Shelby GT350, anyone? I just drove it. And compared to M2 and GT4. [VIDEO]

[Sam@Bimmerpost]

Like many of you, I have been extremely skeptical of American muscle. I had considered them too cumbersome, too heavy and too one dimensional to be a legitimate alternative to the best driver’s cars from Europe and Japan. My opinion changes as of now, because the Shelby GT350 is one fantastic driver’s car.

Its 5.2 litre, flat plane crank, naturally aspirated, high-rev V8 is the jewel in the GT350 experience. It revs freely, makes an amazing noise and propels you towards the horizon with 526 healthy horsepower. Burning through its rev range while grabbing manual shifts in its 6 speed gearbox is an experience to behold. And contrary to the age old muscle car stereotype, the GT350 can take corners too. Its steering is light and responsive, hiding its approximately 3700 pounds exceptionally well. Its suspension is well damped and extremely European in feel. All of its primary controls are well weighted, precise and positioned in exactly the right places for a purist sport-driving experience. Like the very best Euro muscle cars, the GT350 is one fantastic all rounder. In fact, it reminded me very much in philosophy of the old E39 M5. The GT350 Shelby Mustang is more powerful, more agile and more modern than the old E39 M5, of course, but in intent and purpose and purist character, it is its spiritual successor. Strange but true.

Not to mention that the Shelby GT350 is one of the few cars on the market to continue to hold the naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive, manual-only flame. It’s quite similar in this respect to the other great driver’s car of 2016, the Porsche GT4 which I’ve reviewed extensively. This type of uncompromising approach deserves respect.

Compared to my other 2016 favorite, the M2, I'd say the Shelby is a tremendous bargain. It may not have the prestige or build quality or interior refinement of the M2, and in many ways its experience is a bit crude in comparison, but it does bring an an equally fun driving experience with even more power and grip and a different cornering approach. The M2 is a powerful Miata on stilts, while the GT350 is a sophisticated big muscle car which can take corners. Both are tremendously fun in my opinion. I give more commentary on this in my video above. Let me know what you think!

While fit and finish have room for improvement, especially if the Mustang is to be taken seriously against its European rivals, the driving experience is nothing short of top shelf. I had a lot of fun driving and interacting with the Shelby GT350 and it has made me a believer in Ford. Well done, Ford, for taking the fight to Europe. This is great for us, the consumer, because we now have a true enthusiast driver's car alternative in America for people who normally love the driving experience of Porsches and BMWs. This is a statement which I do not make lightly.

What do you guys think of the new Mustang and the new Shelby GT350? Anyone else take a drive in one, or better yet, own one alongside their BMWs?

[F80Dreamer]

Slightly different situation, but I am in a new Mustang GT after coming from two great BMW's...I never thought of myself as a Mustang fan but really liked the look of the new one so decided to give it a test drive. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort, power, and incredible value. I still think the M cars are in a totally different league (as their prices would suggest), but good on Ford for building such a great car.

[Mywifes335]

I hope for the chance to try a GT350/350R in the somewhat near future...

Having IRS across the board is one of the key game changers for the Mustang. Yes, obvious...but long overdue.

Hopefully in hindsight we can blame the live axle to all the Cars and Coffee mishaps.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

Slightly different situation, but I am in a new Mustang GT after coming from two great BMW's...I never thought of myself as a Mustang fan but really liked the look of the new one so decided to give it a test drive. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort, power, and incredible value. I still think the M cars are in a totally different league (as their prices would suggest), but good on Ford for building such a great car.

Did you ever drive the early Coyote-equipped GTs? I drove one back in 2012 and although it was quick, it bobbed up/down upon acceleration and seemed to roll quite a bit in transitions. Brakes were lacking as well. This was a base GT, without the Brembos. My benchmark was a 335i w/ sport package and the N54 (tune, intake and exhaust).

Sounds like this gen GT resolved these things since you're coming out of two BMWs. Or did you get an optional suspension and brake package?

Very interested to hear your experience if you've compared an earlier 5.0 to the current body style 5.0.

[FType22]

I love the sound. And I love that its NA.

[F80Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Did you ever drive the early Coyote-equipped GTs? I drove one back in 2012 and although it was quick, it bobbed up/down upon acceleration and seemed to roll quite a bit in transitions. Brakes were lacking as well. This was a base GT, without the Brembos. My benchmark was a 335i w/ sport package and the N54 (tune, intake and exhaust).

Sounds like this gen GT resolved these things since you're coming out of two BMWs. Or did you get an optional suspension and brake package?

Very interested to hear your experience if you've compared an earlier 5.0 to the current body style 5.0.

I haven't driven the earlier models but the new gen (2015+) has the independent rear suspension which transformed the handling and took care of all those problems above. Ford engineers took apart an M3 when they were building the car, so they had their sights set pretty high

Here is a pic of my car...

