what do you drive when you're not flying?

[-ammo-]

The S550 Mustangs look amazing.  If I could've waited, I would have ordered a new 2016 GT350 (or whatever Ford will call it).  Couldn't go that long without wheels and was not about to purchase something I didn't really want.

[PJ_Godzilla]

When it comes (speaking as myself and with no knowledge of the program internals for any follow-on Cobra In-cycle actions) I'd lay odds that people will quickly forget about Hellcat. ZL1 is more likely the real target, which means we're going to be aiming a tad higher than the portly one. The Mustang finally has a real chassis- and the old Boss, live rear axle and all, was already competitive with M3. Anything sporting the Cobra badge is likely going to be a real bee-atch both on the strip and the track.

Also, you used the Mustang program code, NOT ME. I guess it must be widely known out there, or possibly publicly released, or you were paying attention to someone who knew it.

[Saxman]

When it comes (speaking as myself and with no knowledge of the program internals for any follow-on Cobra In-cycle actions) I'd lay odds that people will quickly forget about Hellcat. ZL1 is more likely the real target, which means we're going to be aiming a tad higher than the portly one. The Mustang finally has a real chassis- and the old Boss, live rear axle and all, was already competitive with M3. Anything sporting the Cobra badge is likely going to be a real bee-atch both on the strip and the track.

Also, you used the Mustang program code, NOT ME. I guess it must be widely known out there, or possibly publicly released, or you were paying attention to someone who knew it.

However the Cobras aren't rolling directly off the Ford assembly lines. It's a modified version of the car. The Hellcat comes right from Dodge. A much better comparison would be what the Hellcat turns into with aftermarket tuning.

[-ammo-]

However the Cobras aren't rolling directly off the Ford assembly lines. It's a modified version of the car. The Hellcat comes right from Dodge. A much better comparison would be what the Hellcat turns into with aftermarket tuning.

Actually the Shelby Cobras up until 2014 are a Ford product -  directly off the assembly line.  With Ford and Shelby separating ways -  there will likely never be another Ford produced "Shelby".  This why no one outside of the SVT program really knows what the new super Mustang will be called.  Ford is keeping the details of the car quite secret although there are many photos and videos of  camouflaged cars running around Detroit.

The S550 platform is public knowledge.

[Saxman]

Actually the Shelby Cobras up until 2014 are a Ford product -  directly off the assembly line.  With Ford and Shelby separating ways -  there will likely never be another Ford produced "Shelby".  This why no one outside of the SVT program really knows what the new super Mustang will be called.  Ford is keeping the details of the car quite secret although there are many photos and videos of  camouflaged cars running around Detroit.

The S550 platform is public knowledge.

The point is that they're not regular production cars like the Hellcat is.

[PJ_Godzilla]

I think its a distinction without a difference. Back 15 years ago, we used to have a contracted upfitter make the SVT Cobras. They did it all to our specs in a facility we tooled. The VIN that went on was a Ford VIN. We only broke it form the regular plant to relieve the complexity headache that such a low-volume product adds.

I'd call hellkitty an underperformer if you look at the test data. I've seen "projected" 10.6 second quarters but Car and Driver ran a 4488 pound Hellcat in the 11s - and that was with the launch control and automatic. With the stick, NYT quoted 12s. All the reviewers also note that its not a track car - too big and heavy to transition with agility. It's just not that usable. The new ZR is doing 0-60 in less than 3.0. The Hellcat takes almost 4.0. Too much mass. That said, it's still a cool car, but more of a burnout machine than a well-balanced track machine. Chrysler should ditch the old MB platform and weight optimize the beast.

I note, speaking of tuners: http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/hennessey-tunes-2015-mustang-gt-717-hp

Now: I know our boys here can do anything Hennessey can do and still meet regs and warranty requirements. In the end, count on the American company that DIDN'T need to be bought out by a bunch of Italian suits to win this one easily. After all, we're working off a brand new platform and with world class GTDI engines - not some dated cabbage crate and pushrod lump (and it is - albeit a high output pushrod lump) 

[Zoney]

I drive the Girl's crazy.

And I ride Honda Motorcycles because it would take a half million dollar car to come close to the performance of a CBR1000RR SP.

Cars are for when it is raining or you need groceries.

