2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang revealed
5.2 V8 producing 500bhp for new Mustang-based Shelby – dribble dribble…
By Shahzad Sheikh
Yeah, yeah, we’ve all seen the new new Mustang by now, and hopefully I’ll get to see it in the metal this evening right here in Dubai, as it finally arrives officially – although we’ve already got the prices here!
But here’s the one the hard-core muscle car fans have been waiting for – well at least, that but one.
It’s not quite the GT500 (be patient) but here is the 2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang.
It’s powered by a new high-revving flat-plane crankshaft (something usually found in racing engines) 5.2-litre V8 producing over 500bhp and more than 400lb ft of torque.
They say it’s the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever and it’s set up like a track car.
It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a Torsen limited-slip differential – plus it’s now got MagnaRide suspension, as used by GM.
There’s big Brembo brakes, and 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tyres specifically tailored to the GT350.
It’s also been restyled at the front with improved aero with a new aluminium bonnet lowered and sloped with heat-extractor scoops, there’s a lower front splitter and a new spoiler and diffuser at the back.
Inside there’s new Recaros, upgraded instrumentation, less brightwork, five driving modes that adjust the traction systems, steering, throttle response and suspension.
So what is a flat-plane crankshaft – well if you’re really nerdy, here’s the explanation from the press release:
‘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.
‘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.’
in all the specs it seems like a dragster