(dramatic music)
- [Narrator] The current generation Ford Mustang
is the first in the car's five-decade-plus history
to make wide use of an independent rear end.
Until the GT 350R, we weren't exactly sure of the point.
However, Ford dealers are currently selling
the hottest Shelby with a $25,000 price premium
over sticker, and you don't hear us complaining.
It's that great of a car.
Starting with the most thrilling part,
the flat plank crank V8, 526 horsepower
from 5.2 naturally aspirated liters
is of course great.
But the real magic is how the voodoo engine
barks and screams.
(engine revving)
The loudest car in the competition?
Absolutely.
It's rare that an engine is as engaging
while running errands
as it is at 8,000 RPMs, but here we are.
In addition to the brilliant motor,
the GT 350R benefits from specially tuned magnetic dampers,
sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires,
carbon fiber wheels, and about 100 pounds less weight
than compared to the regular GT 350.
Will all those goodies add up to a fast lap
on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca?
Let's watch and find out.
(engine racing)
- Perfect drift out of turn 11.
(engine racing)
It's down to power.
(engine racing)
It's got a wonderful balance.
(engine racing)
Ha, just carves the corner.
(engine racing)
Ah, overran the last corner good.
(engine racing)
Very satisfying car to drive.
Ladies and gentleman, meet your new
Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350R sales rep.
Buy one, you will not go wrong.
I am in love with this car.
What did they do?
It just works.
The level of control, the balance,
without worrying you're going to get too much
and put the car into an over steer.
The engine, (engine racing)
it's not as smooth as I would have thought
from a flat plane crank.
I mean, I've driven the Ferraris, and they're so smooth.
But it has it's own unique firing order and sound.
It's making a ton of torque.
The gear box, very light and quick.
The brakes are so strong.
This is like a good archetype for how brakes should be.
I just had a great time in this car.
Literally, it was putting a smile on my face
while I was driving.
Even though I'm dead serious about
trying to turn a good lap time.
That almost never happens.