Focus RS order coming in, considering switching...

[kpflynn]

I realize this isn't the place for unbiased advice but I'm looking for some opinions.

I ordered a Focus RS the day the order books opened last year. Like a lot of GT350 owners, the ordering process has been a nightmare full of poor communication and delays. My car has sat at the docks in Newark for 7 weeks getting what turned out to be a horrible US EPA tune. If you look around, US market RS are dynoing at around 235-255awhp with occasional spikes up to 290awhp (http://www.focusrs.org/forum/9-focu...ut-advertised-power-numbers-disappointed.html).

Given that I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, I'm at a head roads. My garage currently has one of the last 6 speed Murcielagos and a 2012 BMW 335is, so I'd ideally be looking for something a bit more track focused but still has daily driver manners. I'm considering bailing from the RS situation now and going to something else. The big problem is I have a large race commitment at the end of summer that I must attend so I need something by then. I feel I have a few options:

• Keep waiting for the RS and hope the EPA tune is fixed and Ford doesn't drag it out like they did with the 99 Cobras.
• Try to order a 2017 GT350 without ADM or with very little if I can get it by summer's end
• Buy a used GT350 if I can find one with the track pack for a reasonable price
• Order a new Corvette Grand Sport. This would be cutting it close but I should be able to get it for MSRP -10% within 2 weeks of the race.

Thoughts or suggestions? This wouldn't be my first Mustang; a 1990 5.0 was my first car and I've always had a soft spot for them.

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[Jb350]

As a gt350 owner (I love the car by the way) I would do one of 2 things if I was in your position. Buy the corvette grand sport (amazing car) or look for a gt350r for a few weeks. If you can't find the R or can't swing the price tag, there's plenty of 2016 track packs sitting on lots, you might have to travel a few miles , but you can get one at msrp or close to it. If it was my choice, probably the R because of resale value, but the Grand Sport is going to be a track weapon!

 

[Jb350]

If money was out of the equation, and I didn't need a back seat I'd probably get the grand sport. in my eyes the gt350R=grand sport.
But grand sport>gt350

 

[kpflynn]

As a gt350 owner (I love the car by the way) I would do one of 2 things if I was in your position. Buy the corvette grand sport (amazing car) or look for a gt350r for a few weeks. If you can't find the R or can't swing the price tag, there's plenty of 2016 track packs sitting on lots, you might have to travel a few miles , but you can get one at msrp or close to it. If it was my choice, probably the R because of resale value, but the Grand Sport is going to be a track weapon!

Thanks for the input! I'm leaning towards the GS for sure but sort of hoping I stumble on a good deal for a GT350 just due to the time constraint and being tired of waiting for a new toy. I went to a local dealer that has 5 on the lot and they refused to take under $10k ADM for them!

 

[Jb350]

When are the gsame going to be available? You can't even configure one on Chevys website?

 

[Jb350]

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sa...Count=7&mmt=[FORD[MUST[MUST|Shelby+GT350]][]]

These are all within 200 miles of seattle

 

[kpflynn]

When are the gsame going to be available? You can't even configure one on Chevys website?

Yeah it's odd. You can order one now through dealers, they are being produced right now. No idea why they aren't on the website.

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sa...Count=7&mmt=[FORD[MUST[MUST|Shelby+GT350]][]]

These are all within 200 miles of seattle

I've called on a few and a lot of them seem to be bait and switches or at least shady. Bickford is the dealer that has the MSRP listed then you ask for the price and it's MSRP + $15k. Absurd they are able to list pricing like that.

 

[mattlqx]

As one of the RS cars that couldn't get a "good" dyno measurement, I can honestly tell you that the numbers don't matter. The car feels quick compared to an ST or a WRX. I know, it's an ego hit to own a car with perceived power issues. It sucks making excuses for your car, but on the road, even in 110 degree heat, it still feels peppy and I know its going to get faster as summer draws to a close.

Owning both a 350 and an RS, I can tell you that the RS has stolen some of the 350's place in my heart. Maybe it's some tech pack resentment and when my '17 arrives, it'll go back to numero uno. But so far since my RS arrived 3 weeks ago, I've driven my 350 a total of two times and it didn't excite me as much as it used to but again, probably a chance to start fresh with the 350 re-ignite that passion.

The RS is just so much fun to whip around corners and there's an air of predictability in its handling that you just don't get in the Mustang. The noise of the 350 is still king though. That said, they've done a nice job with the low Boxer-like sound of the RS. The exhaust flap on it is useless though. I can't tell any difference when it's open or closed.

Regardless, if I had a Lambo to play with, I'm 100% sure I wouldn't need a 350. I'd stick to the RS for a different-feeling small hot hatch.

 

[Jb350]

I just picked up my RS that was ordered 10/12. It's a hoot, seems to run fine, but it's been 110 here all week, so it's difficult to gauge the true potential of the car. Why not pick up a Tech Package car and add some coolers for track use? We have a red one in stock that we'll deal on.
Good luck on your quest!

