It’s here and it’s track ready. Ever since the new Mustang debuted, Ford fans have been aching for the rebirth of the race-oriented Shelby GT350. At this year’s LA Auto Show, though shalt not be disappointed.
With a 500+ horsepower 5.2-liter V8 with a broad torque curve over 400 lb. ft., this is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever shoved into one of its cars. But all that power isn’t just meant for a straight line. Oh no.
Unlike the solid rear-axle found on the previous Shelby Mustang, the GT350 uses the new Mustang’s fully independent rear suspension to help manage the corners a bit better. In addition there is a standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential that optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction.There’s also new bodywork throughout that gives the car even more downforce, and some 10.5-inch Micheline Pilot Super Sport tires up front, 11.0-inch in the back. Brembo brakes are also a must.
The new 5.2-liter engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars. Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals.
Ford hasn’t given all the details just yet, but we’ll be getting up close and personal with the new Shelby at this year’s LA Auto Show. You don’t want to miss that.