Ford has unveiled its most track-orientated road-legal Mustang to date at the Detroit Auto Show in the form of the Shelby GT350R. The extreme version of the new Mustang is aimed at those who not only want to own the best Mustang on the market, but also those keen to exploit its capabilities on track.
Exterior
As with most tuned Ford Mustangs subtlety is not one of the new Shelby GT350R's strong points. The existing new model Ford Mustang has already adopted quite a muscular appearance and the GT350R builds upon this. Placing the emphasis on its race track influences the front splitter extends all the way around the front bumper into small upward flicks to channel air around the front wheel arches. A black mesh covers the front grille and additional air intakes below the indicators.
A restyled bonnet incorporates a vent to allow for heat extraction from the engine bay and it also reduces lift at higher speeds. Underneath the car aerodynamically-optimised belly pans smooth underbody airflow along the way to the rear diffuser, which adds to the car's downforce levels. The GT350R also features ventilated wheel wells and fender vents, similar to those seen in the BMW 4 Series Coupé, while wider sills add to the overall beefier image. Topping things off is a carbon fibre rear wing that adds to downforce further and should have further benefits on track.
Interior
Taking pride of place in the centre of the three-spoke steering wheel is that famous Shelby cobra emblem, which is every bit as iconic as the Mustang badge itself. In keeping with the race track influences the wheel is topped with a white band on its top centre. Figure-hugging Recaro sports seats feature an Alcantara finish and have contrasting white flashes along the side, while a blue 'R' stitched into the headrest serves to remind drivers that they're in something a little special.
Mechanicals
There could only be one real engine layout for the Shelby GT350R and Ford hasn't disappointed. A new 5.2-litre dual overhead-cam V8 engine has been fitted into the front and is the first ever V8 from Ford to feature a flat-plane crankshaft. This new design evenly spaces all the crank pins at 180-degree intervals in order to optimise engine breathing at higher speeds. Ford claims that the power output will be in excess of 500hp and this goes through a six-speed manual transmission.
Anything else?
The Shelby GT350R, along with the new Ford GT will form part of a serious new Ford Performance model offensive set to launch more than 12 new models by 2020. The bad news? The Shelby GT350R is only going to be available in the US and Canadian markets.