The 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R

The Mustang To Redefine All Mustangs From The Past

 

      I'm taking a massive risk with all Mustang haters on the internet who think Camaros and Dodge/SRT Hellcats are significantly better.  They probably think that since Ford decides to place Ecoboost engines in most of their cars that they're terrible. I'm not a fan of Ecoboost technology either in terms of sound but there are at least two new Mustangs that will give a big fat N and O to the idea of using an Ecoboost engine. One of these new Mustangs dubbed the Ford Shelby GT350R uses (wait for it) a naturally aspirated flat-plane crank 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V-8 as opposed to an Ecoboost engine like the turbocharged V-6 in the very much hated 2017 Ford GT. But enough of that Ecoboost stuff. Let's see how good Carroll Shelby's legacy has become with the GT350R.

      The 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R is an American pony car that I personally don't consider to be such a pony car anymore due to it's performance. The GT350R uses a flat-plane crank 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V-8  as mentioned above that delivers 526 hp, and a top speed of 190 mph estimated. While it may or may not be able to oust a Hellcat in performance that is still pretty decent for a Mustang. Naught to sixty takes less than 3.5 seconds, hence my belief that this is not truly a pony car. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed manual with, yes you heard it, a stick that lets you change gears. That will make the purists happy I think.

      The GT350R uses pretty much the same exterior elements as the GT350 such as a redesigned nose, vented wheel wells, a new rear diffuser, and turbulence-reducing fender vents. However unlike the GT350, the GT350R also uses underbody belly panels on the front and rear, a new and improved front splitter, and a carbon fiber rear wing. Carbon fiber? Ford have you gone mad, or are you secretly hiring defectors from Ferrari!? Haha. Anyway I don't know about my viewers but I welcome that carbon fiber rear wing.
      As for the brake calipers they're bright red; possibly to mock Ferrari, and from Brembo. The brakes themselves use custom-tuned independent suspension that have MagneRide magnetic dampers, increased spring rates, a lower ride height, and a wider front track. The really good news comes in the form of the wheels for the tires which like the rear wing are also made of carbon fiber. And they're standard. I think the answer to my previous question to Ford going mad with design is yes. I'm not sure about hiring former Ferrari mechanics though. Haha.  
      Let's talk about the optional extras you'll be presented with when buying a GT350R. The options include the R package, Navigation package, a painted black roof, over the top stripes, and an SVT Touring Package. All this combined will cost you $7,465.
     Would Carroll Shelby be proud of what his legacy has achieved with the GT350R. I think so. If only that V-8 went into the 2017 Ford GT too.