The back-and-forth between Chevrolet and Ford goes back generations. It’s a tit-for-tat battle that’s brought consumers some of the most significant vehicles ever. But one area where the two American automakers often butt heads is with their respective sports car—the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. This is a legendary rivalry that won’t go away anytime soon. Chevrolet upped the ante with the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with 580 horsepower. It was a shot across the bow of Ford and the 550-horsepower GT500 at the time. Fast-forward six years, and Ford is taking Chevy, and the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, to task with the 2020 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.
We still don’t know the final power figures for the Mustang GT500; however, Ford says it will produce north of 700 horsepower with a mid-three-second sprint to 60 miles per hour and a sub-11-second quarter-mile time. Power will come from the 5.2-liter V8 with a cross-plane crankshaft and a 2.65-liter supercharger. A Tremec-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is the only gearbox available; however, it will deliver shifts quicker than a manual.
An entry-level Handling Package adds a Gurney flap extension on the rear spoiler and adjustable strip top mounts. The Carbon Fiber Track Package removes the rear seats, adds lighter and wider carbon-fiber wheels, a GT4-style carbon-fiber rear wing, and Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Other options include massive 16.5-inch two-piece brake rotors. Those are some serious performance parts.
By comparison, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 makes 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter engine. However, unlike the new Mustang GT500, the Camaro ZL1 has two gearboxes available—a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The 1LE package adds a host of track-oriented extras that include aerodynamic enhancements, sticker tires, and upgraded suspension components to the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
We can talk numbers all day long, but the real determination between which is a better track star has to happen on the race track. Ford made a splashy announcement at the Detroit Auto Show today, but we’re still waiting for the final performance numbers. Until then, we’ll have to debate online which new top-tier American sports car is best.
At a time of year when luxury car ATP usually rises.
Sales decreased 5.6 percent to 16,670 units during the first ten months of 2024.
Specifically critical minerals supply chain development.
Scheduled for a Spring 2025 launch.
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That grille opening looks identical to the current Audi grille. Why is everyone always stealing Fords ideas! /s
Ford said that GT500 would get manual option, if customers really want. New GT500 DCT is the key of C8 Corvette gearbox.
Like it or not, it's really difficult to get a GT350 close to the MSRP although that will probably change as people mull over passing on the GT350 for the GT500...Yet, there should be a new generation ZL1, possibly with turbos which are more efficient than SCs...
Some datapoints:
"The new gearbox is claimed to be capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds, “markedly faster than any manual gearbox,” Ford says."
Current ZL1's 10 speed average shift speed is 150 milliseconds
"no manual option, at least not at launch. "
"The face openings have more than doubled since the Shelby GT350 to give it tons of air."
Actually, it's the GT350R that's hard to get within the MSRP due to the dealerships marking them up by $10k or so, the normal GT350 is easy to get at MSRP or closer.
hey look a black bumper to make the grill look larger just like the new Camaro, yet, I don't see anyone talking about it.
Because it doesn't look like ass like it does on the Camaro
seems LT5 ZL1 will get green light
did ford collapse a star to build that grill?
Another reason for why General Motors CEO Mary Barra needs to be replaced as she isn't keeping her eyes on the ball, the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 was a great engine when it was first introduced; but General Motors has sat on it's laurels and allowed competitors FCA and Ford catch up, this is a failure in leadership as General Motors needs to continue developing their products because doing nothing equates to death as Barra should turn in her letter of resignation or give the order to make the LT5 as the LT4's replacement.
LT4 is still a great engine. Ford can promise all kinds of things, but usually fails to deliver.