Report – Flagship Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang to receive dual-clutch auto

[Pre]

Originally Posted by hi5.0

I dunno, in America it seems even driving in a straight line at any speed can be difficult these days IMO based on some stupid ***** I see on the road.

We all see it, the swerving, driving too fast for their skill set, etc. I don't understand how the popo isn't writing record citations. Worst driving I have ever seen.

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[samb]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

I thought it would be higher.

I've seen high top ends on the long stretches on large tracks, but on much more aerodynamic cars.

That front grill kills the top end, but that car isn't about top speed.

For all we know he could have had a headwind. Aerodynamically that could have been quite a bit faster.

Or there could have been humid air, warmer than standard, etc. Density altitude has a huge effect on power production.

Or that is just what the car is capable of because of all that drag.

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

I thought it would be higher.

I've seen high top ends on the long stretches on large tracks, but on much more aerodynamic cars.

That front grill kills the top end, but that car isn't about top speed.

The GT350 tops out at 185; aerodynamics are it's biggest enemy.

Originally Posted by Pre

We all see it, the swerving, driving too fast for their skill set, etc. I don't understand how the popo isn't writing record citations. Worst driving I have ever seen.

I think it's due to how easy driving is now; the cars do a lot of it for people, I learned in a 4spd pickup with no nannies/drivers aides or even ABS; almost all of my cars have had the same configuration V8, manual transmissions, RWD and no nannies, I didn't own a car with ABS for a long time; even in my current modern cars I turn off the nannies, and drive in manual mode in the auto (ABS is still there though). I'm not bragging, I'm not the best driver out there, but I cut my teeth in cars that didn't have my back, if I screwed up there were consequences, and I trust in my abilities. I also don't go crazy on the street, it's not worth the consequences, although I do still have fun on empty back roads.
When people learn to drive in cars with VSC, TC, ABS, autonomous braking, lane keep, etc. and decide to turn off the nannies to do something stupid without any real experience, obviously they are going to screw up more often than not. Not to mention that todays cars are so isolated that the cars don't give you much feedback to learn from or react to anyways.

That's all opinion, I could be wrong, but I don't think I'm way out in left field here.

Similarly, just because you can shuffle a NSX around Laguna Seca at a record pace in a video game, doesn't mean you can do it remotely close to that in real life.

[samb]

It's nuts the amount of cars that pass me at 90+ on a daily basis. With no traffic in front of them some of these folks are just pedal to the metal until they have to stop.

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by samb

It's nuts the amount of cars that pass me at 90+ on a daily basis. With no traffic in front of them some of these folks are just pedal to the metal until they have to stop.

Yep, and a lot of the stuff that passes me doing 90+ shouldn't be doing 90+, especially not on a crowded roadway (CUVs, SUVs & trucks).

[mhoward1]

Originally Posted by Sid03SVT

Yep, and a lot of the stuff that passes me doing 90+ shouldn't be doing 90+, especially not on a crowded roadway (CUVs, SUVs & trucks).

I have been stunned on how many people I see going 100+ on a daily bases.

They have no clue on how kinetic energy works.

[AVANTI R5]

Corvette Driver Crashes After 120 MPH Street Race
b
There's a lesson to be learned here.



There are plenty of good reasons why street racing is illegal and extremely dangerous. For those who might still be tempted to try and avoid authorities, this latest incident will hopefully convince them to abandon the idea for good. According to ABC 10 news affiliate in Fairfield, California, the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette was involved in a fiery crash last Saturday afternoon after going over 120 mph while racing another car.

Witnesses claim that vehicle might be a purple Dodge Charger. The Corvette's 34-year-old driver sustained life-threatening injuries while his passenger got lucky and walked away with minor injuries. Both were wearing seatbelts, according to the California Highway Patrol report.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. What is known is that the driver somehow lost control while racing and crashed into a concrete barrier while approaching a local highway entrance. The Corvette immediately burst into flames once it came to rest. As you can see by the photos taken from the scene, there are parts of the Corvette scattered across the road.

All that's left intact of the car are the frame and drivetrain. Rescue services managed to extract both the driver and passenger before they caught on fire. It doesn't appear the Charger also crashed but authorities still want to locate its owner.


The report doesn't state when or if charges will be brought because the first priority remains the driver's health. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved which would have made the situation far worse.

