Mustang's Legendary "Shelby" Name Returns | Ford

Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang

The Legend "Shelby" Returns to the Mustang

The "Shelby GT350 Mustang," a high-performance model based on the sixth-generation "Mustang" that is finally launching in Japan, is a model that pays homage to the high-performance version of the first-generation Mustang that debuted in 1965. The legendary name is used as is for the new Mustang. It is truly a legendary name revived in the modern era, capable of competing with rivals like the "Chevrolet Camaro Z28" and "Chevrolet Camaro Z1."

Text & Event Photographs by SAKURAI Kenichi

Equipped with a V8 Producing 506ps

Announced at the recent LA Auto Show as the high-performance version of the "Mustang," the "Shelby GT350 Mustang" is a model that marks the return of a big name from the past that first appeared in 1965, similar to the 2016 model of the Ford "Explorer."

The front section features a dedicated design with a large grille and bumper equipped with a "Cobra" emblem, a bulging aluminum lightweight hood, and outlets to release air taken in by the front bumper. It further refines the aggressive form, making the difference from the normal model immediately and easily understandable to anyone. Incidentally, the hood of the first-generation Shelby GT350 was made of FRP.

The engine housed in the modified front is Ford's most powerful naturally aspirated production engine ever. Instead of the 90-degree crankshaft found in conventional engines, it employs a 180-degree flat-plane crankshaft derived from racing, a sophisticated design that is a first for a production Ford vehicle. The V8 engine, with its displacement increased from 5.0 liters to 5.2 liters, is announced to produce a maximum output of 372.8kW (506ps) and a maximum torque of 474.5Nm (48.4kgm) or more.

It is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its hardcore nature is also evident in the adoption of MagneRide dampers, a first for a Ford vehicle, Brembo brake rotors (394mm front, 380mm rear) with four-piston calipers, a dedicated LSD, and 19-inch Michelin "Pilot Sport" tires with dedicated rims (10.5 inches front, 11 inches rear).

Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang

The Legend "Shelby" Returns to the Mustang (2)

A Must-See for American Sports Car Fans

The interior features Recaro bucket seats with a combination of leather and PowerTech upholstery, designed with two openings in the backrest to accommodate four-point seatbelts, and a D-shaped steering wheel, all packed with sporty equipment.

However, it also comes standard with advanced equipment such as the "MyFord Touch" infotainment system with an 8-inch touch panel adopted from the Mustang, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Shaker audio system, creating a sporty yet comfortable space.

While the revival of the legendary name from the first-generation model is certainly noteworthy, the "Shelby GT350 Mustang" is also a model that American sports car fans should pay attention to as a competitor to Chevrolet's "Camaro," which also offers high-performance models like the "Z28" and "ZL1."

The 3.7-liter V6 with a maximum output of 224kW (304ps) from the first-generation model has been replaced by a V8 exceeding 500ps, but its brilliance as the successor to the glorious "Cobra" emblem remains undiminished in the 21st century.