For a devoted Ford and Shelby enthusiast like myself, the arrival of the S550-generation GT350 in 2015 was a moment of pure excitement. The specifications weren’t just impressive; they were groundbreaking for its class. Think about it: a massive 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine, something even Ferrari hadn’t dared to put in a pony car. Ford not only built it but also engineered it to scream to an 8250-rpm redline, boasting 526 horsepower – a significant 91 hp leap over the standard GT at the time.
The GT350’s hardware was equally drool-worthy. Massive vented, floating brake rotors both front and rear, with the fronts exceeding 15 inches and clamped by Brembo six-piston calipers. A unique front clip exclusive to the GT350, featuring a carbon-fiber core support and aluminum panels. A specially designed Tremec TR-3160 six-speed transmission. These were just a few of the countless unique components that distinguished a GT350. On paper, it was an unparalleled piece of automotive engineering to ever emerge from Ford.
However, as history teaches us (remember the DMC-12 or the Shelby Series 1?), impressive specs don’t guarantee real-world brilliance. So, while I anticipated the GT350 to be exceptionally good – especially considering the spectacular 2014 GT500 and the already fantastic S550 Mustang GT – I wasn’t expecting a revolution.
Then I finally drove the new GT350. Incredible doesn’t even begin to cover it. It felt like Ford had sprinkled some magic dust on these cars as they rolled off the assembly line. The “Voodoo” flat-plane crank engine unleashed a symphony that alone was worth the price of admission. Its power delivery was relentless, pulling like a rocket all the way to that stratospheric 8250-rpm redline. Paired with the transmission, finely tuned suspension, MagneRide dampers, and those phenomenal brakes, the GT350 transcended its Mustang roots. It was a car that could confidently challenge a Porsche 911 or BMW M4 on the track, and at a significantly lower price point. The GT350 was a rare breed, excelling in every aspect at a price that seemed almost impossible. And the track-focused GT350R? With its even more aggressive hardware, lightweight carbon-fiber wheels, enhanced aerodynamics, and super sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires? That car was simply mind-blowing.
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Front three-quarter view of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 showcasing its aggressive styling and aerodynamic features.
If you’re wondering about my enthusiasm, here’s a telling detail: I immediately bought a 2016 GT350R, specifically the 59th one ever produced. Upon taking delivery, I had the dealership install camber/caster plates for the front struts and adjust the alignment to the factory-recommended “Road Course” settings. I also added Ford Performance oil separators to both PCV hoses, as recommended in the owner’s manual for “track day use by a highly skilled driver.”
In the three years I’ve owned my 350R, my admiration has only grown. It’s clocked around 4000 miles on the track and several thousand more on spirited road drives. I’m on my second set of brake pads and Sport Cup 2 tires, and have performed three oil changes. Beyond routine maintenance, it’s been utterly reliable. Yes, the interior can be a bit buzzy, and the ride can tramline on less-than-perfect roads, but these are minor trade-offs for the aggressive tires and track-focused alignment.
However, even with my deep affection for my car, progress is relentless, especially in the world of high-performance vehicles. The GT350, entering its fourth model year (or fifth if you include the initial 137 “friends and family” 2015 models), was at a point where it needed to prove its continued relevance. While GT350 and GT350Rs sales remained strong through 2018, the cars were essentially unchanged since their debut.
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Close-up of the driver’s seat in a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 highlighting the sporty design and supportive bolsters.
This brings us to the “new” 2019 Gt350. I was genuinely eager to discover what Ford had updated. With rumors swirling about the GT350 potentially ending production after 2020, late-model-year revisions often feel like superficial attempts to generate press and showroom buzz.
My core question was simple: Is the 2019 GT350 still relevant? We are living in a golden age for performance car enthusiasts, with an ever-growing selection of incredible machines. In a market now populated by 650-horsepower ZL1 Camaros, 797-horsepower Challengers, and the upcoming 700+ horsepower Shelby GT500, does the 526-horsepower, track-oriented GT350 still hold appeal for buyers?
