The Ford Mustang GT350 – The Rebirth Of An Icon

Once again Ford is looking to its past to shape its future. First with the GT40 and now with the rebirth of the GT350, Ford has captured the soul of the original and refined it.

Designed to be a track day monster the new GT350 can be tamed enough for the daily commute.

At the heart of the Stang is an all-new 5.2L V8 that pumps out a mammoth 500 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. And the sound it makes, wow.

I am going to get a bit technical for a second, but bear with me.

The new engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft. That means whenever four pistons are at the top of the cylinder, the other four are at the bottom. This means the engine is balanced and allows for a much higher rpm redline. Think of the sound of a Ferrari, the smooth and rapid acceleration of the engine when you rev it. That is the noise of a flat-plane crankshaft; not the loping and deep rumble of a traditional muscle car V8.

Anyway, the result of this new approach is the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 production engine Ford has ever created, and that is exciting.

Because this is a performance enthusiast machine it comes with a 6-speed manual. A limited-slip differential provides optimal traction whether the car is cornering or blasting down a straight-away.

The track tuned fully independent suspension makes this the most poised and balanced Mustang you can buy for the road.

The GT350 is capable of amazing speeds and thus requires an equally impressive braking system. Ford has installed their most track-worthy brake system ever, and says it will remain fade free even when used during all-day track sessions.

Another performance debut on the GT350 is the use of magneride dampers. The dampers are filled with hydraulic oil that has iron particles in it. When an electrical current is introduced the iron reacts and stiffens the responses of the dampers.

This system will make adjustments instantaneously and every 10-millisecond’s if required.

That’s enough tech talk.

Let’s look at the body.

Fantastic, exciting, mean even sexy, are all words that aptly describe the fully functional aerodynamic body kit.

The GT350 exudes power from every angle.

On the inside you will find specially designed Recaro sport seats that underwent many hours of testing to find the best balance between comfort and capability.

The use of the flat bottomed steering wheel not only helps you get in and out but looks cool as well.

A driver control system allows you to choose one of five unique modes that alter the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings, depending on the mood of the driver.

Finally for the driver who wants a bit more comfort and technology, the optional Tech Pack, includes power, leather-trimmed seats; Shaker Audio; 8-inch MyFord Touch LCD touch screen; and dual zone electronic temperature control, and much more.

Overall Ford has harnessed the essence of the legendary GT350 and made it so much better. The new GT350 has more power than ever, and the athletic chassis capable of handling it.

What do you think; could this be the best Mustang ever?