Ford, thank you. Thank you for being the American automotive manufacturer that brings the glory of flat-plane crank V8s to the masses. While the first engines ever made featured the simpler flat-plane crank design, in modern day – it has become something reserved for the likes of Italian exotics. The truth is that there really isn’t any significant advantage between flat plane and cross plane cranks: they both have their pros and cons. Below we’ll talk a bit more about what a flat plane crank means and show you our top picks for Shelby GT350R videos.
The main characteristic of a flat plane crank is the sound – caused by the naturally balanced intake and exhaust pulses. In a “regular”, cross-plane V8, you can achieve the same sound through 180 degree headers – that join exhaust pulses exactly 180 degrees apart, like a natural flat plane crank configuration.
What you need to know about flat vs cross plane cranks:
A flat plane crank has balanced intake and exhaust pulses but unbalanced motion and vibration, requiring some counterweighting to keep the engine from vibrating itself into pieces. A cross plane crank has naturally unbalanced intake and exhaust pulses but has balanced motion and vibration. The unbalanced exhaust pulses can be solved with 180 degree headers (combine exhaust pulses exactly 180 degrees apart), but it is not possible to balance out the intake pulses.
So let’s get to the point: the GT350R is an incredible machine. Beyond the flat plane, it features carbon fiber wheels, some functional aero, weight reduction, and an adjustable suspension / drive modes. Just looking at horsepower (500+) and weight ratings (~3600-3700 lbs), we predict this car will be a weapon at the track – keeping up with the likes of 997 GT3s and C6 Z06s.
Speaking of the track, check out our top Shelby GT350R Mustang video picks below:
The warm-up
This is a glorious clip with sweet outside, POV, and tailpipe sounds to get you warmed up:
The fast lap
At this point you’re maybe craving a consistent POV view of one or two hot laps, right? Well check this one out – watch how sharp the steering is, with just minimal understeer:
The detail
OK at this point you’re probably hooked. Now sit back and take in the details of the car in these longer clips and views:
The spanking
And lastly, check out Top Gear’s old Stig spank the GT350R at the starting line and through a couple turns – it’s very rewarding: