After a handful of laps on the track with a standard GT350 last month, we were yearning for more seat time in Ford’s newest pony—particularly in its most potent form, the GT350R. So we took the R model out for a few days on the back roads of Los Angeles to get a real-world look at the performance variant.
First, don’t second assume that the GT350 is just an overblown handling package. Yes, this new Shelby is fantastic in the corners. But when we dipped into the throttle with the Shelby’s active exhaust system set to full song, the all-new 5.2-liter naturally aspirated “Voodoo” V8 motor really showed its stripes. Using a flat-plane crankshaft, like what you’d find in a V8 built by Ferrari or McLaren, the new motor dishes out a hefty 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque.
It was impressive—building power all the way to a screaming 8,250 rpm redline. Those big revs change the personality of this performance-focused Mustang at a fundamental level, requiring the driver to adjust shifting habits to get used to the breadth of rev range. Even on the street, you’ll drive the GT350R like a track car.
Mated to a Tremec six-speed gearbox, the GT350 sprints to 60 mph from rest in four seconds flat. Although it’s not the kind of world-altering acceleration delivered from muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, it’s still a visceral experience. Reining in the Shelby from speed is a set of massive Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers clamping down on 15.4 inch rotors up front, while four-piston units are used in the rear.
The higher performance of the GT350R compared to the standard GT350 comes at the cost of some comfort. The GT350R’s more aggressive suspension tuning—which corrals the brake dive and body roll we experienced in the GT350 at Buttonwillow Raceway—combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, makes for a rougher and stiffer track-like ride with a lot more grip on the ground.
Still, this is the Mustang model we covet. Along with the significantly lighter wheels, enhanced aero, and more raucous exhaust system (the R model ditches on of the GT350’s intermediate resonators), we would be more than happy to sacrifice a little smoothness for a lot more performance. All told, the GT350R is an accomplishment: Mustang can finally give cars like the Chevrolet Corvette a serious run for the money.
See Shelby GT Cars for sale on eBay.
