Anyone with a 2013+ GT500?
Discussion
Hi chaps, have tentatively started looking around for the next car. Having had an imposter pony car 6 yrs ago (Monaro VXR), now I want the real thing.
Looking at either Camaro ZL1 or a Shelby GT500 (662bhp). Can anyone give their feedback on driving a GT500 here? Is it so bonkers as to be completely undrivable on a bumpy country road?
There seem to be hardly any in the UK compared to previous gen GT500s, is there any particular reason for this, eg impossible SVA etc?
Looking at either Camaro ZL1 or a Shelby GT500 (662bhp). Can anyone give their feedback on driving a GT500 here? Is it so bonkers as to be completely undrivable on a bumpy country road?
There seem to be hardly any in the UK compared to previous gen GT500s, is there any particular reason for this, eg impossible SVA etc?
I just bought a 2013 Shelby GT500 (about 10 days ago). Previously I owned a 2007 GT500 with extensive mods to the suspension (all done by myself), 100+ bhp pulley and tune kit.
These cars are usable on the street here. I haven't really had mine long enough and certainly won't be exploiting the performance until the dry warm weather comes but I will say this:
They are without a doubt one of the fastest cars available on the road, any road, anywhere, thanks to 662bhp and 631 ft/lbs of torque though no doubt you knew that part.
Usability: if you're not used to driving US cars they seem large at first though I had no trouble threading mine through the hopelessly traffic congested Central London streets last Saturday. The 2013 has electrically assisted power steering which is light but gives lots of feel.
Mine has the "Track Pack" which features electronically adjustable shocks (actually the rears only but still effective). "Comfort" is comfortable but a little floaty at speed. "Sport" is a little hard and joggly to say the least but OK at high speed. On mine you can alter the steering gearing electronically and the "Sports" setting on that is enough to really make you concentrate on the road...
Tyres standard are Goodyear Supercar F1. They are a summer tyre and need real care in winter or in the wet, i.e. the same as most performance car tyres.
Handling is surprisingly good as far as I can tell so far: I modified my 2007 to handle with Ford Racing suspension, adjustable rear shocks, larger anti-roll bars and a Watts Link rear and added Toyo Proxes and it was an amzingly nimble car: I had no trouble covering bumpy winding country roads at some speed. The 2013 copes very well. The aluminium block of the 2011+ cars possibly gives batter balance than the earlier cars..?
Seats in mine are Recaros in leather/Alcantara/fake suede whatever but are supremely comfortable and supportive. The 2013 feels much more spacious and comfortable then the 2007 (even a standard 2007) but the dash silver trim takes some character away IMHO.
Fuel economy on my 2007 was about 18 overall with mixed driving. Best ever about 25mpg at 60-65mph. Worst; too bad to mention. In traffic: economy was horrific. The 2013 promises to be a bit better on a run. US tests boast of 24 US mpg (ha ha) on the Highway but I have noticed that 6th gear is much higher on the 2013: 70mph is well under 2000rpm.
For me it's a sunny days and days out car. As a daily I think any of this type of car could be a bit of a lump. It's the best American car I have owned with unbelieveable power and sound (you really have to hear the noise from the factory exhaust...), surprising comfort and handling, ridiculous attention-getting looks, space for passengers (4 seats strictly) and luggage.
Great car overall. Can't think what I'd replace it with but that won't happen for a long long time, if ever.
Malc
2013front2 by Malc May, on Flickr
e7car by Malc May, on Flickr
2s by Malc May, on Flickr
_A230013 by Malc May, on Flickr
_A230011 by Malc May, on Flickr
These cars are usable on the street here. I haven't really had mine long enough and certainly won't be exploiting the performance until the dry warm weather comes but I will say this:
They are without a doubt one of the fastest cars available on the road, any road, anywhere, thanks to 662bhp and 631 ft/lbs of torque though no doubt you knew that part.
Usability: if you're not used to driving US cars they seem large at first though I had no trouble threading mine through the hopelessly traffic congested Central London streets last Saturday. The 2013 has electrically assisted power steering which is light but gives lots of feel.
Mine has the "Track Pack" which features electronically adjustable shocks (actually the rears only but still effective). "Comfort" is comfortable but a little floaty at speed. "Sport" is a little hard and joggly to say the least but OK at high speed. On mine you can alter the steering gearing electronically and the "Sports" setting on that is enough to really make you concentrate on the road...
Tyres standard are Goodyear Supercar F1. They are a summer tyre and need real care in winter or in the wet, i.e. the same as most performance car tyres.
Handling is surprisingly good as far as I can tell so far: I modified my 2007 to handle with Ford Racing suspension, adjustable rear shocks, larger anti-roll bars and a Watts Link rear and added Toyo Proxes and it was an amzingly nimble car: I had no trouble covering bumpy winding country roads at some speed. The 2013 copes very well. The aluminium block of the 2011+ cars possibly gives batter balance than the earlier cars..?
