The wait is finally over. Ford has now confirmed the revival of the of the much respected nameplate – the Shelby GT350 Mustang. A great way to start the week! Now let’s dig into this, shall we?
THE POWERPLANT
Jamal Hameedi said:
The goal was a naturally aspirated V8 that could rev in a range suitable for a track oriented car. Thankfully, that meant the much bandied about flat plane crank was a go. The fact that Ford was able to get more than 500 horsepower out of this is most impressive. As I write this I still don’t know if it will be Direct Injected or not. Being spoon fed isn’t easy but it beats not being fed at all.
No idea on the block (Coyote architecture…or not?), rods, or heads – yet. The fact that this thing likes to sing in the upper ranges should have necessitated some extremely robust hardware. I’m really looking forward to a complete breakdown that includes some really trick pieces.
TRANSMISSION
It is being referred to as a “lightweight six-speed.” We know it has a separate bellhousing (unlike the current Getrag MT82 behind Coyote engines). Looking for details on whether the shifter is still remotely located as well as the clutch. My fingers are crossed that Ford paid attention to the cries of gear grinding TR6060/MT82 owners and chose a better pathway to shifting nirvana.
DRIVESHAFT
Media shots have hinted at a two-piece steel shaft as opposed to a one piece CF shaft. Whoever has to handle the barrage of media that is going to ask why had better be prepared. Unless of course, Ford stumps everyone and slips in something to salivate over.
SUSPENSION
Looks as if GM left an impression with how well the ZL1 (as well as other GM vehicles similarly damped) did, especially considering its heft. The new GT350 marks the first Ford to take advantage of “continuously controlled” dampers, MagneRide, to be exact. The “iron particles in hydraulic fluid” sound similar to what GM has been using. I wondered if I was seeing ride height sensing hardware in some of the sneak peek screen caps floating about last week. Thankfully, Ford is providing five “unique modes.” The more adjustment available to your fingertips the better as far as I’m concerned.
WHEELS/TIRES
Coyote and Trinity owners begged Ford for more aggressive rolling stock and never really got it. The GT350 delivers here in a big way. The 19 X 10.5(F) 19 X 11(R) wheels (on Michelin Pilot Super Sports no less) are just what the patient wanted to order for some time now. Since S197 wheels are a fairly good fit on the S550 it would make sense that these may do well on the earlier cars – if the styling and color mesh properly. No word on tire width but the images shown lend confidence to at least a 305 or 315 out back. Thanks for listening in this regard Ford.
BRAKES
Two-piece rotors? Thanks again Ford! Iron rotors with an aluminum hat are definitely the way to go and should help many eliminate having to replace them if they intend on some aggressive track driving. I’m surprised that Ford decided to cross-drill them what with their tendency to crack. Another one for Ford’s Press Secretary to detail. Hit ‘em hard Steve!
The rotors are clamped by six piston Brembo’s up front and four piston calipers out back. Note that Ford didn’t say Brembo four piston rear calipers. Hey, if they get the job done does it really matter what the sticker on them says?
ON EDIT...wait a minute. Do you see what I see?
BODY
Big changes. The kind S197 owners dreamt about. Functional aero improvements in concert with a new aluminum hood and unique aluminum front fenders help to contain the widened front track. Ducts designed to redirect the flow of air to not only keep the car planted but to remove heat from any of the optional coolers placed nearby. I can’t tell if the rear quarters have been tweaked as well but something definitely looks different.
INTERIOR
Wasn’t this area of the vehicle good enough already? Apparently not. Unique Recaro’s, a flat bottom steering wheel (nice!) and dulled chrome finishes should all serve to make the cabin experience that much better. A huge thumbs-up to Ford for these changes alone.
So there you have it. It looks like the leaked Ford Parts listings accurately depicted what was to come (remember, there was an even wider wheel combination shown). The flat plane crank wasn’t just hype. Now we have a supercar with a wide front wheel, once a supposed no-no, or so we were told. This thing should be an instant track star and require little else to push the envelope beyond what the best S197 examples were able to achieve.
Well gentlemen, is it enough?
[video=youtube;yC6tKvEy6t0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC6tKvEy6t0#t=48[/video]
