Photo Credit: Ford

A naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 engine, more than 500 horsepower, a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft, 180-degree flat-plane crankshaft normally found on exotic European sports cars, track-ready brakes, magnetic ride dampers, five unique driver control modes, and specially designed Recaro sport seats are just some of the characteristics that make the new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang a world-class performance vehicle ready for the road or track.

Photo Credit: Ford

Ford engineers set out to take advantage of a dramatically improved sixth-generation Mustang platform and transform it into a dominant and well-balanced road racer. The result is a truly unique and advanced car with an attention to detail beyond any previous version of Mustang. “When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power.”

Photo Credit: Ford

The new 5.2-liter engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a very Euro-racer like flat-plane crankshaft.The 180-degree, flat-plane layout reduces the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses and when combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, permits better cylinder breathing, resulting in a high-revving engine with a very broad torque curve. A lightweight six-speed manual transmission and standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential rounds out the drivetrain.

The Shelby GT350 is just as capable around the corners and in stopping power as it is in straight-line performance. Extra-stiff 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with custom GT350-specific Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires plant all of the power to the ground while massive 394-millimeter rotors with Brembo six-piston fixed calipers in the front and 380-millimeter rotors with four-piston calipers at the rear ensure there is plenty of stopping power. Ford's first-ever application of continuously controlled MagneRide magnetic dampers ensure ultra-precise cornering and handling that give even the best drivers an extra edge.

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For those worried that this Mustang may be a bit too European in it's feel, Ford has a message for you: “Make no mistake, this is an American interpretation of a flat-plane crankshaft V8, and the 5.2-liter produces a distinctive, throaty howl from its four exhaust tips,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles. “We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,” said Hameedi. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.”

Photo Credit: Ford