New Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang Enters Stable with 500 Horses

At this time, the production first examples of the 2015 Ford Mustang just reaching showroom floors. Reporting the new Mustang is spending an average of only six days on United States dealership lots before being sold, Ford appears to have succeeded in creating an attractive refresh of their coveted vehicle. The Evos concept car inspired styling and the power up to 400 horsepower available from the Canadian-built 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine allowed the new Mustang to openly participate in many glamour shots since it went public light this past December. Fanfare for the latest generation version of the original pony car remained high throughout this year as the vehicle’s introduction coincided with the Ford Mustang’s 50^th anniversary. After almost a full year of the 2015 Mustang, Ford Motor Company’s selective breeding has now led to the latest iteration of the Shelby GT350 Mustang.

Rolling up to the 50^th anniversary to the production of the first Shelby GT350s by Carroll Shelby, the newest version of the souped-up Ford Mustang is among the most powerful and technologically advanced. Galloping with 500 horses, the new Ford Shelby GT350 is a 21^st century example of 1960s muscle. Despite some rumours indicated the chance the Shelby GT350 would be turbocharged, beneath the aluminum hood of the Shelby GT350 Mustang is a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-8 engine. A European performance car derived high-revving flat-plane crankshaft is a key aspect Ford advertises about the powerplant of the high-performance pony car. Generating 500 horsepower and more than 400 pound-feet of peak torque, the engine of the new Shelby GT350 Mustang is the most powerful naturally aspirated power unit dropped into a mass-produced Ford vehicle. A six-speed manual transmission and a standard Torsen limited-slip differential are components of the powertrain guaranteed to allow a driver to experience thunderous performance. Optional on the Shelby GT350 Mustang is a Track Pack including an engine oil cooler and transmission cooler.

Similar to the new Ford F-150 pickup trucks, aluminum body panels are sculpted in creating the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang’s exterior persona. The hood and front fenders have been augmented to provide a look distinct from the base Mustang. A lowered engine cover decreases the aerodynamic resistance, an outlet equipped to the hood excels in preventing lift at high speeds. The front end of the Mustang receives a fascia incorporating a lower front splitter for greater airflow control. At the rear of the Shelby GT350 Mustang, a diffuser and small deck lid spoiler enhances the back-end adhesion. Accommodating specially tailored, wide-width Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mounted to 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the fenders of the GT350 have been reshaped.

Combined with the engine power of the new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is Brembo six-piston front disc brakes, traction control and a responsive suspension. The GT350 becomes the latest recipient of an electro-magnetically controlled handling. The first Ford product to use MagneRide, iron particle impregnating hydraulic fluid is transferred between the corners of the GT350 using electrical current at a rate of 10 milliseconds to create precise vehicle handling. Performance numbers for the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang have not been disclosed at this time but a 0 to 60-mile per hour time of about 4 seconds flat.

Inside the new high-performance Mustang, the Shelby GT350 model includes race-themed pieces and creature comforts. Heavily developed cloth Recaro sport seats, unique gauges and a flat-bottom steering wheel add an additional performance car edge to the Ford Mustang. Interior chrome and other brightly finished components are dulled to prevent potentially distracting sunlight glare. Through an available Tech Pack, the Shelby GT350 Mustang receives an extensive level of comfort equipment. Leather seating, MyFord Touch, dual-zone electronic temperature control and Shaker Audio speaker system is included with the Tech Pack.

Along with track performance figures, the release date of the Ford GT350 Shelby for the United States and Canada has yet to be announced.

Information and photo source: Ford Motor Company

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