The 2018 Ford Mustang GT will do its best to square up against the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. In recent years, the Mustang GT has fallen short of the Camaro in a handful of performance-related areas. However, 2018 brings more power, new looks, and now, stickier rubber for the Mustang GT.
Specifically, the 2018 Mustang GT’s Performance Pack will include a set of Michelin Pilot 4S tires after Ford said so long to the Pirelli’s P Zero as its OEM high-performance tire choice. According to Ford Authority, the automaker tuned the tires to work with the Mustang GT’s handling characteristics for greater grip in wet and dry conditions. Ford says the tires also reduce braking distances.
Meanwhile, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS soldiers on with its exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RunOnFlat tires. Chevrolet tested the tires alongside the sixth-generation Camaro during its development at the Nürburgring and other various race tracks around the world.
It will be interesting to see how Chevrolet responds to Ford’s updates to the Mustang GT. One thing is becoming more clear, however, Chevrolet seriously needs a more affordable V8-trimmed Camaro, and it’s working to address that.
Comments
Tires account for small differences in overall performance of a vehicleas it’s the suspension of the vehicle that makes the difference, whether Chevrolet’s Camaro ZL1 1LE uses the Goodyear, the Pirelli or Michelin we’re talking about very small differences in overall track time and absolutely nothing on the street.
“Tires -of a certain order_ account for small differences in overall performance_ True_ of a vehicle as it’s the suspension _ and Suspension set-up_ of the vehicle that makes the difference, whether Chevrolet’s Camaro ZL1 1LE uses the Goodyear, the Pirelli or Michelin we’re talking about very small differences in overall track time and absolutely nothing on the street. _ also true_
Fresh tires make the biggest difference on track. Suspension design and set-up is a science and those who practice it well lead the pack on the track. But, as is always the case, the driver makes the difference on the street or track in like vehicles. And on the track, the driver and the vehicle set-up and tires make the difference until the tires give up.
The street is no quantifiable measure of performance.
Sticky tires are great for lap times.
It is a not so cheap but easy way to pick up brag rights in a magazine comparison.
Will the new Mustang tires be matched to world class handling. Camaro already has world class handling and will perform in that elevated slip angle regime with any of the top tier performance tires.
I hope that Ford has closed the handling gap, but I’m afraid it will still be short of the Camaro’s handling, and it will still feel like a big heavy sedan and not like a refined and highly capable sports car like the Camaro.
It’s about the feel. Camaro, ATS-V, and BMW have it. Will the Mustang get ‘The feel’ for 2018.
I’d like to have a Stang (must be a GT350R or GT500) AND a ZL1 1LE (or possibly the rumored Z28) in the garage. But for now I’m collecting pennies for my 2018 1LE fund.
All donations will be gratefully accepted. Please send money transfers or cash to ….. LOL.