It's been only two months since Ford->ke31 launch the first Shelby muscle car->ke506 based on the sixth-generation Mustang, and the first details as to what features customers will get with their 2016 Ford Shelby GT350s already surfaced the Internet via a leaked ordering guide. The sheets shown here also include data about the track-focused 2016 Shelby GT350R, just introduced at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
If you are saving up for either a GT350 or a GT350R, this is where your planning begins.
As expected, both muscle cars come standard with the 5.2-liter, flat-plane-crank, V-8 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes front and rear, and a Torsen differential with a 3.73 axle ratio. While the GT350 gets black-painted aluminum wheels, the GT350R rides on carbon-fiber rollers. Both measure 19 inches front and rear. The optional Track Package adds the MagneRide suspension, heavy-duty front springs, engine oil, transmission and differential coolers, selectable drive modes and lightweight metal tower-to-tower brace to the GT350.
The GT350R receives all of the above as well, but the extra goodies are included in an R Package, which also contains carbon-ceramic front brakes, a wheel-locking kit, unique chassis tuning, an aluminum rear bumper beam, and a chin spoiler. The R Package also deletes the rear seats, air conditioning, floor mats, tire mobility kit, audio system, auxiliary audio jack, SYNC, and the USB port to lower the GT350R weight as much as possible. As a refresher, the GT350R will benefit from the same amount of power as the GT350, but the added performance will come from an improved chassis and a lower curb weight.
If you care more about technology than lightness, the optional Electronics Package will add the air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation and SYNC 3 connectivity to the GT350R's cockpit.
Speaking of the interior, both 'Stangs are equipped with cloth/Miko suede Recaro seats. GT350 buyers, however, have the option to upgrade to leather/Miko suede with the Technology Package.
The leaked guide also reveals the eight exterior colors available for both cars. Avalanche Gray is brand-new and exclusive for the GT350s, while the other seven are mostly borrowed from the standard Mustang,->ke428 with minor differences. Shadow Black replaces the regular Black, while Triple Yellow gets a shiny tri-coat finish. The Mustang's Ingot Silver and stunning Ruby Red hues aren't available for the GT350. Other options include a black-painted roof and racing stripes.
Click past the jump to read more about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.
Why it matters
This order guide is far from complete and as with the 2015 Mustang guide, some details are likely to change as the GT350 and GT350R near their on-sale dates. However, the sheets listed below provide a good preview to the options and packages both muscle cars are scheduled to get, allowing potential buyers to browse through the choices before the online configurator fires up. I know it's not exactly exciting without a rotating 3D car to color and put stripes on, but at least we now know the packages and options each of the GT350 will receive.
Ordering Guide
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R