Seats in mine are Recaros in leather/Alcantara/fake suede whatever but are supremely comfortable and supportive. The 2013 feels much more spacious and comfortable then the 2007 (even a standard 2007) but the dash silver trim takes some character away IMHO.
Fuel economy on my 2007 was about 18 overall with mixed driving. Best ever about 25mpg at 60-65mph. Worst; too bad to mention. In traffic: economy was horrific. The 2013 promises to be a bit better on a run. US tests boast of 24 US mpg (ha ha) on the Highway but I have noticed that 6th gear is much higher on the 2013: 70mph is well under 2000rpm.
For me it's a sunny days and days out car. As a daily I think any of this type of car could be a bit of a lump. It's the best American car I have owned with unbelieveable power and sound (you really have to hear the noise from the factory exhaust...), surprising comfort and handling, ridiculous attention-getting looks, space for passengers (4 seats strictly) and luggage.
Great car overall. Can't think what I'd replace it with but that won't happen for a long long time, if ever.
Malc
2013front2 by Malc May, on Flickre7car by Malc May, on Flickr2s by Malc May, on Flickr_A230013 by Malc May, on Flickr_A230011 by Malc May, on FlickrEdited by malc350 on Tuesday 3rd November 20:19
Edited by malc350 on Tuesday 3rd November 20:20
Sorry should have given some owner feedback as that's what your after
I ordered through bill shepherd and had them do the import and iva which made thinks remarkably simple, my car was all black exterior and interior, reccaro seats, track pack and I bought a few foodies to upgrade too. I fitted the cervini ram air hood (super snake look alike), steeda lowering springs, baer extreme plus rear brake kit, ford racing disks to the front, and a off road mid pipe with ford racing throttle body and tune, magna flow back boxes, and a rear view camera. I also swapped the tyres for toyo r888 which give enormous amounts of grip in the dry and aside from what people say were not scary in the wet, I drove the car in all conditions.
The pull is very good as stock and with my mods it was mental, there just wasn't anything on the road that could keep up, on the autobahn I was able to hit 165 in 4th! I did take the car to vmax and hit 200 on the speedo in 5th!
I used the car for everyday use, trips in Europe and social events. I found it very easy to use in town and on the motorway, aside from the constant attention it attracts being a iconic muscle car. The adjustable steering as mentioned feels very effortless in comfort setting so I just kept mine in sport to make it feel like I had more bearing on the road. The track pack also have electronic adjustable suspension which I could notice the difference from sport to soft. It was very planted at high speed on the road and didn't feel jumpy even with a live rear axle.
The boot space was vast and fitted two big suitcases for long trips plus the rear seats give extra storage or small passengers. Interior although american cars get a bad rep for being unrefined felt decent to me and the parts you touch are good. Alcantara steering wheel, cue ball shifter on a short shift slots in with ease. Clutch to my touch didn't feel heavy but that might be me coming from a very heavy classic mustang clutch.
Visits to the pump are frequent as the tank isn't big enough really but it depends on how much you use it really, I did 10k miles in a year = lots of visits but smiles per mile were worth it.
Taxing it was very cheap and insurance wasn't awful, maintenance is simple and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty can be done yourself. Everything is acces able under the hood and should you want to do mods you will be able to do bolt ons with ease.
I miss the car in truth as it was a hell of a good car for the money, I sold mine as I had already had 2 gt500's and I wanted to get a viper and so I sold to scratch that itch.
I ordered through bill shepherd and had them do the import and iva which made thinks remarkably simple, my car was all black exterior and interior, reccaro seats, track pack and I bought a few foodies to upgrade too. I fitted the cervini ram air hood (super snake look alike), steeda lowering springs, baer extreme plus rear brake kit, ford racing disks to the front, and a off road mid pipe with ford racing throttle body and tune, magna flow back boxes, and a rear view camera. I also swapped the tyres for toyo r888 which give enormous amounts of grip in the dry and aside from what people say were not scary in the wet, I drove the car in all conditions.
The pull is very good as stock and with my mods it was mental, there just wasn't anything on the road that could keep up, on the autobahn I was able to hit 165 in 4th! I did take the car to vmax and hit 200 on the speedo in 5th!
I used the car for everyday use, trips in Europe and social events. I found it very easy to use in town and on the motorway, aside from the constant attention it attracts being a iconic muscle car. The adjustable steering as mentioned feels very effortless in comfort setting so I just kept mine in sport to make it feel like I had more bearing on the road. The track pack also have electronic adjustable suspension which I could notice the difference from sport to soft. It was very planted at high speed on the road and didn't feel jumpy even with a live rear axle.
The boot space was vast and fitted two big suitcases for long trips plus the rear seats give extra storage or small passengers. Interior although american cars get a bad rep for being unrefined felt decent to me and the parts you touch are good. Alcantara steering wheel, cue ball shifter on a short shift slots in with ease. Clutch to my touch didn't feel heavy but that might be me coming from a very heavy classic mustang clutch.
