Re: New record in awd??
While we're on the subject of math, there is a neat little formula that says with an optimized combination, quarter mile trap speed x ET equals 1320. And thus, 1320 ÷ mph = potential ET. And, 1320 ÷ ET = necessary trap speed to achieve that ET.
If you look at some mild SyTy builds, you'll see that they tend to trap and ET very close to the optimum numbers. Example: 13.20 @ 100mph is very common.
But, look at the fastest passes. The 8.98 @ 155 pass: 8.98 could have been run at ~147mph; 155mph was theoretically enough for an 8.5 ET. And, the 8.85 @ 160 pass: ~149 mph should have been enough to get that ET, but it trapped 160 (which is theoretically enough to go 8.2's).
This tells us that at that level, since even the fastest AWD SyTy to date is far from running optimized ET vs. MPH. There are deficiencies in the chassis, drive line and/or suspension that are holding it back from optimizing ET in relation to MPH.
Other trucks have certainly trapped fast enough to run 8 second passes, but have not been able to sort out their set-ups sufficiently to run the ET. Its not a mater of making the power, its the rest of the combination that's holding them back. I agree with Anders that the AWD platform creates a tremendous obstacle at that level. Hats off to the Swedes for being the first into the 8's; it took a lot of hard work and R&D in uncharted territory to get there.. As for everybody else who's gunning for them, it isn't going to be an easy task; making the power isn't the issue (several trucks have trapped fast enough), but rather a matter of figuring out how to effectively put that power down.