Street racing has increased in popularity over the past several years as people attempt to replicate things they see in movies and video games. Many car clubs and cities continue to publically denounce the practice and strict new anti-racing laws have been passed. Authorities have been increasing patrols in areas where street races have been known to take place. The photos showing this race's destructive aftermath are hopefully nasty enough to provide some deterrence.

Source Credits: ABC 10 Fairfield

[VarmintCong]

As much as I want the Voodoo engine, the 2021 Mach 1 might make more sense, since it has a lot of the GT350 goodness with the more reliable motor. Adding the Tremec manual from the GT350 is a big plus.

I want a 4 seat 6mT performance car with 6 or 8 cylinders and there’s not much left.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

As much as I want the Voodoo engine, the 2021 Mach 1 might make more sense, since it has a lot of the GT350 goodness with the more reliable motor. Adding the Tremec manual from the GT350 is a big plus.

I want a 4 seat 6mT performance car with 6 or 8 cylinders and there’s not much left.

I drove two GT350’s b2b then a M2C. If you can afford it, M2C, or even regular M2. Better midrange, better handling, better all around car. F the Voodoo and all the hassles that come with it. The N55 is damn near bulletproof and the S55 is a f’in super car capable motor with the right mods. 650 to the wheels is not a problem at all. Closed deck, forged internals.

[YungBoba]

Originally Posted by Sid03SVT

Yep, and a lot of the stuff that passes me doing 90+ shouldn't be doing 90+, especially not on a crowded roadway (CUVs, SUVs & trucks).

Or super clapped out econoboxes from the 90s that you take one look at and wonder things like "I wonder when the last time the brakes or tires were replaced "

[AVANTI R5]

^^
I don't travel in early morning like I did ten or so years ago. I had to drive into DC or northern jersey from NE Pa. So turnpike, 33south, 80 East, 380 Are work roads for long haul commuters. Usually when you see the real A hole just flip right left lane thinks everybody should move over you know the type. Their usually driving 97 Caravan with bold tires, the whole vehicle floating up and down because junior doesn't have a 100 bucks to replace the 25 year old **** shocks. Then you have Master Of The Universe his preferred weapon is ten year old Escalade. On a final note when they do kill some poor working stiff on his way to salt mine nothing happens. Might get three years for accidental manslaughter out in 1.5 on so called good behavior. Of course you can't sue the bastard because they have nothing in Civil court, and you know they don't car Insurance.

[AVANTI R5]

^^^^^^^^

Accidentally hit the send button before I was done my rant.

This will be the new thing you'll see at 4am as your going to work and some spoiled brat will be going back parents cellar after doing designer dope all night.

World's Worst Parent Films Son Asleep In Tesla While Driving

Somebody call child services, stat.



If you've caught any stories about Tesla in the mainstream media, you'll probably be aware that the company has had to deal with some tricky court cases and complaints as a result of people misunderstanding what the company's Autopilot function is actually capable of. As a result, there has been crash after crash, but it seems that while some people can blame their misfortune on ignorance, others willfully look to take stupid risks. In the clips you'll see below, we've found arguably the prince and queen of stupidity. A young boy got his mother to film him pretending to sleep while behind the wheel, and we can't condemn their actions enough.

The video starts with the kid explaining what he is about to do while setting his Tesla Model 3 up for the clips that were destined for popular tween social media site TikTok. You can hear the boy's mother telling him that the light was getting low and that rush hour was approaching, making this bad idea even worse. But the spoiled brat pushed ahead and his mother folded, resulting in the video you see above. As if that's not bad enough, the boy then climbs out of the driver's seat and pretends to sleep in the back seat, where he's constructed a makeshift bed.



This isn't the only time that the kid has taken idiotic risks, as the next video shows. But how does this happen? Surely the car can tell that your hands aren't on the wheel? Well yes, it can. But although the kid is too dense to comprehend how moronic his actions are, he's clever enough to figure out that leaving the seatbelt buckled and attaching a weighted wristband to the steering wheel will allow the Autopilot system to remain engaged. The police have been contacted, and some have even reached out to Tesla in the hopes that this boy's access to Autopilot will be rescinded. We think harsher punishment is necessary, but that would be a great start.