He's looking for a track toy that can be daily driven, a tech pack car is a daily driver that can be tracked lol

 

[stanglife]

I'm pretty sure I've seen and used a GS configurator...wonder where it went?

I'm choosing the GT350R...maybe because I've always been a Mustang guy but I also think it has a lot more personality than the vettes do. That said, I felt instant excitement for the GS when it was announced. Personally, I think it's going to destroy GT350Rs on the track...and I like the way the heritage package looks - mean.

 

[Ven0r]

I picked up a RS about a week ago, so far have about 400 miles on it. It's super fun to drive, and pretty quick. The one thing i really like it compared to the R is when i push the car a bit it's no where near as loud. The RS takes the corners really well, and when you're driving it, it just wants to be pushed harder.

Amazing little car. And yup, i find i'm driving it more than the R, cuz it is a lot of fun.

 

[kpflynn]

Interesting. This has been super helpful...thanks for the unique input from the few people that probably have both a 350 and an RS! You guys are making me think I should keep it for now and maybe trade it in later for a GS when they are more plentiful.

The Lambo definitely satisfies the 'roaring high revving monster' itch I have, so Matt raises a good point I hadn't considered there.

I'm pretty sure I've seen and used a GS configurator...wonder where it went?

I'm choosing the GT350R...maybe because I've always been a Mustang guy but I also think it has a lot more personality than the vettes do. That said, I felt instant excitement for the GS when it was announced. Personally, I think it's going to destroy GT350Rs on the track...and I like the way the heritage package looks - mean.

I do like the heritage package but I pretty much HAVE to get the blue version given my current fleet...

 

[crazyfish]

I realize this isn't the place for unbiased advice but I'm looking for some opinions.

I ordered a Focus RS the day the order books opened last year. Like a lot of GT350 owners, the ordering process has been a nightmare full of poor communication and delays. My car has sat at the docks in Newark for 7 weeks getting what turned out to be a horrible US EPA tune. If you look around, US market RS are dynoing at around 235-255awhp with occasional spikes up to 290awhp (http://www.focusrs.org/forum/9-focu...ut-advertised-power-numbers-disappointed.html).



Given that I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, I'm at a head roads. My garage currently has one of the last 6 speed Murcielagos and a 2012 BMW 335is, so I'd ideally be looking for something a bit more track focused but still has daily driver manners. I'm considering bailing from the RS situation now and going to something else. The big problem is I have a large race commitment at the end of summer that I must attend so I need something by then. I feel I have a few options:

• Keep waiting for the RS and hope the EPA tune is fixed and Ford doesn't drag it out like they did with the 99 Cobras.
• Try to order a 2017 GT350 without ADM or with very little if I can get it by summer's end
• Buy a used GT350 if I can find one with the track pack for a reasonable price
• Order a new Corvette Grand Sport. This would be cutting it close but I should be able to get it for MSRP -10% within 2 weeks of the race.

Thoughts or suggestions? This wouldn't be my first Mustang; a 1990 5.0 was my first car and I've always had a soft spot for them.

Keep that Murcielago! All the v12 stick cars are huge$ and appreciating. If I was in your shoes go for the gt350 and an "R" if you can find one that is affordable. Let go of the RS.
Everybody at my dealership backed out of theirs. Don't know why.
As for the Gran Sport I have a friend who ordered one. I can't see $86k for that car no matter what. It may perform? But I would not get my hopes that high. All the vettes including the z06 perform well but do not overachieve. I am not a Chevy fan anymore because of that. Oversell, over lie and definitely under perform. My last few have been throwing my money away. Please don't get me wrong it is your choice but I bought the gt350 and have been very satisfied as a whole.

If you want the ultimate track beast you can look at the Viper ACR aero extreme. So far nothing has been close. As a previous viper owner they are bad ass but I think the gt350 is as close as it gets. Good luck

 

[kpflynn]

Keep that Murcielago! All the v12 stick cars are huge$ and appreciating. If I was in your shoes go for the gt350 and an "R" if you can find one that is affordable. Let go of the RS.
Everybody at my dealership backed out of theirs. Don't know why.
As for the Gran Sport I have a friend who ordered one. I can't see $86k for that car no matter what. It may perform? But I would not get my hopes that high. All the vettes including the z06 perform well but do not overachieve. I am not a Chevy fan anymore because of that. Oversell, over lie and definitely under perform. My last few have been throwing my money away. Please don't get me wrong it is your choice but I bought the gt350 and have been very satisfied as a whole.

If you want the ultimate track beast you can look at the Viper ACR aero extreme. So far nothing has been close. As a previous viper owner they are bad ass but I think the gt350 is as close as it gets. Good luck

Yes, the Murci is going nowhere. It's skyrocketed just in the past 18 months since I bought it.

One issue is my good friend owns a Viper ACR so I feel a need to compete a bit with that. A fully optioned Grand Sport is definitely getting up in the 80s but if you are careful and with the supplier discount you can stay in the mid 60s and come out with a pretty decent car.

I think I need to go drive a GT350 and the RS back to back and figure out which I'd prefer. Tough decision. We are in a great time for performance cars, that's for sure.

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