Ford has unveiled the all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, which is now currently the most powerful version of the latest Mustang.
Ford has unveiled the all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, which is now currently the most powerful version of the latest Mustang. With a naturally aspirated 5.2L flat-plane crankshaft V8 it packs more than 500 horsepower – the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever.
The new 5.2L 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.
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The 180-degree, flat-plane layout permits a cylinder firing order that alternates between cylinder banks, reducing the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses. When combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, this permits better cylinder breathing, further extending the performance envelope of the V8. The result is more than 500 horsepower with a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft. The V8 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a Torsen limited slip differential.
The GT350 also gets a carbon fiber composite grille opening and optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace, while its front track has been increased and its ride height lowered compared to the Mustang GT. Ford says that the GT350 also gets “the most track-credible brake system ever offered on a Ford vehicle.” The brakes are two-piece cross-drilled iron discs mounted to aluminum hats. At the front are 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston fixed calipers with integrated caliper bridges, while 380-millimeter rotors at the rear utilize four-piston calipers. Lastly it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
Inside the GT350 gets Recaro sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and upgraded gauges. A new integrated driver control system allows selection of five unique modes that tailor ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings, depending on driver preference.
Drivers interested in comfort, convenience and entertainment upgrades may select the Tech Pack, which includes power, leather-trimmed seats; Shaker Audio; 8-inch MyFord Touch® LCD touch screen; and dual zone electronic temperature control.
Source: Ford
