Quote:
Originally Posted by eolson
A Ford engineer I know who is a fellow professor up at the college I teach at here in Detroit, College for Creative Studies, said that the best time that had been relayed to him for the 2013 GT500 at the Nurburdring is 7:32. That is unofficial of course. I have no idea why it has not been publicized with all the other info. Erik
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If true, it is now pretty easy for Ford to track down an engineer that also teaches at the CCC and take action for discussing proprietary information in public.
If Ford has a number, they may be holding it close to the vest similar to holding the 650 HP number.
I believe Ford is playing a pretty sophisticated marketing game here considering that with the Boss and with the GT500 they still can't outsell the Camaro and they are probably working it pretty hard to make as big a splash as possible.
If.........BIG IF.......they have a number better than the ZL1, then I'd look for a very strategic announcment of that time. But keep in mind GM has already sold most if not all ZL1s. So Ford will be doing more of a "look what we are capable of" play as well. Making an overall Mustang and FoMoCo message. Just my guess, though.
If they don't have a better number, then we can have lengthy discussions on how the 'ring requires a lot more than lower weight and more HP.
What no one knows or has disclosed knowledge of is what has Ford has done for the transmission and rear axle. I can give you a 700 HP or even 800HP engine, but if I have to torque manage it for reliability then it's a different story. Did they improve the rear suspension? Did they manage an IRS? What about brakes? You won't do well at the 'ring without good brakes, no matter how much HP you muster. And tires? We know the Z06 and ZR1s both shaved 10 or so seconds off with the available cup tires.
Lots we don't know yet. And Ford is doing outstanding work right now so it won't be a slouch.
But as Fbodfather points out, Ford doesn't have a Corvette. The Mustang is the biggest gun in their arsenal. So from GM's perspecitve if you want even more than a ZL1 you can still step up..................twice.............to cars the Mustang can't keep up with.