Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

With the latest generation Ford Mustang's taking shape thanks to its new engine choices, a much modern design that harks back to the past, and a new suspension setup that matches up against Europe's finest, looks like Ford's on the roll to turn the Mustang into a global sportscar. If this car's going global in style, perhaps one Mustang we want in our wishlists is this advanced version of the new Mustang, the new Shelby GT350.

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

In the glorious past, the GT350 is known to be one of the most iconic and collectible muscle cars of the 60's, Now, fast forward fifty years to now and the legendary GT350 nameplate is back as the most advanced version of the new Mustang and because it's becoming a half-decent sportscar in its own right, you might think that this car is all buff and all bluff but no.

First up, the new GT350 is powered by an all-new 5.2L Flat Plane Crank V8 engine producing 526HP of power and 429lb-ft of torque while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. While it doesn't sound much for a V8-powered muscle car of this magnitude, it's powerful enough to roast some marshmallows when it makes a swift getaway.

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
Ford says that the new GT350 is more track focused than the previous GT500, which is known to be the most powerful Ford ever made it doesn't learn much despite the big power in its V8 engine. Of course, while this may not be the fastest Ford ever made, the handling will really remind you of the recently deceased Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Yep, it's like a Porsche 911 GT3 edited for rednecks but if there's something even more redneck than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ford will offer you a more hardcore GT350R.

The GT350R removes all concessions of comfort as well as implementing more aerodynamic features inspired by the base GT350 and the implementation of space age materials, turning this buff car into a potent track weapon that can be enjoyed most of the time. With the GT350 and the GT350R, this pony car's got talent when it comes to slip past through corners. However, there's a much bigger consequence when it comes to driving it because while this is essentially a much sportier take on the modern Mustang, you'd had to think twice about using it on a day to day basis, well save it to the base GT350, because if you've gone for the R, you'll find yourself in a hard place because with all that concessions of comfort deleted from the inside, you may find yourself struggling to live on the streets.

Either way, the new GT350 from Ford is all about being a well-proven track performer that benefits from the new Mustang's drivetrain to become as better as what European sportscars do during track days. Of course, while this maybe a track weapon but it's essentially a muscle car that likes to throw a party at the neighborhood, something that will wake the neighbors up on a late Saturday night.

Should you buy one? The new GT350 starts from $49,095 for the base to $62,595 for the R so it maybe sound much but it's more affordable to own one rather than an expensive European sportscar you've been longing for. Anyway, if I had something to say about the modern GT350, one thing comes to my mind and that is I want this car better than the classic GT350 of the 60's and who can't blame them? The video games I blame...

Photo: Ford Motor Company

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