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C&D GT350 long term test initial test data

Zombo

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Sorry if this was posted already - I searched, but didn't see anything.

2017-ford-mustang-shelby-gt350-long-term-test-review-car-and-driver-photo-686491-s-original.jpg


The recent completion of our long-term tests of both the Ford Mustang GT and the Chevrolet Camaro SS left a void in our pony-car stable. To fill that emptiness, we wrangled a back-to-back 10Best Cars winner and Blue Oval thoroughbred, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. Its precision handling, powerful Brembo brakes, and wild 8200-rpm redline have fascinated us since our first behind-the-wheel exposure in late 2015.

The durability of carbon-fiber wheels induced curiosity, and a few staffers lobbied for the pricier R variant with that equipment. Our daily commutes, though, often traverse roads comparable to the surface of Mars, and the several-thousand-dollar price tag of a carbon-fiber wheel replacement made us cringe. We settled on the $57,045 entry-level factory hot rod. Pushing the as-tested price up to $60,520 was the $3000 Electronics package as well as white over-the-top stripes for an additional $475, a tribute to Shelbys of yore. Our car can be considered fully equipped, since the only other options are premium paint choices or the all-out $7500 GT350R equipment package.

After the initial 1000-mile break-in period was completed, the high-revving flat-plane-crank V-8 propelled our new Grabber Blue ride to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.4 at 118 mph. The car circled the skidpad with 1.02 g of lateral grip. Those numbers all slightly improve on the results of our 2016-model test, but none are as mind-blowing as the menacingly loud exhaust note—we measured 95 decibels in the cabin at wide open throttle. The exhaust has the ability to stop bystanders and, apparently, wildlife dead in their tracks. One example, let’s call him Rocky Raccoon, took an extra-long look at the Shelby’s front bumper, requiring a trip to the body shop for a replacement fascia with fresh paint and stripes. Rest in peace, Rocky.

So far, comments in the GT350’s logbook rave about the agile chassis, comfortable yet supportive Recaro bucket seats, and, to no surprise, that explosive exhaust. One staffer even sketched a heart with an arrow through it that contained GT350 and his initials. Awwwww! Critics have pointed out a few unpleasant vibrations transmitted through the shifter—not uncommon for this powertrain—and the inability to hit the redline without breaking the speed limit. Those quibbles are easily forgivable as this steed screams its way toward its first scheduled service.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-ford-mustang-shelby-gt350-long-term-test-review
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Minn19

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Looks like a good start to the test, thanks for posting. It'll be interesting to see how their thoughts on it are after having it longer.
 

Bossing

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I like this line..... :D

"The exhaust has the ability to stop bystanders and, apparently, wildlife dead in their tracks." :headbang:

But RIP Rocky... :ninja:
2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Long-Term Test _ Review _ Car and Driver_Page_01.jpg
2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Long-Term Test _ Review _ Car and Driver_Page_02.jpg
 
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Zombo

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Looks like they left a little on the table shifting at 8000rpm.
 

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Zombo

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I'm very interested to hear what they think of it long term.
Typically, they do 40K miles in about a year, putting it though it's paces, with updates now and then until the test is complete. They'll probably end up with the highest mileage GT350 around here!
 

Moogatwo

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And I'm willing to bet my left nut and any stray hairs that they don't blow an oil pump gear. :lol::thumbsup:
Just to be careful we should probably all stop driving our cars until they hit 40k and we know it's safe!
 

Shift

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17mpg.....? They're not doing it right!
 

Epiphany

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A review that mentioned "vibration" and "shifter" in the same sentence? Lies, all lies.

Impossible!


:)
 

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J_Maher_AMG

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A review that mentioned "vibration" and "shifter" in the same sentence? Lies, all lies.

Impossible!


:)
Nobody ever said there were no vibrations with the OEM shifter ;)

If I be frank, I actually have significantly more vibrations now with my MGW unit even with the updated assembly in comparison to stock. I still wouldn't go back though, and it certainly isn't enough to get rid of the increased feel and solidity. :cheers:
 

J_Maher_AMG

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Looks like they left a little on the table shifting at 8000rpm.
Good eyes to see that, maybe the vehicle wasn't full warmed up before the pulls which limit rpms to 8000 perhaps?

Nice to see all the other numbers improve though as well. Seems like reviewers are getting better at launching these cars.

Has anyone else ever noticed though (I'm assuming only a nut job like me would notice this) that the GT350's 130-150mph of approx. 7 seconds is near identical to the 5.0 GT's 130-150mph time? Both the 130mph and 150mph come up 7 seconds sooner for the GT350, but I was very surpised to see the delta's between 130mph and 150mph being the same for both cars. Is the GT350 dying on the top end or does the Coyote suddenly gain 100hp after 130? :lol::shrug:
 
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Zombo

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17mpg.....? They're not doing it right!
I hear you. I think I'm averaging 13.5, but mine is all back roads. Last time I shifted to 6th was September! They do all kinds of driving including cross country trips, so 17mpg seems reasonable. After over 5K miles in 2 months, it's good to see they have not had any oil consumption issues.
 

RR350

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Just saw this car in Oklahoma City a couple weeks ago! Said they were driving to Los Angeles.
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