Watch out Challenger: Mustang GT350 special editions on their way

By Peter Braun July 22, 2014

It appears that the Dodge Challenger won’t have long in the spotlight, because Ford is preparing to unleash its own set of special editions for the all-new Mustang. The first of these extreme pony cars is thought to be called the GT350. And, rumor has it, that it will be a track-taming monster.

The biggest rumored change is the engine. Gone will be the base 5.0-liter Coyote V8, in its place a race tuned 5.2-liter engine. It is just possible that this will be one Ford’s new Voodoo engines, but likely we will have to settle for a modified version of the current Coyote.

Still the real focus of the car seems to be less about straight line speed and more about handling and stopping, which, historically, is resoundingly un-Mustang. The GT350 will likely receive brakes as big as manhole covers, which will be a must if the GT350 wants to hang with the Germans on a track.

According to The Truth About Cars a magnetic shock absorber system is under development, and even if that doesn’t make its way into the GT350 a broader lower stance likely will.

If these sorts of improvements to a Mustang sound familiar it is because they seem to have a lot in common with the Boss 302 Laguna Seca special edition. I hope that is the case, because if so, the GT350 could get pretty extreme. Including down to having the back seats replaced by cross bracing for additional stiffness.

If the renderings from Gurnade are to be believed, speed won’t be the only thing that the GT350 has to offer. It should also fulfill another Mustang special edition must: looking great on a poster. However, given that the GT350 almost certainly won’t be released until the 2016 model year – if ever – we have a while to wait.

(Main photo credit: Gurnade)

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Ford

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.