Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500

[srivendel]

That thing looks mean. With around 500hp for $39k, it will be mean, too. Solid rear. 14" front brakes. 3,600 lbs.

S.

[altiain]

That thing looks mean.
S.

How can you say that? It's smilin' at ya!

Color me unimpressed, but I can't see the need for 500hp. I had a chance to ride with a student once in one of the late-model supercharged Mustang Cobras (with "only" 400hp ), and it was ridiculous. Anything more than about 25% throttle in any of the first three gears would just light up the rear tires. On a "power" course, I beat his best time by over ten seconds, and even the student commented that he probably couldn't have picked a more useless car for the sport.

lugnutjon's old Camaro SS was a handful with a mere 325hp and 315/35-17 sized rear R compounds. I guess if you own stock in Goodyear and like to leave black stripes down your block, this is the car for you.

[Kestrel]

Solid rear...

[srivendel]

I can't see the need for 500hp.

Can't see the need? Of course there's no need. Just the need for speed, baby!

Do you travel on a French passport? Who let you into the country?

S.

[Titus]

Do you travel on a French passport? Who let you into the country?

S.

[ccage]

Color me unimpressed, but I can't see the need for 500hp. I had a chance to ride with a student once in one of the late-model supercharged Mustang Cobras (with "only" 400hp ), and it was ridiculous. Anything more than about 25% throttle in any of the first three gears would just light up the rear tires. On a "power" course, I beat his best time by over ten seconds, and even the student commented that he probably couldn't have picked a more useless car for the sport.

If we're talking about autocrossing only, I'd totally agree that there's no need for 500hp. But a lot of people live for more than 3 (or six or eight) minutes a week. (I know, I know -- herasy! :) )

Seriously, though. I'd guess the fun in this machine would be standing on it on the highway. And with the right setup it'd probably be a blast down the 1/4.

And there's always laying those black stripes. :)

C'mon -- you know it'd be fun. (Not that I'd trade my Miata for it...)

Chuck

[Treibenschnell]

Do you travel on a French passport? Who let you into the country?

S.

[altiain]

If we're talking about autocrossing only, I'd totally agree that there's no need for 500hp. But a lot of people live for more than 3 (or six or eight) minutes a week. (I know, I know -- herasy! :) )

Seriously, though. I'd guess the fun in this machine would be standing on it on the highway. And with the right setup it'd probably be a blast down the 1/4.

And there's always laying those black stripes. :)

C'mon -- you know it'd be fun. (Not that I'd trade my Miata for it...)

Chuck

Ahh, but what you've forgotten (or perhaps didn't know) was that I sold a 310rwhp, 2600-lb FD RX7 to buy my Miata. I've run high 12-second 1/4 miles, and done 155+mph on the interstate. I've ridden a sportbike at 140+mph. I've flown planes at 250+ mph. Once you've done it a time or two, the whole straight-line speed thing loses its appeal, at least for me.

Aside from the fact that the FD was a money pit, I don't miss the raw thrill of speed or rush acceleration at all. I get my kicks differently, I guess.

[Treibenschnell]

Aside from the fact that the FD was a money pit...

But a sexy money pit at that...

[altiain]

Aside from the fact that the FD was a money pit...

But a sexy money pit at that...

Yeah, it looked real good sitting in the garage, not running (which is where it spent a lot of its time)...

[MadMerv]

Hey Iain,
You don't HAVE to try and use all of that 500HP....that's what they make that right pedal for!!!!!! It's not an ON-OFF switch if you're in anything other than a stock Miata..... :)
MAD