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Official Job 1 on First Production Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R

Official Job 1 on First Production Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R

By Evan J. Smith

Since 1965, Shelby Mustangs have played a key role in the history of the Ford Mustang. And today, Ford produced the very first production 2015 Ford Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs, marking a return of the storied GT350. Our cameras were on hand as Chassis F0001 was driven off the Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line by Bill Ford Jr. This very Mustang, finished in white with blue stripes, will go to the high bidder from the Barrett-Jackson winter auction. Amazingly, the gavel fell at $1,000,000! More importantly, proceeds from the sale of the charity GT350R will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This marks the Ford Official Job 1 on First Production Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R

“This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts,” said Mr. Ford. “We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style and performance. Today the legend continues.”

Brothers Performance is excited about this landmark Mustang, and we can’t wait for enthusiasts to dig into the 5.2 liter Voodoo V8. Of course, at 526 horsepower, Ford has pushed the limits of engine development with high compression, big cams and rpm, as this baby spins past 8,000! But the aftermarket always packs surprises and we’re anxious to see how far this animal can be pushed. It's only a matter of time before someone slaps turbos on there.

While a slew of prototype Shelby GT350s have been built in the last few months, today marks Job 1 and the actual start of the production models. This is a big day for an automaker, and it’s clearly a special one for Ford, as this is an icon in the making. The GT350 is slathered with so many features that are sure keep the Mustang ahead of the pack, including the flat-plane crankshaft, Magneride suspension, carbon-fiber wheels and the detail such as the amazing seats, sick sounding exhaust and all the electronic wizardry.

Along with 526 ground-pounding ponies, the GT350 has a sinister look, world-class handling, and we hear it’s already pounded the Z/28 into the ground with much quicker track numbers. As for quarter-mile times, we’re expecting to powershift our way to quick E.T’s once we get our hands on one. We’ve even heard the GT350R is as quick as a much more expensive Porsche GT3 around a road course.

The hype has certainly been built for Ford’s latest Mustang, and with the prestige and success of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, this model has big shoes to fill. Ford hit a home run with the 2005-2015 Shelby GT500, and we’re banking that the GT350 will share the same success. Check back next week as we share our first drive report and more details about the 2015/2016 Shelby GT350 and the GT350R.

This entry was posted in News, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News and tagged Shelby, ford, ford motor company, mustang, 2015 Mustang, evan smith, flat rock, gt350, evan j smith, Michigan, gt350r, revan media, bill ford jr, job 1, first production on August 20, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Ford Shoots for the Moon with Apollo Edition 2015 Mustang

Ford Shoots for the Moon with Apollo Edition 2015 Mustang

Ford is known for building amazingly cool Mustangs like the 5.0 GT and the Shelby GT350, and for the eighth year in a row, the Detroit automaker has created a truly amazing aviation-themed Ford Mustang to benefit Experimental Aircraft Association youth education programs, including the Young Eagles. Today, Ford Shoots for the Moon with the Apollo Edition 2015 Ford Mustang. Best of all, you can own the Apollo Edition Mustang, as it will go up for auction at the Gathering of Eagles charity event, July 23, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.

“The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology and achieved a national goal of landing the first human on the moon,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors. “The entire program was extraordinary – one of our nation’s greatest technological achievements. With this year’s stunning Apollo Edition Mustang, we salute that spirit of American ingenuity with the quintessential American automobile – Ford Mustang.”

Aviation has long been important to Ford, remember the Ford Tri-Motor airplane produced by Henry Ford from 1925 - 1933? According to Ford, all proceeds from the sale of the Apollo Mustang will benefit EAA youth education programs, including the Young Eagles, a program that has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.9 million young people since 1992. The EAA AirVentur event takes place July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Apollo Mustang began as a 2015 fastback Ford Mustang GT, that was modified by Ford design and engineering teams. The group was captained by Ford Design Manager Melvin Betancourt. The body features a unique glossy pure white and pure black non-production paint scheme that “delivers a creative connection with the NASA Apollo program,” stated Ford. It also features a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, rocker moldings and accent treatments, what looks like the Shelby GT350R wing, along with unique LED underbody lighting to symbolize atmospheric re-entry.

To launch harder, the Apollo Mustang needed boost, so the team installed a Ford Performance intercooled supercharger along with an X-pipe with both side and rear exhaust to raise output to 627 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque. And to give the pilots more control, they added a sport-tuned suspension, six-piston Brembo brakes, and custom Forgiato 21-inch performance wheels. Interested in making your Mustang look like this? You're in luck as Brothers Performance stocks many of the hot parts such as Superchargers, wheels and performance exhaust systems.

