The next debut I would like to discuss is one of the more anticipated vehicles of next year, the Shelby GT350 Mustang. This replaces the Shelby GT500 as the top-of-the-line Mustang in Ford's lineup. Under the hood is a 5.2-liter V8 producing over 500 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque (exact performance specs haven't been released yet). This is the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever built by the Blue Oval. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed stick shift and Torsen limited-slip differential. The 2016 GT350 is the first Ford to employ MagneRide damping, which immediately adjusts depending on road conditions and driver settings. The optional "Track Pack" consists of an engine oil cooler and transmission cooler. Compared to the Mustang GT, the Shelby GT350 has a stiffer chassis, increased front track, lowered ride height, and a new aluminum hood that is smaller and more sloped. The Shelby GT350 sits on a set of super-stiff 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels housing large Brembo brakes. The interior includes specially designed Recaro seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and improved gauges, making it more driver-focused. Also included is a new connected driver control system that permits the selection of five driving modes, which alter ABS, traction control, stability control, throttle mapping, steering effort, and exhaust settings all to the driver's recommendations and to achieve maximum performance. Finally, there has been no word yet on price or availability for the 2016 Shelby GT350. For those wanting a drop top variant of the new Shelby GT350, Ford recently confirmed that they will not be producing one. Overall, I am very impressed with the new Mustang, especially the Shelby GT350. This has become one of my favorite Ford products of all time, along with the GT, 2011-14 Shelby GT500, 1965-66 Shelby GT350 (coming in a later post), 1967 Shelby GT500, 1970 Mustang Boss 302, and 1970 Mustang Boss 429. I am currently having a difficult time deciding between the new Shelby GT350 Mustang and the Camaro Z/28, and this is all coming from a Chevy guy. Below are photos of the 2015 Mustang GT, a few of them being the 50th Anniversary Edition. I think the 2015 model has improved significantly over its predecessor.
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