The 2016 Mustang Shelby GT350 that was unveiled last week is, by any standards, a mighty machine what with its 500+hp V8 and aero addenda making it worthy of the legendary name.
Nevertheless, if a report from Road&Track is correct, the Blue Oval will display an even hotter version of the range-topping Mustang at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
This variant will bear the GT350R designation and will boast even better brakes, improved aerodynamics, stickier rubber and an increased output – because, as good as the GT350’s 500hp is, we all know there’s no such thing as too much power. While there’s no word from Ford on such a model, it would actually make sense on three grounds.
First of all, the previous-generation Mustang range-topper, the Shelby GT500, pumped out 650 ponies and a stunning 600 lb-ft (814 Nm) of torque – albeit with the help of a supercharger.
Then, you have to consider Dodge upping the stakes in the pony car output game with its 707hp Challenger Hellcat. No disrespect here, but being 200hp down on one of your two main rivals doesn’t look good.
Finally, the late Carroll Shelby’s original GT350 from the ‘60s also featured an extremely rare “R” version that was used for racing and, apart from having more power, shred a lot of weight by ditching most amenities and using fiberglass body panels and Plexiglass windows.
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