Spied! Possible Mustang Shelby GT500 Mule Tests With Camaro ZL1
Mystery Shelby prototype caught in Arizona
Ford development engineers had the misfortune this week of rolling by a convoy of auto journalists who happened to be testing the new Mercedes-AMG GT C in the same area near Prescott, Ariz. We were able to chase down their team of vehicles to get these shots of this Shelby GT350R mule with heavy camouflage on the front end, the rims, and a bit around the rear bumper.
0:00 / 0:00
The big question is of course, what Shelby is it? It's clear by the wing and badges that it was a GT350R and the high-revving 5.2-liter V-8 was in full song. But with all that camo draped on the front end, it suggests one of two things: that this is some sort of 350R variant - possibly an even higher-spec track model - or a mule for the long-rumored GT500.
There appears to be a much bigger grille and lower front air dam, as well as a higher hood, which could mean that the flat-plane-crank V-8 has been fitted with a supercharger. Also note the wheels, which are hiding something, possibly larger brakes. Additionally, it was caught testing with a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, an indication of benchmark testing of the car.
Given the recent flap over GT350s overheating at the track, it's more than possible however that this is just Ford testing a fix to aid cooling to the GT350.
Whatever it is, Ford has something cooking under the hood of the Shelby Mustang, and it shouldn't be long before we know exactly what it is.
One of my seminal memories was the few months I spent helping my cousin Steve literally build me from the frame up a super sick 1970 Chevy Nova in his garage just off of 8 Mile (yes, that 8 Mile). Black with white SS stripes. 350 V-8. Blackjack headers. Ladder bars. Four on the floor. Drum brakes all around. Mainly I helped hand him the wrenches, the bondo, the buffing wheel, the beer. When it was finally done and I blistered the tires for the first time, plumes of smoke filling up my rear view, I felt like a true American Bad Ass (pre Kid Rock). That's what it was like for so many of us who grew up in The D back in the day. It was about muscle. Detroit Iron. So when I had an opportunity to get into this crazy business, you best believe I leapt like a bionic cheetah at the chance. Over the past three decades or so (carbon dating myself), I've been honored and privileged to be a part of four outstanding publications in Motor Trend, Automobile, Autoweek, and the Detroit Free Press. And while the salad days back in my cousin's garage seem a million miles away, my love for cars -- and my hometown of Detroit -- have never wavered. Neither has my commitment to delivering the best possible experience to the readers I've served and will continue to serve now and in the future.
Read More
