2013 Mustang GT500 MEGA THREAD

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

Where did Ford emphasize autocross? This is the second time I have seen you say that. Last time I asked you to provide the press release and. . . nothing.

Sorry, Ocd, I should have responded to all your demands much more efficiently...but THANKS for asking...again...

This thread...Page 18, Post #437...
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2013 Shelby GT500 Launch Control Ensures Smooth Starts Regardless of Surface Condition

• 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the first to be equipped from the factory with launch control

• SVT engineers have given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to fine-tune the launch control settings, spinning wheels for consistent, maximum acceleration


DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2012 – Paraphrasing a classic quote – "With great power comes the need for great control" – the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicles Team have stepped up to the plate to manage the massive output of the 2013 Shelby GT500.

Whether a driver is a track-day veteran or getting his first ultra-high-performance sports car, the new launch control system on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will help ensure he gets smooth, consistent and fast starts every time.

Uncontrolled wheel spin is generally undesirable, whether commuting to work or racing away from the Christmas tree on a Friday night at the drag strip. Both safety and performance suffer when the wheels can't get enough grip on the road. However, properly regulated, some wheel slip can be your friend.

"Launch control is essentially a special mode of the traction control system that integrates the brake and engine management systems to keep the tires balanced on the peak of the mu-slip curve in order to achieve maximum thrust," explains John Pfeiffer, senior engineer, SVT Vehicle Engineering. "With so much more power and torque on tap from the new 5.8-liter V8, launch control makes it easier for drivers to take advantage of the performance."

With launch control enabled, the driver just has to press the accelerator pedal to the floor and then smoothly and quickly release the clutch pedal just as he normally would when executing a clean start. The difference is that the electronics will automatically hold the engine steady at the desired speed and manage the rear brakes to allow the optimum amount of wheel slip for maximum traction.

"We recognize not every driver has the same style, and surface, tire and climate conditions vary," said Eddie Khan, SVT Engineering supervisor. "Most of our competitors' launch control systems have a fixed engine launch speed. We've given Shelby GT500 drivers the ability to adjust the engine speed to achieve best and most consistent performance, no matter where and when they drive."

Shelby GT500 drivers can enable launch control in two ways – either through Track Apps™ on the 4.2-inch LCD in the instrument cluster or simply by tapping a switch on the left side of the instrument panel. When using the Track Apps screen, drivers can also adjust the desired engine speed for the launch in 100 rpm increments from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. When first getting accustomed to launch control or if the pavement is cooler, a lower speed may be more appropriate. Switching to racing tires or running in an autocross event on a warm Saturday morning may call for a launch speed closer to the upper end of the range.

Once the desired engine speed has been set, launch control can be toggled on or off by tapping the instrument panel switch – more convenient than the intricate multistep process required on many other vehicles. After the launch control has been enabled or disabled, it retains that mode even after the engine has been switched off and restarted, something drag racers frequently have to do as they slowly make their way through the lines to the next quarter-mile pass.

"We developed this system to enable 90 percent of drivers to be able to achieve very fast, smooth and consistent starts with the Shelby GT500 regardless of their skill level," said Khan. "Experienced drag racers may be able to get away slightly quicker, but chances are they won't be as consistent."

Veteran drag racers will find the Shelby GT500 also gives them extra flexibility. Switching off the traction control while the launch control is on produces an rpm-only mode that engine calibration engineer Tom Siebyla has tuned to keep the engine speed rock-steady with the electronic throttle and ignition without scrubbing off any speed with the brakes. Autocrossers or track-day racers can also mix and match the normal, sport and off modes of the stability control with the launch control to achieve the degree of sliding or control that best suits the conditions or their personal driving style.

For those times when there isn't enough grip to use launch control effectively, such as dust or moisture on the pavement, Ford electronic brake control development engineer Dan Dunn has built smarts into the launch control that enable it to automatically switch off and revert to traction control.

"It's not as intrusive as some TC systems have been in the past," added Khan. "We wanted to help the driver make consistent starts without getting in the way."

Launch control won't do the driving, but it is a tool to help drivers extract consistent high performance from the most powerful production Mustang ever.

