Unleashing the Roar: The Ford Shelby GT350 and its Thrilling 0-60 MPH Sprint

Grabbing the keys to the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is an experience that ignites pure, unadulterated joy. Even before you ignite the engine, the sheer presence of this machine, especially in a vibrant red with racing stripes, evokes a sense of exhilaration. It’s the kind of car that brings out the kid in you, the dream car you might have envisioned as a teenager. And yes, the first thought that might cross your mind is, “How am I going to keep my license?” because you just know this car is built for speed, and the Gt350 0-60 time is just the beginning of the story.

Image: Front view of a red 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 with white racing stripes, showcasing its aggressive and iconic design.

The Shelby GT350 isn’t just about looks; it’s a genuine sports car in its soul. The foundation is laid by massive Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and sophisticated magnetorheological dampers. This combination ensures that this Mustang transcends the typical “muscle car” label, offering a level of agility and precision that allows it to truly dance on the road. It’s a car built for enthusiasts who appreciate more than just straight-line speed.

The heart of the GT350, the Voodoo V8 engine, is an experience in itself. Simply starting this 5.2-liter marvel sends shivers down your spine. Featuring a flat-plane crank and a sky-high 8,250 rpm redline, this naturally aspirated beast churns out 526 horsepower. In a world increasingly dominated by turbochargers, the Voodoo V8 is a glorious throwback, a testament to the raw power and intoxicating sound that define true muscle cars. Pushing this engine to its redline, even in second gear, will have you exceeding freeway speed limits in a heartbeat, highlighting the immense power on tap and contributing to that impressive GT350 0-60 acceleration.

Image: Close-up of the side profile of the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, emphasizing its sporty stance and aerodynamic lines.

Image: Rear three-quarter view of the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, showcasing its rear spoiler, taillights, and aggressive diffuser.

The Manual Masterpiece: Transmission and Driving Dynamics

Further enhancing the GT350’s performance credentials is its commitment to a manual transmission. The Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox is robust and precise, offering a tactile and engaging driving experience. While it has a firm, slightly notchy feel, the clutch is surprisingly forgiving, perfectly complementing the engine’s character. This manual transmission is crucial for extracting the maximum thrill and control, especially when aiming for that optimal GT350 0-60 launch.

Achieving the perfect launch in the GT350 requires finesse. Too few revs, and the engine bogs down; too much throttle, and you’re greeted with spinning rear tires. However, master the technique, and you can expect to hit 60 mph in approximately 4 seconds. While not the absolute quickest in a straight-line sprint compared to some modern supercars, the visceral experience of working through first and second gear in the GT350 is far more rewarding than simply relying on brute force or turbocharger whine. It’s about driver engagement and the symphony of the Voodoo V8, not just chasing the lowest GT350 0-60 time on paper.

Image: Detailed view of the 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine of the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, highlighting its performance engineering.

Image: Another angle of the Voodoo V8 engine, emphasizing its flat-plane crankshaft and high-revving capabilities.

Image: Close-up of the 6-speed manual transmission shifter in the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, showcasing the driver-focused cockpit.

Launch control is available to assist with achieving consistent starts, but the GT350’s true essence extends beyond stoplight sprints. Rumor has it that Ford benchmarked the Porsche GT3 during the GT350’s development, and after experiencing this car, it’s easy to believe, despite the significant price difference. The GT350 offers a level of driver engagement and track-focused performance that punches far above its weight class.

In the firmer Sport suspension setting, the GT350 feels remarkably planted, effectively masking its nearly 4000-pound curb weight. The handling limits are exceptionally high, best explored on a racetrack, which unfortunately wasn’t part of this test drive. However, even on public roads, the GT350’s chassis and suspension inspire confidence and provide a thrilling connection to the asphalt.

Backroad Bliss and Unmatched Value

Exploring winding backroads in the GT350 is a genuine treat. While perhaps not ideally suited for tight, low-speed corners, pushing the car through each bend while listening to the engine’s incredible wail is an exhilarating experience. The GT350 transforms mundane drives into memorable adventures, showcasing its versatility beyond just chasing impressive figures like the GT350 0-60 time.

Image: Interior view of the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, highlighting the sporty seats, steering wheel, and driver-centric layout.

Image: Close-up of the tachometer in the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, emphasizing the high 8,250 rpm redline of the Voodoo V8 engine.

With a base price starting well under $60,000, it’s difficult to imagine a better performance car for the money. For the 2017 model year, features like magnetic shocks and track-ready hardware became standard, further sweetening the deal. While the Chevrolet Corvette is another excellent option, its 6.2-liter small block engine simply lacks the character and specialness of the GT350’s Voodoo powerplant.

Image: Side view of the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 in motion on a winding road, illustrating its handling and sporty nature.

For those seeking an even more track-focused machine, the GT350R is available for an additional $7,000. The R model adds aerodynamic enhancements and carbon fiber wheels with stickier Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires, creating a truly track-ready car. Even in GT350R guise, it remains significantly more affordable than a Porsche GT3, offering incredible performance at a fraction of the cost.

Image: Front three-quarter view of the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 parked, highlighting its aggressive front fascia and iconic Mustang styling.

The bittersweet reality is that the GT350 represents a dying breed. Affordable sports cars that blend exceptional performance with genuine character are becoming increasingly rare, replaced by technologically advanced but perhaps less soulful machines. Ford Performance deserves immense credit for creating the GT350, a car that reignites the thrill of driving and reminds us why car ownership can be a passionate pursuit. It’s a celebration of raw power, driver engagement, and the sheer joy of experiencing a car that can deliver a GT350 0-60 sprint that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of driving pleasure.