Updated Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R scores GT500 upgrades

Ford’s Shelby GT500 is bearing fruits for the rest of its fast pony car range, with the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R to benefit from the development of the supercharged monster.

The naturally aspirated GT350R is already a capable thing, with a 392kW/582Nm flat-plane crank 5.2-litre V8, but some chassis upgrades and a new steering system should make the 350R even more focused.

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For example, the updated GT350R gains the front suspension geometry, including the GT500’s high-trail steering knuckle, as well as a new steering rack and improved electric steering assistance.

To save weight, the rear seats have been ditched, and the wheels are now carbon. Additionally, the exhaust resonator has been removed to save more weight, which means the V8’s song should also benefit from a little more clarity.

Ford Performance chief program engineer Ed Krenz says the intention was to take the tech developed for the halo GT500 and trickle them down to other Mustang models where appropriate.

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“It’s always been our plan to take the latest innovations from the GT500 program and strategically apply them across the Mustang lineup,” says Krenz.

“These latest updates to the GT350R keep its performance competitive and on the top if its game, whether that’s on the track or on the street.”

Unfortunately, getting your hands on a GT350R (or any of Ford’s Shelby models) in Australia is a little pricier than it is for our Stateside counterparts.

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Mustang Motorsport in Melbourne will import and convert one for you, if you can stump up the cash, though the company doesn’t advertise pricing for private imports like this as the costs can vary.

Once a consistent price can be established, MM will likely decide on a standard rate, though it’s expected a ‘standard’ GT350 will cost around $200k-$250k landed and converted. The 350R is sure to be pricier.