“Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away.” Once the GT500 made its return, we knew this day was coming. So it is with a heavy heart that we must announce that the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R will not be returning for the next model year.
These cars offered the first American flat-plane V8. Essentially two incredible 4-cylinders sharing a crankshaft, they are a blast on the track. With a 9,000 rpm redline, power really arrived around 6,500 rpm. They sound exotic because its the same recipe Ferrari has used for decades. Even with the stock exhaust, shifting at 8,000 rpm is truly rewarding.
The R model delivers 527 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque. The GT350 has one less horsepower but it is heavier by 100 lbs. That is because the R has carbon fiber wheels and spoilers and less interior insulation. Air conditioning and audio were optional on the R, but rear seats and floor mats were not offered. Pricing for the R starts at $73,435, with the normal GT350 is $60,440.
Because the GT500 offers 760 horsepower for $72,900, it is easy to see why they are riding off into the sunset. With the return of the Mach 1 next year, buyers will have 480 horsepower for around $50,000. Ford is not planning another use of the flat-plane crank for the time being, so its worth it to experience what a wild horse sounds like at 9,000 rpm.
The fun factor comes down to weight. The GT500 is 4,230 lbs while the GT350R is 3,700. How can these two Mustangs be almost 530 lbs apart? The power-to-weight ratio is nearly identical 0.14 for the GT350R and 0.17 for the GT500. That means I will choose the lighter car all day long. Two tons is too much for a muscle car, so click the buttons to find a GT350 or GT350R from our dealers.
