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- Highs Exhilarating Voodoo V-8 engine, track-ready handling, excellent manual transmission.
- Lows Competitors put out more horsepower, raucous engine is not for everyone, lackluster interior quality.
- Verdict The Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R will impress on the road and on the track.
Overview
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R muster up memories of ready-built race cars and road-racing glory. Nostalgia is sweet, but the pony-car performance war is vicious and shows no signs of abating. Chevrolet has armed itself with the 650-hp Camaro ZL1, and Dodge is packing the 707-hp Challenger SRT Hellcat. Both Mustangs run a screaming, naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank V-8 that revs to 8200 rpm and channels its 526 horses through a gratifying six-speed manual gearbox. Despite the power gap to their Chevy and Dodge competitors, the Shelby twins are certified track stars that deliver face-melting grip, heart-stopping brakes, feedback-plentiful steering, and an exhaust note that frightens small children.
What's New for 2017?
The Shelby GT350 and its R-rated twin were revived in 2016. They immediately transcended Mustang performance and earned a spot on our 10Best Cars list. Changes for 2017 are minimal. Most notably, the Track package is now standard on the GT350. It includes an aluminum strut-tower brace, a rear spoiler, adaptive dampers, and coolers for engine oil, transmission, and differential. Last year’s Technology package is now the Electronics package on the GT350; it has Sync 3 infotainment, voice-activated navigation, and a nine-speaker Sony stereo. The new Convenience package has all that, too, but swaps the standard Recaro front buckets for leather-trimmed, power-adjustable seats.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- GT350: $57,045
- GT350R: $64,545
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The ungodly roar from Ford’s raucous, high-revving V-8, known as Voodoo, is only available on the Shelby GT350 and GT350R. This 5.2-liter V-8 is a thoroughly enhanced version of the regular Mustang’s 5.0-liter engine. It features a flat-plane crankshaft, direct injection, variable valve timing, and various other tuning tricks. These help the Voodoo V-8 whip up 526 horsepower at a staggering 7500 rpm and 429 pound-feet of torque at 4750. The engine’s frenetic nature and high-rpm vibration—flat-plane-crank V-8s aren’t as inherently smooth as conventional V-8s—will either intimidate or exhilarate. The satisfying six-speed manual transmission and lightweight clutch enhance the sweet driving experience. Add tenacious grip, brilliant brakes, and satisfying steering, and you are treated to a symphony not just of sound, but of pure, unbridled driving pleasure. But even with its hair-raising soundtrack and ethereal track ability, the Shelby GT350 is still surprisingly livable in daily driving. MagneRide adaptive dampers are standard on the Shelby, and their selectable settings can provide a compliant highway cruise or a firm racetrack attack.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
At first glance, the Shelby GT350's interior appears identical to the regular Ford Mustang. The mix of modern and retro styling is sweet, and front-seat legroom is abundant. Although faux-suede trim and Shelby badging are specific to the GT350, the plentiful hard plastics look and feel low grade for a car at this price point. A pair of Recaro front sport seats are standard fare. They’re supportive yet still quite comfortable, but only offer basic seat adjustments. They can be replaced with leather-trimmed, power-adjustable buckets that are heated and cooled as part of the Convenience package. The GT350R saves weight by stripping its cabin of the back seat, audio system, floor mats, and auxiliary gauges. The back seats can be reinstalled by a dealer, and the rest can be added back in as part of the R Electronics package. The Shelby GT350 makes a surprisingly good travel companion, with usable trunk space and and lots of interior storage.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Shelby's available Sync 3 infotainment system has an attractive interface, user-friendly interactions, and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, its average response time, added cost, and lack of customization and a Wi-Fi hotspot are flaws. The standard setup is a bland 4.2-inch display that includes a single-disc CD player and a six-speaker stereo. The optional 8.0-inch Sync 3 touchscreen has navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a premium Sony audio system. Everything is stripped from the GT350R to save weight, but the sound system can be reinstalled with the R Electronics package.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 / GT350R’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
