My CFTP order was just pulled.

[Tomster]

Yes, the 2 seat GT350R's and now the 2 seat CFTP GT500's come standard equipped with Michelin Cup 2 tires and once the ambient temperature gets close to freezing or colder these tires have a tendency to crack or crumble in certain areas therefore production for both models of the 2 seat cars at the FRAP will cease production sometime around early November and will not resume until sometime next Spring.

Just ask @Tomster about what can happen to these tires when exposed to cold temperatures!

Here's hoping that you, Tomster, myself and many others on here get our cars assembled before the production shutdown this Fall.

PP/Tomster: It doesn't get super cold in the Winter down here in South Texas but it does get chilly. So, I'm wondering if either of you have a minimum OAT for driving on the Cup 2's? I HOPE to take delivery sometime in November and while it doesn't start getting terribly cold by then, I'm going to want to DRIVE THAT THING immediately but not if the temp is gonna destroy those expensive tars. :-)

Yes, here are a few photos of what happens to a cup 2 when moved in very cold temps. My dealership in the mid west during the dead of winter did not heed my warning to not move the car under very cold conditions. Well here is the result. I received 4 brand new tires under warranty that have yet to turn a mile. JR 357 is sitting on signature SV902s with Continental Contiforcecontact 305/325s.

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[obspsd]

What the difference in height of tires between the base and track pack? Secondly, I would assume a base with the handling pack would be the exact suspension as the track pack, making the only possible difference in height the tire?? I have not hears of any difference in suspension across any of the models.

I believe the suspension is a little different on the carbon fiber track pack but I do not know for sure.
Suspension is the same on a base and handling pack car. The handling pack is just added aero.

 

[The Chairman]

What the difference in height of tires between the base and track pack? Secondly, I would assume a base with the handling pack would be the exact suspension as the track pack, making the only possible difference in height the tire?? I have not hears of any difference in suspension across any of the models.

According to the Michelin website, the 305/30 tire diameter is 1.2 inches less than the 305/35 tire. So 1/2 that is .6” lower to the ground. That’s probably the main difference.

 

[PP0001]

What the difference in height of tires between the base and track pack? Secondly, I would assume a base with the handling pack would be the exact suspension as the track pack, making the only possible difference in height the tire?? I have not hears of any difference in suspension across any of the models.

Don't disagree with you but the same was said of the original GT350 Track Pack cars versus the R model when they originally came out back in 2015 with the difference as follows and everyone suggesting such as yourself that the suspensions may all be the same.

I can tell you that the spring rate back in 2015 for the 2016 Track Pack cars originally came out with 194-lbs./in. coil springs on the GT350 compared to 240-lbs./in coil springs on the GT350R (20% difference) which was some 4 years ago and suggest that an increased spring rate on the CFTP cars may also apply compared to the Base GT500 cars.

It is hard for me to imagine that an $18,500 option for the 2 seat CFTP cars compared to a Base GT500's would not include some shorter and stiffer springs aside from the CF wheels, wing and 2 seat configuration but that is just my opinion.

As we know the CFTP cars will be lighter than the Base GT500 cars but will an improved and revised suspension be part of this equation?

We do know that the wheel sizes for the Base GT500 are a squared set up whereas the CFTP cars are a staggered wheel size set up therefore time will tell if all spring rates and height will all be the same?

 

[kilobravo]

Tomster: Many thanks for the info on the tires and cold temps. They clearly are not kidding, holy smoke! Sure glad you got a new set.

 

[Tomster]

Tomster: Many thanks for the info on the tires and cold temps. They clearly are not kidding, holy smoke! Sure glad you got a new set.

It wasn't easy. My dealer was resistant unti I sat down with the service manager and did a conference call with ford performance where it was explained how this happens and how to proceed. This vehicle was purchased new and at the time still was unregistered. I had to tell a compelling story backed up by a photo of the odometer and the certificate of origin that both matched the mileage indicated on my sales paperwork which was 26 miles.

Anyway, back to the point......this is the reason that they won't manufacture or ship the CFTP cars in the winter. I believe they shut down GT350R/CFTP production somewhere in the November to March timeframe. This is why there is a frantic rush to get the CFTP cars before that time.

Oh, and I do believe (or thought) that this happened to Harry as well with the same result, a new set of tires.

 

[kilobravo]

Tomster: As usual, the customer has to PROVE to a manufacturer. Seems like I've always gone through that drill with warranty claims. Glad you got yours replaced and I hope Dearborn ships my car before it gets to 40 in Mich E Gan. :-)

 

[Tomster]

Tomster: As usual, the customer has to PROVE to a manufacturer. Seems like I've always gone through that drill with warranty claims. Glad you got yours replaced and I hope Dearborn ships my car before it gets to 40 in Mich E Gan. :-)

You and me both. I'm planning on Daytona in early December

 

[Snoopy49]

Also the ride height on our CFTP cars sit 1/2" lower than a Base GT500's (the Base 500's already sit lower than a Mustang GT) which also suggests a stiffer spring rate front and back just as is the case with the GT350R models.

Ford should have offered a GT500R Package rather than offer a $18,500 option that requires a special allocation.

2020 GT350R Package

• 19” Ebony Black-painted Carbon Fiber Wheel with Red Brake Calipers
• Carbon Fiber Rear Wing
• Large Front Splitter
• Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 Tires
• – Front – 305/30R19
• – Rear – 315/30R19
• Rear Seat Delete
• Red Accent Stitching:
• – Center Console
• – Door Trim
• – Seats
• – Steering Wheel with Red Center Marker
• Unique Chassis Tuning
• Wheel Locking Kit
• Adjustable Strut Top Mounts
• Note: Factory Invoiced Accessories (FIA) – Shipped separately from the vehicle for Dealer installation

2020 GT500
Carbon Fiber Track Pack Option

•  20” Exposed Carbon Fiber Wheel
•  Adjustable Strut Top Mounts
• Note: Shipped separately from the vehicle for Dealer installation
•  Exposed Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel
•  Exposed Carbon Fiber GT4 Track Wing
•  Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 Tires
• – Front – 305/30R20
• – Rear – 315/30R20
•  Rear Seat Delete
•  RECARO® Leather-trimmed Seats
•  Splitter Wickers
•  Wheel Locking Kit
• Note: Heated, cooled or memory not included with RECARO® Leather-trimmed Seats

 

[Snoopy49]

Concerning the Michelin Sport CUP2 tires and cold temps, Goodyear had the same problem with the Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires that came on GT500's and ZL1's.

Here is a picture of Goodyear's tire bulletin and a picture of a GT500 owners cracked tire.

 

[edmd007]

Anyone venture a guess or know on how many model years the 500 will be produced?

 

[Dunk812]

Anyone venture a guess or know on how many model years the 500 will be produced?

No real idea but the ford model has been 3 years without a change in platform. The GT350 has not followed that so it’s really guess unless you are making decisions inside ford.

 

[Melange_X3]

Tomster I confirmed my order is unscheduled clean both with the dealer and with Ford Performance. How kind did it take for you to go from unscheduled clean to scheduled and with a VIN?

 

[Melange_X3]

Tomster I confirmed my order is unscheduled clean both with the dealer and with Ford Performance. How kind did it take for you to go from unscheduled clean to scheduled and with a VIN?

 

[Tomster]

Tomster I confirmed my order is unscheduled clean both with the dealer and with Ford Performance. How kind did it take for you to go from unscheduled clean to scheduled and with a VIN?

Probably a few weeks. I still don't have a VIN yet. I'm expecting one very soon.

If you are unscheduled clean for a CFTP, you are good to go unless you get out and out screwed over by your dealership.

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