Spy shots have revealed the latest high-performance version of the upcoming Ford Mustang, believed to be badged the Shelby GT350, undergoing development at the Nurburgring.
Ford declined to comment on the spy shots but did suggest that it could either be a partner testing a new model or an in-house project – meaning the car could be a product of Ford's Special Vehicle Team.
This particular Mustang is thought to be a more track-targeted variant that aim to focus on dynamic abilities rather than outright power, to avoid overlapping with the upcoming GT500.
Consequently it's expected not to use the GT500's 5.8-litre 'Trinity' supercharged V8, which is set to produce over 650bhp.
Instead it's thought the GT350 will use a highly tuned version of Ford's 'Coyote' engine, either in naturally aspirated form and displacing 5.2 litres, or in 5.0-litre form with forced induction.
Rumours suggest that the naturally aspirated version could make use of a flat-plane crankshaft, like those used by Ferrari in its V8s. It's likely that engine would be, as a result, capable of revving to 8000rpm - if not beyond.
No figures have been released for the GT350 yet but you can expect the reworked Coyote V8, even with a conventional crankshaft, to produce over 500bhp and 420lb ft. Power will sent to a limited-slip differential at the rear via a six-speed manual transmission.
Evident in the pictures are a range of changes, including a substantial front spoiler and a large rear diffuser, as well as larger brakes, aerodynamic upgrades and high-performance tyres.
No details have been confirmed yet but it's probable that the GT350 will get a host of chassis tweaks too, ranging from additional bracing to retuned dampers.
Ford's GT350 will go head to head with the recently announced Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Other names for the car are also rumoured, including SVT and GT5000.
The new Ford Mustang is set to be sold in the UK in right-hand-drive form. As the European launch of the car is over a year away, however, it's as-yet unknown if any high-performance variants will be made available in either a UK specification or right-hand drive.
Read Autocar's history of the Ford Mustang.
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