Ford->ke31 gave birth to the GT350 nameplate in 1965, the same year when Carroll Shelby->ke1359 was commissioned to build high-performance versions of the first-generation Mustang. Built in 1965 and 1966, the initial GT350 was not just lighter than a regular Mustang->ke428, but more powerful too. Originally rated at 271 ponies, the 'Stang's 4.7-liter V-8 was uprated to deliver 306 horsepower at Shelby American's shop, where it would also be equipped with heavy-duty rear axles, larger rear drum brakes, and front disc brakes. All 1965 models were painted Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes, while the 1966 model year brought more colors to the car. The GT350 continued in 1967, 1968 and 1969 with more cosmetic changes that performance updates. The GT350 moniker disappeared until 2011, when it returned for the fifth-generation Mustang. As the redesigned pony rolls into dealerships for the 2015 model year, the Shelby GT350 has made yet another comeback as a track-prepped version of the sixth-gen Mustang.

Introduced for the 2016 model year, the first Shelby Mustang GT350 to feature an independent rear suspension is Dearborn's answer to the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The body panels were reshaped into a more aerodynamic and aggressive shape, including a completely new front section, while the GT's standard 5.0-liter V-8 was replaced by a slightly larger unit specifically developed for this muscle car. But enough with the spoilers. Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about the new Shelby GT350.

Updated 06/28/2016: Ford dropped a new video featuring David Patterson "That Dude In Blue" tackling the GT350 Time Attack at the Ford Performance Octane Academy. Hit "play" to watch the new video.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350

Exterior

Visually, this is one of the angriest pony cars ever created, let alone meanest looking Mustang. Ford has turned everything up to 11 on the visual front for this new car. From the A-pillar forward, the car is completely different from a base mustang in every way aside from the headlamps.

The whole nose has been shrunk in every direction to reduce aerodynamic drag. The result is a body that looks to be stretched over the engine bay. There are parts of this new lower hood assembly that sit as much as two inches lower than a base GT.

Along with its smaller size the nose has a full assortment of aero upgrades, a new splitter, and every opening to funnel air into the car has gotten larger. Inside the grille you will see to angled ducts to help funnel the air more properly, the fog lights are gone and replaced with cooling for the brakes, and the nose badge has been replaced with an offset Shelby badge. Even the hood gets an upgrade with a huge vent. Every piece of the car has been upgraded purely to increase airflow and aerodynamic efficiency. Ford even included a ducted belly pan.

The profile shows of the new stance and 19-inch alloy wheels that are lightweight, but extremely stiff. Tucked tightly against these new wheels are recontoured aluminum fenders. New set of vented inner fenders work to draw out rough air. In the rear a functional diffuser aids in airflow for the optional differential cooler while simultaneously providing usable downforce. To reduce drag there is also a subtle lip spoiler that rides across the end of the tail.

New For 2017

For the 2017 model year, the GT350 gets three new exterior colors. Ruby Red Metallic replaces Competition Orange, while Deep Impact Blue is retired and replaced by Lightning Blue and Grabber Blue. The latter is a heritage color that was introduced on the first-generation Mustang and returns after being offered on the fith-gen car a few years ago.

Side by side comparison

Interior

The cockpit has been given the same attention to sporting detail as the exterior. The steering wheel has a flat bottom to make slipping into and out of the specially designed Recaro sport buckets. Not only are these seats perfectly shaped and bolstered for track driving, they also come covered in a unique cloth specifically for the GT350. The seats alone underwent hundreds of hours and multiple prototypes to ensure that they are comfortable for long term drives and supportive enough for the most hard-core track drives.

To reduce distractions to drivers in the heat of competition, all the chrome and bright finishes have been removed or altered to reduce glare. Considering the enhance performance of the new car, the gauges have all been changed to reflect the new speeds and revs the car is capable of. As is the case with all modern high-performance cars, the new interior features a collection of driver controls that alter the ABS brakes, stability and traction control systems as well as the suspension stiffness and even exhaust tuning. There are total of five unique modes.

Performance Shift Light Indicator

Another cool feature is the customizable Performance Shift Light Indicator. Usually found in full-fledged race cars, shift light indicators signal the perfect engine speed for the shift point to allow drivers to better concentrate on the road ahead rather than watching the rev counter. However, unlike most such features, Ford's Performance Shift Light Indicator is a head-up display located in front of the driver. It can be controlled via the information center in the gauge cluster and drivers can set shift points, light intensity, and select from three modes.

