2011 GT500 at the track - 9 sec. faster than 2010

[calgaryshelby]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/video-2011-ford-gt500-spanks-last-years-model-by-nine-seconds/

[03 DSG Snake]

HUGE difference man. I'd love to add one to the stable.

[Mulanzo]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/video-2011-ford-gt500-spanks-last-years-model-by-nine-seconds/

 

 

 

Haha I just posted this : http://jalopnik.com/5541716/2011-she...w-track-record in another thread. What a beast!

 

The sound is purty too.....I cant wait I cant wait!

[Ezareth]

Haha I just posted this : http://jalopnik.com/5541716/2011-she...w-track-record in another thread. What a beast!

 

The sound is purty too.....I cant wait I cant wait!

 

 

Can't wait to get mine too. That driver wasn't perfect either. Heard once or twice him hitting the rev limiter. Any verify whether that one had the PP? I can't see the shifter well enough and it doesn't show the stripes or wheels anywhere. I notice they put a racing seat in as well, wonder how "stock" that car really was?

 

Wish I could drive like that on the way to work. Damn bumper to bumper traffic ) =

[Rarecat]

Awesome video!!!

[Son of GT]

All I will say is that I hope that all of you 2011 owners bought the car with the SVT package, because those that didn't are really missing the full potental of this car.

[Son of GT]

Can't wait to get mine too. That driver wasn't perfect either. Heard once or twice him hitting the rev limiter. Any verify whether that one had the PP? I can't see the shifter well enough and it doesn't show the stripes or wheels anywhere. I notice they put a racing seat in as well, wonder how "stock" that car really was?

 

Wish I could drive like that on the way to work. Damn bumper to bumper traffic ) =

 

 

Aside from the racing seat, if this car was a racing test mule, then I would think that the SVT guys would have deleted the stereo and passinger seat, and added a roll bar too. I also believe because the specifc topic of the story (9 seconds faster), Autoblog would declare that it was a heavily modified car in the video.

[flitchplate]

oh wow. :o

[OneTrickPony]

Awesome vid, wish I could drive like that. I like the silver with red stripes, still not to crazy about the narrow stripes. Kind of reminds me of Hitler's mustach, sorry. I'm sure when I see one in person my mind might change.

[Hpfisterer]

All I will say is that I hope that all of you 2011 owners bought the car with the SVT package, because those that didn't are really missing the full potental of this car.

 

 

After seeing that I'm so glad I waited. I was ready to pull the trigger on a 2010 until I read about the 2011 back in Feb when details were released. My deposit went in on 3/3, vehicle has an ETA of 6/3.. I thought three months was a long time to wait but after seeing that, not an issue any more.

[Ezareth]

After seeing that I'm so glad I waited. I was ready to pull the trigger on a 2010 until I read about the 2011 back in Feb when details were released. My deposit went in on 3/3, vehicle has an ETA of 6/3.. I thought three months was a long time to wait but after seeing that, not an issue any more.

 

 

Same here. These types of reviews going to drive the value of the '11s up as well as demand will inevitably pick up on them over the older models.

[GT500bro]

Same here. These types of reviews going to drive the value of the '11s up as well as demand will inevitably pick up on them over the older models.

 

 

 

I want to trade in my 2010 for a 2011..

[bpmurr]

I want to trade in my 2010 for a 2011..

 

 

I don't. Give me a test with a 2010 GT500 Coupe, 2011 GT500 Coupe, and 2011 GT500 Coupe with SVT Package on the same track with the same driver. Then the numbers will really mean something. Plus with that racing seat it makes me wonder what else is done to the car. I know the 2011 GT500 is better but how much better....

[Ezareth]

I don't. Give me a test with a 2010 GT500 Coupe, 2011 GT500 Coupe, and 2011 GT500 Coupe with SVT Package on the same track with the same driver. Then the numbers will really mean something. Plus with that racing seat it makes me wonder what else is done to the car. I know the 2011 GT500 is better but how much better....

 

 

It would be funny if that video was gameplay from the latest need for speed or something.

