SPIED: The 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Learns Some Lessons From The GT500 And Gets Tweaked

Last week, a select few of within the automotive community were summoned to Detroit. That's because Ford wanted to offer up a special opportunity.

It was a day on the track with the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. That's a pretty tough ticket to get, folks.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500

Known for being a helluva track day performer with 500 horsepower, the GT350 is definitely not a vehicle to take lightly. And, because it makes use of a high-revving V8 powerplant, it likes to be kept about 5,000 revs.

For the 2019 model year, GT350s benefit from Michelin tires specifically engineered for the 350 variant as well as updated chassis tuning to handle this improved grip. In addition, the suspension gets a bit stiffer. Lastly, some lessons were learned through the development of the GT500, which means the 350 benefits from those findings.

Although not one, but two, GT500s were present at Detroit's M1 Concourse, neither were for driving. They were for show only. That said, Agent 001 spent some time with them getting a bit more up close and personal.

It seems to us that Ford didn't want to mess up a good thing with the 350, so, the updates are kept to a minimum.



Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500

ricks0me - 5/15/2019 12:33:58 AM

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AGENT 00R: Congrats on scoring an invite. Color me jealous!!!

Agent00R - 5/16/2019 10:40:33 PM

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Agent 001 was on the scene for this one.

I went to the original GT350/350R launch at Lime Rock.

MDarringer - 5/15/2019 8:10:17 AM

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The GT350 is an excellent vehicle. A Shelby or a Supra? Shelby!

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/15/2019 8:34:29 AM

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@MD-No doubt as a track car, but I have read you can't really use it daily. The ride is simply too harsh- true?

MDarringer - 5/15/2019 8:52:37 AM

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Nope. That's BS. Yes it's stiff, but if you want a soft Camry ride get a GT86. I don't drive mine to Newport Beach because a stick shift is pure hell in traffic. You do get some freeway hop, but any car tuned for handling will do that. You most decidedly CAN drive it comfortably as a daily driver. Those who say otherwise are anti-Mustang bigots. The Camaro ZL1 is a similar kind of situation as is the Z06.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/15/2019 10:14:38 AM

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@MD - That make sense. Likely other cars in the same situation. It may not be right for some but it may be the best ever Mustang.

dlin - 5/15/2019 10:31:53 AM

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Starts at $60,000?

MDarringer - 5/15/2019 7:28:30 PM

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Yes, but DO NOT spend over list for one. We sell ours at list take it or leave it. A lot of dealers do likewise.

Agent00R - 5/16/2019 10:42:37 PM

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Yeah, so, depends where you're driving daily.

In New York and New Jersey the GT350 was not fun at all. It's only a great ride when the roads are in good shape and you can rev it beyond 4.5k. Would rather a 5.0 and call it a day.

MDarringer - 5/16/2019 11:05:14 PM

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Well that's what one gets living in a state run by socialist pigs. California roads--once the envy of the nation--are getting bad. And here they start multiple, conflicting road improvement projects that make things even worse.

MDarringer - 5/15/2019 7:28:59 PM

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Such a hateful, demeaning bigot you are.