Pro Racer's Take: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

biminiLX

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I remember people here posting that the GT500 CFTP will be faster than an ACR. Turns out they were wrong.

This is my friend Luke's ACR at NCM. Bone stock car, he ran 2:08.


For reference, Randy Pobst drove his old TA, also stock. Randy's fastest lap time was a 2:09:15. Now imagine Randy in the ACR.


That said, the GT500 CFTP is impressive but I wonder how long the tires and brakes will last?
You can use all the comparisons you like, but until it’s same driver, same day, same course and ideally same level of tire, it’s not really a fair comparison.
The GT500 makes more power and a better track trans, but more weight. The ACR has better aero and lighter weight.
Thankfully I can say I’ve driven a ‘17 ACR and ‘20 CFTP on the track!
We both know the tire is the biggest variable, so if you have the same driver on the same tire compound, I’d bet it’s a coin toss.
Combined with the C7 ZR1; the ACR, CFTP GT500 and ZR1 most definitely are the USA’s pride in world class track weapons.
Those Porsche cars are also absolutely amazing works of engineering and the results speak for themselves.
The easiest answer is that the CFTP is the best value for the MSRP.
I just don’t want to track a 4100# missile based only on tire and brake consumption!
-J
 

biminiLX

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Pfff. It was also supposed to beat the C7ZR1 AND the GT2!!
Let’s see the CFTP in 30 degree lower temps.
Pretty sure this CFTP test was from July 7th in 90*+ weather.
Again, comparisons are fun, but let’s see them under the same conditions.
I’m not a blind GT500 beats all fan, and I don’t buy my toys based on magazine track numbers, but definitely respect how much this CFTP punches above its price class.
-J
 

blk02edge

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You can use all the comparisons you like, but until it’s same driver, same day, same course and ideally same level of tire, it’s not really a fair comparison.
The GT500 makes more power and a better track trans, but more weight. The ACR has better aero and lighter weight.
Thankfully I can say I’ve driven a ‘17 ACR and ‘20 CFTP on the track!
We both know the tire is the biggest variable, so if you have the same driver on the same tire compound, I’d bet it’s a coin toss.
Combined with the C7 ZR1; the ACR, CFTP GT500 and ZR1 most definitely are the USA’s pride in world class track weapons.
Those Porsche cars are also absolutely amazing works of engineering and the results speak for themselves.
The easiest answer is that the CFTP is the best value for the MSRP.
I just don’t want to track a 4100# missile based only on tire and brake consumption!
-J
The ACR and CFTP won't be a coin toss on the same tire... If anything the ACR would further benefit on the new CFTP spec CUP 2 over those Ecstas. Real world drivers and their lack of ability will be the only reason some gt500's won't 'lose' to an ACR.

Driver is the biggest variable in real life anyway, then tires.
 

biminiLX

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Well, I’d personally like to see the CFTP vs ACR on the same tire with the same driver, if nothing more than fun.
I think you’ll be surprised on how close they will be.
Or maybe I will be, but until that happens we’re just bench racing.
The GT500 blown 5.2/DCT is a much better track combo than the V10/TR6060.
And of course the driver is the biggest variable, but after that it’s definitely the tire.
-J
 

VRYALT3R3D

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We both know the tire is the biggest variable, so if you have the same driver on the same tire compound, I’d bet it’s a coin toss.

The Viper ACR is much much lighter, has a superior aero package, and its NA. The Viper ACR is simply a superior chassis compared to the Mustang. I don't think a 100k Mustang is a good value at all.

Combined with the C7 ZR1; the ACR, CFTP GT500 and ZR1 most definitely are the USA’s pride in world class track weapons.
Agreed.
 

blk02edge

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Well, I’d personally like to see the CFTP vs ACR on the same tire with the same driver, if nothing more than fun.
I think you’ll be surprised on how close they will be.
Or maybe I will be, but until that happens we’re just bench racing.
The GT500 blown 5.2/DCT is a much better track combo than the V10/TR6060.
And of course the driver is the biggest variable, but after that it’s definitely the tire.
-J
Well you aren't wrong about just bench racing but this entire time I haven't been suprised about one thing that the GT500 has done. Fact is the CFTP is what it is almost entirely because of that special Cup 2 it's wearing. The ACR is what it is due to how mechanically aggressive it is. They just aren't even close tire or not.

I'd love to see the entire fleet of cars out there all compare on a same spec Cup 2 with a field of current IMSA drivers. Would be awesome.
 

biminiLX

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The Viper ACR is much much lighter, has a superior aero package, and its NA. The Viper ACR is simply a superior chassis compared to the Mustang. I don't think a 100k Mustang is a good value at all. Its still based on a V6 Mustang.
I agree, that’s why it’s impressive to be talking about the CFTP in this way, as even at an MSRP of $92595 on a CFTP w/ destination, gas guzzler and no other options.
It’s a shame they no longer make the Viper, but the reason the CFTP even exists is because it’s based on a V6.
You may not feel a $90-100k is a good value for a CFTP GT500, but the reality is this Mustang is smacking around cars that cost much much more.
Also, I can assure you this, the GT500 is by far the more comfortable street driver of anything we’ve discussed: ACR, ZR1, GT2/3, etc.
-J
 

GTSpartan

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The GT500 blown 5.2/DCT is a much better track combo than the V10/TR6060.
-J

Negative ghostrider

Easier to drive fast I would most definitely agree though.

BTW, a stock ACR has gone sub 2:00 at NCM. Different driver/day/conditions obviously. Even with that being said, under no circumstances in our physical universe could a CFTP ever even get close to that. Nevermind repeat it lap after lap like an ACR can.
 

biminiLX

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Negative ghostrider

Easier to drive fast I would most definitely agree though.
Well, might be your opinion, but I’ll keep mine.
That NA V10/manual Tremec is a generation behind in terms of making a hot lap.
Again, after experiencing both on track, you won’t convince me otherwise.
-J
 

Klaus

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I remember people here posting that the GT500 CFTP will be faster than an ACR. Turns out they were wrong.

You have to pull up some of the white knight posts from back in the day. There was a thread where guys were timing laps vs a GT350 IIRC and somehow backed into nonsensical times. I am surprised it is as close to ACR as it is.
 

Tob

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It may be faster because of the HP advantage but the GT350 is so much better experience on track IMO. The sounds alone are far and above the GT500. Nothing like the flat plane GT350 for sound on track. Shifting with that manual gearbox is more driver engaging than just letting the computer do it.

Owned both. Tracked both.

GT500 all day.
 

C0bra99

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I don't think a 100k Mustang is a good value at all.

I take my hats off to the engineers that this platform can be a grocery getter and also a track monster. Yes it's a little inflated but all manufacturers bump up the price on the halo cars.
Fact is the CFTP is what it is almost entirely because of that special Cup 2 it's wearing.

I should go and get a set of Cup 2s for my F350 then huh? and then I can go to the track? This is rubbish talk.
 

blk02edge

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I take my hats off to the engineers that this platform can be a grocery getter and also a track monster. Yes it's a little inflated but all manufacturers bump up the price on the halo cars.


I should go and get a set of Cup 2s for my F350 then huh? and then I can go to the track? This is rubbish talk.
God damn, of all the stupid cross eyed shit I've read in my day this takes the cake
 

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