[GT500bro]

I don't. Give me a test with a 2010 GT500 Coupe, 2011 GT500 Coupe, and 2011 GT500 Coupe with SVT Package on the same track with the same driver. Then the numbers will really mean something. Plus with that racing seat it makes me wonder what else is done to the car. I know the 2011 GT500 is better but how much better....

 

 

it will be interesting to see what the mainstream car mags tests reveal. I wonder how much of the increased performance is simply better tires.. I like the look of the new wheels and the smaller stripes are growing on me as well..

[10random]

I would like to know how much of the time difference is created by the tires alone. While I believe the 2010 F1 supercars are a softer compound over 2007-2009, they are still lacking. The Performance Package on the other hand has some very nice tires.

[chuckstang]

car was not stock. You can clearly see the racing seat.

 

Also, he was hitting the rev limiter itentionally as it would have slowed him down to up shift.

 

 

Huge misconception is that hitting the red line is poor driving, it is the opposite in this situation. Very common on tight corners.

[Son of GT]

car was not stock. You can clearly see the racing seat.

 

Also, he was hitting the rev limiter itentionally as it would have slowed him down to up shift.

Huge misconception is that hitting the red line is poor driving, it is the opposite in this situation. Very common on tight corners.

 

 

 

Respectfully, a driver's racing seat does not automatically make it a highly modified car. As I stated in my other post, Autoblog (and Ford for that matter) will come out looking rather foolish writing an articial with a title declaring the 2011 500 is 9 seconds faster (at VIR) than a 2010 MY car without somesort of disclaimer stating that the car in the story was highly modified or a race mule.

 

The best way to end this debate would be to write Autoblog and ask them for more information about the car in that article, and it's quite possible that they will post that information in the next day or two anyway because I'm sure that there are other people who feel that the car is modified too.

 

On a different matter, while I completely understand that a tire's compound can really and significantly improve/enhance a cars handling performance, would it take 9 seconds off of last year's tire? Seems to me that tires alone wouldn't create a 9 second improvement unless we're talking about full competition racing slicks that have a sticky, sticky, compound.

[10random]

Respectfully, a driver's racing seat does not automatically make it a highly modified car. As I stated in my other post, Autoblog (and Ford for that matter) will come out looking rather foolish writing an articial with a title declaring the 2011 500 is 9 seconds faster (at VIR) than a 2010 MY car without somesort of disclaimer stating that the car in the story was highly modified or a race mule.

 

The best way to end this debate would be to write Autoblog and ask them for more information about the car in that article, and it's quite possible that they will post that information in the next day or two anyway because I'm sure that there are other people who feel that the car is modified too.

 

On a different matter, while I completely understand that a tire's compound can really and significantly improve/enhance a cars handling performance, would it take 9 seconds off of last year's tire? Seems to me that tires alone wouldn't create a 9 second improvement unless we're talking about full competition racing slicks that have a sticky, sticky, compound.

 

 

Thats why I asked how much of the 9 sec difference was due to tires . Tires can easily be the quickest and biggest improvement to a car's performance. Right next to the driver mod. But I agree with the others, side by side comparison please. This is just marketing hype at this point. I also tried to do a quick search for what the normal full course times and didn't fimd anything.

 

Ford built an awesome car either way!

[2sharpie]

I don't. Give me a test with a 2010 GT500 Coupe, 2011 GT500 Coupe, and 2011 GT500 Coupe with SVT Package on the same track with the same driver. Then the numbers will really mean something. Plus with that racing seat it makes me wonder what else is done to the car. I know the 2011 GT500 is better but how much better....

 

 

 

I agree.........drop a '10 in there that is at a correct height with some FRPP springs, 3.73's and lets see the difference then

[CSY]

Something isn't right here. This is not a 2011 with SVT package, note the striped shifter. As far as I know the 2011 SVT package shifter doesn't get stripes on the shifter. So that would that mean this is the standard 2011 with non- SVT, why would they send that for a test? Also that would mean that a SVT package GT500 would be even faster than this car, beating the 2010 by even more than 9 sec., not likely.

