The Shelby GT350 returns with a 5.2-liter V-8, a flat-plane crank, and 500 all-natural horsepower

History will repeat itself again as Ford pulls back the covers on one of the most anticipated, most Internet-leaked Mustangs in history—the Shelby GT350. Based on the vaunted, new S550 platform the latest Shelby GT350 looks to carry the name proudly into the future thanks to the performance-oriented transformation orchestrated on the latest Mustang by Ford’s engineering team.

There’s more to the new Shelby GT350 visage than just a new front fascia. All of bodywork in front of the windshield is unique to this car. Accentuating its aggressive look, the GT350 it sits up to two inches lower than Mustang GT. Its splitter and belly pan maximize downforce. This example is painted in a GT350-exclusive hue called Avalanche Gray.

“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,” Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, said. “Every change we made to this car was driven by the functional requirements of a powerful, responsive power plant—nimble, precise handling and massive stopping power.”

Stealing most of the headlines will be the 500-horsepower, 5.2-liter engine birthed to deliver the high-revving power worthy of a track-tuned specialty Mustang. This engine achieves stratospheric rpm courtesy of a technology successfully applied by European exotics for years—a flat-plane crank. It is proclaimed as the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 built by Ford to date.

There’s more than just pretty carbon-fiber grille to the front end of the GT350. That grille is angled and vented to draw air across the radiator, while feeding the intake system and cooling ducts for the front brakes.

“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,” Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles, enthused.

This crankshaft design differs from traditional, American V-8 dogma by placing the connecting rods along the crank at 180-degree intervals, rather than the more traditional 90-degree positions. Doing so sets up the firing order to alternate between cylinders, which reduces exhaust overlap. Combined with numerous other improvements we are sure to learn in the near future, this technology contributes to the engine’s robust 500 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque ratings.

The wheel and tire package on the GT350 is the real deal. Can you say grip? Fitted with specially tuned Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mounted on 19×10.5-inch front and 19×11-inch rear wheels, the GT350 should have plenty of grip to put its 500 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque to the pavement.

Of course, those European flat-plane-crank engines typically offer up an unusual exhaust note, which might not play well to the more traditional Mustang audience, but having heard the car in the videos, it’s not hard to believe it will sound great in the Shelby GT350.

“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,” Jamal added.

While it won’t grab quite as many headlines as the powerful, new engine, the GT350’s revised suspension brings a welcome technological boost that Brand X cars have benefitted from for several years—magnetically adjusted dampers. Dubbed MagneRide by Ford, these dampers are filled with hydraulic fluid laden with iron particles. When an electric current is applied at the behest of the PCM, the personality of the struts and shocks can be altered in an instant in response to changing conditions and vehicle dynamics. And, we mean instantly. Each corner can be independently adjusted every 10 milliseconds.

In back the focus was on this rear diffuser that is designed to not only increase downforce, but also feed air to the rear differential cooler. The modest decklid spoiler also chips in to improve downforce. Inside the GT350’s 8.8-inch rear is a specially tuned Torsen limited-slip differential.

“Everything we changed on GT350 is purely functional-driven design, with the goal of improving the overall performance of the car,” Chris Svensson, Ford design director, The Americas, said. “We optimized the aero shape of the car, and then fine-tuned what was left to increase downforce and cooling airflow.”

Combined with a lower ride height, an increase in front track width and a revised spring-and-bushing package, the GT350 promises to deliver the pinnacle of S550 handling. It will also have the braking horsepower to back up its precision and power thanks to two-piece, 15-inch rotors fore and aft. Biting down on those iron, cross-drilled rotors mated to aluminum hats are six-piston Brembo calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Underneath the heat-extractor hood is the long-rumored 5.2-liter V-8 engine. As we suspected, it is equipped with a flat-plane crankshaft, which reduces exhaust overlap for improved efficiency and higher revving. It is said to produce peak outputs of 500 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 Ford has ever created.

Speaking of the front and back, the Shelby GT350 is the first Mustang to receive a serious wheel and tire package. It is legit, with the front wheels clocking in at 19×10.5 inches and the rears measuring an astounding 19×11.5 inches. These aluminum wheels are shoed with unique GT350 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires featuring a sidewall, tread, and compound specific to this car.

With all that technology lurking beneath, the Shelby GT350 couldn’t look like any other Mustang either. Clearly the reputation of the original was about performance and style, and these two characteristics are blended in the latest version. It looks great, but the changes were made with performance in mind.

If you opt for the optional Track Pack, the front end will also feed air to the engine oil cooler and transmission cooler.

The new Shelby GT350 wears a completely revamped front clip highlighted by a lower hood featuring heat extractor-style venting, which lets heat and air pressure escape. It sits between bulging aluminum fenders that house the car’s wider track. Like the hood, they feature air-management designed to maximize its aerodynamics. The lightweight fenders are vented to draw air out of the wheel wells and direct it under the car to reduce turbulence.

Not to be out done, even the interior of the Shelby GT350 is equipped with numerous unique upgrades. Most noticeable is the race-car-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel, but even the cloth Recaro seats were built just for the GT350 to balance comfort and on-track support. Engineers even tweaked the gauges to reduce glare so the driver can focus on the road.

From that updated cockpit, drivers are said to be able to adjust the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning, and exhaust settings via an integrated driver control system.

“We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,” Jamal said. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.”