Ford Performance Brings a New Contender: How Long Will it Stay on Top?

​The new Shelby GT500 looks like it’s a beast on the track. With 700+ hp (probably 720), grippy tires, thicker roll bars than the Mustang GT, etc., the GT500 will be no slouch; however, it’s not clear sailing for the blue oval. While the Camaro ZL1 is down over 50 hp, given that the Camaro SS 1LE is competitive with the GT350 (which is a class above the SS 1LE), the ZL1 1LE will be a worthy opponent to the GT500. However, since 2017, rumors have been circulating, along with some confirmed facts, about a 2019/2020 Camaro Z28, which will have 700 hp from a naturally-aspirated 5.5L V8. Given that the GT500 is conservatively estimated to run to 60 in the mid threes, some extra power and even more mind-blowing handling could make the Z28 the king of muscle, given the feats of the ZL1 1LE, the current big kahuna Camaro. The 5.5L LT6 engine for the Z28 is already in testing, and the twin-turbo LT7 should be in the C8 Corvette.  I expect the Z28 will have even more ferocious rubber than the ZL1 1LE, so Ford has their work cut out for them. They could try tossing a 3.5L EcoBoost, tuned for about 500 hp in with a hybrid system to try and take the ZL1, and replace the 720 hp 5.2L V8 with a 647 hp EcoBoost plus a 150 hp hybrid system for a total of around 800 hp. Ford said there will be a 2020 hybrid Mustang, why not use that 3.5L they’re so proud of?