 

I also note the racing seat, notice how the seat belts go through the back at an angle attached some where towards the back seat location. I'll bet the back seat is not in this car.

 

I think this is pretty modifided car and would not be suprised if it was a 2010 modified.

[Ezareth]

Something isn't right here. This is not a 2011 with SVT package, note the striped shifter. As far as I know the 2011 SVT package shifter doesn't get stripes on the shifter. So that would that mean this is the standard 2011 with non- SVT, why would they send that for a test? Also that would mean that a SVT package GT500 would be even faster than this car, beating the 2010 by even more than 9 sec., not likely.

 

I also note the racing seat, notice how the seat belts go through the back at an angle attached some where towards the back seat location. I'll bet the back seat is not in this car.

 

I think this is pretty modifided car and would not be suprised if it was a 2010 modified.

 

 

The Passenger seat is there, the Racing seat and belt both just seem to be a swap out there for safety reasons. The rear seats weigh all of 10 pounds and they don't need to be removed to attach that belt.

 

I don't think it is heavily modified but I guess we'll leave that to them.

 

The thing is, with the SVT Package I wonder what suspension upgrades are still worth getting?

[CSY]

The Passenger seat is there, the Racing seat and belt both just seem to be a swap out there for safety reasons. The rear seats weigh all of 10 pounds and they don't need to be removed to attach that belt.

 

I don't think it is heavily modified but I guess we'll leave that to them.

 

The thing is, with the SVT Package I wonder what suspension upgrades are still worth getting?

 

 

I dont know, I've never seen these types of production comparison where they have removed seats. I still believe this is some type of modified car. Why would they send a non-SVT? That doesnt seems right to me. I'm calling BS on this report.

 

Like I said, I wouldn't even be suprised if this was a modified 2010.

[jsarkis]

The Passenger seat is there, the Racing seat and belt both just seem to be a swap out there for safety reasons. The rear seats weigh all of 10 pounds and they don't need to be removed to attach that belt.

 

I don't think it is heavily modified but I guess we'll leave that to them.

 

The thing is, with the SVT Package I wonder what suspension upgrades are still worth getting?

 

 

 

What are your expectations or plans for your car?

[Ezareth]

What are your expectations or plans for your car?

 

 

LapTimes

 

I believe this is somewhat official so to make it up on this chart it has to be stock. The seat is likely a safety requirement.

 

My expectations are when some SS camaro pulls up next to me I don't get smoked on the line trying to hook up. Ultimately I guess we'll have to see the 0-60 times on the '11 SVT packages. I sure as hell don't plan on driving it at the track like that guy, but I do quite a bit of street racing and am a firm believer that brakes and suspension are just as important if not more so than power.

 

I lost my brother in law in an accident about 4 years ago, he prefered power to everything and it was his lack of proper braking that killed him as he flew off an embankment into a telephone pole when trying to take a turn too fast.

[TX STIG]

the sales department at Ford luvs you guys!

 

If you put the same tires and same gears in the 2010 as a 2011 with the SVT package, then you MIGHT see a 1 second advantage going to the aluminum motor.

 

And kudos to CSY for noticing the presence of stripes on the shifter which would mean this is either a base 2011, or a modified 2010. And if it's a base 2011 then there's no way in hell a 120 lb weight savings on a 2 ton car is going to net you 9 seconds on any track this side of 200 miles.

[TX STIG]

LapTimes

 

I believe this is somewhat official so to make it up on this chart it has to be stock. The seat is likely a safety requirement.

 

My expectations are when some SS camaro pulls up next to me I don't get smoked on the line trying to hook up. Ultimately I guess we'll have to see the 0-60 times on the '11 SVT packages. I sure as hell don't plan on driving it at the track like that guy, but I do quite a bit of street racing and am a firm believer that brakes and suspension are just as important if not more so than power.

 

I lost my brother in law in an accident about 4 years ago, he prefered power to everything and it was his lack of proper braking that killed him as he flew off an embankment into a telephone pole when trying to take a turn too fast.