For instance, in Tach mode the amber LEDs light up sequentially from left to right as engine revs build, while in Track mode LEDs light up from the outside ends to the center and flash when the shift point is reached. Lastly, in Drag mode, the LED light bar flash repeatedly when the engine reaches the preset rpm threshold.

For those who want a touch more luxury in their track toy, a tech package adds leather seats with power adjustment, shaker audio stereo and a MyFord Touch LCD infotainment system. Dual zone climate control is included with that package as well.

New For 2017

The interior remains unchanged for 2017, but Ford now gives customers to opportunity to select two new packages. First up is the Electronics Package, which adds SYNC 3, voice-activated navigation, and a nine-speaker audio system. The Convenience Package adds the same features and replaces the manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sport seats.

Drivetrain

Under the lower aluminum hood you will find the most dramatic change to the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. The 5.0-lter Coyote V-8 from the Mustang GT has been thrown out the window, to be replaced with a legitimate racing engine; a 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V-8. This engine is not only the first ever Ford production engine to use a flat-plane crank, but with 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, this is also the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever created.

The use of a flat-plane crank allows for a cylinder firing order that alternates between banks and reduces exhaust pulse overlap. This lets the engine breathe easier, rev higher and rev faster. Torque may seem a bit low compared to the horsepower figure, but the flat crank allows 429 pound-feet to be available across a huge range of the engine power band.

The transmission is a lightweight six-speed manual and all the power is routed through a special Ford-tuned Torsen limited slip differential. All that engine exhaust needs a place to go so the GT350 comes with a custom exhaust system featuring four large exhaust tips. This machine will sound like no other American car on the road – period.

Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes only 3.5 seconds in this 'Stang, making it one of the quickest muscle cars on the market and the fastest naturally aspirated coupe out there.

New For 2017

Arguably the most important change for 2017 is the introduction of the Track Package, previously a $6,500 options for this model, as standard equipment. The performance-enhancing bundle adds an aluminum tower-to-tower brace, high-downforce decklid spoiler, engine oil, transmission and differential coolers, and a MagneRide damping system.

Chassis and brakes

With a stiffness increase of more than 28-percent over the last generation machine, the new Mustang is built with the most capable platform in the brand’s history. TO make the most of this new stiff structure, the GT350 features a custom-tuned four-wheel independent suspension system that makes use of high-tech MagneRide magnetic dampers; another first for a Ford product. The magnetic suspension system is similar to the setup used by machines like the Camaro Z/28 Cadillac CTS-V and the Ferrari 458 Italia. The shocks can be adjusted independently every 10 milliseconds for stiffness.

Compared to the Mustang GT, the new GT350 has a wider front track, increased spring rates, and a reduced ride height. To further increase capability, there is an optional tower brace.

Those new 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires with a specific compound and sidewall construction developed for the GT350. They also happen to be 10.5-inches wide up front and 11-inches wide out back.

Underneath those massive alloys is the most capable braking system Ford has ever used. Two piece cross-drilled rotors are iron discs with aluminum hats to reduce unsprung weight. The discs are an insane 15.5 inches wide up front and clamped by six-piston Brembo calipers. The rear discs are 14.9-inches and clamped by 4-pot calipers.

Prices

Pricing for the GT350 starts at $49,995, including destination and the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax, which makes it significantly more affordable than both the Camaro Z/28 and the Challenger Hellcat. For the track-focused GT350R, you'll have to pay $63,495. Two main options are offered: the Technology Package and the Track Package.

At $7,500, the Technology Package includes navigation, Sync 3, leather, dual-zone automatic temperature control, power seats with four-way headrests and climate control, a seven-speaker audio system, Integrated Driver Control System, MagneRide, heavy-duty front springs, turn-signal mirrors, and a garage-door opener. The Track Package adds MagneRide suspension and the heavy-duty front springs, coolers for the engine oil, transmission, and differential, a strut-tower brace, Integrated Driver Control System, and a rear decklid spoiler.

Ordering Guide

Competitors

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Judging by the looks of its aerodynamic body kit and the rumored 500-horsepower output, the Shelby GT500 could be an alternative to the track-prepped Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Developed as a no-nonsense machine with lightness and track capability in mind, the Camaro Z/28 comes with a naturally aspirated, 7.0-liter V-8 engine rated at 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque. Albeit less powerful than the supercharged ZL1, the Z/28 benefits from a stripped interior and a chassis tuned to deliver optimum performance on the race course.

