11Mike

Hey guys...I currently own a 2007 Z06 that I track and was anxiously waiting for the new Z06 when it was released. I was disappointed when I saw that it was supercharged! I was really hoping for an NA powered track day special as the previous generation Z06s have been.

I have been lurking for quite some time and have been disappointed to see the new Z06 is hard to keep cool during track events. Obviously it is still fast and does look amazing!

I am seriously considering the new Ford Mustang GT350R. It is a NA track day special that appears to have the ability to run all day at the track and be immense fun. NA power(5.2L Flat Plane Crank V8), high revs (8200rpm), 526 hp isn't 650, but should be plenty of fun.

I love my 2007 Z06 and will be keeping it. I have thought of a 911 GT3 and this new GT350R may be a descent substitute for the GT3 at half the price. Obviously it is front engine V8 vs. rear engine f6, but it is designed for ultimate high revving NA track performance just like the GT3.

What do you guys think? Am I crazy?

Spowell637

I considered the Mustang as well. However,nine one aspect I think Corvette has over Mustang is that even the Shelby Mustangs interior are not very special, in tegards to gauges, their placement, etc. I had a 1965 Shelby 350 Mustang almost 50 years ago. The comparable Corvetts and even later, the Camaros had more functional interiors. I am VERY pleased with my Z06 but would love to have another Shelby some day. Good luck in your purchase, either way you can't go wrong.

PRE-Z06

The 8200rpm is enticing, only other production v8 that revs that high and is a flat plane crank is a Ferrari no?

C7_Z06

I don't think you'rre crazy... the new GT350 Shelby certainly seems to be a promising beast, and a good cost-effective alternative to the mighty GT3 or even an M4. I have an Avalanche Gray w/ Track pkg on order. If you plan to keep your C6, then adding the GT350 is a great addition for a fine pair. The C7 Z06 would still be top dog compared to either but you'll still have a dynamic duo to have fun with.

four0nefive

Honestly, you're not crazy for considering it. It looks like a great car and the sound it makes is absolutely amazing! Personally, Avalanche looks like a dull color to me, but it's you like it, then go for it. The only disadvantage I would say the Shelby has is it's weight. It's expected that the car weighs 3600-3700 lbs, so while it makes a bit more power than your current Z06 (and less torque), it might feel slower, but we don't have performance figures so only time will tell. In the end, either car (2015 Z06 or GT350) will be great, but the Shelby might give you less trouble since it's NA.

C7_Z06

even with the 'dull' comment prior to seeing one but after I viewed an AG at Barrett-Jackson in person back in April, I knew then & there this is the color I'd order so I did.

Just like the C7, I also think the new Shelby looks great in all available colors.

Hard to capture & appreciate the tone in photos but here's the Avalanche Gray GT350 that I liked:




Black GT350-R... very stunning... and those CF wheels!

docb

Beautiful car, love the style.

MaynardZed

Not crazy if you don't mind being slower on the track than the 991 GT3 and C7Z. The sound of that flat plane crank might be worth it though.

Daisuke149

Not crazy. I miss the sound of my boss 302 and this sounds even better. I was considering getting a gt350 for my daily. It would be amazing, but alas I do need to get a tow vehicle when my current lease is up so no gt350 anytime soon.

Racer

Some people are Corvette people, some are Camaro people and some settle for Mustangs. Go for it, I never would.

redtopz

I'm not a mustang fan, but that engine is amazing and Ford is really doing things right lately. Can you imagine if the C7Z had an engine like that and shed around 3-400 lbs? I would buy that in a heartbeat. 8200 rpm drool...

Snorman

It's a neat car. I've got a good amount of track time in a '13 GT500, and I'm sure this one is much better.
The FPC is somewhat of an unknown IMO. It's a new thing to Ford, and the second order vibrations are rumored to have given powertrain engineers fits. Would like to have one, but want to see how they do out of the box for a few months first.
I would be concerned about running the R's CF wheels on-track regularly. While they may be durable, those expensive CF wheels will probably take a beating with regular tire changes for track use. Furthermore, I doubt many people will add a second set of OEM CF's to their tire rack because they'll be very expensive. Also not sure of the durability of the front carbon ceramic rotors, which will very likely be very pricey. There will be a track time delta between the base GT350/TP and the GT350R, but would bet most of it is due to tires and weight reduction (some of which gets added back in if the Electronics Package is optioned, and if a non-R wheel is used).
But it's a helluva' cool car for ~$50k!
S.

chuntington101

Give these guys a call and ask about the 427 street attack engine.

http://katechengines.com/performance...s/c7-corvette/

rsalco

$60K, but why quibble....it's still a hellava deal.

RandomTask

Whatever floats your boat. The only reason I’d be hesitant for the new GT is engine longetivity. A flat plane V8 sounds cool, but 8200RPM is hellacious on bearings. I wouldn’t be surprised if the mustang guys start wiping bearings on the track.

kverges

The car is no lightweight and as for cooling and brakes, I'd wait and see how well they do. Finally, aren't you looking at a long wait or premium price for the GT350 and R?

Snorman

Actually the base car is $49,995 including the $1300 GG. Track Pack is $6500 and Technology Package is $7500...but you can't order BOTH on a GT350. The R Package is $13,500 and is available with a $3000 Electronics Package that adds Nav, audio, AC, etc. back into the car.
So you can get a base car for $50k, but it won't have the Magneride or coolers. But it will have the "big" 15+" Brembos and Recaros.
My beef with the R is the rear seat delete. IMO it really kills the car's flexibility for regular use. Unless you're putting in a bar and harnesses, which require the rear seat removal anyway (at least it does in the S197's).
S.

rsalco

Dunno why you say that.....the NASCAR folks, IMSA crowd, INDY people, etc., etc. all run engines 8500-11000 rpm for hours at a time without bearing failures. They're engineered to that spec. The Ford will be no different.

Snorman

Jamal Hameedi from SVT stated in an early interview that the GT350 was a little lighter than a Track Pack equipped GT, which is a few ticks over 3800#. The R's are 130# lighter, until you add back in the Electronics Pack and ditch the CF wheels.
So yeah...they're heavy. And my heavy GT500 is hell on brakes. But I've never had any cooling issues at tracks from Road Atlanta to Homestead in high ambient temps.
S.

Shurshot

IMO the big question until proven will be motor reliability. Past this it looks like a real nice toy that won't have the running hot problems associated with FI cars. Especially so in areas where temperatures get close to three digits in the summer time

What I would not recommend is going for one of the early and what will include a market adjustment 2015 models coming this fall