Shelby GT350 Returns: An 810-HP Beast Reborn
The Shelby GT350 name is back, and it’s more ferocious than ever. Shelby American has unveiled an all-new GT350 and its track-focused counterpart, the GT350R, both powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that delivers jaw-dropping performance figures. The GT350 boasts an astounding 810 horsepower, while the GT350R takes things even further with over 830 horsepower. With aggressive aerodynamics, revised suspension, and cutting-edge lightweight materials, these muscle machines are set to redefine what a Shelby Mustang can do.
A Nod to History with Modern Power
Nearly 60 years ago, Carroll Shelby introduced the original GT350, marking the beginning of an era of high-performance Mustangs. Unlike past iterations, the 2025 GT350 is not a Ford factory project but rather a Shelby American creation. Despite this distinction, the new GT350 still benefits from Ford’s powertrain warranty and will be available through select Ford dealerships. With a starting price of $104,999 for the supercharged version, this latest Shelby offering combines modern engineering with the brand’s storied heritage, ensuring that enthusiasts have access to a machine that blends raw power with refined technology.
Under the hood, Shelby American replaces the iconic flat-plane crank 5.2-liter Voodoo V-8 found in the previous Ford-built GT350 (discontinued in 2020) with a supercharged version of Ford’s Gen-4 5.0-liter Coyote V-8. The powerplant, originally rated at 500 horsepower in the Mustang Dark Horse, receives a dramatic boost to 810 horsepower thanks to a high-performance Whipple supercharger and revised tuning. Buyers can also opt for a naturally aspirated version rated at 480 horsepower, allowing a more traditional Mustang experience that still delivers exhilarating performance on the road.
Performance Upgrades and Design Tweaks
Beyond its power boost, the GT350 benefits from a host of enhancements designed to improve handling and aerodynamics. A revised suspension system optimizes grip and responsiveness, while a new exhaust setup ensures that the supercharged V-8’s roar is as menacing as its output suggests. The exterior has been reworked with aggressive intakes, revised bodywork, and a large rear wing that underscores the car’s track-ready nature. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience to their preferences, whether on the street or at the track.
“We increased horsepower by almost 70 percent, tuned the suspension, opened up the exhaust, smoothed the aerodynamics, and gave it more sex appeal,” said Vince LaViolette, vice president of operations and senior designer at Shelby American. “The styling is based on functionality, giving the Shelby GT350 a purposeful look. However, the suspension is still supple enough to drive every day without sacrificing comfort, ensuring that drivers can enjoy the best of both worlds.”
The Track-Ready GT350R
For those looking for an even more extreme experience, Shelby American offers the GT350R. This hardcore variant is a true track weapon, featuring an exclusive six-speed manual transmission and a suite of high-performance upgrades. The GT350R produces over 830 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Mustangs ever created, capable of delivering an adrenaline-pumping ride that pushes the limits of what a street-legal muscle car can achieve.
Inside, the GT350R sheds weight with a carbon-fiber interior tub and optional carbon-fiber racing seats equipped with harnesses. The lightweight theme continues with other carbon-fiber components, reducing weight and enhancing structural rigidity. The GT350R also features an integrated roll cage, an upgraded adjustable track suspension, Alcon racing brakes, and larger brakes for superior stopping power. The aerodynamics package is even more aggressive than that of the standard GT350, ensuring maximum downforce and stability at high speeds, making it a formidable contender on any race track.
Shelby American has confirmed that many of the components found on the GT350R will be utilized in a future Trans Am-spec race car, which is slated to enter the series in 2026. This track pedigree ensures that the GT350R is more than just a high-powered street car—it’s built to dominate on the racetrack as well, continuing the Shelby tradition of engineering excellence and motorsports heritage.
Limited Production and Exclusive Availability
As a tribute to the original 1965 GT350 production run, Shelby American will produce only 562 units of the GT350 for the 2025 model year. Meanwhile, the GT350R will be even rarer, with just 36 units planned for production. An additional limited number of units will be built by other shops and distributors for markets outside the United States, ensuring that Shelby enthusiasts around the world have a chance to own a piece of this high-performance legacy. The GT350R models will be built by Michigan-based Turn Key Automotive/Motorsports, with a limited color palette that includes white as the base color, along with various stripe and graphics package options to personalize each vehicle to the buyer’s preferences.
Pricing for the naturally aspirated GT350 and the GT350R has yet to be announced, but given its exclusivity and performance credentials, it is expected to command a premium over the standard GT350. Enthusiasts eager to get their hands on one of these powerful machines should act quickly, as demand is expected to be high for such a limited-production Shelby model, further solidifying its status as a collector’s item in the years to come.
The Legacy Lives On
The return of the GT350 nameplate under the Shelby American banner marks a significant moment for Mustang and muscle car enthusiasts. While the 2025 GT350 and GT350R are not direct successors to the Ford-built GT350 of years past, they embody the same spirit of high-performance engineering and aggressive styling that made the name legendary. With a combination of modern technology, staggering horsepower figures, and track-focused upgrades, these new Shelby Mustangs ensure that Carroll Shelby’s legacy continues to thrive well into the future, inspiring a new generation of performance enthusiasts and car lovers alike.
For those fortunate enough to secure one of these limited-production models, the 2025 Shelby GT350 and GT350R promise an exhilarating driving experience unlike anything else on the road. The combination of blistering acceleration, precise handling, and aggressive styling makes these cars an instant icon, cementing their place in the pantheon of legendary Shelby creations. As Shelby American continues to push the boundaries of performance, the GT350 and GT350R stand as testaments to the enduring appeal of American muscle and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
Both models will be available later this year, promising a new chapter in the storied history of Shelby performance vehicles. With their limited production numbers, immense power, and track-ready capabilities, the 2025 Shelby GT350 and GT350R are poised to become some of the most sought-after high-performance Mustangs ever built, ensuring that their legend will live on for years to come.
