Shelby GT350 Mustang at the LA Auto show

The iconic Shelby GT350 is back in the shape of the 2015 Ford Mustang. @AutoReportsUSA was there to see it at the LA Auto show. The all new Mustang in itself is impressive, add the Shelby touch and the new 5.2-liter engine, which is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft, an architecture typically found only in racing applications or exotic European sports cars, and you will be sure to start smiling.

 

According to Ford... Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals.
The 180-degree, flat-plane layout permits a cylinder firing order that alternates between cylinder banks, reducing the overlap of exhaust pressure pulses. When combined with cylinder-head and valvetrain advancements, this permits better cylinder breathing, further extending the performance envelope of the V8.

The result is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever, at more than 500 horsepower, with a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft. The track capability is enhanced by the output characteristics of the engine – the 5.2-liter V8 features an exceptionally broad torque curve.

Combined with its high-revving ability, the flat-plane 5.2-liter V8 gives drivers an enormous amount of performance and flexibility within each gear of the lightweight six-speed manual transmission. A standard Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction.

This is a truly good looking and exceptionally well engineered US made vehicle, which will be a delight to drive. We will report back when Ford lends us the keys.

#SHELBYGT350