Ford Shelby GT350

For years, the Mustang was locked in what seemed an endless rivalry against its natural competitor, the Chevrolet Camaro. Surely no one would ever compare a Ford to a BMW or a Porsche, right? But in 2015, Ford Motor Co. made sure we'd never look at a Mustang the same way again by debuting the latest GT350.

Propelled by a 5.2-liter V8 using an exotic flat-plane crankshaft, the GT350 howls its way to 529 horsepower at an eye-watering 8,250 rpm. Torque is similarly impressive at 429 lb-ft. But there's more to the GT350 than just its motor. Thanks to its MagneRide adaptive suspension, the car's balance of ride and handling capabilities is sublime, even when you're driving up to the car's considerable limits. Yet the Shelby is still a Mustang, and its practicality and affordability aren't diminished. Until we get our hands on the upcoming GT500, we think this Mustang is the best one ever built.

Of course, the Camaro is still an obvious alternative thanks to its potent ZL1 iteration. But the GT350's competitive set now reads like a who's who in performance cars, with the Porsche 718 Cayman S and the BMW M4 the closest in performance. You might even consider the all-new mid-engine Corvette or new Toyota Supra as options. In general, these coupes are a little nicer inside and won't recall lesser trim levels the way the GT350 can. But if you want maximum racetrack performance and fun at a reasonable price, this Shelby is a great way to go.

Which Shelby GT350 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Ford Shelby GT350 is a high-performance version of the Mustang coupe. There are two trim levels: the base GT350 and the race-focused GT350R. Essentially, the GT350 is the track-day version of a Mustang and, as such, it has many performance features that you won't see on a standard rental Mustang.

Standard equipment for the base GT350 includes a 5.2-liter V8 (526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed manual transmission, 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, Brembo brakes, a Torsen rear differential (with 3.73 gearing), a front-suspension tower brace, three powertrain coolers (oil, differential and transmission), adjustable drive settings, xenon headlights, a rear spoiler and diffuser, and keyless ignition and entry.

Inside, you'll find manually adjustable Recaro front seats with simulated-suede inserts, an 8-inch center display, Track Apps performance telemetry, and a six-speaker sound system.

Opting for the Technology package equips the GT350 with a voice-activated navigation system, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and heated side mirrors. If you check the box for the more comfortable leather sport seats, you'll also receive six-way power adjustability, heating and ventilation, and driver-seat memory functions. A Handling package comes with adjustable strut top mounts that expand the range of adjustability for the front suspension and a Gurney flap extension for the rear spoiler.

The GT350R gets most of the GT350's standard equipment, plus 19-inch carbon-fiber wheels (with special Michelin tires), revised suspension tuning, a front chin splitter, and a carbon-fiber rear wing. The Technology package is also available for the R.

For 2020, the limited-run Heritage Edition package offers the classic Wimbledon White paint with Guardsman Blue racing stripes that recall the 1965 GT350 racing model. Guardsman Blue front and rear badges and a unique dash badge complete the nostalgic nod. GT350R models will also come with all-black seats with red accent stitching.