Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang Comes to L.A. With Flat-Plane V-8

The rumors are true -- the highly anticipated performance car Ford has been teasing is the Shelby GT350 Mustang, the first go-fast variant of the 2015 Ford Mustang. And for the first time, Ford will bring to market a race-inspired flat-plane-crank V-8 that supplies the Shelby GT350 Mustang with more than 500 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

After a long tease that gave us ambiguous images and false clues regarding EcoBoost engines, Ford's upcoming performance vehicle has been revealed to be the GT350. The car's 5.2-liter V-8 engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated production engine Ford has ever built. Unique to the Shelby GT350 Mustang, the V-8's flat-plane crankshaft should deliver the lightning-fast responsiveness of a racing engine, and is also said to have a broad, flat torque output. The engine mates to a lightweight six-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels through a standard Torsen limited-slip differential. Back in September, we confirmed that a flat-plane 5.2-liter V-8 was possible, and speculated that such an engine would find its way into the GT350. 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

UPDATE: Ford revealed the new Shelby GT350 in the sheetmetal at Shelby's facility in Gardena, Calif. The 2015 Ford Mustang-based Shelby GT350 drifted from behind a curtain to the side of the projector screen. While Ford is still tight-lipped regarding several important specs, the automaker did reveal a few more details about the new Ford Shelby GT350. Front track width has been increased by 35 mm to make room for the specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that measure 295/35R19 up front. Rear tires measure 305/35R19. The GT350-specific front clip is lower and wider than the standard Mustang, while the hood and fenders are made of aluminum to reduce weight. Ford hasn’t released power ratings yet; only saying the 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 makes more than 500 hp and around 400 lb-ft of torque. The engine is backed by a Tremec 3160 six-speed manual transmission. Out back, quad exhaust tips frame the functional rear diffuser. 



“Make no mistake,” Ford Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer Jamal Hameedi said in a statement, “this is an American interpretation of a flat-plane crankshaft V-8, and the 5.2-liter produces a distinctive, throaty howl from its four exhaust tips.” The Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang matches its new powertrain with comprehensive aerodynamic, chassis, and visual upgrades. Compared to a regular Mustang, the GT350 boasts a lowered hood, a wider front track, stiffer suspension components, and beefier brakes. In fact, Ford says all bodywork from the windshield forward is unique to the GT350, and sits two inches lower than that of the standard Mustang GT.

 

The new aluminum hood is lowered and sloped compared to the 2015 Ford Mustang GT, and it is complemented by a mean-looking front fascia with a wider front splitter and a ducted belly pan. A carbon-fiber composite grille opening adds attitude to the fully overhauled front end, which is finished with Shelby’s signature cobra emblem. Wider aluminum front fenders help accommodate the wider track and wheels, and use special vents to direct air away from the wheels. Aerodynamic improvements at the rear include large rear diffuser meant to increase downforce and help funnel air to the optional differential cooler. A lip spoiler on the decklid also helps maximize downforce while keeping the Shelby GT350 Mustang nice and slippery. An optional Track package adds an engine oil cooler and transmission cooler, and a front strut-tower brace is an additional option for improved rigidity. In addition to recalibrated spring rates and bushings, the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang brings to the table MagneRide adaptive dampers -- the first time Ford has offered the technology -- and a track-bred braking system. Up front are 15.5-inch two piece cross-drilled brake discs and Brembo six-piston fixed calipers, while the rear uses 15.0-inch rotors and four-piston calipers. The new system should be able to bring the GT350’s 19-inch wheels (10.5 inches wide in front and 11 inches wide at the rear) to a screeching halt. The staggered wheels wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with a unique sidewall construction, tread, and compound.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is no less purpose-driven inside the cockpit. Drivers can choose from five performance modes that adjust ABS, traction control, stability control, steering effort, and throttle mapping, while Track junkies will be pleased with the Mustang’s Recaro sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and distinctive gauges. Attention to detail is supreme -- the interior even has fewer reflective materials to eliminate sun glare that could distract drivers. Big brakes or not, nobody wants to be careening around a turn at 100 mph while blinded by the sun. Creature comforts like power-operated and leather-trimmed seats, a Shaker audio system, an 8-inch screen with MyFord Touch, and dual-zone climate control, are part of the optional Tech package. While the new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang might not be as crazy powerful as the old supercharged GT500, with its absurd 662 horses and 200-plus-mph top speed, there’s no reason to believe the new car won’t deliver fantastic performance. We’ll know more when the car is officially unveiled at this week's 2014 Los Angeles auto show, but we’re already slack-jawed at the prospect of a face-off with the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Let the games begin. 


Source: Ford