Well now that the GT 500 is official has any other news leaked out about the other SE models or maybe a Shelby GT 350?

 

id sure hope so. it wouldnt be too smart to have a GT500 and not fill the intermediate section with a 350

 

I'd love to see that. A GT350 would be a nice way to go with the SE. 5.4 N/A, Maybe some light weight materials. Make it lighter and more nimble. For Rhumb and his harem...Maybe even IRS.

Edit: Sorry, I shouldn't have brought the IRS debate into another thread.

 

Weren't the original GT350s just GTs with suspension mods and a supercharger?

 

I don’t think the original GT350’s had the 427 and 428 option like the GT500.

 

Be still, my harem, a GT350 with IRS...

The original GT350 had a hi-po 289 with ~305 hp. The latter ones went up to the 302 I believe, but I don't think the rating changed much. Whereas the big block GT500s were aimed pretty squarely at dueling with the big block F cars and Mopars at the strip, the GT350s were meant more for the race track. I do think Shelby offered a supercharger as a dealer installed option on the 350s.

Perhaps a lightweight DOHC 4v 4.6 with Al block and a bit more attention payed to the suspension would make for a suiting stablemate for the big-bruiser GT500.

 

OK, some GT-350 history,

The 1965 GT-350 didnt have Shelbys name on it. It was known as Mustang GT-350. It wasnt until 1966 that it was known as Shelby GT-350.

The 1965 Mustang GT-350 was built for speed, so it didnt come with an automatic, AC or any other power robbing options. Shelby put the money into Cobra-izing the 289 and modifying the suspension: Upper -front control arms were relocated and lowered and override rear traction bars were added. Stripes and wheels where options.

tk

 

I would rather see a Boss or something, instead of two Shelby's. But that is just me. I like variety.

I do think there is a need for a car between the Shelby Cobra GT500 and the "regular" Cobra though. And, like other have said, I would prefer to see a road-racing biased car (emphasis on light weight and better suspension).

I am pretty sure the IRS is never going to come though (at least in the near future). If it isn't on the GT500, I can't imagine they would ever put it on a different car (as much as I would like one).

 

My dream would be a GT350 with a N/A 5.4L, 350-375 hp-ish, 6-speed, unique 18-inch wheels, solid rear axle, and some sort of a conservative hood scoop(s). OH yeah, and an offered convertible, all for around $35000ish base convertible, $30000 base coupe.

 

why not the 04 cobra motor?? seems like a plausible idea. either that or the 3v 5.4 n/a

 

Yes, that's exactly my dream as well.

 

I have a sinking feeling you're right.

If Ford is not going to offer it in their top of the line product, what incentive do they have to offer it in something lesser. So far, from their POV, all their decisions have been justified, so there's no reason for them to change it. It's good enough as it is...... :bang:

Unfortunately, just good enough doesn't cut it anymore in this market. Eventually, there's only so much hp you can stuuf into a Mustang before you get to the point where people's wallets and insurance companies cry "enough!"

 

I don't think there will be two Shelbys. They have already hinted at a new Bullitt and Mach I.

 

I doubt we'll see a new Bullitt. Ford has pretty much said the 2001 was the only year for Bullitts. Maybe a Mach 1, but what for? Everything that the Mach 1 was meant to be is covered in both the GT and Cobra (high hp, solid axle).

I want them to give us road racers a little love.....a Boss 302 with IRS

 

From the Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 presskit:

"The production GT500 will be the first in a string of specialty Mustangs that SVT will help deliver. This will create Ford Motor Company's – and one of the industry's – broadest product portfolio, stretching from under $20,000 for the V-6 Mustang coupe to the 450-plus-horsepower GT500, each offering performance and value.

The GT500 and the production-intent Sport Trac Adrenalin teaser accelerate the wave of momentum at SVT since the launch of the 2005 Ford GT supercar. SVT also now will develop non-SVT branded Ford Division performance vehicles – including heritage-based performance Mustangs in the spirit of the 2001 Bullitt GT and 2003 Mach 1 – as it becomes more directly integrated into Ford's mainstream product development process."

In the spirit is the operative phrase here I guess.

 

I would NOT want the long stroke 5.4L in a GT-350.

The original GT 350 was designed for road racing and that's what any new GT-350 should be like, as light weight as possible and built for handling.

GT350 -
Low deck 4V all aluminum engine, N/A, a street version of the Cammer 5.0L ~380 HP / 360 lb ft.
IRS
6 Speed manual
4.10 rear end
18" tires
Weight reductions, carbon fiber hood, front fenders, turn lid, NO rear seat, etc. <3,300 lb curb weight

Mach 1
That's where the N/A 5.4L belongs, 375 HP / 390 lb ft
3.73 Solid rear axle
lots of low end grunt.

 

If you are going to do the 5.0, you might as well call it a BOSS 302.

 

5.4 3 valve is not as good as a Lightning Motor, that or a navigator motor or the 04 cobra motor, put one of those 3 in a car and call it a GT350 or put alal those in seperate cars.......and u have the DHG Bullit and the Boss 4.6 and then the GT350

 

Maybe they could bring back the famous "289" name. I know the 4.6 is a 285 or 287 or something, so it seems it would be pretty easy.

 

4.6-281 ci
5.4-330ci