[mhoward1]

Originally Posted by Pre

I drove two GT350’s b2b then a M2C. If you can afford it, M2C, or even regular M2. Better midrange, better handling, better all around car. F the Voodoo and all the hassles that come with it. The N55 is damn near bulletproof and the S55 is a f’in super car capable motor with the right mods. 650 to the wheels is not a problem at all. Closed deck, forged internals.

The M2C should be a better car at almost $30k more.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by Pre

I drove two GT350’s b2b then a M2C. If you can afford it, M2C, or even regular M2. Better midrange, better handling, better all around car. F the Voodoo and all the hassles that come with it. The N55 is damn near bulletproof and the S55 is a f’in super car capable motor with the right mods. 650 to the wheels is not a problem at all. Closed deck, forged internals.

At my age I just want something that sounds great, and puts a smile on my face. So I'm not going to mod it, track etc, or even drive it that hard.

I haven't driven a recent M car, but it's hard to believe I'll like it cause I like each generation of BMW less when I drive them. If going the BMW route I'd probably just get a used E90/92 M3 w/ the V8. I don't even like the look of recent M cars.

M2 never seems to win comparisons anymore either - came in 4th here:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...he-718-cayman/

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

The M2C should be a better car at almost $30k more.

M2C and GT350 are both around $60-65k no?

This is first i've heard the M2C is better than GT350 though. Seems to lose any comparison I've seen.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

The M2C should be a better car at almost $30k more.

30k more than what?

[mhoward1]

I was in error. I thought the Standard M2 was $58K, but the M2C was $89K. My alternate facts were wrong.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

I was in error. I thought the Standard M2 was $58K, but the M2C was $89K. My alternate facts were wrong.

You're thinking of the M2CS - it's confusing, lol.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by Pre

I drove two GT350’s b2b then a M2C. If you can afford it, M2C, or even regular M2. Better midrange, better handling, better all around car. F the Voodoo and all the hassles that come with it. The N55 is damn near bulletproof and the S55 is a f’in super car capable motor with the right mods. 650 to the wheels is not a problem at all. Closed deck, forged internals.

After you mentioned this I read up on the M2C, didn't realize it's got a real S series motor and an upgraded exhaust, and from reading this it sounds awesome.

And only $59k sticker since I wouldn't want a moonroof or DCT. Damn, now I want one!

https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/m2-coupe/2...-in-real-style

[Pre]

Originally Posted by mhoward1

I was in error. I thought the Standard M2 was $58K, but the M2C was $89K. My alternate facts were wrong.

You should go into government work, you’d fit right in buddy.

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

After you mentioned this I read up on the M2C, didn't realize it's got a real S series motor and an upgraded exhaust, and from reading this it sounds awesome.

And only $59k sticker since I wouldn't want a moonroof or DCT. Damn, now I want one!

https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/m2-coupe/2...-in-real-style

Don’t make the got damn mistake of driving the thing, nor looking into what the S55 is capable of. Some mods and you get into super car turf. Only issue with the motor is crank walk but they sell an aftermarket crank hub to sort that out. Even stock it’s a f’in missile. And due to the size handles like a SOB. I’ve been watching used prices, still sitting at 50k. For me it made the GT350 a turd, same for the SS1LE or any of the pony cars and the Vette. They all felt like bloatmobiles after driving that BMW. But unless the M2C depreciates some more it’s out for me. I refuse to finance anything longer than 60 months or have larger than $500 a month payments on it so currently that means a 20k down payment and I’ve never done that. 10k or so usually. I can afford a new one I’m just too cheap to buy something that expensive. Now if it was AWD, it would be in the garage already. But it’d be too heavy then.

[SCRAPPYDO]

Originally Posted by Sid03SVT

It's going in my 66 mustang; if I'm staying old school it's a Windsor with a blower, if I'm going bowtie it's an aluminum LS - honestly building an iron block SBC with a blower is about the same money and likely more than an aluminum NA LS build which will net the power I'm looking for in NA trim, a SBC will weigh as much as the Windsor with a blower; there just isn't a reason to go there over a Windsor for me. I don't want much power, ~400whp will be plenty, maybe even too much in this car, I just like blower noises which is why I'm contemplating it. An advantage of an LS blower build is that there is stuff out there in GM cars that are proven reliable from the factory; the second gen CTS-V put down about 500hp/500tq at the wheels and they go forever, I could start there, with a smaller pulley and be happy with the overhead in the engine for when the more power itch hits again in 5ish years; the R&D is done for me already. I also am staying with pump gas, no E85 or alcohol. Not a track or drag car build, it's a street car that will probably see the occasional track day. One thing is certain though, it's real easy to spend money.