All that power is routed to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual transmission and enables the muscle car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. Keeping the Z/28 on its best behavior is set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, adjustable spool-valve dampers, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors and calipers. The Camaro Z/28 is definitely a worthy competitor to the upcoming GT350, but only as long as you don't have a look at its eye-watering, $75,000 price tag.

Read our Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 review here.

Dodge Challenger

Revamped for the 2015 model year, the Dodge Challenger takes on the sixth-generation Mustang with a 1971-inspired exterior, an upgraded interior and very few powertrain upgrades. In terms of output, the 6.4 HEMI V-8 model sits closest to the GT350 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque on tap. On the other hand, and despite the race-bred chassis updates coming with Dodge's Super Track Pak, no Challenger is actually ready to compete with a beefed-up Mustang that's not only lighter, but comes with an independent rear suspension as well.

But if you're only interested in having as many ponies as possible at the rear wheels without all the technology needed to lay them on a tight track, Dodge->ke28 is offering the Hellcat SRT, a 707-horsepower machine already regarded as the most powerful, factory-built muscle car. The Challenger 392 starts from around $41,000, while the Hellcat SRT is expected to fetch in excess of $65,000

Read our Dodge Challenger review here.

Conclusion

There is no other way to say it. Short of the Ford GT supercar – even that may be eclipsed when actual performance numbers come out - this is the most capable track machine Ford has ever created for public consumption. With the same suspension tech used by some of the greatest sports cars in the world, a race-style V-8 engine that is making more than 500 horsepower, and a completely revised exterior style with usable aerodynamic aids, there are few roads or tracks that the GT350 would not be bale to dominate on.

If you feel that the Camaro Z/28 is impressive, I feel that the Mustang GT350 may change some peoples minds. This is a new era in muscle car performance.

Update History

Updated 04/06/2016: Ford announced a series of updates for the 2017 Shelby GT350, including the addition of new exterior colors and new packages. Continue reading to learn more about the new additions.

Updated 9/1/2015: Our man Jonathan Lopez took some pics at Monterey Car Week. Enjoy!

Updated 08/11/2015: An for the new GT350 let you create the mucle car of your dream. Have fun!

Updated 07/23/2015: Ford announced that the new Shelby GT350 Mustang will be offered with a Performance Shift Light Indicator display with Track, Tach and Drag mode. This new system provides the benefits of a shift light while allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the track at all times. Details after the jump.

Updated 1/19/2015: The preliminary 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R and GT350 ordering guides leaked online and we have them posted after the jump. Remember that these are subject to editing prior to release, so the exact details may vary in the future.

Updated 04/16/2015: Ford unveiled a new video showing the Shelby GT350 Mustang testing at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Enjoy!

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 11/17/2014: With just about two days before the car's official debut, Ford has revealed a slew of images and details on the upcoming GT350. Check out all the juicy bits after the jump.

Updated 11/28/2014: Leaked details suggest that the new Shelby GT350 will be priced at $52,995, while an additional "Tech" Package priced at $2,995.

Updated 12/26/2014: Ford started to test the GT350 in extreme winter conditions. All the tests were made in a special facility that can recreate a variety of extreme weather conditions including sun, wind, humidity and temperatures between -40° - 130° F (-40° - 54.4° C). Enjoy!

Rendering

Our rendering is based on the latest spy shots and includes GT350 badge on the side, some racing stripes, huge splitter and new bumper, smoked headlamps and side skirts.

Videos

Spy Shots

July 15, 2014 - Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 testing for the first time at Nurburgring

Rumored ever since the redesigned pony was unveiled in December and caught testing on several occasions in the U.S., the high-performance version of the sixth-generation Mustang made an unexpected appearance on the Nurburgring track. Now wearing less camouflage, the upcoming Shelby GT350 is finally showcasing its aggressive, aerodynamic body kit and some of the goodies that will help increase its credentials on both the road and track.

The spy shots we just received from our paparazzi reveal Ford is indeed testing a more powerful iteration of the 2015 Mustang. Up front, a redesigned bumper puts a new intake configuration and a massive splitter to the muscle car's front fascia, while a hood scoop, wider and vented fenders, and prominent side skirts complete the track-ready feel of the car. Around back, a sportier diffuser with a twin-exhaust configuration replaces the regular unit, while a subtle spoiler sits atop the trunk.

Moving onto the sides, the prototype taking hot laps around the 'Ring is equipped with lightweight, multi-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, larger-than-usual brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors. A sportier suspension decreases the vehicle's ride height and keeps it planted on those tight Nurburgring curves. Granted, this Mustang is ready to handle a lot of power and it appears it needs only a roll-cage to become a full-time race car.