Track Mode


NJS

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Mar 23, 2017
112
SE Michigan
Went to VIR for 2 days, so didn’t get to put any more miles on the car until today. Interestingly the track event was shared with the Ferrari CCR race series. I’ve always admired the 458/88 styling, but I must say the GT just blows it away – there’s not a bad angle on this car, every way you look at it just puts a smile on your face!

Scoped out some smooth pavement and ran the car in Track mode for the first time today. Wow :thumbsup Sport mode is fantastic on the road, but based on a brief exploration, the throttle response and DCT calibration for up and down shifts in Track mode is nothing short of wonderful. You definitely notice being lower and the car feels so connected to the ground -- I tried a couple of constant radius 270* exit/entry ramps and the car just sticks and exudes confidence. Can’t wait to try it on the track! One point worth noting, you need to select Park to exit Track mode, so any street based experimentation needs to be carefully planned ahead…..

I mentioned before that throttle response in Sport mode is excellent, which it is, however I’m finding normal mode more appropriate for bumpy low speed driving (e.g. Subdivisions), to avoid unintended acceleration from the bumps in rough Michigan roads as my foot unintentionally moves the accelerator a touch with the bigger bumps!

300 miles and 50% of break-in complete and the car will go for its first wash in the next day or two (any excuse for another drive!)

The rearview camera, being very low, gives a really cool view when backing up onto driveways (I also need to dust as well as wash):
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3975.jpg
    IMG_3975.jpg
    107.3 KB · Views: 431
I didn't know that one. Interesting.

Thanks for the continued write ups.

One point worth noting, you need to select Park to exit Track mode, so any street based experimentation needs to be carefully planned ahead…..
:
 
NJS,

Thanks for the review. I'm assuming you can raise the front of the car in any mode... say for a speed bump, etc?

Enjoy,

Lance
 
NJS,

Thanks for the review. I'm assuming you can raise the front of the car in any mode... say for a speed bump, etc?

Enjoy,

Lance

Good question -- I didn't try that, but referring to the manual it says that front lift is not available in either Track or V-max modes (makes sense as the coil springs are out of the loop in those modes).

Also it says that Trans and Turbo calibration are the same in Sport and Track Modes -- from my experience, either throttle calibration is more aggressive or the stiffer suspension and damping modes make the acceleration/braking experience more visceral, and fun!
 
Good question -- I didn't try that, but referring to the manual it says that front lift is not available in either Track or V-max modes (makes sense as the coil springs are out of the loop in those modes).

Also it says that Trans and Turbo calibration are the same in Sport and Track Modes -- from my experience, either throttle calibration is more aggressive or the stiffer suspension and damping modes make the acceleration/braking experience more visceral, and fun!

Would you say that the throttle is a bit too responsive for careful modulation, say on corner exit? I have gone to great lengths on a mechanical throttles to re-cut the throttle cable cam in order to slow opening rates. Low speed corners on bumpy surfaces require finesse and a quick throttle can really hurt exit control.
Thank you for all the information you are providing.
 
Would you say that the throttle is a bit too responsive for careful modulation, say on corner exit? I have gone to great lengths on a mechanical throttles to re-cut the throttle cable cam in order to slow opening rates. Low speed corners on bumpy surfaces require finesse and a quick throttle can really hurt exit control.
Thank you for all the information you are providing.

No -- I think it will be great on track. At real slow speeds (10-20mph) in 1st or 2nd with 2-3" bumps is a different proposition to more rapid corner exit (especially with a harness on)... One of the 270* exit ramps today in track mode was bumpy and I had no issue with throttle modulation at 50-65mph in 3rd/4th.
 
Cool stuff!

Ed
 
This is truly a glimpse into the first hand experience of the New Ford GT. Thank you sir, may I have another?
 
Pics!!!! Please.
 
You know, if you set up a live web cam with a paid subscription, I think you would make a killing. I will be first to subscribe. :lol :cheers
 
Great info, thanks for sharing.
 
good stuff !!
 
thanks for sharing
 
Ask StormCat's girlfriend. She's pretty good at live webcams.
 
And Rocketman for the stills :rofl:rofl
 
Ask StormCat's girlfriend. She's pretty good at live webcams.

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Ask StormCat's girlfriend. She's pretty good at live webcams.
What you talkin about. .
And Rocketman for the stills :rofl:rofl
Ron's a rookie..:biggrin
 

Attachments

  • 2017-04-23 22.46.28.jpg
    2017-04-23 22.46.28.jpg
    97 KB · Views: 216
See, red cars really are better!