New flat-plane crank engine is most powerful NA mill Ford has ever had
When the Shelby GT350 Mustang arrives at dealerships in the next few months, it will be equipped with the most-powerful, free-breathing engine that Ford has ever produced. The all-new 5.2-liter, flat-plane crankshaft V8 breaks two records at the Blue Oval: the highest revving V8 and the highest output of a naturally aspirated engine.
On top of breaking two of Ford’s records, the 5.2-liter uses a host of other improvements to exceed 100 hp per liter. The new engine creates 526 hp at 7,500 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. That flat crank helps the engine shed weight and rev to a higher limit -- 8,250 rpm to be exact.
When the engine is revved, the exhaust lets out a ground-shaking, deafening roar that burbles back to a smooth, low rumble. The sound of the idle exhaust retains a deep, American grumble despite its flat-plane crankcase.
The new Shelby GT350 and the GT350R will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission mated to the 5.2-liter V8.
The GT350R is a more track-ready version of the new Shelby; it was developed to compete better with the Z/28. Ford reduces weight even further with the R, deleting its back seat, radio, air conditioning and -- like the Z/28 -- all speakers but one. Even the trunk carpeting is gone.
With the new Shelby GT350 and GT350R, Ford is delivering stiff competition to its crosstown rivals. That’s the best thing about competition: the world-class cars make all of us the beneficiaries.
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