Oklahoma-based coachbuilder will offer the twin turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 1966 GT350CR and 1967 GT500CR models worldwide and the 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder to the Chinese market.
Yukon, Okla. (December, 2015)– Classic Recreations, the only licensed and factory authorized builder of Shelby Mustang continuation cars, is pleased to announce the addition of Ford’s powerful EcoBoost engines to the lineup of powertrains for its 1966 GT350CR and 1967 GT500CR Shelby Mustangs. Ford’s EcoBoost engines represent an incredible leap forward in power, performance and efficiency for driving-focused customers and those in locations where fuel costs or displacement taxes make the V8 engine prohibitively expensive.
The 3.5L twin turbocharged V6 EcoBoost comes from the factory with 365 horsepower and 420 lb/ft of torque, thanks to high pressure direct fuel injection, variable cam timing, forged internals and dual water cooled Honeywell/Garrett GT15 turbochargers. Thanks to all-aluminum construction, the engine offers a substantial weight reduction compared to the iron-block V8 originally equipped in the car. The combination of a virtually flat torque curve and light weight along with the modern suspension options will make this one of the best handling muscle cars ever made. For those seeking more power, the 3.5 can be tuned and equipped with larger turbos to produce over 600 horsepower while maintaining reliability.
Classic Recreations will offer the 300hp, 2.0 liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine that has become extremely popular in the latest Ford Focus ST to customers in the Chinese market, where imported vehicles are subject to strict engine displacement taxes and regulation. After an ECU tune for premium fuel, the engine is rated at 300 horsepower and 360 lb/ft of torque, thanks to Ti-VCT twin independent variable camshaft timing, a Borg-Warner turbocharger that spins at speeds up to 195,000 rpm optimized to create peak torque between 2,000-4,000 rpm, and direct fuel injection. This engine only weighs 300 lbs, giving it one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any engine ever offered in a classic Shelby.
“For years we have proudly hand-built the only officially licensed Shelby Mustang continuation cars in the world, but that doesn’t mean we are stuck in the past,” said Classic Recreations owner Jason Engel. “Our clients come from all over the world and they expect the very best – they want the looks of a classic Shelby, with the performance and reliability of a modern sports car. We can now give customers who want a lightweight but extremely smooth and powerful vehicle the 3.5L option, which is similar to the powertrain the upcoming Ford GT, and we now have an excellent option for our Chinese customers with the EcoBoost 2.0L. It’s powerful, light and can be serviced at any Ford dealer worldwide.”
Both EcoBoost models will be available with either standard or automatic transmissions, and the full line of V8 engines – including Coyote and Windsor models ranging from 420 to over 1,000 horsepower – will still be available as well.
For more information on Classic Recreations, visit www.classic-recreations.com or stay connected socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Classic Recreations
Classic Recreations founder Jason Engel, and his company’s team of skilled technicians and craftsmen, have been modifying and custom fabricating high-performance vehicles for more than 15 years. Each built-to-order vehicle takes approximately four months (nearly 2,500 man hours) of painstaking assembly. Each Classic Recreations Mustang comes with an official Shelby serial number and is included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry. Find out more about how to get your own customized vehicle at www.classicrecreations.com