The advantage of an Aluminum LS NA is less weight on the front end for my power goal, the advantage of a Windsor with a blower is theater, just have to decide what is more important to me; not exactly a lot of examples of those particular cars out there to test drive to see which I prefer, you know what I mean?

sounds like some logical thinking. However the thought of putting a bowtie anything into a ford is blasphemy to my old brain . Should be very easy to squeeze 400 HP form an iron block V8. I build a SBC all iron that made 512 HP when I was about 20. I wager parts are better now. 400 HP should be doable with a great set of heads, a dual plane manifold would keep it steerable. You could go high tech and put an EFI system on it.

for me a 66 mustang would have a high revving 289 that had been bored out a bit. Light rotating assembly and a holborn set up.



THAT is Drama

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by Pre

You should go into government work, you’d fit right in buddy.



Don’t make the got damn mistake of driving the thing, nor looking into what the S55 is capable of. Some mods and you get into super car turf. Only issue with the motor is crank walk but they sell an aftermarket crank hub to sort that out. Even stock it’s a f’in missile. And due to the size handles like a SOB. I’ve been watching used prices, still sitting at 50k. For me it made the GT350 a turd, same for the SS1LE or any of the pony cars and the Vette. They all felt like bloatmobiles after driving that BMW. But unless the M2C depreciates some more it’s out for me. I refuse to finance anything longer than 60 months or have larger than $500 a month payments on it so currently that means a 20k down payment and I’ve never done that. 10k or so usually. I can afford a new one I’m just too cheap to buy something that expensive. Now if it was AWD, it would be in the garage already. But it’d be too heavy then.

I get that but personally I don’t mind the heaviness since I’m looking for more of a cruiser. We had a rental Mustang convertible in Florida last fall and I actually liked it despite the turbo four. It’s perfectly acceptable nowadays in terms of interior and quality. Only downside is it’s very cramped in the back. My Civic Si feels very light and responsive in comparison but I like both types of performance cars. Nowhere to drive fast around here anyway. Give me a sweet sounding V8 or six and a manual and I’ll be happy.

[Pre]

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

I get that but personally I don’t mind the heaviness since I’m looking for more of a cruiser. We had a rental Mustang convertible in Florida last fall and I actually liked it despite the turbo four. It’s perfectly acceptable nowadays in terms of interior and quality. Only downside is it’s very cramped in the back. My Civic Si feels very light and responsive in comparison but I like both types of performance cars. Nowhere to drive fast around here anyway. Give me a sweet sounding V8 or six and a manual and I’ll be happy.

then look at the OG M2. That’s a f’in fantastic car man. N55 is bulletproof. You can get DCT or 6MT. I came close to buying one in Aug/Sep. It was a grey 2017 with 13k miles on the ODO. Wealthy guy owned it, garage queen. Midrange was killer. I much preferred it over the GT350’s I drove the previous day. I just made the mistake of driving the M2C and told the M2 owner that my only hesitation was I had to drive the M2C before making a decision. M2 owner wanted 43k, and M2C was at 50k. I made the decision to wait, and see if the M2C depreciates some more over the next 2 years. Only thing the M2 needed was some Ohlins as the stock suspension was harsh. OG M2 to me was a better car than any of the Pony’s. I think my hesitation is that I’m buying my last performance car whatever I buy so it’s going to be a 20 year car. The RS was supposed to be that before I started having issues with it and learned at the same time the engine was compromised so this go around and I’m playing my cards close to the chest. We have a no BRZ, WRX, and STi coming out, new Golf R. And I honestly believe after this next go round of new performance cars whether RWD or AWD, the future spells death in the form of EV, hybrid, computer nannies, etc. This is the musical chairs I dreaded and it’s coming so I can’t make a decision until I see all the cards on the table. M2C is at the top of my list currently. It costs more than I want to spend but that S55 is a monster, and insurance is dirt cheap. But I want to see the new WRX and STi’s first and check insurance rates. So I figure I have 3 years before I have to make my decision. And don’t let me find an Ariel Nomad for a song, or an Atom for that matter.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by Pre

