Ford certainly does not want to be labelled as a boring car manufacturer, especially with the surprising unveiling of the all-new Ford GT. But the rebirth of the icon was yet to be the final move for Ford at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show as they proceeded by unveiling another high-performance model; the Mustang Shelby GT350R.
A hardcore version of the Shelby Mustang GT350, this new one is described as “the most track-capable production Mustang ever built”. It was engineered in the “same spirit” as the original 1965 Shelby GT350 Competition, and the new GT350R has the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever made by Ford. The 5.2-liter V8 engine has an output of “more than 500-horsepower” and “more than 400 lb-ft of torque”. Those sure sounds like a lot.
The suspension has been tuned to be sharper and perform better on the track and it features MagneRide for the first time. The lightweight carbon fiber wheels are wrapped in specially-made Michelin tires where Ford says will be providing “exceptional steering feel and levels of performance”.
Getting a new limited-slip Torsen differential, the styling has also been added a touch of aggressiveness with a new hood vent, a sharper front diffuser, vented wheel arches and a carbon fiber wing at the rear. It also gets racing stripes as well as painted brake calipers and contrasting stitching for the interior trim.
The new Shelby Mustang GT350R is one of 12 models which will be launched under the Ford Performance banner before 2020.
