ford shelby GT350 mustang's 5.2L V8 produces more than 500 horsepower

ford shelby GT350 mustang’s 5.2L V8 produces more than 500 horsepower
images courtesy of ford

the unveiling of the new 2015 ford ‘shelby GT350 mustang’ announces a high-revving, flat-plane crankshaft, 5.2 liter V8 engined performance car that produces more than 500 horsepower. it contains the most powerful naturally aspirated production engine ever produced by the automotive company and is designed to tackle even the most challenging roads as well as the track. the vehicle builds on carroll shelby’s vision of transforming an every-day car into a dominant road racer by taking the improved sixth-generation mustang and creating a special driving experience. this motor’s design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180° intervals to permit a cylinder firing order that alternates between banks and reduces the overlap of exhaust press pulses. considering all this, it offers a torque peak of more than 400lb and extreme flexibility within each gear of the lightweight six-speed manual transmission.

‘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,’ said raj nair, ford group vice president, global product development. ‘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.’

low frontal 3/4 view of the mustang

‘the final product is essentially an all-new powerplant unique to GT350 – and one that takes true advantage of the new chassis dynamics of the mustang platform,’ said jamal hameedi, chief engineer, ford global performance vehicles. ‘make no mistake, this is an american interpretation of a flat-plane crankshaft V8, and the 5.2-liter produces a distinctive, throaty howl from its four exhaust tips,’ he continued to say.

the ford ‘shelby GT350 mustang’ has an unique bodywork from the windshield forward, to represent its high-performance and how its two inches lower than the standard model. it features an aluminum hood that has been lowered and sloped to tightly wrap around the engine and create the smallest possible aerodynamic signature. the fascia’s bottom front splitter and ducted belly pan continues this aim but has also been re-sculptured to appear more aggressive and deliver improved downforce. this athletic stance is further accentuated with the contoured aluminum front fenders to fit the wider track and wheel arches. even the interior has been modified specifically for this model, it now features recaro sport seats and has removed any chrome or bright finishes to prevent sun glare that may distract the driver.

a close-up of re-sculptured, aggressive bodywork

‘everything we changed on GT350 is purely functional-driven design, with the goal of improving the overall performance of the car,’ said chris svensson, ford design director, the americas. ‘we optimized the aero shape of the car, and then fine-tuned what was left to increase downforce and cooling airflow.’

‘we took the best ford mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,’ said hameedi. ‘we tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the shelby GT350 mustang.’

rear view of the performance car