then look at the OG M2. That's a f'in fantastic car man. N55 is bulletproof. You can get DCT or 6MT. I came close to buying one in Aug/Sep. It was a grey 2017 with 13k miles on the ODO. Wealthy guy owned it, garage queen. Midrange was killer. I much preferred it over the GT350's I drove the previous day. I just made the mistake of driving the M2C and told the M2 owner that my only hesitation was I had to drive the M2C before making a decision. M2 owner wanted 43k, and M2C was at 50k. I made the decision to wait, and see if the M2C depreciates some more over the next 2 years. Only thing the M2 needed was some Ohlins as the stock suspension was harsh. OG M2 to me was a better car than any of the Pony's. I think my hesitation is that I'm buying my last performance car whatever I buy so it's going to be a 20 year car. The RS was supposed to be that before I started having issues with it and learned at the same time the engine was compromised so this go around and I'm playing my cards close to the chest. We have a no BRZ, WRX, and STi coming out, new Golf R. And I honestly believe after this next go round of new performance cars whether RWD or AWD, the future spells death in the form of EV, hybrid, computer nannies, etc. This is the musical chairs I dreaded and it's coming so I can't make a decision until I see all the cards on the table. M2C is at the top of my list currently. It costs more than I want to spend but that S55 is a monster, and insurance is dirt cheap. But I want to see the new WRX and STi's first and check insurance rates. So I figure I have 3 years before I have to make my decision. And don't let me find an Ariel Nomad for a song, or an Atom for that matter.

I feel like the M2C will hold its value better, than the M2, but could be wrong.

As for the death of non-EV performance cars, I think like most things EV its greatly exaggerated, simply cause there's still huge demand for performance cars, and I think only a small portion of performance cars fans want an EV.

Sure, your typical orthodontist who just bought a Porsche to show off to his friends may migrate to the latest thing, a Tesla, but it's not like Mustang GT fans want an EV.

To keep it simple, as long as there is strong demand for IC performance cars, they will keep making them. So don't fall for the EV hype, it's as ridiculous as Tesla's stock valuation.

Now manual transmission are another story, I want to get one before they disappear. 997.2 Carrera, Mustang Mach 1, something like that.

The only thing I really don't like about the M2s is the back end - looks great from the front. For $50-60k I really have to love the look.

[samb]

Originally Posted by Pre

then look at the OG M2. That’s a f’in fantastic car man. N55 is bulletproof. You can get DCT or 6MT. I came close to buying one in Aug/Sep. It was a grey 2017 with 13k miles on the ODO. Wealthy guy owned it, garage queen. Midrange was killer. I much preferred it over the GT350’s I drove the previous day. I just made the mistake of driving the M2C and told the M2 owner that my only hesitation was I had to drive the M2C before making a decision. M2 owner wanted 43k, and M2C was at 50k. I made the decision to wait, and see if the M2C depreciates some more over the next 2 years. Only thing the M2 needed was some Ohlins as the stock suspension was harsh. OG M2 to me was a better car than any of the Pony’s. I think my hesitation is that I’m buying my last performance car whatever I buy so it’s going to be a 20 year car. The RS was supposed to be that before I started having issues with it and learned at the same time the engine was compromised so this go around and I’m playing my cards close to the chest. We have a no BRZ, WRX, and STi coming out, new Golf R. And I honestly believe after this next go round of new performance cars whether RWD or AWD, the future spells death in the form of EV, hybrid, computer nannies, etc. This is the musical chairs I dreaded and it’s coming so I can’t make a decision until I see all the cards on the table. M2C is at the top of my list currently. It costs more than I want to spend but that S55 is a monster, and insurance is dirt cheap. But I want to see the new WRX and STi’s first and check insurance rates. So I figure I have 3 years before I have to make my decision. And don’t let me find an Ariel Nomad for a song, or an Atom for that matter.

Pre you and I have very similar taste in cars. Can’t help myself drooling over the M2C, but my wife would murder me if I got a new car. I’ve had my RS for 4 years and love it enough to take the edge off the shiny new thing, but I am getting concerned about maintaining it as it’s my daily driver. Not so much cost, but simply parts availability. It was a pain in the ass to get parts for body work and that was back when they were still in production!

Anyway, my point is I think the only cars that could really talk me out of my money and away from my RS is an M2C or a GT350. So it’s interesting to hear your perspective after driving both. Thanks for that.