The New Muscle Cars

The Viper’s chief rival has been the Corvette ever since its inception. While the current C5 Vette can’t compete with the Viper in any category beside price, the new Z06 version can provide a much better match. The Z06 name has been tied to the Corvette ever since 1963, where those three letters basically bought you a street legal race car. When Chevy revived the Z06 name, it was clear that the engine, suspension and brakes of the Vette would have to be worked on in order to make it worthy. This new Z package includes a more efficient block design in order to reduce pumping losses, stronger and higher compression pistons, modified intake and exhaust porting, higher lift camshaft, higher flow injectors and a reworked exhaust system. Dubbed the LS6, this engine is rated at 385hp and 385 lbs-ft of torque. However, while an impressive makeover from the normal LS1, the Z06 only makes 342hp and 345 lbs-ft of torque at the rear wheels. This is far less then the other 385hp car here, the SVT Cobra R, showing who is really making the power. However, the Vette’s suspension was worked over as well, with stiffer shocks, springs and larger anti-roll bars, as well as wider wheels with stickier tires. The tranny also gets a once over, with a revised ring and pinion. Overall, the Z06 package breaths new life into the Corvette, and while no “Viper-killer,” this car provides the most balanced acceleration, handling and braking performance here.

The odd man out is the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R. This purpose-built race car unfortunately slipped relatively unnoticed though the automotive world. However, it is an awesome car that should make Detroit stand up and take notice. In true ‘60s fashion, Ford’s Special Vehicles Team chucks the normal 4.6L Mustang V8 and drops in their 5.4L Triton V8. They beefed it up with a strong forged crank, Carillo billet rods, and forged aluminum pistons. Atop the block and under the large intake manifold with the words “Cobra R” on it, rests free-flowing four valve heads, aggressive cams, bigger valves and a massive throttle body. This engine package is topped off with a Borla free-flowing side exit dual exhaust system. In order to fit the engine in the car, SVT had to fabricate a new bulging hood, which compliments the massive rear wing and air ducts that make up the R package.

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