[SuperSound]

Originally Posted by Stingray

Moving to a FPC isn't merely just "switching" out the CPC to a FPC and then calling it the day. The other engine components were re-engineered as well.... including all the way down to the exhaust portion. All due to the new characteristics as well as balance & harmonic vibration challenges. The 32V CNC'd heads also have to cope with enormous stress during >8000-rpm blasts and was reported as perhaps the greatest challenge for the engineers at Ford Performance.

Agree or not... in short, this is definitely not the norm for domestic high performance cars. This is literally an American automaker's avante-garde approach.

You're right. My wording was too simple. The switch over to FPC was not just as simple as dropping it in. While Ford didn't break any ground in application, they are the first domestic to build one and to build the largest displacement one is not an easy feat. However I don't think we should in awe of firsts for domestics unless it's the first time we have beat the Germans or Italians at their own game

Originally Posted by trademaster

I think you're misinterpreting what I meant by, "formula." Obviously less weight, more power, and better suspension is how a sports car progresses in general. The variables to get there are what they did differently.

Being the highest displacement FPC engine doesn't make it high displacement relative to the pony cars of late. The top tier Mustangs and Camaros have been going bigger displacement or forced induction (or both) for years now. GT500 was 5.4, then 5.8 with blower, ZL1 6.2 with a blower, Z28 7.0. Ford took a different approach, one not typical of the pony cars, with the GT350. High revving, lower torque, FPC. It may not be wildly innovative, but it's a pretty big change of direction as far as pony car powerplants go.

5 years ago if you showed the specs of this engine to any auto enthusiast and asked what manufacturer was using it, the American companies would be at the bottom of the list. Innovation? Not really. Big change? Absolutely. The carbon fiber wheels are, like you said, a first. Just an example of how they took a different approach to the same goal with this car.

I think you are confusing yourself. The ZL1, GT500 and Hellcat are not purpose built track/handling cars. The Z/28 and GT350 exist in that class alone. Both use NA motors. Don't forget the GT500 and ZL1 existed before the Z/28 helped invent this new domestic segment (or the BOSS 302 LS at least). So technically GM broke the trend of FI into hi-po pony cars. Ford responded in the same vein by upping the ante. There will be a FI induction GT500 and most likely a ZL1. So nothing has changed other than Ford has built a true competitor.

Maybe you were trying to make a point about the ZO6 going FI, but to that the answer is simple...look at it's competition now. There are very few cars in that class still NA. The ones that are probably won't last another couple of years because of CAFE or they are essentially pure track toys like the Mosler cars.

I definitely agree with the last statement. Hell 5 years ago no one would think there would be a 700HP Dodge roaming the streets. This is definitely the new golden age of the pony/muscle car.