Been waiting to see if this thread got locked.
Since it hasn't yet, I guess I will add to it.
Neither of my 2 vehicles are present, and they should be.
They are, 2003 Dakota R/T and 2002 Trans Am WS6. Details to follow pics below.
The reason they should be present:
With it apparent that truck races are here to stay in the series (which is fine), as they are focusing on road courses, even for those, it would make most sense to include trucks that either are, or at least look like they are, made for that sort of thing. The Lightning and SSR are good choices - the Lightning has a rep for street performance, and the SSR has the look.
But we need more than just 2. Thus, the Dakota R/T is the perfect choice. And to that end, it should be my generation, because it's the last of the real R/Ts. The current generation is just a badge package; nothing more than some badges, some stripes, and some gauges. They only offer short or quad cab, and cared so little it's available even on the 4x4.
My generation R/T has an R/T specific engine, R/T specific wheels, is lowered an inch by the factory, with a suspension stiffened for high speed back road fun, and 3.92s in the rear. It will embarass many cars off the line, and worry many more. And when the road gets twisty, as My Chemical Romance says, it's velocity will make you sweat.
Front ABS only, and no TCS beyond the meat-servo behind the wheel and pedals. Massive fun. And looks great too. (plus can even haul a months worth of firewood (with daily fires for heat))
Now, my toy..... my pride and joy,..... my monster. My WS6.
The reason is should be in the game is first and foremost marketing and economy. We know that GT is about advertising car count. Well.... the hard work for a standard car is already done. The 02 camaro ss is present and has been for a long time. Quite literally all you need is a new 3D model, and copy and paste the camaro code, assign the new model, call it Trans Am WS6, and you're done! There is no better reason than that - a free car for them, one more to brag about, and make many more people happy.
Beyond that, well... it's a special car. It's the last of the breed. A sweet machine of pure curvacious sex appeal, like a hot dominatrix who is still sub to you (IF you can be dom enough). Possibly the ultimate American GT car (with 4 seats, I personally consider 2 seaters sports cars, no mater how many luxuries they add. GT should be the combo, 4 seats but 2 doors, the cross between luxo 4 door and purposed 2 seat). Very comfortable, and very easy to just drive. Very high speed, lots of power, and good mileage.
But when you poke it with a stick.... it can run to 60 in 4.9 (average being 5.2) seconds, and reach a quarter mile in 12.9 (has been done in perfect conditions, average being more like 13.2) seconds.
275/40ZR17s on all
4 corners; high speed 4 wheel, 4 channel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution which maximizes rear braking without allowing it to get too much pressure. While it lacks the yaw and steering sensor on the Corvette version of the (exact) same ABS/TCS system, it might fool you if you didn't know better (speaking from experience). And you can turn the TCS
off, entirely, with a button right on the center console. (unlike many newer cars, such as the Challenger, where it's never fully off)
Of course, this is motivated by an LS1 backed up by a T-56, spinning a set of 3.42s, and it winds out to about 6K (rpm) stock (capable of MUCH more with the right cam and tune).
The up-level wing and functional ram-air induction scoops just add to the presence and menace.
It is
made for the twisties, you will find yourself driving fast enough to get in serious legal trouble on roads you normally wouldn't push on - without meaning too! With TCS off, it kicks the back out eagerly with an application of throttle, with TCS on, it'll keep it pointed straight for you when flying over a surface like the Nurburgring (or PA backroads... which might be worse lol!).
Topped off with t-tops, full leather interior and a 10 speaker 500W sound system (which really only needs a sub added, and it's MORE than enough).
It's also a panty dropper. This part genuinely surprised me. I wanted this car because of what it is. I wanted it for ME. But after I got it, just about every hot girl I've talked to while driving it, or dated, has gushed over how awesome my car is. And it's stock (mostly... it's a hair lower than in the pic above since I've added Koni SA shocks all 'round and did the free drop).
Tucked away for the winter now, but both of us are longing for the spring.
I can't tell you how bad I want to take it to a road course and wish there were some around me. I honestly fear losing my license one day because of this beast. lol!
It's also under-rated in HP. I think rating is 325, but I dyno'd it on a Mustang dyno (typically stingy), and it put down 300hp and 330ft/lbs at the wheels. (most people estimate 15% loss for a RWD manual, puts it at @350 at the crank)
If it ever were added, then another bonus would be my friend and I could finally race in the virutal world -
💡
