Most Track-Capable Ever: 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Coupe
One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time has returned with last year’s reveal of the all-new Shelby® GT350 Mustang. Originally introduced in 1965, the original Shelby GT350 established Mustang’s performance credentials. The all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang features the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever, is a world-class performance vehicle, designed to tackle the planet’s most challenging roads – an all-day track car that’s also street legal.
With the limited production Shelby GT350R, a combination of changes to aerodynamics and suspension tuning lead to most race-ready, road-legal Mustang ever. Significant engineering innovations result in weight savings and aero improvements to benefit on-track performance.
Shelby GT350R has been optimized for aerodynamic excellence. Details including the hood vent for heat extraction and lift reduction, underbody belly pans front and rear, an aggressive diffuser, vented wheel wells and turbulence-reducing fender vents, wheel air curtains and side skirts all remain on Shelby GT350R, but the car’s downforce capability has been increased. Revisions to the front splitter maximize downforce, while an all-new high-efficiency carbon fiber rear wing has been added in anticipation of competition. The wing moves the vehicle’s center of pressure rearward while improving downforce and lift balance – ideal for high-speed track work.
Power is generated by a 5.2L V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft bolted to a robust Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual gearbox. A Ford-tuned limited-slip Torsen differential with 3.73 axle ratio is optimized for cornering grip and straight-line traction, while an electronically moderated rear-mounted air-to-oil differential cooler maintains ideal temperatures during track driving.
The performance Ford coupe is equipped with a specially tuned suspension. It features revised spring rates and antiroll bars, lower ride height, unique track-tuned alignment settings, revised bushings and jounce bumpers, cross-axis ball joints in the front suspension, and revised calibration controlling the MagneRide dampers. The firsts for this car continues – the Shelby GT350R also features standard lightweight carbon fiber wheels, making Ford the first major automaker to introduce this innovative wheel technology.
Carbon fiber wheels will benefit Shelby GT350R performance by shaving critical unsprung weight. The 19x11-inch front and 19x11.5-inch rear wheels weigh approximately 18 pounds each and provide 16 pounds of unsprung weight reduction per wheel compared to an equivalent aluminum wheel. Handling and acceleration performance see serious benefits. The wheels also provide a reduction in rotational inertia of more than 40 percent, which positively impacts acceleration and braking performance.
The lightweight wheels will be shod in Michelin’s top-shelf Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tires with rubber compound and a construction unique to the Shelby GT350R. This combination of incredibly stiff and light wheels with bespoke tires offers customers exceptional steering feel and levels of performance.
Shelby GT350R engineers delivered against aggressive targets for weight reduction. If a part did not make the car faster around a road course, it was considered for deletion. Items removed include air conditioning, the stereo system, rear seats, trunk floorboard and carpet, backup camera and emergency tire sealer and inflator. Exhaust resonators also have been removed for weight savings with the benefit of creating a sharper exhaust tone. Shelby GT350R is more than 120 pounds lighter than the Shelby GT350 Track Pack model, which has proven its durability in multiple 24-hour racetrack tests.
For customers seeking more comfort in their Shelby GT350R, Ford is offering an optional Electronics Package. Included is dual-zone air conditioning, 8-inch touch screen with navigation, seven-speaker audio system, turn signal mirrors and more.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 107.1; overall length: 188.9; width: 75.9; height: 54.2
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 5.2L flat-plane crank V8 – 526 hp at 7,500 rpm and 429 lbs-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.
Transmission; six-speed manual
EPA Fuel Economy: 14 city/21 highway.
Cargo capacity: 13.5 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual front seat side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver’s side knee airbag, active glove box, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, AdvanceTrac vehicle stability control, traction control, TORSEN limited-slip rear differential, electronic line-lock, rear view camera, SYNC communications system, perimeter alarm, Securilock passive anti-theft system, remote keyless entry, intelligent access with push-button start, automatic high intensity discharge headlamps with wiper activation, tire mobility kit, and individual tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional safety features include universal garage door opener and navigation system.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Hybrid components: 8-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang coupe starts from $63,645. Destination charges add $900.
