The Ford GT was'nt meant to compete with the Viper from the outset. The original GT40 was meant to compete against Ferrari, and this on is no different. As for the Vette and the Viper, GM is thinking of going head to head now in sort of a "why not?" sort of fashion. With the Viper having never been a sales threat to the Vette(they have sold maybe 15,000 Vipers since its inception, GM sold 35,000 vettes last model year) it has'nt been an issue, though many Vette fans think it should have. It should'nt be a big deal now with plans for a 500 hp in the works. THe only thing that needs to be addressed is acceleration, which is the Vipers only edge over the Vette now.