After a full day of experiencing the refreshed 2019 GT350 on both the racetrack and public roads, my answer is a resounding yes. I came away just as impressed, if not more so, than I was after my first GT350 drive in 2015.
And this positive impression came solely from the “regular” GT350, as a GT350R wasn’t available at this media event. This speaks volumes about Ford’s enhancements to the base GT350. According to Ford, many of the improvements stem from lessons learned during the development of the upcoming 2020 GT500 and countless hours of track testing and simulations, including insights gained from the Mustang GT4 racing program.
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Side profile of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 emphasizing its sleek lines and athletic stance.
Much of the enhanced performance comes from improved aerodynamics and increased downforce, thanks to an available Gurney flap on a larger rear spoiler. Additionally, updated brake, chassis, and suspension tuning were implemented to maximize the increased grip from the enhanced aero and the new Ford Performance-spec Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires. It’s these new FP-spec tires that truly bridge the performance gap, elevating the standard 2019 GT350 to near-GT350R levels of athleticism.
On the track at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, even in cold and damp conditions, the 2019 GT350 felt remarkably composed. Grip levels were astonishing, even at speeds where aerodynamics likely played a limited role. The engine and transmission remain unchanged, as does the brake hardware (only the ABS tuning was refined to complement the new tires), and both are still class-leading. While I didn’t have the opportunity to drive a 350R on the same track that day, I can confidently say that the refreshed “base” car significantly narrowed the performance difference between the two models.
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A 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 aggressively cornering on a racetrack, showcasing its track-focused capabilities.
On public roads, the 2019 GT350 surprisingly belies its track-focused nature and Sport Cup tires. With the MagneRide suspension set to its softest mode and the exhaust in quiet mode, it offers a ride that is far more refined and quieter than expected. It’s also clear Ford invested in refining the interior for 2019, offering both aluminum and carbon-fiber instrument panel appliqués. Subtle trim enhancements, such as accents on the seats, were also added, and a new B&O sound system is available as an option (though I confess, I spent my limited driving time listening to the glorious engine). Overall, the interior feels more comfortable and less buzzy than my 2016 model, which was my only real complaint about my own car. It even seems Ford has revised the shifter to eliminate high-RPM buzz.
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Dynamic shot of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 driving on a winding road, illustrating its performance and handling.
In conclusion, the 2019 Shelby GT350 not only retains everything that made the original model so beloved, but elevates the experience. With thoughtful refinements and enhanced performance, it remains not just relevant, but a top contender in the track-focused sports car segment. It delivers near-GT350R performance without compromising daily driving comfort, making it a truly exceptional and versatile machine.
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Interior view of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 showcasing the updated dashboard, seats, and sporty cockpit design.
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Detail shot of the gear shifter in a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, emphasizing the sporty and driver-focused interior.
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Rear three-quarter angle of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 highlighting its rear spoiler, taillights, and sporty rear diffuser.
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Rear view of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 driving away, emphasizing its powerful stance and performance.
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Action shot of a 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 racing on a track, demonstrating its high-performance capabilities and agility.
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Close-up of the front grille of a 2019 Shelby GT350 showcasing the iconic Shelby badging and aggressive front-end design.
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Detailed view of the hood scoop on a 2019 Shelby GT350 highlighting its functional aerodynamic design.
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Close-up of the Shelby GT350 badge on a 2019 model, emphasizing the heritage and performance lineage of the vehicle.
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A 2019 Shelby GT350 parked in a garage setting, illustrating its appeal as both a track and road car.
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A 2019 Shelby GT350 in action on a racetrack, demonstrating its cornering ability and dynamic performance.
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Front view of the new 2019 Shelby GT350 showcasing its updated front fascia and aggressive styling cues.
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Rear three-quarter shot of a 2019 Shelby GT350 highlighting its rear design elements and sporty profile.
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Rear view of a 2019 Shelby GT350 emphasizing its wide stance, rear diffuser, and exhaust system.
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Dynamic rear three-quarter view of a 2019 Shelby GT350 racing on a track, capturing its speed and agility in action.
