2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
Nov 18, 2014
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- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
In what is sure to delight fans of both modern and historic performance cars, Ford has officially pulled the covers off its 2015 Shelby GT350 Mustang.
This is the first Ford Mustang to use a V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft, and it's also the first to use high-tech MagneRide shocks that adjust their performance in a split second to offer as smooth a ride as possible without compromising ultimate performance on a winding road or the race track.
There's plenty of cool technology packed into this modern reinterpretation of a historic nameplate. Scroll through our gallery to learn all about what makes this latest Shelby GT350 so special. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
Ford invited us out to Los Angeles, California, to see the new Shelby GT350 Mustang firsthand. We can tell you that it looks even better in person that it does in photos.
While it's the new 5.2-liter V8 engine that's sure to make the most headlines – and for good reason, with over 500 horsepower and a brand-new design for the brand – there are a lot more details that make the Shelby GT350 stand out from the rest of the high-performance herd. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
Taking a closer look at the new 2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang, we can see several key enhancements to the car's body that make it more aerodynamic than other Mustang models while also improving downforce, which will help the new Shelby stick to the road when driven fast.
A subtle rear spoiler is easy to see, but just as important are the functional vents in the front fenders, which allow air to escape from under the car's hood and help keep the brakes cool. Also be sure to note the four exhaust tips at the rear of the car, peeking out from under the diffuser, which helps air exit from underneath the car. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
The entire front end of the new Shelby GT350 has been revised compared to the standard Mustang. The hood and fenders are made from aluminum to save weight, and the hood has been sloped more dramatically to improve aerodynamics.
There's also a functional heat extractor in the hood that also reduces underhood lift at high speed, keeping the front of the car planted when cornering. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
"When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power." -
- Image Credit: Ford
Wheel position sensors monitor motion thousands of times per second, which means changes can be made to each corner independently every 10 milliseconds for optimum handling performance. Ford says these new suspension pieces make the car handle better, and will also instill greater confidence in even the best driver. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
"We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience," said Hameedi. "We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang."
A flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier for the driver to get in and out, and is more ergonomic on the racetrack. Gauges are upgraded to reflect the enormous performance capability of the car. Chrome and bright finishes have been reduced or eliminated to prevent sun glare that may distract the driver.
An optional Tech Pack includes power, leather-trimmed seats, Shaker Audio, 8-inch MyFord Touch LCD touch screen and dual zone electronic temperature control. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
Specially designed Recaro sport seats feature a unique cloth that is comfortable while keeping the driver in place during fast corners. Hundreds of hours and many prototypes went into a seat that is both comfortable in daily driving and capable on the track, says Ford.
Ford also equipped the new Shelby GT350 with an all-new integrated driver control system allows selection of five unique modes that tailor ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings, depending on driver preference, to achieve maximum performance. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
Due to the significant speeds the car can develop, GT350 features the most track-credible brake system ever offered on a Ford vehicle in terms of absolute stopping power, fade resistance and brake pedal feel.
Massive two-piece brake rotors front and rear feature Brembo calipers.
Wide aluminum-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. These custom tires are designed to deliver maximum grip on the road or at the track. -
- Image Credit: Ford
2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
We don't yet know exactly when the new Shelby GT350 Mustang will go on sale, or how much it will cost. We do know, however, that Ford is justifiably proud of this new high-performance car, and we can't wait to find out how well it drives, both on the street and at the race track. -
- Image Credit: Ford
1965 and 2015 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang
It's easy to spot the similarities between the original 1965 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang and the brand-new 2015 model.
The original Shelby GT350 introduced in 1965 established Mustang's performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang, featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, is a world-class performance vehicle, designed to tackle the planet's most challenging roads – an all-day track car that's also street legal.
The new GT350 builds on Carroll Shelby's original idea of transforming a great every-day car into a dominant road racer by taking advantage of a dramatically improved sixth-generation Mustang to create a truly special driving experience. Driving enthusiasts behind the wheel of a Shelby GT350 can expect to be treated to the most balanced, nimble and exhilarating production Mustang yet, according to Ford.
