Quote:

Originally Posted by 03JGMonte

Whats up everyone?

Hi `Mike, great 2 C U online...Did you get another
computer ? Why is your Cobra scar'in U
Post & let us know & what else is happening
in your `life..
Below would scare me : )
Thought U & other members that love
cars, may enjoy the below. I may prefer
Chevy's, but I also respect the competition
Mike, Hit some keys : ) `OK

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2011 Ford Shelby GT500 - Driving Impressions

Ponying up with more power and less weight.


By Douglas Kott
May 27, 2010

Slideshow >>

More Driving Impressions >>
Removing weight has the same net effect as adding power. Lucky for us, Ford has done both with the latest iteration of the all-conquering GT500, and offers up an SVT Performance Package to further sweeten the deal.
The biggest chunk of mass comes off the front axle…a full 102 lb….through an aluminum engine block that replaces the 2010 car’s iron casting, and that new block is Ford’s first application of a plasma transfer wire arc coating for the cylinder bores. The 5.4-liter V-8’s Eaton M122 Roots-type blower still packs in a maximum of 9.0 psi, but now there’s a twin-row charge cooler that’s 40 percent more effective in reducing intake temperature. As before, all the main twirling and reciprocating bits are forged (steel crank and rods, aluminum pistons), but the exhaust tubing diameter grows from 2 ½ in. to 2 ¾, with an H-pipe crossover instead of the former X-pipe. With 38 percent less backpressure, the new exhaust is primarily responsible for a 10-bhp bump, with total output now at 550 bhp at 6200 rpm and 510 lb.-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm. Not to mention an especially deep, throbbing exhaust note.
But the big news is a far more serious suspension that takes advantage of the weight reduction. The optional $3495 SVT Performance Package starts with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G: 2 tires (265/40ZR-19 front, 285/35ZR-20 rear) on forged wheels that remove a total of 13.6 lb. of unsprung weight compared to the standard GT500’s alloys. Front & rear spring rates are 20.5 and 9.5 percent stiffer, respectively, and ride height is reduced by 11 mm in front and 8 mm rear. To cap it off, the SVT package swaps the standard 3.55:1 final drive for a more drag strip-friendly 3.73:1 gearset.
The changes make for a far more serious track car, as back-to-back drives of both the 2011 SVT Package cars and 2010 cars would attest—around the full length of a world-class circuit, Virginia International Raceway. Where the 2010 would howl and push in the tighter stuff, the 2011 SVT version cornered noticeably flatter, and kept the front contact patches far happier (and quieter) at the limit, as well as providing more confidence on turn-in. It also felt significantly more composed under hard braking, and the firmer damping resulted in less float over the track’s characteristic high-speed crests. Ford spokespeople claim the changes are good for a 5-sec. quicker lap here (2:58.5 versus 3:03.3) under similar conditions with the same driver, and I have no reason to doubt that number.
On the road drive portion, the 2011 SVT-equipped car rode firmly but stopped short of gut-busting, wholly appropriate for the car. The new electric-assist steering was indistinguishable from the 2010 car’s already praiseworthy hydraulic system. Shifting? The linkage of the Tremec TR6060 6-speed is direct and gates are well defined, though it’s a little balky when rushed.
Calling the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 a lightweight is no insult, because it’s now a true heavyweight in the midst of its track-day peers. Pricing starts at $48,645 for the coupe, and $53,645 for the convertible.
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Oh I like the below `Stang



Steve Saleen’s new company—Corona, California-based SMS Supercars—has revealed information about its latest creation, the SMS 302 4V Mustang, adding to the previously released SMS 570 Challenger and the upcoming SMS 620 Camaro. The 302 4V is based on the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and that car’s new 412-bhp 5.0-liter V-8, but the tuned SMS version pumps out over 440 bhp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque due to a new head design, a less restrictive exhaust and performance filtration. A supercharged version, called the SMS 302SC, reportedly puts out over 535 bhp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. SMS claims the 302 4V runs the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds, with the 302SC tearing down the strip in just 12.1 sec.
Both cars come standard with an SMS suspension system, consisting of new front and rear springs, front struts, rear shocks, new anti-roll bars and an SMS Watts Link at the rear. Brakes feature cross-drilled rotors with high-performance racing pads.
The SMS Mustang receives new front and rear fascias, a rear diffuser, rear wing and a new hood and side skirts. The interior includes Alcantara and leather SMS seats, a leather-wrapped billet aluminum shift **** and a new gauge cluster. Prices for the SMS 302 Mustang start at $54,990 complete, and can be ordered through Ford dealers. Later this year, SMS will add a 351X Mustang to the mix with even more power than the 302SC.