According to new reports, the recently revealed 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang has lapped the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife in a mere 7 minutes and 32.19 seconds.
While that time remains unconfirmed, it is over five seconds faster than the official Nurburgring lap time for the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. It also puts the track-oriented Mustang ahead of the likes of the 997.2-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 458 Italia, Koenigsegg CCR, Porsche 911 GT2 and the mighty C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (as tested by Sport Auto).
Powering the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is the same 5.2-litre V8 engine using a flat plane crank and delivering 500 hp and over 400 lb-ft of torque as the ‘regular’ Mustang GT350. The car has then been outfitted with a limited-slip Torsen differential with a 3.73 axle ratio as well as an air-to-oil differential cooler mounted in the rear to maintain temperatures when the car hits the track.
In any track car, the wheels and tyres are key and as a result, Ford focused heavily on these elements. With this in mind, lightweight carbon fibre wheels come standard on the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang which measure 19×11 at the front and 19×11.5 inch at the rear. They are approximately 6 kg lighter each over a standard aluminium wheel while also being stronger. Ford has opted for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres for the car.
Elsewhere, the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is about 60 kg lighter than the Shelby GT350 equipped with the optional Track Pack. Items removed include the air conditioning, stereo system, rear seats, reversing camera, trunk floorboard and carpet as well as the exhaust resonators. An Electronics Package is available for the car however and it adds air conditioning, an 8-inch infotainment system, seven-speakers, wing mirrors with indicators and more.
“It also puts the track-oriented Mustang ahead of the likes of the 997.2 generation porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 458 Italia, Koenigseg CCR, Porsche 911 GT@ and the might C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.” Um, sorry, but no. The ZR! did it in 7:19 back in 2012 (stock) and the Italia did it in 7:28, and not sure about the others. … Not sure where you got your facts from, but this lack-of-fact checking shotty journalism leads to un-warranted hype. Please stop sucking at reporting. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment, you’re correct about the ZR1 as tested by GM, time of 7:28 for 458 seems debatable.
Stock C6 Z06 did it in 7:22 and change, and “the mighty ZR1” did it in 7:19! This doesn’t even come close!! Car is impressive nonetheless.
Thanks for the verification, post has been modified accordingly.