FORD’S WIZARDRY: This GT350R has voodoo under the hood
December 11, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens
One of just 37 produced, this 2015 Ford Shelby GT350R (Lot #1392.1) comes from the personal collection of a retired Ford vice president, and will be selling with No Reserve in Scottsdale.
Marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Shelby GT350, Ford Motor Company debuted the new GT350 at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, followed by the all-out GT350R a few months later in Detroit. Since total GT350R production only reached 37 units back in ’65, Ford limited production to the same quantity for the new GT350R and made it only available in the United States for Ford Motor Company family members and VIPs.
At their heart, the GT350 and GT350R shared the wicked new 5.2-liter V8 engine, internally codenamed “Voodoo.” A bored and stroked version of the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8, the Voodoo is equipped with Ford’s first flat-plane crankshaft, good for an 8,000-rpm redline. Reaching peak power at 7,250 rpm and delivering an awesome, wailing exhaust note, the race-bred Voodoo V8 delivers 526 horsepower and was presented as the most powerful naturally aspirated production engine from Ford.
Other GT350 wizardry includes a lightweight TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed manual transmission, electric power steering with three driver-selectable modes, composite iron-aluminum brake rotors supplied by Germany’s SHW and Brembo calipers with six pistons up front and four at the rear. Five driver-adjustable chassis modes are available for both the GT350 and GT350R, acting on the accelerator response, traction- and stability-control systems, steering effort, magnetic dampers, exhaust and launch control programming.
Predictably, the GT350 and R model both excel in every possible discipline and at performance levels far beyond their 1960s namesakes.
The factory-available 920A Track Package, costing an additional $13,500, is standard with the GT350R. Included are magnetic suspension, a front shock-tower brace and higher-rate springs, plus oil coolers for the engine, transmission and differential. Additional highlights include a carbon-fiber rear wing and the first application of extremely lightweight carbon-fiber wheels on a production Ford model. Monstrous 30-profile Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires deliver grip.
Featuring full independent suspension, the GT350R’s power is delivered by a TORSEN torque-sensing differential with 3.73:1 gears and limited-slip. Other “R” tweaks include relocated interior switchgear and deletion of the rear seats, stereo, air conditioning and backup camera; however, they can be added back in with the optional $3,000 Electronics Package. A handful of options available for the GT350 and GT350R include a painted black roof, racing stripes and a special dealer-installed vehicle cover.
Offered with only 855 actual miles at the time or writing, this “one of 37” 2015 GT350R comes from the personal collection of a retired Ford Motor Company vice president. As a top-level GT350R model, it was originally specified with Equipment Group 920A and upgraded with the optional Electronics Package, including Ford’s Sync 3 system with navigation, 7-speaker premium sound and dual-zone air conditioning. Finished in Magnetic Gray Metallic paint with optional red-accented black racing stripes, this high-specification GT350R also features a carbon-fiber spoiler and grille. Stunning in its own right, it will be offered with Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale as Lot #1392.1 alongside another of the consignor’s legendary modern performers, a Liquid Red 2017 Ford GT crossing the auction block as Lot #1392 – and each will be selling with No Reserve.
They are both sure to turn some heads.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the 2020 Scottsdale Auction docket, click HERE.