Following the launch of the Mustang Shelby GT350 in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, Ford yesterday unveiled the new Shelby GT350R at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As the most track-ready road-going production Mustang ever built, this limited model will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada later in 2015.
The new 5.2L DOHC V8 under the hood of the Mustang Shelby GT350R is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft (typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars), and the most potent naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever with more than 500 horsepower and more than 400 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Beyond the GT350R's menacing looks, you'll notice a set of 19” lightweight carbon fibre wheels which makes Ford the first major automaker to introduce this innovative wheel technology as standard equipment. They are shod in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
The use of weight-saving techniques results in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R being more than 130 lbs lighter than the Shelby GT350 Track Pack model. Other highlights include an available nav system with 8” touchscreen, 7-speaker sound system, and dual-zone climate control.