ to the pavement. Invest the time in money in a place where the mustang lacks, not where it excels already.
Amen, you folks have nailed it regarding the suspension. Get the power to the ground and practice, and your ET times will improve. After finally breaking 12s, I invested in LCAs, the adjustable upper, adjustable drag shocks and a fresh set of MT ET Street radials. Look at my trap speed 12.9 at 110. I got a 12.5 in their easy if I can just hook up a bit better. Some folks would be happy with 1.75s but I need to get the 60fts down further.
On the street, the car is actually a freaking handful and need to get rid of my Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s and find some sticky summer rubber (kdw's? nittos?). Get on it just a bit and I'm breaking loose in the first 3 gears. I can't wait to try this setup at the track this weekend.
John
First off, this is nowhere close to being a fair comparison(which has been beat to death on the forums). '07 Z06 is a purpose built 2 seater sports car using the lightest/strongest matierals possible to achieve its goal. It weighs 3132 lbs compared to the much larger 4 seat pony car weighing in at 3920 lbs. Also the Vette's suspension is far superior to the Mustang from the get go.
Plus, it's a crapload more money! I agree with you Kooldawg--we're comparing apples to oranges here. Ranger makes a good point, too. These cars can't be all things to all people, but guess what--they're pretty damn close when you take a good look at it. And Ford realizes what a great aftermarket we have for improving these cars in just about any way we want to. The bottom line is we all bought 'em and we all must love 'em and we all have found ways to improve in whatever way we want to. So where's the problem?
The parts are still super expensive comparatively speaking, but most of us are willing to pay to play. I will be hoping the F/I prices drop in the next several years. When they do, I will be itching for a turbo for sure
The KR and the Super Snake both have much better suspension than the GT500. I would imagine it would handle alot better, but I don't read the car magazines to know that.
All over the place, the S-197 is being marketed all over the world. Read ford world, blue oval news, MM&FF, they don't make the news, they only report it. If you don't belive what you read, then go buy one and try it out your self. I rode in a GT500 at mid ohio nelson ledges, I was left white knuckled and impressed. I have no dout these cars will run a road course effectively and then some. If you don't plan on buying one then it really doesn't make a difference anyway. Just roll your GT and put it through the paces, thats what most of us poorer people have to do. However, if I could afford a super snake, it would be in my driveway without a complaint.