Orders for the 2016 Ford Mustang open on Monday, yet the Blue Oval still keeps things hush regarding the Shelby GT350's go-faster credentials. Until Ford will appease us, the teasing game continues with a closer look at the suspension, chassis, and brakes.
The first thing you need to know is that the Shelby GT350 and its track-ready GT350R sibling come as standard with a Mustang first – MagneRide dampers. Mind you, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the soon-to-be-unveiled 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS have Magnetic Ride Suspension as well.
Compared to the 5-liter Coyote V8-powered GT, the Shelby GT350 benefits from rear springs specially developed for maximum attack. A counter-spun spring necessitated a new lower control arm design too.
In terms of diet, Ford Performance shed a few pounds from the Shelby GT350's nose by creating a forged carbon fiber grille opening reinforcement. According to the engineers, this bit is 24 percent lighter than the equivalent stamped-steel component.
That 5.2-liter flat-plane crank Voodoo V8 is one helluva powerhouse, but the out-and-out oomph is best complemented by serious stopping power. The most efficient brakes put on a production Mustang utilize iron rotors.
The six-piston brakes up front measure 394-mm while the rear axle is dealt with four-piston 380-mm units. The two-piece rotors are assembled with an offset floating-pin system, an interesting contraption that's keeping the brakes cool.
Last but not least, the Michelin Pilot Sport and Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires come as standard on the GT350 and GT350R, respectively. These babies measure 305/35ZR19 and are designed to withstand extended track use. FoMoCo and Michelin cooperated to reach desired longitudinal grip, lateral grip, and wear parameters.
Compared to the 5-liter Coyote V8-powered GT, the Shelby GT350 benefits from rear springs specially developed for maximum attack. A counter-spun spring necessitated a new lower control arm design too.
In terms of diet, Ford Performance shed a few pounds from the Shelby GT350's nose by creating a forged carbon fiber grille opening reinforcement. According to the engineers, this bit is 24 percent lighter than the equivalent stamped-steel component.
That 5.2-liter flat-plane crank Voodoo V8 is one helluva powerhouse, but the out-and-out oomph is best complemented by serious stopping power. The most efficient brakes put on a production Mustang utilize iron rotors.
The six-piston brakes up front measure 394-mm while the rear axle is dealt with four-piston 380-mm units. The two-piece rotors are assembled with an offset floating-pin system, an interesting contraption that's keeping the brakes cool.
Last but not least, the Michelin Pilot Sport and Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires come as standard on the GT350 and GT350R, respectively. These babies measure 305/35ZR19 and are designed to withstand extended track use. FoMoCo and Michelin cooperated to reach desired longitudinal grip, lateral grip, and wear parameters.