Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang at Barrett-Jackson
2011 Shelby GT350 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Coinciding with the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, Shelby American unveiled an all new GT350 Mustang at the opening night gala of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Presented in concept form, the new GT350 features a supercharged version of the brand new 5.0-liter V8 engine in the 2011 Mustang as well as performance upgrades from Ford Racing, Borla, Cragar, Baer and more.
Unlike the GT500, the GT350 will be a post-title upgrade available from Shelby. Customers can have their 2011 Mustangs shipped directly to Shelby's Las Vegas facility to be converted or they can deliver the car themselves. Once in the hands of Shelby, each Mustang is fitted with a Ford Racing supercharger good for approximately 500 horsepower, a Ford Racing suspension system, Baer brakes front and rear, Borla exhaust system, Cragar wheels, and more. For the exterior, Shelby fits a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler panel and a rear fascia with center exhaust exit. White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes will be the only available color combination, which isn't such a bad thing.
Of course, all of that comes at a price. Shelby lists the GT350's MSRP at $33,995, which doesn't sound that bad until you realize it doesn't include the base car. With the 2011 Mustang GT coming in at just over $30,000, the total price of the GT350 will actually exceed that of the GT500. Does something similar to the Shelby GT built the last few years make more sense? Perhaps, but we're sure Shelby will find quite a few buyers anyway. You can read all of the details in Shelby's press release after the jump, and check out the new GT350 for yourself in the high-res gallery below.
Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT350
[Source: Shelby American]
SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.
"In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary's car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350's return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name."
The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the "small block" 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.
"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"
"Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby's history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll's performance standards," added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. "After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We're all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car."
Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.
The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.
The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.
Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.
"In 1964, Ford Motor Company asked Shelby American to turn their secretary's car into a race winner to help them sell Mustangs," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "Our Shelby GT350 ruled its class at the track and was feared by GM and Chrysler owners on the street. Enthusiasts have anticipated the GT350's return since it went out of production in 1970. Now my band of hot rodders has created a car worthy of the name."
The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the "small block" 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling. Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 MY Shelby GT350.
"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"
"Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby's history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll's performance standards," added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American. "After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We're all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car."
Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.
The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.
The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.
Customers interested in a Shelby GT350 should contact Roger Sorel at (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.gt350.shelbyamerican.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Carlos 10:25PM (1/18/2010)
I'm not feeling it, this car looks too much like an aftermarket exercise than a thoroughly engineered Mustang. Doesn't anyone feel that just slapping on an aftermarket supercharger, a few suspension tweaks, a body kit is kind of lame with a name like Shelby?
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Tyler 10:51PM (1/18/2010)
Not digging it either. At least they got rid of the dark plastic slats between the headlights and grill and all the plastic that wraps around the bottom of the car and the bumper.
Farmboy 11:51PM (1/18/2010)
I have to agree. A GT350 is awesome, but this looks like it was like those "2011 Trans Ams." Kinda boring looking with too much aftermarket appearance. A regular GT with a GT350 lettering and power would have been fine to me.
Farris 12:51AM (1/19/2010)
I agree. Take a look at that A-pillar gauge pod... I could put something together that looks better than that, what with the exposed screws and humongous gaps.
JordanRL 9:25AM (1/19/2010)
Wow, I thought I was going to be the only one saying that. I absolutely love the new Mustang, but you hit the nail on the head with why this one doesn't jive.
Lar7789789 9:35AM (1/19/2010)
I think Im in love
Carlos 10:54AM (1/19/2010)
Yesterday the phrase I was looking for came to me while watching Street Customs on DCHD, "Assembly Artist." That is what Shelby is turning into unfortunately.
BRUNO TULLIANI 11:29AM (1/19/2010)
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, ALTHOUGH THAT ENGINE IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Matt 10:27PM (1/18/2010)
What a pile.
Far too much money for that gaudy appliance.
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nighttime 2:45AM (1/19/2010)
looks like a touring car. an ugly touring car.
gtv4rudy 10:27PM (1/18/2010)
. . . it looks too 'aftermarket'.
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joe_cool 10:28PM (1/18/2010)
As a long time Mustang fan, this is one of the worst Mustangs I've ever seen. Shelby really needs to stop, any more of these terrible ideas and no one will even remember his glory days in the 60s.
I'll take a real Ford Mustang over a Shelby Monstrosity any day!
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DCragtop 12:07PM (1/19/2010)
100% agree
JayP 10:29PM (1/18/2010)
Did Shel' have anything to do with this one?
/sarcasm
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Kattleox 2:27AM (1/19/2010)
If he did, its not working. Look at the Valentino Balboni Gallardo compared to the standard one: radically different and reflecting the person that Valentino Balboni is. The older Mustangs used to do that but it seems that the accountants have started to run the joint.
Once I see a production Terlingua, then I'll fully retract the above. Not that they would care, though...
This Man. 10:30PM (1/18/2010)
It's good to see that they're bringing Shelby back to the hardcore purist company it once was, and not the branded slap on it was in the 1990's.
Unfortunately, IMO, this car's bodykit is a little too much for me. Wasn't the original GT350 about sedate looks, with a heavy powerpack? I think the GT350 should have had most of the stock GT's looks, but with an upgraded 5 liter under the hood, a GT500 hood, maybe some rear window spat vents, and a tiny lip spoiler, with hood pins, and only available in blue on white/white on blue stripes.
Maybe that's something bad to say when this car is freshly introduced, but this bodykit is just a little too much for my tastes.
Nonetheless, like I said earlier, very nice to see Shelby improving everyday. I'm sure Carroll is very proud.
Steve.
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grand poobah 11:50PM (1/18/2010)
I agree. The whole point of the GT 350 was that it was this darty little sports car with a hot engine--this on the other hand--I can sort of see where they were coming from, but I think the key here is less not more.
Everything about it they tampered with--they tried to imitate the GT350R grille...what was wrong with the bloody standard GT 350 grille???? And in the same light, why not just give the car a regular damn bumper. I agree with Poster This Man in how the GT 350 SHOULD have been executed:
Mustang body (I think it should have a 2009 mustang body, the 2010s+ are clunky and disgusting) with GT 500 hood/scoops, air ducts on the C-Pillars (ideally functional for directing cold air to the brakes) and a 5.0L (I wouldn't mind a twin turbo setup either).
Exhaust pipes coming out the side instead of the rear would have been a class act as well.
But the way, the rear looks like they wrapped a massive amount of plastic around the wheels--it doesn't look darty or sports car'ish at all--which was THE WHOLE POINT of the original GT 350 (which is my favorite car ever).
Ben 10:32PM (1/18/2010)
Whose supercharger is that?
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Zoran 10:34PM (1/18/2010)
Camaro who? :)))
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thipps 10:37PM (1/18/2010)
for 30k i want Projector bulb headlights. it looks a bit over baked and way over prices
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