2011 Shelby Mustang GT500 - First Look

[sirwilliam]

ARTICLE LINKY

...

An unusual technology is used on the cylinder bores of the aluminum block. Plasma Transferred Wire Arc, a process patented by Ford, is used to coat the bores with a 0.15 mm thick layer of composite iron and iron oxide. This spray-on liner replaces the conventional steel cylinder liners, cutting weight by 8.5 lb. and reducing friction. This is reminiscent of an older technology called Nikasil (used by Porsche, BMW and others), but PTWA is said to be just as durable as the old iron liners. Apparently this technology was licensed to Nissan for the GT-R, and the Shelby GT500 is the second car to use it.

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[Mr Kleen]

I dig it. now about that IRS...

[complacent]

I can't get behind a solid live rear axle anymore... I just can't. It's a bit of an irrational prejudice, I know.

[Sabre]

It's a better car than the new Mustang started out to be, that's for sure. I wonder what the price will be... dealers were marking up the GT500's to ridiculous prices before.

[GaToR]

I can't get behind a solid live rear axle anymore... I just can't. It's a bit of an irrational prejudice, I know.

I'm shocked at how well it is working for them though. If I were in the Camaro/Genesis Coupe/370Z/Mustang market... I would have to go with the Mustang as my heavy favorite in terms of performance, now that the engines have been updated from the truck-based powerplants they were (my biggest complaint).

That live rear axle keeps it a decent bang/buck, which is where the Mustang should really have a leg up on its competitors, and I think it is getting back to that point.

[chicken n waffles]

ford should be able to shoehorn an independent rear suspension in that sumbitch for the scratch they'll ask for it.

[Mr Kleen]

I read a report last year that estimated an IRS would add about $150 to each Mustang sold. I'd give them $200.

[Sabre]

I read a report last year that estimated an IRS would add about $150 to each Mustang sold. I'd give them $200.

GaToR: I think I'd still take a Genesis Coupe or 370Z over the Mustang though...

[chicken n waffles]

i really like the 370z/g37 coupe.

[GaToR]

GaToR: I think I'd still take a Genesis Coupe or 370Z over the Mustang though...

I would too. But its the interior quality that would do it for me, not the live axle. I'm just a person who could care less how they get the job done.

FYI, I hate Mustangs (not really, but its fun to say). I had a WS6 Trans-Am and the GT was my arch-nemesis. (NEMESIS!!!).



Doesn't mean I wouldn't bet on one of the new ones in a race. Live-axle regardless, I think the new 5.0 Mustang Track-Pack is going to impress.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/2011-ford- ... 5-0-liter/


With 2/2 rides = Nissan ATM, I'm a bit partial to the brand. The Z and G are great bang/buck against 135i, Cayman, 335i. And the interior of the G rocks. I'm hoping that they do a G56 to compete with the M3, but that's just me dreaming. I'd consider it as a cost-effective replacement for the GaToR in a few years, since speed isn't everything. But I think they'll keep that engine in the M56, which'll likely be too big for me. I'll probably drive it to find out.

[complacent]

I can't get behind a solid live rear axle anymore... I just can't. It's a bit of an irrational prejudice, I know.

I'm shocked at how well it is working for them though. If I were in the Camaro/Genesis Coupe/370Z/Mustang market... I would have to go with the Mustang as my heavy favorite in terms of performance, now that the engines have been updated from the truck-based powerplants they were (my biggest complaint).

That live rear axle keeps it a decent bang/buck, which is where the Mustang should really have a leg up on its competitors, and I think it is getting back to that point.

Oh I totally agree. Look at the fastest, cheapest, winning-est club cars - they're all variations on the GT coupe or hatch. mid 80's to late 90's. Fastest ten grand out there. Solid rear can "get it done" when it needs to. It's just an irrational prejudice on my part. Can't help it.