 

 

I just looked at the posted Lap Times and have to call BS on this being stock. Previous tests showed the 2010 GT500 getting spanked on a road course by a 2010 Corvette Grand Sport; and changing the front/rear weight bias by a few percentage points and dropping weight by 3% with the 2011 will NOT all of a sudden make it run same lap times as a Corvette Z06! To accomplish this significant upgrades must be made to the power and suspension departments, as well as major brake upgrades.

 

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your brother-in-law.

 

Edit: I really like how Ford disabled comments on the YouTube video. LOL

[Ezareth]

 

If you put the same tires and same gears in the 2010 as a 2011 with the SVT package, then you MIGHT see a 1 second advantage going to the aluminum motor.

 

And kudos to CSY for noticing the presence of stripes on the shifter which would mean this is either a base 2011, or a modified 2010. And if it's a base 2011 then there's no way in hell a 120 lb weight savings on a 2 ton car is going to net you 9 seconds on any track this side of 200 miles.

 

 

You're forgetting 10 HP and a stiffer suspension as well.

 

120 pounds off the front end of a 54/46 distributed car is much different than 120 pounds of an evenly balanced car when dealing with handling.

 

The prior GT500s are notoriously nose-heavy and have quite a bit of a problem with oversteer.

 

I'll admit the tires with appropriate gearing probably make up a good portion of the improvement, but don't discount the rest as negligible. The track is what this package was designed for most, not the strip.

[TX STIG]

You're forgetting 10 HP and a stiffer suspension as well.

 

120 pounds off the front end of a 54/46 distributed car is much different than 120 pounds of an evenly balanced car when dealing with handling.

 

The prior GT500s are notoriously nose-heavy and have quite a bit of a problem with oversteer.

 

I'll admit the tires with appropriate gearing probably make up a good portion of the improvement, but don't discount the rest as negligible. The track is what this package was designed for most, not the strip.

 

 

The 10 HP is a non-issue.

 

On a car with a 54/46 weight distrubution (assuming these are the 2010 numbers), then this is what we have on a 4,000 lb car...

 

2010 weight distribution:

2,160 / 1,840

 

2011 weight distribution:

2,040 / 1,960

 

No doubt this is an improvement, but hardly what's needed to run with a Z06. And for Ford just to throw out a statement that the 2011 is 9 seconds faster than a 2010 w/o specifying the model and mods (if any), is being a little shady because a base 2011 (same tires, suspension, gears) gets you a 120 lb weight savings and that WILL NOT get you 9 seconds on this track.

[Ezareth]

The 10 HP is a non-issue.

 

On a car with a 54/46 weight distrubution (assuming these are the 2010 numbers), then this is what we have on a 4,000 lb car...

 

2010 weight distribution:

2,160 / 1,840

 

2011 weight distribution:

2,040 / 1,960

 

No doubt this is an improvement, but hardly what's needed to run with a Z06. And for Ford just to throw out a statement that the 2011 is 9 seconds faster than a 2010 w/o specifying the model and mods (if any), is being a little shady because a base 2011 (same tires, suspension, gears) gets you a 120 lb weight savings and that WILL NOT get you 9 seconds on this track.

 

 

Agree that 10 HP is negligible.

 

I don't think the weight distribution works exactly like that but I'm sure that your math is somewhat representative of the new balance.

 

A Z06 is not a perfect racing car. The ZR1 is pretty damn close to perfect (judging by it's time on that list). I don't think Ford is thowing out a statement...I believe they put out a video that made the statement. The only question remains is what if anything was done to that car and whether or not it had the SVT PP or not.

 

I know a lot of tracks require cars beyond a certain speed/HP to wear a racing harness which could be the reason the seat is different. The shifter could be from a prototype with the SVT pack (maybe the different shifter was something they "threw in" as an added bonus sometime right before announcing the package). To me this has to be a PP car because you would be correct in stating the engine change alone could not give a 9 second improvement to the lap time.

 

I recall reading in several places that SVT Designed the PP for just this kind of application. Who knows when this video was actually even created(could have been a month ago). Considering this appears to be an "official" Ford release I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to undocumented modifications.