Visits to the pump are frequent as the tank isn't big enough really but it depends on how much you use it really, I did 10k miles in a year = lots of visits but smiles per mile were worth it.
Taxing it was very cheap and insurance wasn't awful, maintenance is simple and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty can be done yourself. Everything is acces able under the hood and should you want to do mods you will be able to do bolt ons with ease.
I miss the car in truth as it was a hell of a good car for the money, I sold mine as I had already had 2 gt500's and I wanted to get a viper and so I sold to scratch that itch.
gt500nick said:
Sorry should have given some owner feedback as that's what your after
I ordered through bill shepherd and had them do the import and iva which made thinks remarkably simple, my car was all black exterior and interior, reccaro seats, track pack and I bought a few foodies to upgrade too. I fitted the cervini ram air hood (super snake look alike), steeda lowering springs, baer extreme plus rear brake kit, ford racing disks to the front, and a off road mid pipe with ford racing throttle body and tune, magna flow back boxes, and a rear view camera. I also swapped the tyres for toyo r888 which give enormous amounts of grip in the dry and aside from what people say were not scary in the wet, I drove the car in all conditions.
The pull is very good as stock and with my mods it was mental, there just wasn't anything on the road that could keep up, on the autobahn I was able to hit 165 in 4th! I did take the car to vmax and hit 200 on the speedo in 5th!
I used the car for everyday use, trips in Europe and social events. I found it very easy to use in town and on the motorway, aside from the constant attention it attracts being a iconic muscle car. The adjustable steering as mentioned feels very effortless in comfort setting so I just kept mine in sport to make it feel like I had more bearing on the road. The track pack also have electronic adjustable suspension which I could notice the difference from sport to soft. It was very planted at high speed on the road and didn't feel jumpy even with a live rear axle.
The boot space was vast and fitted two big suitcases for long trips plus the rear seats give extra storage or small passengers. Interior although american cars get a bad rep for being unrefined felt decent to me and the parts you touch are good. Alcantara steering wheel, cue ball shifter on a short shift slots in with ease. Clutch to my touch didn't feel heavy but that might be me coming from a very heavy classic mustang clutch.
Visits to the pump are frequent as the tank isn't big enough really but it depends on how much you use it really, I did 10k miles in a year = lots of visits but smiles per mile were worth it.
Taxing it was very cheap and insurance wasn't awful, maintenance is simple and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty can be done yourself. Everything is acces able under the hood and should you want to do mods you will be able to do bolt ons with ease.
I miss the car in truth as it was a hell of a good car for the money, I sold mine as I had already had 2 gt500's and I wanted to get a viper and so I sold to scratch that itch.
Thanks for thats, sounds like everything I'm after! And apologies for not replying to your first post, I'm probably not looking at buying till the Spring in any case I ordered through bill shepherd and had them do the import and iva which made thinks remarkably simple, my car was all black exterior and interior, reccaro seats, track pack and I bought a few foodies to upgrade too. I fitted the cervini ram air hood (super snake look alike), steeda lowering springs, baer extreme plus rear brake kit, ford racing disks to the front, and a off road mid pipe with ford racing throttle body and tune, magna flow back boxes, and a rear view camera. I also swapped the tyres for toyo r888 which give enormous amounts of grip in the dry and aside from what people say were not scary in the wet, I drove the car in all conditions.
The pull is very good as stock and with my mods it was mental, there just wasn't anything on the road that could keep up, on the autobahn I was able to hit 165 in 4th! I did take the car to vmax and hit 200 on the speedo in 5th!
I used the car for everyday use, trips in Europe and social events. I found it very easy to use in town and on the motorway, aside from the constant attention it attracts being a iconic muscle car. The adjustable steering as mentioned feels very effortless in comfort setting so I just kept mine in sport to make it feel like I had more bearing on the road. The track pack also have electronic adjustable suspension which I could notice the difference from sport to soft. It was very planted at high speed on the road and didn't feel jumpy even with a live rear axle.
The boot space was vast and fitted two big suitcases for long trips plus the rear seats give extra storage or small passengers. Interior although american cars get a bad rep for being unrefined felt decent to me and the parts you touch are good. Alcantara steering wheel, cue ball shifter on a short shift slots in with ease. Clutch to my touch didn't feel heavy but that might be me coming from a very heavy classic mustang clutch.
Visits to the pump are frequent as the tank isn't big enough really but it depends on how much you use it really, I did 10k miles in a year = lots of visits but smiles per mile were worth it.
Taxing it was very cheap and insurance wasn't awful, maintenance is simple and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty can be done yourself. Everything is acces able under the hood and should you want to do mods you will be able to do bolt ons with ease.
I miss the car in truth as it was a hell of a good car for the money, I sold mine as I had already had 2 gt500's and I wanted to get a viper and so I sold to scratch that itch.
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