Sixty years after Carroll Shelby first introduced the GT350, one of the most storied names in automotive history is back—and it’s packing a serious punch. The 2025 Shelby GT350 has returned as a fully realized Shelby American product, boasting nearly 300 horsepower more than its predecessor and marking a triumphant return to form for the legendary model. With a supercharged V8 engine, upgraded suspension, and exclusive touches that honor its heritage, this new GT350 isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a bold step forward into the modern muscle car era.
A New Era for the GT350
For enthusiasts who fondly remember the previous-generation GT350—a razor-sharp track-focused machine built by Ford Performance—the latest iteration might feel like a departure at first glance. Unlike its immediate predecessor, which was developed under Ford’s umbrella, the 2025 GT350 is a true Shelby American creation. It sits below the monstrous Super Snake in Shelby’s lineup but delivers performance credentials that rival even its bigger sibling. At the heart of this beast lies a heavily modified version of the Mustang’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8, now producing a staggering 810 horsepower thanks to a supercharger and a Borla cat-back exhaust system.
This transformation represents a significant leap over the outgoing GT350, which made do with 526 horsepower—a figure that, while impressive at the time, left some buyers wanting more in today’s hyper-competitive performance landscape. According to Shelby American President Gary Patterson, addressing this demand was key to reviving the GT350 nameplate. “For all the great things that the 350 was from [2015 to 2020], the one thing that in today’s world that people wanted is, quite frankly, more than 526 horses,” he told The Drive . And so, Shelby delivered—big time.
More Power, More Exclusivity
Underneath its muscular exterior, the new GT350 benefits from a host of upgrades designed to handle its increased output. Lowering springs and sway bars improve handling dynamics, while 20-inch flow-formed wheels provide both strength and style. Buyers can choose between a manual transmission equipped with a short-throw shifter or an automatic gearbox, catering to purists and convenience seekers alike.
Despite these enhancements, exclusivity remains central to the GT350 experience. Just 562 units will be produced—a number chosen to mirror the original run of GT350s in 1965. This limited production run underscores the car’s significance as a celebration of six decades of Shelby excellence. Orders are being taken through participating Ford dealerships, though prospective buyers should brace themselves for sticker shock: the starting price is set at $109,999, nearly double what the last GT350 commanded when it debuted.
While this premium may raise eyebrows, the comparison to Ford’s current offerings provides context. The recently unveiled Dark Horse trim level offers comparable power figures without the full suite of Shelby modifications, making the GT350’s additional cost seem less egregious. Moreover, when stacked against the $160,000 Super Snake, the GT350 begins to look like a relative bargain despite sharing many of its high-performance traits.
Enter the GT350R: A Race-Car-for-the-Street
If the standard GT350 sounds appealing, wait until you hear about its racier sibling: the GT350R. Limited to just 36 units worldwide, the GT350R takes exclusivity to another level. Inspired by Shelby’s planned return to Trans Am racing in 2026—with support from Michigan-based Turn Key Automotive—the GT350R is essentially a street-legal race car. Its hand-painted liveries echo those of the original 1965 models, ensuring continuity with the brand’s rich history.
Beyond aesthetics, the GT350R boasts a carbon-fiber interior tub and exterior aero package, along with an integrated roll cage for added rigidity. Suspension duties are handled by JRI adjustable struts and shocks, while Alcon brakes ensure stopping power matches the car’s blistering acceleration. Under the hood, output climbs slightly above the standard GT350, delivering over 830 horsepower—a figure far exceeding what’s allowed in Trans Am competition.
Pricing for the GT350R has yet to be announced, but given its extreme rarity and extensive modifications, it’s safe to assume it will command a premium even higher than the Super Snake. For collectors and die-hard Shelby fans, however, the opportunity to own such a meticulously crafted piece of automotive history may prove priceless.
Where Does This Leave the Future of Shelby?
The reintroduction of the GT350 raises intriguing questions about the future of Shelby American and its relationship with Ford. On one hand, Ford has been steadily building out its own portfolio of high-performance Mustang variants, including the Dark Horse and upcoming GTD. These models suggest the Blue Oval intends to reclaim some of the spotlight traditionally held by Shelby-tuned vehicles.
On the other hand, Shelby American clearly isn’t content to rest on its laurels. By creating a GT350 that stands apart from anything Ford currently offers, the company demonstrates its ability to innovate within the constraints of the seventh-generation Mustang platform. The result is a car that feels authentically Shelby—raw, powerful, and unapologetically American.
Looking ahead, speculation naturally turns to the possibility of a GT500 variant based on the S650 Mustang. If the GT350 is any indication, Shelby won’t hold back when it comes to extracting every ounce of performance from the platform. Who knows? We might soon see a GT500 capable of challenging the likes of the Dodge Challenger Demon and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for supremacy in the muscle car wars.
A Legacy Reimagined
The return of the Shelby GT350 is more than just a marketing exercise—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Carroll Shelby’s vision. Sixty years ago, the GT350 redefined what a sports car could be, blending raw power with razor-sharp handling in ways that captivated drivers around the globe. Today, the 2025 GT350 carries that torch into a new age, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously.
Whether tearing up the track or turning heads on city streets, this latest GT350 embodies everything that makes the Shelby name iconic. With 810 horsepower underfoot and a legacy spanning six decades behind it, the GT350 reminds us why we fell in love with muscle cars in the first place—and why they continue to capture our imaginations today.
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