Iron block, blower, intercooler, reservoir, heat exchanger, etc...

I agree 100% with you.

 

again where are you going to find a 500hp car for under $45k? Certainly not a joke. I would say the GT500's shortcomings are weight and dealer markups will plague the car for at least the first year. Its pretty much impossible to find one for under $50k right now. Most I have seen are as follows:
~40950 MSRP with 750 destination and $1300 for gas guzzler
=$43k...and theyre selling for $50k+, some north of $60k.

the gear change comment doesnt matter because ford didnt avoid the tax even with the stock gears. I do agree though, that DR's and 4.10s are all the stang needs to run good #s at a track.