"For drivers who want to have some fun at their local drag strip with a stock machine, the 2013 Shelby GT500 is the ultimate bracket racer," said Khan. "We've given our drivers the ability to exert control over all the power and torque this Mustang can produce."
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Apparently, FORD thinks the 500 is ready for those WALMART parkin' lots your buddies scoff at, elsewhere...

Any other questions?

[8cd03gro]

LOL! So them outlining, in two separate sentences of a long press release, how autocrossers and track day racers may use some of the features available is emphasizing autocross? Jesus you are delusional.

For your future ramblings

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/emphasis

1.special stress laid upon, or importance attached to,

2.something that is given great stress or importance:

[The IOM Ninja]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

Having 600 rwhp that you cannot adequately apply makes the car more difficult to drive in that manner. Having 500 rwhp that you can properly apply (with a faster cornering AND corner-exit speed, thanks to MRC)

Funny I thought it was PTM more than anything that allowed a faster exit speed. You know.. The video game throttle control intervention. That is of course if it works as advertised, saying you can hold the far right pedal all the way down and it will modulate it for you when you come out of the turn. I could be completely misunderstanding what PERFORMANCE TRACTION MANAGEMENT is actually doing. But I thought it controls traction in the turns to allow for a faster corner entry and exit.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

LOL! So them outlining, in two separate sentences of a long press release, how autocrossers and track day racers may use some of the features available is emphasizing autocross? Jesus you are delusional.

For your future ramblings

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/emphasis

1.special stress laid upon, or importance attached to,

2.something that is given great stress or importance:

LOL.. the continual edits on this one is pretty funny...

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by mlee

LOL.. the continual edits on this one is pretty funny...

Does it seem to you like they emphasized autocross?

[mlee]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

Does it seem to you like they emphasized autocross?

Bout as much as the ZL1 emphasized drag racing...

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by mlee

Bout as much as the ZL1 emphasized drag racing...

Hmm, but did I say the zl1 emphasized drag racing, or did he say gt500 emphasized autocross?

[mlee]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

Hmm, but did I say the zl1 emphasized drag racing, or did he say gt500 emphasized autocross?

Neither car excluded Drag or Road racing... The ZL1 certainly didn't...

[8cd03gro]

But, weren't we discussing emphasis? If two fleeting mentions of autocross in a press release from Ford means they emphasized autocross, what are we to conclude about the 0-60 press release from good ol' Al?

I have no doubt in my mind the zl1 is the better autocross car (of two heavyweights). I have no doubt the zl1 handles better, but saying Ford emphasized autocross for the gt500 in that press release is just inaccurate and obnoxious.

[97SS]

Its funny to see most ZL1 fans here, state that the ZL1 is such a good handling car, or its made for the road course.

I'll re-post this again. I was at the track (Buttonwillow), last week, and there was a brand new Black ZL1 (owner is a member here), who previously owned a modified Camaro SS and a Z06, that he regulary tracked and auto x'd.

In his OWN words, he was VERY dis-appointed with the ZL1's performance at Buttonwillow. Especially being passed by stock Boss 302's. The best times he had that day, was 1:59 and a 2:01. The car started to suffer from the Heat, by the end of the day. The stock Boss 302's were doing 1:54's, and an owner with a stock LS with slicks, was running 1:50's. He thought (and I did as well), that the ZL1 was going to be a Track owners dream with a warranty. However, it still has the same understeer issues, the Camaro SS has.

I talked to the owner of the 2013 Boss 302, in which is was his first time out on a track (ouch). I had my high hopes for the ZL1 as well, but it is what it is. Hopefully GM comes back with a vengeance.

Like some of Mopar's products, the ZL1 is cool car, but when compared to others (regarding performance) - There are much better examples.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

But, weren't we discussing emphasis? If two fleeting mentions of autocross in a press release from Ford means they emphasized autocross, what are we to conclude about the 0-60 press release from good ol' Al?

I have no doubt in my mind the zl1 is the better autocross car (of two heavyweights). I have no doubt the zl1 handles better, but saying Ford emphasized autocross for the gt500 in that press release is just inaccurate and obnoxious.

