Automotive Trends

Not content to have the Chevrolet Camaro nipping at its heals with such headline models as the ZL1 and Z/28, Ford has added a track package to the Mustang portfolio dubbed the Shelby GT350R. Ford claims the GT350R is the most track-capable production Mustang ever and yet is fully road-legal. Some of the enhancements above and beyond the standard Shelby GT350 include the industry’s first ever carbon fiber wheels, Ford’s first production V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, and a specially tuned suspension. The deck-lid features a wild rear wing constructed of carbon fiber as well as a revised front splitter to maximize down force. The GT350R manages to be the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine in history with more than 500 fire breathing horses and north of 400 lb-ft of twist. If this combination of power, performance and style isn’t enough for you, just wait. Ford Performance is promising at least 11 more tantalizing vehicles by 2020.

      Carroll Shelby, automotive racing and design legend, poses for pictures with the Ford Shelby Cobra concept car shown at the 2004 NAIAS. The Cobra was the first of many new Ford projects that would bear his name over the following years. True to Shelby’s original formula for automotive design the Cobra was a small car with a large engine shoehorned between the fenders. The 6.4L V10 powering this concept was capable of 605-hp and 501 lb-ft of torque.

      We found plenty of Cobra replicas down at the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise, but not so much as a single authentic artifact could be found. Maybe next year.