Shelby GT350 R
Even though Shelby was based on the Mustang GT, much of the car’s suspension, design, aero package, and engine was new. The most significant single difference was the fantastic Voodoo engine, which has a 5.2-liter displacement, 526 HP, and 429 lb.-ft of torque. The main feature of this high-revving powerplant is its flat-plane crank technology, which allows the big V8 to scream to almost 9000 rpm (via Car and Driver).
It’s the same technology that exotic manufacturers like Ferrari use. This is the first time a muscle car had such an advanced engine. Ford’s investment in Shelby GT 350 R paid off. The performance is mind-boggling, taking only 3.9 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph sprint. But the numbers don’t do the car justice. The GT 350 R is a pure sports car that delivers excellent driving dynamics and experience to the driver. It’s much closer to the Porsche GT3 in terms of precision driving and cornering speeds than it is to the humble Mustangs of yesterday. This car is not only one of the fastest Mustangs ever. It’s also one of the best sports cars made in recent years. This car erases the line between muscle cars and sports cars.