Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R - Detroit 2015

Ford's other Detroit stars? Just a lighter, faster GT350 Mustang and a new F-150 Raptor [Updated]

Ford really didn't need to bring any other new models to Detroit other than the show-stealing GT. And in all the excitement it was a bit like that bit in Dirty Harry when he pretends to forget how many shots he's fired: were there any other new cars on the stage of the Joe Lewis Arena?

Carbon wheels save six kilos per corner

Well yes, two - although one was pushing the outer edges of the definition of a performance car. Ford showed off both a track-focused Shelby GT350R Mustang, clearly aimed at the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, and also a ridiculously large and lairy Raptor version of the recently launched F-150 pick-up truck.

As discussed below, the GT350R is - as the Americans like to put it - a stripped and whipped version of the existing GT350 designed for regular track use. It's lost air conditioning, rear seats and even the standard car's reversing camera system, and is claimed to be 70kg lighter, although trick carbon fibre wheels are responsible for 22kg of that saving. It also gets unique Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for track use. Power comes from a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 with "over 500bhp" and a flat-plane crank, and drive is through a standard six-speed Tremec manual gearbox. It will go on sale in the US and Canada later this year as a limited edition.

A V6 in place of a V8? Seriously? Quicker though...

The Raptor is a seriously butched-up version of the F-150 pick-up. The big surprise is that there's no V8, the Raptor using a tuned Ecoboost V6 that Ford claims will deliver more than the outgoing eight-cylinder Raptor's 411hp. It will drive all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. That's right, 10-speed. Ford's switch to aluminum bodywork for the F-150 also means that its no less than 227kg lighter than the old model, which has to be about the biggest model-to-model weight reduction ever recorded. Don't throw fruit, but we have to report that it looks great in the metal, although it's undoubtedly best suited to its natural US habitat we're sure it will be right at the top of a few "guilty pleasure" lists. [Mike Duff]

GT350 was already pretty 'core, this is more so

Original Mustang GT350 story:
Well this is interesting. The new GT, Ford's flagship 200mph supercar, uses a twin-turbo V6 and dual-clutch gearbox. The Mustang GT350R seen here sticks to the old methods with a flat-plane crank for its V8, over 500hp and a six-speed manual. The old methods still look pretty good, don't they?

An evolution of the already very exciting Shelby GT350, the R is lighter, faster and even more focused. Weight has been trimmed from everything and the 'D-shaped steering wheel', red stitching and badges are unique to the GT350R.

Those wheels are worth a mention too. They're carbon fibre, Ford claiming a first as a major manufacturer to introduce them as standard fit. The 19-inch rims are six kilos lighter per wheel than an aluminum equivalent, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s with a unique compound and construction for the GT350R. Pretty serious then.

A redline beyond eight. In a Mustang!

Over the GT350 the R has a lower ride height, track focused alignment settings, "revised calibration" for the dampers and stiffer spring rates too. This Mustang is described as "a non-compromise car in the pursuit of maximum track capability" by Ford's Global Product Development vice pres Raj Nair, a claims that nobody will doubt on the specification.

Unsurprisingly the aero add-ons are fully functional too. That carbon rear wing "'has been added in anticipation of competition"and is said to move the Mustang's centre of pressure rearward while "improving downforce and lift balance."

As for availability, Ford has confirmed nothing more than "limited production" being available in the United States and Canada later this year. With this following the Corvette Z06 and Camaro Z/28, the American sports car buyer really never has had it so good.