A Legend Reborn

50 years ago, Ford introduced the first ever mustang, and soon followed up with a performance model, the original Shelby GT350.  Fast forward to today, Ford is proving that the past does repeat itself.  Because the all new 2015 Mustang has just hit the showrooms and now Ford is introducing their new performance Mustang, and is resurrecting a legend.

Introducing the new Shelby GT350

Making is debut at last weeks LA Auto Show.

This is the track focused version of the new Mustang, and it has its eye on very specific vehicle, Motor trend's best driver's car the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

The new and improved pony gets its power from a 5.2-liter V-8.  Ford hasn't released exact details, but Ford has promised that the GT350 will make over 500 hp, and about 400 lb-ft of tourque.  It is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever put is a Mustang.

The rest of the car has been tweaked over the standard mustang as well.  Every thing from a lower hood, a wider front track, stiffer suspension, and bigger brakes are new.  In fact every piece of the sheet metal in front of the windshield is brand new, and exclusive to the GT350.  The hood and the front fenders are made of aluminum to help save weight.  The fenders are also wider to help accommodate the brand new, specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The GT350 is wider and lower than the standard Mustang, sitting two inches lower.

The suspension is also brand new, not only for the Mustang, but for the entire Ford fleet.  The mustang brings with it MagneRide adaptive dampers, which is found in cars like the Ferrari 458.  The system monitors the road conditions and driving inputs every 8 milliseconds, and can adjust the liquid viscosity in the dampers every 10 milliseconds.

This new mustang on paper, sounds like it will be a formidable thorn in the Camaro's side.  We will just have to see if the Mustang can dethrone the king of muscle cars.

Photo Credit: (In order of appearance)

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_ford_shelby_gt350_mustang_comes_to_l_a_with_flat_plane_v_8/84353145/2016-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang-front-end.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_ford_shelby_gt350_mustang_comes_to_l_a_with_flat_plane_v_8/84353142/2016-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang-front-end-02.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/1411_ford_shelby_gt350_mustang_comes_to_l_a_with_flat_plane_v_8/84353172/2016-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang-rear-three-quarter.jpg