Not sure how much more you want... you asked and he delivered... we could debate all day on how much emphasis is placed in one performance area or another, but the fact is it's part of the press release.

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by 97SS

I'll re-post this again. I was at the track (Buttonwillow), last week, and there was a brand new Black ZL1 (owner is a member here), who previously owned a modified Camaro SS and a Z06, that he regulary tracked and auto x'd.

In his OWN words, he was VERY dis-appointed with the ZL1's performance at Buttonwillow. Especially being passed by stock Boss 302's. The best times he had that day, was 1:59 and a 2:01. The car started to suffer from the Heat, by the end of the day. The stock Boss 302's were doing 1:54's, and an owner with a stock LS with slicks, was running 1:50's. He thought (and I did as well), that the ZL1 was going to be a Track owners dream with a warranty. However, it still has the same understeer issues, the Camaro SS has.

I talked to the owner of the 2013 Boss 302, in which is was his first time out on a track (ouch). I had my high hopes for the ZL1 as well, but it is what it is. Hopefully GM comes back with a vengeance.

THIS is your original post, below...right?
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I was at Buttonwillow Road course a week ago, with my track prepped 97 SS with a fresh set of Nitto NT01's. There were a handful of Beemers, couple Porsches, some Honda's, 4-5 Mustangs, 2 Boss 302's and 1 Camaro ZL1 (black).

The owner of the ZL1 previously owned a modified Camaro SS, that he said he tracked regulary (he said he posts here?). Anyhow, my best time for the day was a 1:57.

The ZL1's best time was 1:59, and 2:01 as the day got hotter. Great times, for a stock Camaro. The owner was a really cool guy. Hopefully I gained another Camaro track buddy. We went and looked at the 2 Boss 302's, 1 was a 2013 and the other was a 2012. The 2013 owner, was his first time having the car out (car was bone stock, stock Pirellis). He was running consistent 1:55's! The 2012 was a Laguna Seca, and had the Boss 302S vented hood, and was running Hoosier slicks. He was running 1:50's.

All in all. A great day, and a huge reality check about these new Muscle currently available. I am seriously considering selling my 97 SS, and pulling the trigger on one of these machines. Best part of the day, is watching most of the Euro car owners expressions, as they got passed all day by the Domestics..... .................................................. .................................................. ....

NOW...you recall he was VERY DISAPPOINTED...no mention, 1st time around...

hmmmmm...

[Blue Menace]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

THIS is your original post, below...right?
.................................................. .................................................. ........
I was at Buttonwillow Road course a week ago, with my track prepped 97 SS with a fresh set of Nitto NT01's. There were a handful of Beemers, couple Porsches, some Honda's, 4-5 Mustangs, 2 Boss 302's and 1 Camaro ZL1 (black).

The owner of the ZL1 previously owned a modified Camaro SS, that he said he tracked regulary (he said he posts here?). Anyhow, my best time for the day was a 1:57.

The ZL1's best time was 1:59, and 2:01 as the day got hotter. Great times, for a stock Camaro. The owner was a really cool guy. Hopefully I gained another Camaro track buddy. We went and looked at the 2 Boss 302's, 1 was a 2013 and the other was a 2012. The 2013 owner, was his first time having the car out (car was bone stock, stock Pirellis). He was running consistent 1:55's! The 2012 was a Laguna Seca, and had the Boss 302S vented hood, and was running Hoosier slicks. He was running 1:50's.

All in all. A great day, and a huge reality check about these new Muscle currently available. I am seriously considering selling my 97 SS, and pulling the trigger on one of these machines. Best part of the day, is watching most of the Euro car owners expressions, as they got passed all day by the Domestics..... .................................................. .................................................. ....

NOW...you recall he was VERY DISAPPOINTED...no mention, 1st time around...

hmmmmm...

Dammit, Lowdown, you sure can be annoying at times, but I certainly admire your persistence.

[LOWDOWN]

...and now we're going to fight over what the definition of "is" is?

Another Senate investigation is required...