Ford fans who visited the L.A. Auto Show in November 2014 saw the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 – soon to be available at Johnson Brothers Ford. This track-focused powerhouse features a 5.2-liter V-8 – naturally aspirated – that has a stupid redline and makes outrageous horsepower. In fact, this is the most powerful engine that Ford has ever built.
The GT350 also features Ford’s first adaptive magneto rheological suspension; and it also features unique aerodynamic bodywork.
The engine puts out 526 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 429 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine also redlines at an almost-unheard-of 8,250 rpm. The engine is backed by a six-speed manual transmission.
The MagneRide suspension is tuned for the track and features new anti-roll bars and spring rates. The lowered ride height makes this ‘Stang hug the road; and it also features revised bump stops and bushings, and cross-axis ball joints.
A humongous carbon fiber rear wing and revised front splitter help to maximize downforce, keeping the GT350R on the road instead of in the air. As if this wasn’t racy enough, the calipers, contrast stitching on the seats, badging, body stripes and the stripe on the steering wheel are all red.
The need for speed means that you get to do without some comforts. But those who race already know this. The GT350R has no air conditioning, no rear seats, no stereo, no cargo floor and no trunk upholstery. All of that adds weight and weight means you go slower.
Additional items you’ll find missing include the backup camera, a spare tire, a can of sealer and exhaust resonators. The wheels are carbon fiber – a first for major automakers. That’s even rare for the exotic supercars. The 19-inch composite wheels save 13 pounds per wheel – that’s more than a tenth of a second in the racing world – and yes, that tenth of a second makes a big difference. The wheels sport Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires with a rubber compound.
Now, if you’re crazy enough to do it, you can get an optional electronics packages that adds touch screen navigation, dual-zone air conditioning and an audio system with seven speakers… but who wants that over speed?
Visit Johnson Brothers Ford
While the GT350 and the GT350R are not expected to be released until later this year, it’s probably a good idea to get in line now. Stop by Johnson Brothers Ford for more information about the 2016 GT350 and its stripped counterpart, the GT350R.
