Finally, we go under the hood of the GT350, the all new halo Mustang. This comes via the YouTube video just released from The Driver. Footage shot in the Drivability Test Facility of Ford Motor Company demonstrates the GT350s’ ability to handle the harshest and most extreme climates with focus on winter testing. While the average GT350 driver, will, for the most part never encounter blizzard conditions, the Blue Oval is demonstrating the robustness and durability of the impending 2016 GT350 set for release sometime in mid to late 2015.
Enduring everything from humidity and sun exposure testing, to wind and altitude variations, to snow apocalyptic scenarios, the GT350 is pushed to the ultimate weather limits and then some explains John Toth, the Ford Project and Facility Engineer for Ford Motor Company. This type of testing is crucial and important to the 2016 GT350, to determine durability at sub-zero temperatures and prevent the clogging of the air and engine filtration system, as well as preventing shifter linkage freeze up in extreme cold weather environments.
With an expected re-entrance of the GT350 name to racing and Ford moving the Shelby GT350 into a competitive market that will include contenders such as the Porsche 911 Carrerra S, this type of testing is informative to the overall development for both track and street driving.
Giving us our first look at the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 with flat-plane crankshaft, this likely includes the final version of the Voodoo engine with all the expected goodies that will be included in the yet to be released tuning and specification information and final set-up of the GT350. Expected to produce a 500-plus horsepower with 400 lb-ft of torque, and an 8,000 rpm redline it has been said by Ford officials that not only will there be a tech package option but a performance package option as well which could deliver even more horsepower when all is said and done.
While the ultimate goal of the testing of all their vehicles is to ensure a superior quality product that the consumer feels confident with on the road if you happen to be going out in the snowy weather, it is nice to know your Ford has been tested to some pretty harsh extremes. In the winter it is always recommended to have an on board winter emergency kit for the unexpected. Items such as a blanket, extra coat, small snacks and even kitty liter for traction if you find yourself stuck can always come in handy.
While we expect most GT350s to enjoy only summer days, its nice to know if a freak blizzard suddenly strikes on your trip back, your GT350 should be able to get home.