2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang

An even more track oriented version of the GT350 has been introduced at the Detroit Motor Show 2015 in the form of the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang. The car is the most track-ready road-going production Mustang ever produced and will take the fight to the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.
Powering the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is the same 5.2-litre V8 engine using a flat plane crank and delivering 500 hp and over 400 lb-ft of torque as the ‘regular’ Mustang GT350. The car has then been outfitted with a limited-slip Torsen differential with a 3.73 axle ratio as well as an air-to-oil differential cooler mounted in the rear to maintain temperatures when the car hits the track.

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In any track car, the wheels and tyres are key and as a result, Ford focused heavily on these elements. With this in mind, lightweight carbon fibre wheels come standard on the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang which measure 19×11 at the front and 19×11.5 inch at the rear. They are approximately 6 kg lighter each over a standard aluminium wheel while also being stronger. Ford has opted for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres for the car.
Elsewhere, the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is about 60 kg lighter than the Shelby GT350 equipped with the optional Track Pack. Items removed include the air conditioning, stereo system, rear seats, reversing camera, trunk floorboard and carpet as well as the exhaust resonators. An Electronics Package is available for the car however and it adds air conditioning, an 8-inch infotainment system, seven-speakers, wing mirrors with indicators and more.

Aerodynamics wise, the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang includes a new vented bonnet to reduce lift and extract heat, an aggressive rear diffuser, new side skirts, an extended front splitter as well as a rear wing made from carbon fibre.
Discussing the car, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development, Raj Nair, said, “The Shelby GT350R Mustang is a no-compromise car in the pursuit of maximum track capability. It is a thoroughbred street car making use of technology and ingenuity to deliver performance few enthusiasts have ever experienced.
“The Shelby GT350R Mustang is a car with the nimbleness and power delivery you want on a road course. This isn’t just about horsepower. The Shelby GT350R is an all-around balanced athlete – one that is extraordinarily precise and agile.”