Original article posted by HPK in January of 2015, updated in November.

The 2016 Shelby GT350R has clocked a blistering-fast 7:32.19 at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. That’s nearly 5 seconds faster than the Camaro Z/28’s well-groomed 7:37.40 time, and even a second faster than a Porsche 997 GT3 RS MKII.

According to the fresh report, the GT350R clocked this time back in September of 2014, and was “easily repeatable”. The (trusted) source also claims that the ‘base’ GT350 is “within a few seconds” of the ‘R’ package, but no specific lap times were given for the base model.

The GT350R is a pretty substantial upgrade over the GT350. The ‘R’ package gets a unique chin splitter, an aluminum rear bumper beam, and “unique performance chassis tuning” as standard equipment. On top of all the Track Package goodies that come optional on the base GT350, you also get MagneRide magnetic dampers, a wider front track, increased spring rates, and a lowered ride height, coolers for the engine/transmission/differential, and selectable drive modes. Not to mention massive 15.5″ carbon-ceramic rotors clamped by six-piston Brembo calipers.



But what really sets the GT350R apart is what lies wrapped in the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires: Carbon-fiber wheels – which are standard on the GT350R, making Ford the first major manufacturer to introduce this technology as standard equipment. These race wheels shave 52 pounds off the GT350R’s total weight, while providing higher levels of stiffness compared to aluminum rims.