Its clear some people will always have an excuse for something that doesn't support what they want. Thats fine, but when proven stats and specs don't support what you want...and you then discredit them so conveniently, it's completely transparent.
The ring is the most challenging, demanding and dangerous course in the world, and this a comment I've heard from several of the most well respected racers over and over. This is not my personal opinion. The reason OEMs (yes GM and Ford both, among the elite Euro brands) spend buttloads R&D'ing there is because there are left turns under full compression, right turns where the suspension is completely unloaded on one or both sides, sometimes front or rear biased (at times no wheels are touching), dips, bumps, banking issues etc. It challenges every aspect of even the very best cars in the world, it is the benchmark of the world. It is a known fact the new GT500 is developing there right now, and that is great news to those of us considering one. So some of you discrediting the Ring are saying that you know of a better track than either Ford or GM folks, or any racer for that fact. If the GT500 laps a 7:40 or better, will you same people say great job or discredit the time? No need to answer, those of us without blinders already know.
I think that the '13 GT500 will have stronger straightline accel for sure (11.8ish 1/4 unless its at MIR??), but I still question the traction as everyone I know who owns a current one will attest to. It may not do much better at all on a racetrack like the ring compared to the ZL1 if it sticks to the same price but I hope it does. I have a time I heard from a birdie inside Ford, but I wasn't impressed or convinced that was true. Anyone confirm a time yet? The ZL1 was not designed to be a drag car, nor was the GT500. The intent was to make the fastest track car they could while retaining a backseat and a full warranty for $55k. It wasn't about adding a $10,000 carbon brake option, and a $5,000 track pack to do it. Very few affluent buyers plunk down over $50k just to rip a few 1320s that could be beat in a regular 5.0 or 6.2 with drag radials for $20k less. Back when I was poor I was a 1320 only guy, then as I could afford better cars I recognized the value in a well rounded performer, not an uncommon evolution among most enthusiasts through their years.
Last conversation I had with Joel Ewanick, he explained how Jim Farley turned down a challenge to take a '13 GT500 and a Zl1 to the ring publicly, and the loser had to make a $100k donation to a charity of the winner's choice. He said no. Could have still been in development in Farleys defense, but why didn't he counter with a future date? Just a "no" makes me skeptical.
I look fwd to when the two go head to head, should be a fun battle, and I hope the GT500 takes it home. It will only mean better options for us.