[ilikebmxbikes]

ahhh,the true e92 m3 successor - i love these cars. ford really got it right with the 350

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

I haven't driven the earlier models but the new gen (2015+) has the independent rear suspension which transformed the handling and took care of all those problems above. Ford engineers took apart an M3 when they were building the car, so they had their sights set pretty high

Here is a pic of my car...

It's pretty. I mean really reminds me of a modern interpretation of a 1969 and 1970 fastback.

So there no more rocking horse action on acceleration/deceleration? That...was the most disappointing part.

What kind of brakes?

[F80Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

It's pretty. I mean really reminds me of a modern interpretation of a 1969 and 1970 fastback.

So there no more rocking horse action on acceleration/deceleration? That...was the most disappointing part.

What kind of brakes?

No more rocking at all, really solid and planted feel. I got the performance package, which is a bargain at $2500. Includes upgraded rims/tires, larger radiator, stiffer sway bars and suspension, brembo brakes, 3:73 final gear ratio, etc...

Having said all that, I am going to get back to an F80 end of this year!!

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

No more rocking at all, really solid and planted feel. I got the performance package, which is a bargain at $2500. Includes upgraded rims/tires, larger radiator, stiffer sway bars and suspension, brembo brakes, 3:73 final gear ratio, etc...

Having said all that, I am going to get back to an F80 end of this year!!

Can't stay away....can you...

I really fucking try. Every time we shop for a car, we look at other marques. A lot of times, it's the other brands' dealers dropping the ball vs. going to the same BMW dealer we've been going to for over a decade. Ease of doing business I guess.

Before the M235i, I was just about to get the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. The morning I was going to finalize numbers and test drive it, BMW called with a crazy deal I couldn't pass up.

Same thing happened between the RDX and X3.

Damn you BMW.

[8k4]

Nice but markup kills the car

[86Zed]

It's a helluva car and a very different animal than some of the cars it shares the segment with (M2, etc.). That being said, I could never live with that interior as a daily driver no matter how awesome the rest of the car is...and it's properly awesome.

[lens]

I've been lucky enough to be in a ride along in the GT350R, but not the GT350 so I can't really compare both.

But the engine is absolutely intoxicating, when people say who needs music when you have the flat plane V8, they mean it, the car handles twisties and corners like it was a AWD, I was very surprised when there was no slip when accelerating through corners (CF wheels?)

Would I own one? Absolutely, if there were any available around here, and if there are, they're probably marked up to hell.

Ford really made something special with the GT350R, they keep going this direction and the mustangs crashing into crowds at car meets may be forgotten

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by B_Dol

It's a helluva car and a very different animal than some of the cars it shares the segment with (M2, etc.). That being said, I could never live with that interior as a daily driver no matter how awesome the rest of the car is...and it's properly awesome.

Surprising because I find the S550 Mustang's interior a lot more appealing than the horrendous plastic mess that you find on entry level BMW's. Both are mediocre, but the 'Stang's interior is slightly less so.

[Never_Enough]

Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost

This is great for us, the consumer, because we now have a true enthusiast driver's car alternative in America for people who normally love the driving experience of Porsches and BMWs. This is a statement which I do not make lightly.

Are you saying no American brand makes a car for the enthusiast?

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by scoobysaurus

Surprising because I find the S550 Mustang's interior a lot more appealing than the horrendous plastic mess that you find on entry level BMW's. Both are mediocre, but the 'Stang's interior is slightly less so.

Can you really call a ~$50K car Entry Level?



Pictured is the base radio, looks like a 90s car. I don't really need a sound system at all (thank you flat plane 8000rpm!), but now I have to look at this?

[Sam@Bimmerpost]

Originally Posted by OrangeZ06

Are you saying no American brand makes a car for the enthusiast?

No, I'm not... I see the Z06 in your avatar.

I did say in the video that I haven't driven the Camaro or the Z06, so I'll reserve judgement until I have.

[Blksnowflake]

Love this car, and would own one if Ford dealers wouldnt play asinine pricing games.
I figure for $10-15k mark ups that they want the car more than me.

[DocWeatherington]

[JsL]

Originally Posted by B_Dol

Can you really call a ~$50K car Entry Level?



Pictured is the base radio, looks like a 90s car. I don't really need a sound system at all (thank you flat plane 8000rpm!), but now I have to look at this?

Agree. Engine, chassis and exterior are great.

But, that interior looks very similar to the $30/day economy rental cars I get for work.

[JsL]

Oh and Thanks for sharing the video. I enjoyed it.

[Haywood]

If you try building one on the Ford site, it states that if you choose the track package, you can not add the technology package? Really? If I had to live with that interior, at least I would want a better stereo with Sirius.