Quote:
Originally Posted by thePill
With the ratings of both the MG9 and the 6L90 at it's maximum in the CTS-V, there really isn't much room for an increase. the TR6060 MG9 is rated at 560lb ft and the 6L90 is directly at 551lb ft. It is possible to increase the LSA's horsepower without touching the torque but like I said, we are sitting on a fine line. However, both transmissions were rated at the CTS-V's curb weight and that will give both transmissions some wiggle room. I would have to find the formula or figure it out, were looking at a 150lb window and I guesstimate 100 vehicle pounds would be a 10lb capacity increase. Some believe the ZL1 should go HP for HP with this new GT500 but most don't understand that there are some limiting factors within the drivetrain. I believe this is also a good reason why this GT500 won't use a TR6060 like last year and move on to the MT82. Evan Smith says that the '13 GT500 will have around 650hp (I don't know where he is getting that from), the MT82 is the only transmission Ford has to handle that capacity. This is how I challange GT500 and 5.4 fanatics when the topic of a Coyote powered SVT vehicle is discussed. While the MT82 (named 6MT1500 worldwide) has an official torque capacity of 370ish, the rating was achieved with almost a 10,000lb curb weight (German engineering). However, my sources say 612hp for the '13 GT500 and it gets pretty tight using the current TR6060, I believe the transmission only survives because of the weight reduction every year.
Every transmission has a limit and the aftermarket makes it obvious that the transmissions are not at their max. Warranty plays a major role and this could also be a huge factor when horsepower/torque ratings are released. I think Ford has a pretty good idea what the ZL1 will be and SVT is really confident especially testing the '13 GT500 right in front of Team Corvette. I wonder what it would take to get GM to pull the trigger on the LS9...
After the GT500 ran at Nurburgring, GM went public with the auto, ZR1 traction management, 550+ horsepower and now saying it will be a Q1 release instead of February. I think GM knows what the new GT500 is running and it has them on the defensive. I believe SVT deliberately ran the GT500 while team Corvette was there to show them the lap times and seeing the GT500's performance has possibly pushed the ZL1 back a month or so. This doesn't mean GM wont answer again, they just don't want to release in February just to have Ford release the 2013 Cobra the following week. I think GM should just go with the LS9 and be done with it, there is an $8,000 dollar difference in MSRP with the LS9 option. Add in the MH3 and that is another $2000 but there is some weight reduction in the LS9 and that is always good. There are new sources confirming the 5.8, one being Mr. Smith, still unsure if it's a 2013 option or if it's a Coyote or Condor... a majority say Coyote...
|
Great post, although I have long questioned how the GT500 or the ZL1 will effectively put all that power and torque to the ground. Even with the new transmission. Drivetrain limitations exist for Ford as well. How will that 8.8" rear end hold up for instance? The factory version won't have R-compound tires or drag radials in the back either.
I've long suspected Ford has been trying to slowly upmarket the Mustang in terms of performance especially with the GT500. Mostly because that is all they really offer in terms of performance cars anymore.
Oh and Geiger also has done a few things to some Z06s and ZR1s... he is about American cars in general not just Ford or Chevy.
Do you ever make it up to drag race in Bitburg?