I do really like the recent changes, buuuuut....
1. The GT version needs a V8 to best the Z, and it's by up to .5 sec -- no small feat, but it takes two more cylinders (and a LOT more torque) to accomplish it, so, well, it should be a little quicker... it would really suck if it wasn't.
2. The base price for the 5.0 is pretty close to the Z, and a nicely equipped one is in the low to mid 40K range... that's not really a bang-for-buck bargain (except in theory; i.e., if you feel strongly that V8 > V6), although it is a reasonable car to consider for cross shopping if you aren't a bit leery of Fords... and why would you be...? They do make fine trucks
Anyway, I certainly wouldn't turn one down, but I still prefer the Z. We'll have to see what the Z35 can do to impress.