The winning bidder will command the Apollo Mustang from an interior that’s been upgraded with exclusive interior details. This includes performance gauges and stitching on the steering wheel, modified instrument cluster, unique sill plates and embroidered elements in seats, trim panels and floor mats and rear-seat delete with Apollo mission badges.

“Ford has been a committed sponsor of EAA and AirVenture for more than 15 years – bringing incredible value to those who make Oshkosh the highlight of their aviation year,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman of the board. “With its eighth Mustang donation, Ford continues to excite with its specialty vehicles, which reflect the depth of the company’s commitment and which allow EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members in helping us grow the next generation of aviators.”

Ford stated its donated vehicles at EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised nearly $3 million. And the vehicles that support EAA youth education programs including Young Eagles, are:

2008 – Mustang AV8R, with cues from F-22 Raptor, which helped introduce the glass- roof canopy and delivered an auction contribution of $500,000

2009 – AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang, crafted in honor of the World War II aircraft

2010 – Two automotive icons – the late Carroll Shelby, former U.S. Air Force flight

instructor, and Jack Roush, longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create

the SR-71 Blackbird Mustang inspired by legendary reconnaissance jet

2011 – Blue Angels Mustang, created to celebrate 100 years of U.S. naval aviation

2012 – Red Tails Mustang, to pay homage to Tuskegee Airmen – courageous squadron

of P-51 Mustang pilots who were the United States’ first African American military airmen

2013 – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Edition Mustang, built to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team

2014 – F-35 Lightning Edition II Mustang, which featured design cues from the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jet – the F-35 Lightning

You can see the Apollo Edition Mustang on display all week in the Ford hangar at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. To participate in the auction, interested parties must prequalify by contacting the EAA development office, (800) 236-1025 or donor@eaa.org.

“The Apollo Edition Mustang was modified by MAD Industries, led by Chris Mangum. Interior enhancements were designed by Ford’s Betancourt and Nicole Rush, and created in-house by Ford’s design fabrication team. Additional contributors to the project include Ford Performance, Eibach Springs, Carbon 2 Carbon, BASF automotive refinish, Gibson performance exhaust, Pirelli tires, Forgiato wheels, Rigid Industries LED lighting, SourceSE by sPod, 3M window film, PIAA Corporation, Brembo, APR performance, FOCAL/The Source AV and Odyssey battery,” Ford added.

This entry was posted in News, Car Shows, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News and tagged ford, ford motor company, mustang, evan smith, 2015 Ford Mustang, evan j smith, supercharger, ford performance, revan media, apollo mission, apollo mustang, moon, Ford Mustang on July 15, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Shelby GT350R-C Hits The Track At Watkins Glen

Shelby GT350R-C Hit The Track At Watkins Glen

Ford announced today the all-new Shelby GT350R-C hits the track At Watkins Glen International this weekend in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. There will be no mistaking the wicked sound of the 5.2L V8 as it screams around the famed North American road course with its flat-plane crankshaft and tuned exhaust. With the help of Multimatic Motorsports, Ford will leap forward with its production-car road racing program, competing against world-class sports cars including the Chevrolet Z/28, BMW M3, Porsche 911, Nissan 370 Z and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Building race-winning Mustangs is something Ford has done for decades, and it still does so today. Mustang have been winning championships dating back to the 1965 Shelby GT350s, the Trans Am boss 302s, and the more recent winners like the Ford Racing Cobra Jet, the Championship-winning FR500C, as well as the FR500S and Boss 302S models.

Billy Johnson

"Like so many Mustangs before it, the Shelby GT350R is a car born to race,” said Dave Pericak, director, Global Ford Performance. “We’re taking it to the track as the GT350R-C and we’re ready to see what it can do against the best competition in the world.”

And like many Mustangs to come before this one, both the production GT350s and race versions feature similar powerplants. In this case the 526 hp dual-overhead cam V8 from Ford, featuring the unique flat-plane crankshaft gets the call. Ford touts the all-new engine as the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 it has ever produced in a production car. Features include high-flow heads, a robust rotating assembly capable of sustaining 8,000-plus rpm, and high-flow exhaust. In this case, the production model will have more output, as IMSA has handicapped the Shelby GT350R-C with a 58mm restrictor plate.

Underneath, the GT350R-C is enhanced with tweaked version of the fully independent suspension that’s based on the GT350R. It’s fitted with revised spring rates and antiroll bars, lower ride height, track-tuned alignment settings, revised (stiffened) bushings and cross-axis ball joints in the front. Interestingly, the race version does not use the electronic Magneride dampers, as they are deemed illegal by the series. In place, conventional race shocks and struts control the ride.

