The first Shelby GT350R has officially rolled off the line at Ford’s plant in Michigan as the ultimate track-focused Mustang enters production.
Based on the latest-generation version of Shelby’s iconic GT350, the GT350R takes things a step further, stripping down and shedding weight to create the ultimate circuit-going warrior.
“This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style and performance. Today the legend continues.”
Directly inspired by the 1965 Shelby GT350 Competition racing model, the GT350R gains unique performance touches like a larger front splitter and a carbon fibre rear wing.
Its assertive exterior is completed with bold features like aggressive reds brake callipers, red pinstripe detailing on its iconic Shelby stripes and exclusive GT350R badging.
Under the surface, the performance theme continues with a flat-bottomed racing steering wheel, Recaro seats and specially tuned suspension with antiroll bars and track-calibrated dampers.
As a result, Ford says that it’s not just powerful in a straight line, but has genuine race-ready potential with “extraordinarily precise and agile” handling for an all-around athletic ride.
Powered by the same 500bhp 5.2-litre V8 as the regular GT350, Ford and Shelby have dramatically reduced weight on the GT350R to significantly boost its power-to-weight ratio.
Riding on exclusive 19-inch carbon fibre wheels part designed using NASA Space Shuttle technology, the air conditioning, infotainment system and rear seats have all been jettisoned to save weight.
Clocking in at nearly 60kg lighter than the GT350, customers can however still opt to include all of the above mod-cons as part of an Electronics Package for a slightly higher cost.
It’s bad news for European Shelby fans, however, as the GT350R will only be available to buyers based in the United States and Canada.
However, the standard Ford Mustang is available to order in the UK now for the first time in its five-decade history, with prices starting from just £28,995.
