Ford's recent press release was music to the ears of Mustang Fans everywhere. No they didn't just play sound clips of the GT350's glorious flat plane V8. Instead they announced the track focused Mustang GT350 and 350R will be around for at least one more year.
Surprisingly, the new GT350s will not be treated with the 2018 face-lift its more civilized siblings are receiving. The only major exterior changes will be the addition of three new colors: Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Lead Foot Gray.
Although the Mustang is still very much track focused, a few convenience options are now available to make the drive home from the race track more pleasant. You can now order the Electronics Package that gives you a better sound system and SYNC 3. A Convenience package adds power heated and cooled seats with suede inserts.
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The seductive sounding Flat plane 5.2 litre V8 remains the same with 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque and will still be paired with a six speed manual transmission. Although your internal temperature may rise during a blast around your local track, the same can't be said for your GT350. Standard engine oil, transmission and differential coolers continue into next year as well. Early production cars were only given the option to add coolers and those that didn't suffered with overheating in track situations. MagneRide suspension and carbon fiber wheels are still in next year, the latter only available on the 350R.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKi3g5K0o60
Time will tell if continuing on the same path as last year is the calm before the storm for the Dearborn-based auto maker. With rivals like the Camaro ZL1, Dodge Hellcat twins and now the Demon, a response will surely be epic... And probably have a supercharger.
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