The new 5.2-liter V-8 in the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang and Shelby GT350R Mustang is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the automaker’s history. The flat-plane crankshaft V-8 is also the automaker’s highest-revving V-8, making 526 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, 429 pounds-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm and redlining at a whopping 8,250 rpm. A six-speed manual is the sole transmission.
In comparison, competitor Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is powered by a 580-hp, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that makes 556 pounds-feet of torque.
“The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter flat-plane V-8 delivers on every target we set — high horsepower, broad torque curve, aggressive throttle response and lightweight,” Jamal Hameedi, Ford Performance chief engineer, said in a statement.
The limited-edition Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs go on sale this fall.
Jennifer Geiger
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.