Six months ago, we reviewed the 2019 Ford Shelby GT-S and declared it the queen of the road and also a rental car. Now we have brought the complete review on 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R. It’s lighter, more agile and tastes more swarming. The Mustang Shelby GT350R isn’t just the most play Mustang; it’s the most compelling car under $100,000.
It’s got the same loud engine as the GT350, even better driving dynamics, more competitive suspension setup, and 130 fewer pounds to haul around.
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
What’s exciting?
When the GT350R first rolled onto the exhibition in 2016, the most significant point of appreciation was the 5.2-liter V8 engine that powers the Shelby. That is, luckily, maintained for 2020. Rather, manufacturers have concentrated on suspension and aerodynamic enhancements.
Opening up is the front suspension geometry, which is modernized with parts from the upcoming Ford Shelby GT500. That car, with its supercharged V-8 and dual-clutch transmission, is intended to slay supercars and give Hellcat-level horsepower numbers. The similarly priced GT350R, meanwhile, provides a driver that considers more about an impressive driving action than figures on a spec sheet.
The car also has renewed magnetic dampers. These can alter their stiffness on the fly, providing a smooth ride on the road but hardening up on the track to accommodate maximum grip. Coupled with an improved steering wheel and re-tuned power steering, it’s deemed to contribute more accuracy on the trail. Ford also excluded exhaust resonators to decrease weight and give it a brisker exhaust note over the standard GT350R.
Eventually, the GT350R receives a new technology package with a distinct premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring, and voice-activated navigation and a few new optional colors like “grabber lime.”
The Good
The engine continues to be one of the best power plants on trade. Rather than furnishing the GT350R with a regular, low-revving V8 like in the regular Mustang, Ford gave it a 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank “voodoo” motor. A flat-plane-crank design is what Ferrari uses for its V8s, as its more stable design allows for a squealing high redline and a wailing exhaust note.
That makes the GT350R a complete pleasure on the road. The 526-horsepower motor aspires to be wrung out; giving amazing power and an incredible sound near the top of its 8,250 rpm redline. It feels lively and appealing in a world of silenced, turbocharged engines.
One of the great advantages of the GT350R over the standard GT350 is its carbon fiber wheels. Lightweight wheels make the car ride great, handle great and turn great.
The Bad
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R gets a notable price hike for 2020, starting at $73,435. That money can get you in a Porsche Cayman, BMW M8, Chevy Corvette or Dodge Challenger Hellcat. We believe the GT350R is surprisingly more thrilling to ride than any of those, but it is still a modification of Ford’s walker mustang car.
And it’s not even the fastest Mustang for the price. The Mustang Shelby GT500 will start at $72,900. The GT500 will get to 60 faster, has a higher top speed, will get around most tracks faster and comes with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. If you need the fastest, top-trim Mustang, the GT350R is no longer the top of the package.
The Conclusion
The GT350R and its more pedestrian GT350 siblings are big players. They sound great, drive great, look great and feel greater than 95% of cars. In terms of new driver action and enthusiasm, nothing surpasses the Mustang Shelby GT350R for less than $100,000. It is howl-inducing on the course and completely competent in everyday driving. Its most important obstacle is the GT350, a car nearly as good at everything but $12,995 cheaper.
For people who are going to regularly track their cars, the GT350R is better fitted to track abuse with heavy-duty cooling and modernized brakes. And if you desire the most playful Mustang or the most enthusiasm for the price, the GTR350R is unbeatable. But we assume most people will be satisfied with the second-best driver’s car for $12,995 less.
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