2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Overview

As a track-ready version of the Ford Mustang, the 2019 Shelby GT350 has even more muscular styling and next-level performance. The rear-drive coupe shares a shrieking 526-hp naturally aspirated V-8 and precise six-speed manual transmission with its R-rated twin—the GT350R. While both versions have specially tuned chassis as well as sticky tires and improved aerodynamics, the GT350R adds even more racy upgrades, such as unique carbon-fiber wheels and numerous weight reductions. The pair sit atop the Mustang pyramid until the return of the 700-plus-horsepower Shelby GT500. Still, the 350 variants remain fierce rivals in the highly competitive pony-car wars that also include the 650-hp Chevy Camaro ZL1 and the 797-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Who wins this matchup? Head to your local racetrack or drag strip to find out.

What's New for 2019?

While the spotlight has switched to the revival of the almighty Shelby GT500 for 2020, the GT350 model is not dead yet. For 2019, Ford enlisted the help of professional race-car driver Billy Johnson to help identify where the two-time 10Best Cars winner could improve. That, along with tricks learned during development of the GT500, brings numerous improvements that the company claims make the GT350 drive better on the street and the track. Enhancements include a new rear spoiler for reduced drag and added downforce with the newly available Gurney flap. This Mustang also features specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (they're extra sticky) that wrap around new 19-inch wheels. These updates required revising the standard adaptive dampers. The Ford Performance team also updated the Shelby's anti-lock brakes, stability control, and steering system. Inside, the GT350 receives new materials and standard features. Every model now has an 8.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a newly optional 12-speaker B&O Play sound system. The exterior color palette adds Velocity Blue and Ford Performance Blue.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Sure, we're head over heels for the Mustang Bullitt, which found a spot on our latest 10Best Cars list, and models equipped with the Performance Pack Level 2 are incredible in their own right. However, neither one of those has the rock 'n' roll soundtrack of the flat-plane-crank 5.2-liter V-8, found exclusively on the GT350. That's right. Not even the GT500 has this engine—code-named Voodoo—under its heavily vented hood. For that reason alone, we'd consider either GT350 model. However, the R version may be too hard core for daily use. The GT350 is loaded with standard features and starts cheaper than both the Camaro ZL1 and the Challenger SRT Hellcat. We do suggest trying out the standard Recaro front seats before buying; the optional leather-trimmed buckets may be more comfortable to some.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Frenetic engine will either intimidate or exhilarate, impressive ride and handling, incredible cornering grip.
Dislikes: Touchy brakes in traffic, twitchy steering on uneven pavement.

Rock 'n' roll ain't noise pollution. Neither is the ungodly roar from Ford's raucous, high-revving 526-hp V-8, code-named Voodoo. Like learning how to be a snake charmer, taming the wild engine takes time and tenacity. Its natural aspiration and peaky nature make it docile at low revs. Crest 4000 rpm, however, and a thrust-filled crescendo builds until the 8250-rpm redline. Likewise, the six-speed shifter slots precisely into each gear and rewards ratcheting through the ratios. The buoyant clutch is effortless, with fluid feedback that doesn't punish your left leg in stop-and-go traffic. In our testing, the GT350 shot from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds; the R version was a tad quicker at 3.9. Both trail behind the high-powered Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger but contend with other high-dollar rivals.

It has a hair-raising soundtrack and ethereal track ability, yet the Shelby GT350 is still surprisingly livable in daily driving. 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. Regardless of model, the Shelby's chassis is excellent; its limits are easily explored and exploited. The electrically assisted steering performs best on smooth surfaces at any speed, but it can be unpredictable on choppy streets where darting reverberations are disconcerting. The touchy brake pedal on our GT350 test car took some getting used to. Its initial bite was met with a tremendous response that felt too eager around town. That same feeling provided fortuitous reprieve at high speed, however.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Shelby GT350 is a conversation starter, especially at gas stations, where fill-ups are frequent. Its EPA-rated fuel economy is on par with its arch rivals from Chevy and Dodge, and its real-world rating is similar, too. The Shelby GT350 we tested earned 19 mpg on the highway in our real-world test, falling 2 mpg shy of its EPA rating.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: GT350R eliminates unnecessary interior bits to save weight, user-friendly touchscreen, practical trunk capacity.
Dislikes: Interior quality undermines price, top infotainment features cost extra.

At first glance, the Shelby GT350 interior appears identical to that of 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 and add some differentiation, the plentiful hard plastics look and feel low-grade for a car at this price point. A pair of standard Recaro front sport seats are supportive yet still quite comfortable but only offer basic seat adjustments. We like the thin cross section of the flat-bottom steering wheel, which avoids the thick-rim trend.

The standard infotainment system—called Sync 3—has an attractive interface and user-friendly interactions, and it features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Unfortunately, the touchscreen's average response time and lack of customization are flaws. A 12-speaker B&O Play audio system is available to better hear a guitar-melting riff by an old-school rock band.

The GT350 is a hoot at the track and also an agreeable travel companion. In our testing, it held the second-most carry-ons and the most interior storage space among its space-challenged competitors. The back seat stows with a pull-strap release and folds up by hand. Only the Dodge Challenger we tested held more luggage than the Shelby.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Neither the Shelby GT350 nor the GT350R has been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While driver-assistance technology is in short supply on these Shelby twins, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available. Otherwise, they have useful integrated blind-spot mirrors that provide good rearward visibility.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Shelby has comprehensive coverage that aligns with domestic rivals. Compared with the BMW M4 and the Porsche 718 Cayman S, it has less limited protection but a better powertrain plan.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance