When discussing the heart and soul of the Shelby GT350, it’s the engine that commands the spotlight. Under the hood lies the 5.2-liter V8 engine, commonly referred to as the ‘Voodoo.’
This naturally aspirated powerhouse stands out for its use of a flat-plane crank, a feature commonly found in racing engines and exotic European sports cars. This design allows the Voodoo engine to rev higher than typical cross-plane V8s, granting it exceptional performance characteristics.
The impact of this high-revving engine is substantial, generating 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Engineered not just for raw power but also for responsiveness, the GT350 is designed to deliver a driving experience that is both exhilarating on the racetrack and manageable on the street.
With its unique attributes and impressive stats, the Voodoo engine is central to the Shelby GT350’s identity, setting it apart from other muscle cars in terms of capability and design.
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Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Overview
The Shelby GT350 epitomizes Ford’s legacy in muscle car engineering through its distinctive design and exceptional performance. Enthusiasts revere this model for its blend of agility and raw power, enabled by a blend of modern engineering and adherence to traditional performance tenets.
Design and Engineering
We recognize the Shelby GT350 for its aggressive styling and an advanced powertrain that is a testament to Ford’s innovation. Its body is sculpted from high-strength aluminum alloys, contributing to both its sleek looks and reduction in weight.
Key to the GT350’s revered status is the flat-plane crankshaft within its engine, a trait typically found in high-performance sports cars, enhancing the exhaust flow and allowing for higher revs.
Performance Specifications
| Engine Type | Displacement | Power |
| 5.2L Ti-VCT V8 with flat-plane crank | 5.2 Liters | 526 hp |
| Transmission | TREMEC 6-Speed Manual | |
The heart of the Shelby GT350 is its naturally aspirated 5.2L V8 engine. Unlike most V8s which possess a cross-plane crankshaft, ours utilizes a flat-plane crank, allowing a higher rev limit and a more responsive power delivery.
The result is not just a distinctive, guttural exhaust note but also improved engine breathing and output. The fusion of these elements yields an engine both mellifluous to the ear and formidable on the track.
Engine and Drivetrain
The heart of the GT350 is its unique Voodoo engine, a 5.2L flat-plane crank V8. Let’s explore the specifics under the hood and the accompanying drivetrain that handles this power.
Under the Hood
Ford Performance engineered the GT350’s Voodoo engine to produce a thunderous 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, providing an exhilarating high-rev experience that peaks at 8,250 rpm.
The flat-plane crankshaft design not only reduces the engine’s weight but also allows for quicker engine response. Displacement is key here, with 5,163 cubic centimeters orchestrating an orchestra of power with every press of the pedal.
The Voodoo engine isn’t just about peak power numbers. Its broad torque curve enables steady power delivery.
At 7,500 rpm, the engine achieves its maximum horsepower, while torque is near its peak from 3,300 to 6,000 rpm.
Transmission and Handling
A car like the GT350R—with its hefty power figures—needs a transmission that can seamlessly transmit all that energy to the wheels. That’s where the TREMEC® 6-speed manual transmission comes in.
Precise and robust, it delivers a driving experience as aggressive as the engine’s output.
Handling all that power is no small feat. The GT350’s rear-wheel drive drivetrain is specifically tuned to provide not just the thrilling straight-line speed, but also the agility needed for track-day dominance.
Rear-Wheel Drive Drivetrain: Key to the GT350R’s performance handling and traction.
Technology and Features
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is renowned not just for its performance but also for the technology and connectivity it offers.
At the heart of its cabin, SYNC 3 infotainment system presents a user-friendly interface with responsive touch controls and voice command capabilities.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These integration platforms allow for seamless smartphone connectivity, giving drivers access to apps, music, and maps directly through the SYNC 3 system.
- FordPass Connect: This feature includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices, adding both convenience and connectivity for every passenger.
Every Shelby GT350 comes with Ford’s solid warranty package, providing owners peace of mind with basic and powertrain warranty covers. Here are the details:
| Warranty Type | Coverage Period |
| Basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Heritage and Evolution
At the core of this vehicle lies the 5.2-liter V8, affectionately known as the Voodoo engine.
This naturally aspirated powerhouse distinguishes itself with a flat-plane crankshaft, allowing it to rev higher and emit a distinctive howl, reminiscent of exotic supercars.
In its generational journey, the GT350 introduced in late 2015 was vastly different from the original Shelby Mustangs, yet it adhered to the philosophy of track-readiness that Carroll Shelby embodied.
The modern GT350 is not only a nostalgic nod to the past but a refined example of modern engineering and aesthetics.
While maintaining a respectful nod to its predecessors, the GT350’s evolution emphasizes technological advancements.
The integration of contemporary materials and processes symbolizes the harmonious blend of heritage with progress, ensuring the GT350 remains not just relevant but a standard bearer in its class.
We consider the lineage when we look at the GT350 – a beacon of performance that represents a unique chapter in the annals of the Mustang saga.
With the end of its current generation, the Ford Shelby GT350 cements its status as a vehicle that has wonderfully evolved while remaining true to its roots.
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