The American performance car is enjoying a powerful renaissance. Last year saw the release of the high-horsepower straight-line specialists from Dodge, the scalded Hellcat twins, the Challenger and the Charger. This year saw the latest Chevrolet Corvette Z06 introduced and it's better than ever. GM also unveiled a pair of performance cars more attuned to European tastes in the ATS-V and CTS-V. All are headline-worthy.
Now, we have the much-anticipated Shelby versions of the latest Ford Mustang, the GT350 and its track-ready relation, the GT350R. If ever there were a time to start chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!", this would be that time. Fifty years ago, the first Shelby Mustangs in history, the 1965 GT350 and GT350R, were prepared under the watchful eye of the legend himself, Carroll Shelby. For all sorts of reasons, then, the time is right for a new Shelby – and the car Ford is calling the best Mustang yet.
In engineering this modern version, an inspired balance has been struck: The Shelby is a throwback infused with just the right amount of new technology. The end result: A rear-wheel drive, V-8-engined, manual-transmission sports car with 21st-century bits and pieces to keep things interesting.
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The drive experience took place in two iconic locations: along the traffic-laden Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Big Sur, and around Laguna Seca, the quick circuit cut into the rolling hills of nearby Salinas. The racetrack proved the more illuminating: It offered the chance to drive the 350 and 350R back-to-back.
First off, the Shelby GT350 is a fast car. While the manufacturer did not quote acceleration figures, the car hurtles to 100 km/h in about 3.7 seconds. A Torsen rear differential provides better traction off the line and in the corners; there's also a weighty clutch for increased hamstring engagement and a robust 6-speed manual from the sultans of shift at Tremec.
The Shelby has five drive modes, including two for closed-course activities – track (for when you need to turn corners) and drag (for when you don't). These modes trigger adjustments to the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering feel, exhaust note, throttle response and adaptive dampers. In track mode, the driver has more freedom to explore the limits – meaning, you can drift around corners if you have the huevos. The level of grip coming from the custom-designed Michelin tires is profound, though, so when the rear eventually breaks loose, it's best to have the area cleared of innocent bystanders.
While the two versions of the Shelby share the same 5.2-litre V-8 engine and output is identical, the 350R is an even more focused version of the Mustang. The car has been stripped of weight, sports more powerful aerodynamic devices and features different Michelin tires mounted on carbon fibre wheels. There's also a different steering wheel and racier Recaro bucket seats.
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Eight laps of any track doesn't equate to much time to compare two cars. But while the GT350 felt capable of quick laps when pushed, the GT350R was immediately more nimble and more planted – and by a surprisingly large margin. The grip was so prodigious, there was no opportunity to come close to the limits of the Brembo braking system or to hang the back end out.
Final analysis: The Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is a street-legal race car, plain and simple.
You'll like this car if ... You like your performance cars old-school and powerful.
TECH SPECS
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- Base price: $79,499
- Engine: 5.2-litre V-8
- Transmission/Drive: 6-speed manual/rear-wheel drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): TBD
- Alternatives: BMW M4, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
RATINGS
- Looks: If you’re a fan of the latest-generation Mustang, you’re going to love the Shelby. The carbon-fibre body kit, revised grille, large rear spoiler and devil-red cobra logo leave no room for any doubt whatsoever – the Shelby is all business from the word go.
- Interior: There are some slick touches here, such as the Alcantara-covered steering wheel and the custom-designed bucket seats. But the interior of the Shelby won’t impress anyone accustomed to high-end sports cars from German manufacturers.
- Performance: The “regular” Shelby GT350 is a quick car, as expected with 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Strip away 55 kilograms, add extra downforce, bolt on carbon-fibre wheels and the result is the GT350R, a certifiable track monster.
- Technology: The standard GT350R doesn’t have air conditioning or an audio system … but you can add them back in as options. The Shelby does feature those five drive modes and a customizable heads-up display with a bar graph that shows the driver precisely when to shift gears.
- Cargo: The back seat has been removed from the GT350R, so you could conceivably toss some groceries in the hollowed-out shell where the seats used to be. The Shelby also has a trunk.
The verdict
9.0
A formidable track car worthy of the Shelby name.
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The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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