[-ammo-]

I think its a distinction without a difference. Back 15 years ago, we used to have a contracted upfitter make the SVT Cobras. They did it all to our specs in a facility we tooled. The VIN that went on was a Ford VIN. We only broke it form the regular plant to relieve the complexity headache that such a low-volume product adds.

I'd call hellkitty an underperformer if you look at the test data. I've seen "projected" 10.6 second quarters but Car and Driver ran a 4488 pound Hellcat in the 11s - and that was with the launch control and automatic. With the stick, NYT quoted 12s. All the reviewers also note that its not a track car - too big and heavy to transition with agility. It's just not that usable. The new ZR is doing 0-60 in less than 3.0. The Hellcat takes almost 4.0. Too much mass. That said, it's still a cool car, but more of a burnout machine than a well-balanced track machine. Chrysler should ditch the old MB platform and weight optimize the beast.

I note, speaking of tuners: http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/hennessey-tunes-2015-mustang-gt-717-hp

Now: I know our boys here can do anything Hennessey can do and still meet regs and warranty requirements. In the end, count on the American company that DIDN'T need to be bought out by a bunch of Italian suits to win this one easily. After all, we're working off a brand new platform and with world class GTDI engines - not some dated cabbage crate and pushrod lump (and it is - albeit a high output pushrod lump) 

Here's a question you may be able to answer:  I have been toying with the idea of modifying the car to produce a bit more power.  Several companies offer packages that include a smaller SC pulley, Ford Racing TB, and a tune that can produce an additional 150+ HP and TQ.  If I were to do this (not that 670 HP is enough), if I had engine failure or a problem, would my warranty cover the problem?  My guess is no but would like to hear your thoughts.

[PJ_Godzilla]

Edmunds has a decent answer and its public data: http://www.edmunds.com/auto-warranty/what-voids-your-vehicles-warranty.html

As I understand it and speaking as a customer, the only void caused by an after market part is if the failure was caused by said aftermarket part. Atop that, apparently the burden is on the dealer to establish the void. I also know, as a customer and a good one, Ford will extend coverage often to keep good customers happy. Thus, in no small way, your relationship with the dealer makes a difference as well. All that said, if you want a specific system, part or parts to retain coverage, don't modify it/them. OTOH, using a non-approved soap to wash the car ain't going to void the powertrain warranty. I could, otoh, see the possibility of an electronic boost control possibly voiding a claim on, I don't know... melted pistons..?

[-ammo-]

Edmunds has a decent answer and its public data: http://www.edmunds.com/auto-warranty/what-voids-your-vehicles-warranty.html

As I understand it and speaking as a customer, the only void caused by an after market part is if the failure was caused by said aftermarket part. Atop that, apparently the burden is on the dealer to establish the void. I also know, as a customer and a good one, Ford will extend coverage often to keep good customers happy. Thus, in no small way, your relationship with the dealer makes a difference as well. All that said, if you want a specific system, part or parts to retain coverage, don't modify it/them. OTOH, using a non-approved soap to wash the car ain't going to void the powertrain warranty. I could, otoh, see the possibility of an electronic boost control possibly voiding a claim on, I don't know... melted pistons..?

Thanks mate.  Actually, a melted piston a bigger worry for a GT owner - I believe the Shelby has a forged rotating assembly.  I am curious how Ford would handle the issue if I had an engine failure -  especially in Germany.  With my last Mustang, I had a brake problem within the warranty time frame and the local dealership here in Stuttgart ruled my problem was not covered!  I fought it and contacted Ford (U.S.) customer service and they refused to intervene on my behalf.  The problem was due to a bad caliper; not owner maintenance.

[Serenity]

This is my baby a little while back, Kawasaki VN900 Classic:



Since this pic, I've put a new seat and risers on, I'll put up new shots after I wash her this weekend!

[-ammo-]

This is my baby a little while back, Kawasaki VN900 Classic:



Since this pic, I've put a new seat and risers on, I'll put up new shots after I wash her this weekend!

Nice bike <S>

[Golfer]

Like Jeremy Clarkson said I can't imagine how Jay Leno picks out a car for the day.

[-ammo-]

Nice Bonanza on top of all that other stuff

My dad owned a Bonanza (7938D).  Many good memories in that AC

[STXAce8]

Once I get my 68 camaro done that will be it.