Let’s get right to it: citing an insider, Horsepower Kings claims the 2016 Shelby GT350R has recorded a staggering 7:32.19 lap time around the Nurburgring. If confirmed (and take this with a grain of salt), it will make the Shelby GT350R more than five seconds faster over the Camaro Z/28’s 7:37.40 lap time.
In fact, the alleged 2016 Shelby GT350R lap time would also be a full second faster than the 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS MKII. Would you have believed me if I told you Ford would create a production Mustang that would outpace the greatest naturally aspirated Porsche 911?
Official 2016 Shelby GT350R specs are not available at this time, but early speculations believe the GT350R will use the same 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V8 motor as the standard Shelby GT350 and will make identical power as well. However, the beauty of the GT350R is derived from its upgraded aero, handling, and weight loss.
The GT350R package will offer unique exterior details including an extended front splitter as well as a large carbon fiber rear wing. However, the party piece of the GT350R package is undoubtedly the bespoke carbon fiber wheels. According to Ford engineers, the carbon fiber wheels save 13 pounds of unsprung weight over its aluminum alloy equivalent. Each.
The 2016 Shelby GT350R also offers an aluminum rear bumper beam and more aggressive performance chassis tuning as standard equipment. These are only available on the standard GT350 when trimmed with the optional Track Package. The Shelby GT350R also boasts drive mode selection, MagneRide magnetic dampers, increased spring rates, a lower ride height, wider front track, and cooling upgrades for the engine, transmission, and differential. Stopping power is provided by mighty 6-piston Brembo brakes that bite into enormous 15.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors.
For all the extras that the GT350R offers, the super-Mustang will lose creature comforts including air conditioning, rear seats, audio system, and trunk lining. All in all, the 2016 Shelby GT350R will be 130 pounds lighter than the standard GT350.
Ford has yet to confirm the 7:32.19 Nurburging lap time, but the Shelby GT350R is undoubtedly the best road-racing focused production Mustang the American carmaker has ever created.
What are your thoughts on the claimed GT350R lap time? Let us know in the comment section below!
By Danny Choy
Story References: Horsepowerkings
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