Latest Shelby GT350 Features High-Powered Naturally Aspirated V-8

LOS ANGELES – Ford says its latest iteration of the iconic Shelby GT350 Mustang packs a new V-8 under the hood that at more than 500 hp represents the most powerful, naturally aspirated engine in the automaker’s history.

The new model, to be shown to the media here today ahead of its public unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week, boasts a 5.2L engine that is the first production V-8 from Ford employing a flat-plane cranksaft more typical of racing applications and generally found only in some high-end exotic road cars.

Unlike in a traditional V-8, the crank pins are spaced evenly at 180-degree intervals, rather than at 90 degrees, allowing the cylinder firing order to alternate between cylinder banks to reduce the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses.

Combined with other cylinder-head and valvetrain improvements, the setup allows for better cylinder breathing and, thus, performance, the automaker says.

Ford isn’t specifying the exact output, but says the high-revving engine will be rated at above 500 hp and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. The engine drives the Mustang’s rear wheels through a lightweight 6-speed manual transmission and Torsen limited-slip differential.

“Make no mistake, this is an American interpretation of a flat-plane crankshaft V-8, and the 5.2L produces a distinctive, throaty howl from its four exhaust tips,” says Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer-Ford Global Performance Vehicles.

Ford says the car’s brake system is “the most track-credible” it has ever offered. At the front are 15.5-in. (394-mm) rotors with 6-piston Brembo calipers, while 15.0-in. (38- mm) rotors are in place at the rear.

The car’s 19-in. aluminum-alloy wheels are dressed with state-of-the-art Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with GT350-specific sidewall construction, tread face and compound. The custom tires are designed to deliver maximum grip on the road or at the track, Ford says.

Although the new GT350’s output appears to fall well short of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat’s 707-hp rating, Ford has history in its corner. This marks the latest generation of the Shelby GT350, which dates back to 1965.

“When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends,” Raj Nair, Ford group vice president-Global Product Development, says in a statement. “Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive powerplant – nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power.”

The GT350 gets a new aluminum hood that has been lowered and sloped compared with the stock Mustang. That, plus a re-sculpted fascia and ducted belly pan help improve aerodynamics.

Taught aluminum front fenders give the car a more athletic stance, and integrated fender vents draw out turbulent air in the wheel wells and direct it down the side of the car.

The performance model also features Ford’s first-ever application of continuously controlled MagneRide dampers that can adjust every 10 milliseconds to optimize handling performance.

Inside are specially designed Recaro sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and special gauges with chrome finish.

Five unique driving modes can be selected that adjust antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping and ride tuning.

Options include leather seating, Shaker Audio system and 8-in. (20-cm) MyFord Touch LCD screen.

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