At the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, Ford made quite a splash as they unveiled the 2016 Shelby GT350 Mustang. The car has the Shelby name, but it is actually the creation of Ford's SVT group. This is what we know about the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R Release Date, Price, Specs, and Review.
According to 2016 Release Cars, this year's model of the Shelby GT350 has some new adjustments. For example, the front fascia has been remodeled and shrunk, with a new bumper and front splitter, as well as angled ducts integrated into the grille, auto on/off HID headlight with signature lighting, and a vented hood. Instead of fog lights, there are brake-cooling vents. On the back is a rear wing made of carbon fiber, LED sequential taillights, rear diffuser, and dual exhaust with quad tips.
According to Car and Driver, the GT350 uses the same S550 platform that was on the 2015 Mustang. Users can expect a version of the 5.0 liter V-8 that empowers the Mustang GT. The engine could have a slightly larger displacement than the stock unit, and SVT is planning on a flat-plane crankshaft for what is being called a "Voodoo" engine. This lower rotating mass will allow the V-8 to go past 8000 rpm with 550 horsepower.
The 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R has an expected top speed of 170 miles per hour, and an estimated 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4 seconds. There is a report that the coupe managed to set a 7:32:19 time around the Nurburgring track, a record that had been set by the competitor Camaro Z/28 at 7:37:40.
In case you are wondering about the extra letter on the name of the GT350R, here are the differences between the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the GT350R, according to TorqueNews. The GT350R has the GT350 Track Package that includes MagnaRide dampers with selectable drive modes, heavy duty front springs, fluid coolers for the engine, transmission and rear differential and a lightweight strut tower brace. The GT350R also has unique 19 inch carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, not to mention some body upgrades including a front chin splitter, huge rear wing and aluminum bumper beam. The GT350R is also attempts to get the weight down as much as possible by removing the rear seat, the air conditioning, and entire audio system.
The expected price for the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 should be about $50,000. As for the 206 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, you might have to pay extra in spite of some missing things, but it should be about $60,000. As for the release date of the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, there has been a lot of talk that it is overdue, and it could arrive in December 2015.