To gain the winning edge, Ford is utilizing the talents of Multimatic Motorsports, a long-time partner of Ford, to handle race operation. Multimatic was a key element in returning the Mustang to IMSA Grand Sport competition in 2014 and it has worked on many development projects as well. Another edge will come from the experienced Billy Johnson, Scott Maxwell, Austin Cindric and Jade Buford, who will share driving duties when the GT350R-C debuts at Watkins Glen this weekend.

“Ford is committed to the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and we’re very happy to be campaigning its product here,” said Larry Holt, team principal, Multimatic Motorsports. “We like the endurance format, and the racing is always intense. Strategy plays a big role; the cars must be fast and reliable, and there are always at least 10 contenders running door-to-door for two and a half hours. It is the perfect home for the GT350R-C.”

Production car endurance racing is important to Ford, as the trickle-down technology has helped improve the breed. In fact, many components developed for track use, or versions of those parts, can be found on our shelves (or on line) here at Brothers Performance. As the relatively new S550 Mustang is developed and raced, we’ll unlock performance advantages that will keep you ahead of the competition.

“The biggest change over the outgoing Boss 302R is the IRS,” said co-driver of the No. 15 Shelby, Billy Johnson. “It gives the GT350R-C better handling and a high level of feel and control. The GT350 rolls through the corners better—the platform control is so stable and refined and it remains flatter and more controlled [during cornering],” added Johnson, who with 11 wins, has scored more victories in a Mustang than any other GS driver.

“American muscle cars have a storied history in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, and we eagerly anticipate the start of a new chapter with introduction of the Shelby GT350R-C,” said Scott Atherton, president of IMSA. “Mustang has earned icon status through its racing heritage going back to the competition Mustangs of the 1960s, and this new race car will undoubtedly add to the legend.”

This entry was posted in News, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News, 2016 Mustang News and tagged Shelby, ford, mustang, evan smith, cobra jet, shelby gt350, evan j smith, 2016 mustang; ford; flat-plane crank, ford performance, revan media, watkins glen, the glen, multimatic, imsa, road racing on June 24, 2015 by Evan Smith.
Ford Mustang Fever in Detroit, Michigan

Ford Mustang Fever in Detroit, Michigan

Recently, the Brothers Performance Team came down with a case of Ford Mustang Fever in Detroit, Michigan. There’s always something to see when we travel in and around the Motor City, and on this trip we took full advantage of what Detroit has to offer. We spotted Mustangs under development, and spent time with Roush, where we saw hordes of 2015 Ford Mustangs and a few special Fords in Jack Roush’s own collection. We also spotted some interesting cars, such as the right-hand-steer 2015 Ford Mustang that is set for export overseas.

Our first stop was Roush Performance headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan. There, we ran into NASCAR Xfinity points leader Chris Buescher, and we saw the latest Roush Mustangs being produced. Buescher just ordered a 2015 Roush RS3 supercharged Mustang. He seemed genuinely excited about getting his 2015 Black Mustang, and was anxious to compare it to his winning Number 60 Roush Stock Car.

Later that day, we drove a few miles to the Roush Automotive Collection located in Livonia. The fine folks who oversee the collection invited us and the public to its free Open House. Fans got up close with the impressive collection of NASCAR Stock Cars, rare Mustangs, and assorted machinery and engines on display. NASCAR stars, Elliot Sadler, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, and Ryan Reed were also there to greet the crowd and to sign autographs. Jack Roush was also on hand, along with his son, World Challenge driver, Jack Jr., and his daughter, Susan Roush-McClenaghan, who is a championship-winning drag racer in the NMRA series.

The Roush Automotive Collection is housed in a 30,000 square foot museum with more than 110 cars and trucks. Inside, you’ll see famous Trans Am Mustangs, NASCAR Stock Cars and trucks, and some of Jack’s favorites, such as the recently restored 1969 Gapp and Roush Super Stock Mustang.

“Housed within the collection are a wide variety of displays, multi-media exhibits, artifacts, memorabilia and 110-plus vehicles dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of Roush Enterprises,” said Stephanie Davies of Roush. “The collection contains educational exhibits of products and processes from Roush as a supplier of technological services to the automotive industry, aviation industry and other manufactured goods businesses.” And there is a full-service gift shop for NASCAR and Roush memorabilia.

Being an Open House and car show, enthusiasts rolled up in a variety of amazing Detroit (and some English) iron. One Ford employee event slipped in with a 2015 Shelby GT350R. Roush Open House events occur three times a year, with the next one coming in August. Check roushcollection.com for more details.

This entry was posted in Car Shows, Ford Mustang, 2015 Ford Mustang News, Cars & Coffee Events and tagged ford, 2015 Mustang, evan smith, Roush Mustang, evan j smith, roush, performance, Michigan, detroit, jack roush, revan media, chris buescher, bubba wallace, elliot sadler, brothers, Ford Mustang on June 18, 2015 by Evan Smith.